A site-responsive sculpture that pushes the boundaries of 3D printed architecture
Inside Transamerica Redwood Park in San Francisco, a unique 3D printed installation has taken shape. EARTHSEED DOME is a site-responsive structure shaped by ancestral building practices, ecological stewardship, and emerging technologies. Created by botanical artist Lily Kwong and presented by the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, the massive looped structure is not only a remarkable engineering achievement pushing the boundaries of 3D printing in architecture, but also a homage to the Bay Area ecosystem and an invitation for visitors to contribute to its preservation.
The dome features seed packets for visitors to take and scatter, containing over 15 sun-loving annual wildflower species native to the Bay Area. At its base, 3D printed seeded soil forms made from Northern California earth blended with compost and natural fibers act as catalysts for growth, allowing native flowers to bloom within the dome’s soil mounds.
A massive looped structure composed of more than 120 3D printed modules
The modules of the massive looped structure were 3D printed using a robotic arm system featuring the WASP LDM XXL Extruder and the CFS HD pumping system. Fabrication began in January during San Francisco Art Week, with the dome emerging incrementally over several weeks.
Fabricated on-site at the Transamerica Pyramid, the project invited the public to engage with the process as it unfolded, offering a rare, behind-the-scenes look at an innovative construction method in real time. Overall, more than 120 pieces were 3D printed and assembled into the final structure.
Simultaneously, a series of 3D printed soil forms were created using the WASP 40100 LDM and the CFS HD, enabling small-scale earth 3D printing. The forms were then filled with seeds of local wildflowers, which bloomed after being placed in the dome’s soil mounds at its base.
EARTHSEED DOME by Lily Kwong
Presented by Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco
Fabrication & Design Stewardship: Atelio
3D Printing Technology & Fabrication: WASP
Presenting support for EARTHSEED DOME is provided by Transamerica Pyramid Center, A SHVO Property.
Major support is provided by LYRA Art Foundation, Pamela and David Hornik, Rachel and Eric Jones Foundation, and Svane Family Foundation’s Culture Forward Initiative.
Community support is provided by Anonymous, Letitia Yang, and Tricia Turner Herrick.
Additional support provided by Cadogan Tate; Habitat Horticulture; The Jay, Autograph Collection.
Programming curated in partnership with Art at a Time Like This.
Photo credits: Nicholas Lea Bruno, Lily Kwong, Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco