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Computation
Pattern
Typography






LIGHT
TILE

Fabricating light reactive typography 





Light Tile is a tile to create typography that reacts to light. Inspired by the typeface Optica Normal, the tile seamlessly tessellates mountain and valley folds of origami to create letterforms.










Much like computers, the tiles operate on binary logic. Each tile responsible for constructing the letters is oriented in contrast to the tiles creating the negative space around them, essentially representing 0s and 1s to occupy a surface. As the sun’s rays shift throughout the day, light and shadow come into play and create a lenticular effect. 
BINARY LOGIC

SHADOW SHIFTS THROUGHOUT THE DAY

LENTICULAR EFFECT











FABRICATION PROCESS

Initially, a paper sculpture of the letter 'A' was crafted by breaking down the letter into parts and creating dielines.
LETTER 'A' BROKEN INTO PARTS DIELINES
While observing the interplay of light and shadow on the sculpture, an alternative method to construct the letter was discovered. It was realized that the letter is, in fact, organized in a 3 x 5 grid, with a unit replicating itself within the space. It became evident that this unit could be constructed using more durable materials like cement or terracotta, presenting opportunities for mass production.
LIGHT AND SHADOW MOVEMENT 3 x 5 GRID
After consulting with a product designer, a CAD model measuring 3 x 3 x 1 inch was created. This size was optimal for constructing a prototype with ridges set at a 42° angle, steep enough to generate contrasting shadows. Subsequently, the model was 3D printed, and silicone molds were produced to cast a set of cement tiles for prototyping.
3D PRINT TO SILICON MOLD TO CEMENT TILES CHARACTER SET RENDER









WHAT’S NEXT?

Light Tile’s modular nature opens possibilities for designing various shapes and forms beyond letters. Additional units could be designed to enhance typographic features such as corners and conjunctions, adding intricacy to the letters. Looking ahead, I plan to collaborate with manufacturers to mass produce the tile using upcycled carbon and eco-sustainable materials.


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