3D printing is fascinating to me. Though I've never been very good at designing in three dimensions, (let alone creating the models on a computer program like Google SketchUp that gives me vertigo when I spin the "world" around) I find it awesome and inspiring that others can look at a digital plane and "build" upon it with success and accuracy.
However, I do understand the idea of upcycling, which is the reuse of discarded objects in such a way that it creates a product of a higher quality or value than the original. The above example is a doll's house made of old clear CD jewel cases connected by pink 3D-printed clips. Simple and brilliant! The website Thingiverse.com has an entire section devoted to upcycling options, from printed "mug handles" for glass jars to a support box that converts leftover plastic microwavable food containers into a stackable drawer system.
In today's consumer culture, I think the option to create sustainable upcycled objects using 3D printing is an awesome way forward. Especially since old filament can be remelted for future use!
I have to admit that the idea of "upcycling" is new to me from a 3D printing perspective. I love this idea as well. Perhaps this can be something you can incorporate in your Final 3D project. We should definitely mention this in class next week. This could also be a great 3D design challenge for young people to do with recycled materials. With older students this could bridge conceptual art and the aura of an object.
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