Bright, colorful plastic structures form a ninefold installation transforming leftover materials into sound-enhanced architectural marvel.

Ninefold Installation: Transforming 3D Printing Leftovers into Sound and Space Marvels at Reeves House

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Written by John Oliver

2026-08-14

Revolutionizing Recycling with Architecture and Sound

Ninefold: A Distributed Resonant Field unveils a captivating interplay of architecture, sound, and sustainability. This series transforms recycled 3D printing waste into immersive resonant forms and was created by Hyojin Kwon, Jeremy Muller, and Misri Patel. At the Reeves House Visual Arts Center in Woodstock, Georgia, from July 10th to September 24th, 2026, it engages attendees through a symphony of light, material, and sound.

Vibrant, intertwining plastic pieces create a dynamic environment of sound and light.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 10

From Waste to Wonderous Forms

By harnessing discarded PLA, this project breathes new life into what would be waste. Shredded into pellets and combined with virgin material, these are reprinted into nine monumental artifacts using pellet-based additive manufacturing. These vessels, varying in scale and configuration, exhibit transparency, opacity, and exquisite color gradients, revealing the metamorphosis of recycled plastics.

This innovative project evolves through a computational system, employing reaction-diffusion algorithms to yield shapes that stretch and twist, each resonating at a distinct frequency. Together, they craft a dispersed soundscape, where the interplay of geometry, sound, and light creates shifting auditory and visual experiences.

Elaborate, recycled plastic architecture plays with light and sound across the space.
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A Journey Through Sound and Space

Installed as a structured yet dynamic arrangement, these objects beckon you to wander among them. With each step, the acoustic and visual perceptions change, inviting a personal journey through the space. The unique design and material choices highlight the potential of recycled plastics, turning defects into features with visible variations in texture and color.

Translucent plastic materials transform into a glowing, interactive soundscape.
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Ninefold Installation in Architectural Displays

The Ninefold installation is part of the ‘Plastic Reimagined: Material Agency & Circular Design’ exhibition, which showcases innovative architectural applications of discarded plastics. Together, these projects challenge traditional views of waste, treating it as a vital resource for groundbreaking forms and environments. This creation transforming perspectives on sustainability engages visitors uniquely.

Layered plastic forms reflect light, enhancing the immersive sound experience.
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Engagement and Performance

On August 20th, the exhibit hosts a special Night Viewing with a panel discussion featuring the creators and a live performance by Jeremy Muller. This performance activates the nine resonant artifacts, further blurring boundaries between art, sound, and architecture, making it a true transformation of the space.

Colorful, structured plastic elements engage visitors with sound and visual intrigue.
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Interactive Tactile Experience

Visitors are encouraged to explore the tactile qualities of the installation. The translucent material varies under natural daylight, enhancing its optical properties and inviting interaction. This tangible aspect makes the installation accessible and intriguing for all ages.

Complex web of plastic creates unique acoustic and visual effects in the space.
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Innovative Fabrication Techniques

Each resonator is crafted in modular sections, allowing straightforward assembly, transportation, and future reconfiguration. This modularity enhances the practicality of large-scale installations while maintaining artistic integrity as part of the project challenging ideas about modular design.

Interwoven plastic elements cast shadows and amplify acoustic textures.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 5
Discarded plastic transformed into a sensory experience of light and sound.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 6

A Masterpiece of Sustainable Design

Ninefold acts as a testament to sustainable design, where each piece is not just visually striking but functionally resonant, highlighting the complexity and beauty of recycled materials. This endeavor provides an innovative perspective on how design can transform waste into a rich sensory experience.

Colorful plastic sculptures manipulate the flow of sound and light dramatically.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 3

Explore another transformation of everyday objects with geometric sound-absorbing art installations repurposing chairs into unique artistic forms.

Intricate plastic formations alter the space with light and auditory effects.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 1

For a different take on using everyday items in art, discover how DIY camera accessories are revolutionized with 3D printing at Insta360 and Bambu Lab.

Recycled plastics create dynamic interplay of light and acoustic elements.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 2
Innovative arrangement of plastics designs a captivating soundscape atmosphere.
ninefold transforms discarded plastic into an immersive field of sound light and architecture 4

Sources & Links

Source: designboom.com

Frequently asked questions

What materials are used in the Ninefold installation?

The Ninefold installation uses recycled 3D printing waste, specifically discarded PLA, which is shredded into pellets and combined with virgin material.

Where and when is the Ninefold installation exhibited?

The Ninefold installation is exhibited at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center in Woodstock, Georgia, from July 10th to September 24th, 2026.

What event accompanies the Ninefold installation?

On August 20th, the exhibit hosts a special Night Viewing with a panel discussion featuring the creators and a live performance by Jeremy Muller.