A-QuantaMill, created in 2017 following the SuperCubeSphere research, explores Fuller's quanta module system. The work explores tetrahedral units arranged according to octahedral symmetry, creating a configuration that Fuller termed "pyramidal." The prefix "A" designates this specific arrangement within a larger family of quanta configurations. While SuperCubeSphere used icosahedral symmetry with cubic modules, A-QuantaMill investigates how Fuller's tetrahedral building blocks organize under octahedral symmetry constraints. The resulting form demonstrates Fuller's principle that complex geometries emerge from simple modular units following symmetry rules. The plaster print, epoxy-coated for durability, makes tangible these abstract relationships between tetrahedra and octahedral organization.
Research: Fuller's quanta modules provide tetrahedral units that pack according to symmetry constraints. A-QuantaMill applies octahedral symmetry to these units, generating the "pyramidal" configuration Fuller identified but never fully documented. The computational challenge involves maintaining edge alignments while respecting symmetry operations. Each tetrahedron must connect precisely with neighbors, creating a stable aggregate form. The research maps Fuller's theoretical framework to computational geometry, testing which configurations yield printable objects.
Photography: Phillip C. Reiner
