Week 02 — Digital Bodies¶
1. Research & Ideation¶
In this assignment, I explored the relationship between body and gesture.
My goal was to create a 1:1 scale digital body using MakeHuman and Blender, prepare it for 3D printing, and test the model in Cura.
I was inspired by:
- Classical Greek sculptures for proportion, balance and timeless representation
- Lorenzo Quinn for expressive gestures and emotional meaning in the body
- Haute couture mannequins as a reference for “idealized” human measurements
1.1 Greek Sculptural Inspiration¶
These statues helped me to focus on:
- the torso as a central element
- soft fabric folds versus anatomical structure
- and how gesture can exist even in a static form
2. Tools & Machines¶
2.1 Software Tools¶
- MakeHuman – to generate a parametric human body and control measurements
- Blender – to edit the mesh, smooth the surface, and export STL
- Ultimaker Cura – to check scale/orientation and prepare the print
2.2 Machines¶
- FDM 3D Printer – to produce the physical torso test print
3. MakeHuman – Body Creation & Measurements¶
I started by creating a parametric human body in MakeHuman and adjusted the proportions to match a realistic adult body scale.
I used the Measure tools to check key anthropometric values (height, chest, waist, hips, etc.) so the digital model can be linked to real-world dimensions.
4. Blender – Mesh Editing & Preparation¶
4.1 Importing the Model¶
In Blender:
File → Import → Wavefront (.obj)- I checked the mesh in Solid and Wireframe view to understand topology.
4.2 Smoothing the Surface (Subdivision)¶
To soften the low-poly look, I added a Subdivision Surface modifier.
Modifiers → Generate → Subdivision Surface- Viewport level: 2
4.3 Basic Cleanup & Scale¶
Before exporting, I ensured transforms were clean:
Object → Apply → Scale
This prevents scale problems later in Cura / printing.
4.4 Exporting STL¶
Finally, I exported the model as STL:
File → Export → STL (.stl)- Selection Only (if needed)
- Apply Modifiers enabled
4.5 Final Blender Model¶
5. Cura – Slicing & Print Check¶
5.1 Importing STL into Cura¶
I opened the exported STL in Ultimaker Cura to validate:
- correct scale (mm)
- correct orientation
- no obvious geometry issues
5.2 Preview & Problem Checking¶
I checked the preview and potential problem areas (overhangs / thin walls) before slicing.
5.3 Saving / Exporting Print Job¶
After slicing, I saved the file for printing.
6. Files for Download¶
All design files are uploaded to my repository for evaluation:
docs/files/week02/week02_torso_clean.stl- (optional)
docs/files/week02/week02_body_makehuman.obj
7. 3D Printing & Result¶
I printed a test version using an FDM printer.
