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ZEYN

INDEPENDENT · INDEPENDENT · DESIGN

Earth's Expansion

Parametric Land-Art Spruce for the Dolomites

Context
ZEYN — Independent Project
Year
2025
Practice
DESIGN
Location
Passo di Poma, Dolomites, Italy
Status
ONGOING
Earth's Expansion photomontages in the Dolomites landscape

Overview

A 3D-printed PETG land-art installation reflecting the connection between nature and human culture, submitted to the SMACH Biennale 2025. The hollow form mimics the European spruce of the Dolomites, transitioning from deep green at the trunk to transparent at the branches — a sense of suspension that extends the ground into the sky. Hollow sections echo local rock formations; visitors can add found wood sticks to the structure, and stones stabilise the base, making the piece evolve through site-specific contributions. After the exhibition the transportable modules can be dispersed across the landscape like native stones, letting vegetation grow through — giving back to the environment the harmony the work describes.

Submission poster — lattice spruce line drawingDescription board — spruce and stone-negative design inspiration
Modular assembly board — prefabricated modules and connectorsStanding render of the lattice tower
Top view render — woven lattice crownSite selection study at Passo di Poma

Methodology

  • Grasshopper algorithm-generated lattice form
  • Modular prefabrication with on-site assembly (modules + connectors)
  • Biodegradable PETG with locally sourced wood and stones

Outcomes

  • Dimensions 2.2m × 0.8m × 0.8m, weight 45–60kg
  • Colour gradient from deep green to transparent; biodegradable and recyclable
  • Invited to the SMACH 2025 opening ceremony (August 2025)