Geode City

The Inspiration

I was offered access to print an original 3D model with UV color changing filament, filament that changes from translucent to pink when put under UV rays (sunlight), provided I could come up with a model cool enough to be "worthy" of printing. I began to think of elements of nature that fit in with this theme of UV color changing/bioluminescence, and my mind immediately jumped to geodes. As I began to look up reference images, this particular geode caught my eye:  

Rather than the traditional jagged interior, this geode's rounded structures reminded me of a science fiction cityscape. I decided rather than using my 3D modeling skills to imitate reality, I should riff on this idea and create a Geode with the interior of a small crystalline city.

Here are a couple thumbnail sketches as I decided the form of the model and the general layout of the city. Most of the final structure was improvised, but having a general framework to work towards was incredibly helpful. I ultimately decided to go with the bottom right sketch as my guide for the final model.

The Model

The Geode City was modeled in Fusion 360. As I designed it to print without supports, I spend almost as much time on the inside of the cityscape as the outside to ensure it would print flawlessly. 

The Print

I presented the model and it was approved to being printed with the special UV Filament. Printed in 3 parts, it turned out flawlessly on the first go.

After a successful print, I posted the model on Thingiverse where it has been viewed 2,000 times, liked by over 100 people and downloaded over 300 times. Several Thingiverse members have downloaded the model and shared their prints back to me. Overall, the model has been incredibly well received for its unique aesthetic, dual functionality as a lamp, as easiness to print without supports. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to learn more about the process behind the Geode City. If you would like, please explore some of my other work below: