Concept:

Amalgam was approached by Acrylicize to reimagine the popular children's toy, the Hoberman Sphere, as a functional lighting centerpiece. We reverse-engineered the toy and developed a fully functional 3D model, adapting its design elements to suit our construction methods. The individual arms were laser-cut from 0.5mm steel, then blackened and oiled for a refined finish. The hinge nodes were produced using SLS 3D printing and subsequently metal-plated in copper. We utilized custom-plated bookbinding screws for all fixings, ensuring both durability and a sleek appearance. Not only does the mechanism expand and contract, but it also drives pulley wheels at either end of the room. The installation was completed with a lighting fixture from Buster and Punch.