Parametric Shoes | Alessio Spinelli

The ambition of many designers to achieve a seamless transition from idea to real object has now become a reality in the production of objects to a relatively small scale . The recent rapid prototyping techniques allow the production of objects of great formal complexity without the need for the designer to develop elaborate details , simply transferring their ideas in the form of computer-generated models in three dimensions for numerical control and three-dimensional printing machines.

The printing process has evolved to a result in which the final object is no longer constituted by a two-dimensional drawing , but a physical model very close to the final object . This technique offers new possibilities for formal exploration and testing of ideas in a very short time. The aim of DOUBLE STUDIO ( agency sponsoring the project NU: S ) was proposing a ” creative model ,” where art and technology could coexist on a level of maturity, without ostentation or trivial manipulation, applying techniques of rapid prototyping in the production of two shoe models.

The process of design had on the one hand , the contribution of the creative shoe-designer  Alessio Spinelli , on the other hand, the technical know-how of the team of architects Maurizio Arturo Degni  and Arturo Tedeschi . The aim was to introduce the technology in the creative method of Spinelli without substantially affecting the root expression .he design of the shoes started from formal suggestions and the desire to express the beauty of parametric architecture” wearable objects”. Recent vanguard architecture projects ( Bird’s Nest Stadium by Herzog & De Meuron ) and the complexity of interwoven surfaces were the main inspiration . The initial Spinelli sketches were translated into three-dimensional parametric curves within the software that allowed designers to make corrections , changes, and in general shape the shoe to get the desired aesthetic result .

All these steps have led to the generation of a polygonal model resulted in an interpretable file by simple numerical control machine. The process of a three-dimensional impression of the prototype was performed by studio SOLIDO3D using laser sintering. This technique leads to physical models by the selective constriction of the powder on the basis of a 3D model, obtaining forms and details (such as fine yarns and fabrics ) has never achieved with the traditional production techniques based on loss of material (for example, milling ).

Speed and accuracy are the “technical image” prototyping. NU: S wanted to explore the creative component and the potential of new tools to support and enhance the creativity of designers and stylists. creative component and the potential of new tools to support and enhance the creativity of designers and stylists.