brian peters builds ceramic 3D printers for modular parametric screens

handcrafted meets digital

pittsburgh-based designer brian peters merges handcrafted techniques with modern technology to create his 3D printed screens. each work comprises an array of sculptural blocks, which he designs, fabricates, and assembles. starting with digital parametric models, the designer transfers them to 3D ceramic printers — machines which he had built himself — which gradually form each block with layers of thinly applied clay. each ceramic block is then hand-finished and glazed before being kiln-fired, then assembled with the help of engineers and masons. see designboom’s previous coverage of the designer’s ‘prairie cord’ installation here.

’10X,’ guilford, connecticut, 2020 | image © stephanie anestis photography

taking influence from the context

brian peters takes to guilford, connecticut to bring one of his 3D printed installations to a residential context. dubbed ’10X,’ this exterior screen is integrated into a 1960s mid-century modern home just renovated by pirie associates architects. displayed along the entrance to the house, the piece is at once contemporary and reminiscent of the period’s classic style. inspired by both breeze blocks and blooming flowers, 10X is built of graphic, three-dimensional modules that cannot be made through traditional techniques. brian peters explores the idea of a physical metamorphosis through the gradual and subtle changes in aperture across the screen.

’10X,’ guilford, connecticut, 2020 | image © stephanie anestis photography

the intricate work of brian peters

brian peters comments on his design process: ‘my work is site-specific and inspired by its context therefore, for each commission I look for inspiration to directly inform the pattern and form of my installations. I also explore intricate infill geometries and unique surface textures, as my work often incorporates the interaction of direct or indirect light.

‘my passion lies at the intersection of architecture, art, and fabrication, and I am fascinated by work that shows evidence of both the artist’s hand and the marks of the tools used. I am not interested in the perfection of machine-made objects, but rather the art of integrating digital coding, custom-built technology, contemporary aesthetics, and natural clay.’

’10X,’ guilford, connecticut, 2020 | image © stephanie anestis photography

see more of brian peters’ 3D printed installations below:

‘polsky screen,’ NYCxDESIGN finalist

‘polsky screen,’ NYCxDESIGN finalist
‘8th and penn lobby screen wall,’ pittsburgh, pennsylvania, 2019

‘8th and penn lobby screen wall,’ pittsburgh, pennsylvania, 2019
bohlin cywinski jackson (BCJ) collaboration
bohlin cywinski jackson (BCJ) collaboration