Makers Next Door: Meet Designer-Artist, Bao Songyu
By: Public Libraries Singapore
Tags: Technology, DIY, Life, 3D Printing, Art

Taking Inspiration From Nature

In 2019, Bao came in first place in NTU’s Singapore Global Digital Art Prize with his final year project, “Museum of Marine Life 2119”. The project highlighted the dangers of human impact on the planet through a dystopian narrative: a future in which aquatic creatures have all gone extinct, replaced by robotic sculptures created in tribute by a marine biologist.

The robotic marine life sculptures were constructed using 3D printing, where various segments were produced and assembled together with a motor that enabled some parts to move realistically.

One of Bao’s intricate 3D-printed, marine-life-inspired sculptures. [Image source: Bao Song Yu]

In the same year, Bao also collaborated with DBS at their DBS Asia X workspace to showcase one of his pieces, “In-Motion”:

Taking inspiration from the golden ratio found in nature, the installation represents an artistic showcase of constant innovation, captured by the movement and interactivity of the piece. Similar to “Museum of Marine Life 2119”, this installation was constructed and assembled through 3D printing. Bao created the models through modelling software (such as Tinkercad, Fusion 360, or Rhinoceros 3D), which allowed him to construct objects on his computer before 3D printing them.

Getting into 3D Printing

Bao’s journey as a maker began during his school years through his desire to turn the ideas he had into physical works.

As with anyone getting into 3D printing, it took some time before Bao was able to create items to his satisfaction. He had to overcome challenges on his own when he first started out on his 3D printing journey, such as learning through trial and error to understand the appropriate print settings for the different print designs.

“A lot of times people have the misconception of, ‘Oh, if I design this print, I can just press the print button to get it.’ But it’s not like that. So I took a very long time just to know what settings to use for which design.”

It also helps to inspect your print every now and then to ensure that things are going smoothly.

Bao suggests beginners approach someone with 3D printing knowledge when they are first starting out. “You have to learn quite a bit before you can start to even design a print that is printable on a 3D printer.”

It’s probably why the spaces at MakeIT at Libraries left such a deep impression on him when he first visited them.

Bao thinking up even more ideas to bring to life. Check out his Instagram account for some of his latest creations.

Getting Help at MakeIT at Libraries

MakeIT at Libraries are free-to-use makerspaces located within selected NLB libraries where people can learn about 3D printing, robotics, coding and other crafting tools of the future. To help beginners learn the ropes of being a maker, programmes are also held regularly at the venue, conducted by experienced coaches.

When Bao was just starting out, he had to figure things out on his own through lengthy trial-and-error experiments with the printer settings. Because of this, he now has a healthy appreciation for the guidance that MakeIT at Libraries provides to newcomers. With the various workshops, facilities, and maker coaches at MakeIT, such makerspaces are now better equipped to cater to aspiring creators.

“It’s better to have someone advising you on how you can create your prints. Having other people coaching you on the basics is the most efficient way to go about learning something. After perhaps a few sessions, you will start to understand the thought process that goes behind each setting or print,” says Bao.

Bao assembling the intricate mechanism he had printed.

While Bao does his own 3D printing at home, MakeIT at Libraries provides an appealing alternative as the venue is also a common space for others with similar interests. It’s where he’s able to interact and exchange ideas.

With enough equipment to go around, the space provides an opportunity for makers to foster a community. “You can learn from each other instead of only one person — the maker coach.”