Polytope, by Toronto-based designers David Lister and Daniel Gruetter, is a collection of eight unique brass pendant lights that synthesizes the material properties of brass alloy with the algorithmically assisted generation of tessellated forms and 3-axis CNC fabrication.
The Polytope exhibit is part of the DesignTO Festival in Toronto, Canada and is the result of a creative collaboration between the two designers from different disciplines.
Integrating process, form, and material aptitude, Polytope engages with the geometry of the natural world to offer dynamic lighting opportunities.
Photo © Lindsay Rosset 
Photo © Lindsay Rosset
Polytope is named after the geometric category of flat-sided shapes that exist in any number of dimensions. Initially these forms are created as digital 3D models, but in order to facilitate fabrication, they are unfolded into two dimensions. After machining in this flat state, they are then folded by hand, transforming from two dimensions back to three-dimensional polyhedra.
– Daniel Gruetter
These tessellated forms are generated using rules for the division of space commonly seen in the natural world. Brass’ ductility enables these flat shapes to be folded and retain their shape. This process of plastic deformation allows the brass to be wrapped around a light source.
The design process followed a non-deterministic and evolutionary approach to finding a number of solutions. Our design process was interested in the potentials provided by the digital design and fabrication processes, rapid prototyping of outcomes, and the ability of procedural and parametric modeling to create populations of design responses.
– David Lister of CNC Cutting Inc.
As testament to the designers’ mutual commitment to dynamic in-situ display possibilities, Polytope is designed to be hung both alone or in clusters.
Polytope si currently part of the DesignTo Festival and can be viewed at Pilot Coffee Roasters in Toronto until January 27, 2019. The opening reception is on January 24th between 7-10pm.
Facts
Design: David Lister and Daniel Gruetter
Year: 2019
Manufacturing: CNC Cutting Inc.
Material: Brass
Photography: Lindsay Rosset
