Bruno Munari’s Travel Sculptures – Model A is a 3D-printable homage to the sculture da viaggio of Bruno Munari: a flat sheet that folds into a standing sculpture and folds back flat to travel. It is free to download on MakerWorld.
What it is
Bruno Munari was an influential Italian artist and designer, known for a playful, minimal and functional approach to art. His travel sculptures are portable artworks designed to fold flat and open into a three-dimensional piece wherever you are: art you can carry with you and assemble yourself.
This version adapts the idea to 3D printing. Instead of folds in card, the panels are joined by FlatHinge, a print-in-place hinge only 2 mm thick. The sculpture keeps the same portability and ease of assembly, and gains durability: it comes off the printer already articulated, with no glue and no assembly.
- One flat print that folds into a standing sculpture.
- Print-in-place hinges: no pins, no supports, no assembly.
- Back to flat in a second, to slip into a book or a bag.
Photos
Printing
| Profile | Time | Filament |
|---|---|---|
| Model A | 1.0 h | 26 g |
The time and weight are those shown on MakerWorld and vary with printer and settings. The profile uses a 0.16 mm layer height and an octagram spiral texture on the top face, printed with no top layers so the infill pattern shows.
- Be gentle the first time you fold it. If you can, fold it while it is still half attached to the bed, or on a flat surface, so the pressure is even along the hinge line.
- The hinge turns to about 290°: do not force it beyond.
- If a knuckle pops out of its seat, press it back in.
Frequently asked questions
What are Munari’s travel sculptures?
Portable artworks by Bruno Munari, designed to fold flat and open into a three-dimensional sculpture wherever you take them.
Does it need supports or assembly?
No. It prints flat in one piece, with the hinges already in place.
How does the hinge work?
It is a FlatHinge: rows of 2 mm knuckles whose cone-shaped ends nest into each other. The Codex explains it with section drawings.
Where can I download the model?
For free on MakerWorld, using the Print button on this page.
When was it published?
On 19 October 2024.