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Philippe Malouin’s 3D-Printed “Connection” Line of Tabletop Objects for Othr

Can you think of any 3D-printed objects that could be deemed design classics yet? Thus far we cannot, but Philippe Malouin may be the designer who drags the production method into MoMA territory. Malouin’s Connection line of tabletop objects for design brand Othr are unabashedly 3D-printed, wearing their production method on their sleeves—no effort has been made to conceal the striations—while still pursuing the classic form-follows-function doctrine.

The Connection Vessel is made of 3D-printed steel, with an elegantly thin handle that leaves no guesswork as to how you’re meant to interact with it:

The Connection Bowl - Steel, also of 3D-printed steel, features thin walls and a generous profile radius. Two intersecting planes compensate for the radius’ inherent lack of balance, while providing some rather modernist hand-holds:

The Connection Bowl - Porcelain is a smaller version (3.75" in diameter, as opposed to the 4.25"-diameter steel version) made from 3D-printed porcelain. It’s the sole piece in the line that looks as if it might have been made by traditional means, though the flawless joins of the surfaces speak of digital fabrication.

Othr was launched during New York Design Week, a project from Core77 friend and New York-based designer Joe Doucet. “Connection is conceived as a series of simple, thin, everyday objects focusing on the 3D printed techniques as shape creation,” Othr states. “These objects have the look and feel of old cast iron [or traditional porcelain], but with the exact precision and features that can only be achieved with modern technology.”