# Organic Additive Manufacturing ZHA's Thallus Sculpture Shows 3D Printing's Artistic Possibilities By Amelia Roblin | Published 2017-05-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thallus References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/871659/zaha-hadid-architects-unveils-new-experimental-structure-using-3d-printing-technology) & [zaha-hadid](http://www.zaha-hadid.com/archive) Take a close look at [Zaha Hadid Architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat)' Thallus and you'll notice something atypical of a 3D-printed object. While many contemporary designs formed from [additive manufacturing techniques](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinting-resin) can have quite complex-looking structures, it's a very different thing to consider the changing density of the looping latticework in this creation. Further experiments in robotic-assisted design have made this elaborate ribbon-like meshwork possible, which blooms from a solid base into an [intricate system of rounded voids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/structural-botany). The material is actually a 7km long strip that's been wire-cut and pleated over and over itself into this ornate texture, uniquely bound together into bunches. Thallus is a fascinating white form that demonstrates what innovation is progressing, with implications for structural design, art, and everything in between. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robotic-assisted Design:** The use of robotics in design processes allows for the creation of highly intricate and unique structures in a range of industries. - **Organic Additive Manufacturing:** The use of 3D printing in creating complex and aesthetically pleasing organic designs presents opportunities in the art and architecture industries. - **Changing Density Structures:** Innovations in changing density structures using additive manufacturing techniques offer potential for advancements in materials science and engineering applications. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture:** Robotic-assisted design and organic additive manufacturing have the potential to revolutionize the way structures are designed and built. - **Art:** 3D printing and changing density structures offer new opportunities for artists to create unique and complex artwork. - **Materials Science:** Exploring the possibilities of changing density structures through 3D printing presents opportunities for advancements in materials science and engineering applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Developed 3D-Printed Vases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/differential-growth.md) - [3D-Printed Tall Concrete Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tor-alva.md) - [Vibrant 3D-Printed Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-design.md) - [3D-Printed Ceramic Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terramound.md) - [Digital Marine Habitats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nereid-marine-habitat.md) - [3D-Printed Tiled Ceramic Archways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delft-blue.md) - [3D-Printed Ethereal Floating Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prairie-cord.md) - [Biomorphic Travel Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-systems.md) - [Craft-Inspired 3D-Printing Styles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digitally-woven.md)