Haruka Misawa of Misawa Design Institution explores the unique environmental variation between air and water through a series of 3D printed aqua-sculptures, known as Waterscapes. The Japanese designer has created artistic aquariums lined with naturally inspired elements which were printed using the latest technology. The collection takes inspirational cues from the traditional water gardens and underwater arrangements made popular in Japanese culture, but introduces a modern take on the established aquatic architectural style.
The clever waterscapes feature clean lines and pose an intriguing juxtaposition between the varied elements. Created in coordination with 3D designers Kennichi Hashimoto and Kosho Yamasaki, the aquariums allow land plants to flourish within safely contained air pockets, surrounded by water and living animals. Lattices and other trellis-like accessories fill the empty spaces, reminiscent of naturally occurring coral and flora found in water environments.
In a book about the project, Misawa explains: “The inner space of this fish tank is created by combining two simple elements of container and water, with an extraordinary world created that differs from the world with air…structures that are prone to damage caused by their own weight on land are able to maintain a stable state because of the relative force of gravity and buoyancy.”
These delicate prototypes were recently displayed in Taiwan, showcasing the aesthetic possibilities that are presented when one combines nature, art, and technology to create something new.
