Reproducing the original at a new scale
The replica needed to capture the shape and appearance of the original. Building it from leather would have changed the way the material behaved at this scale, while conventional molding would have made the inner shapes difficult to produce. We chose to 3D-print the shoe instead.
The model was divided into nine printed sections. A steel reinforcement connected the sections and strengthened the finished structure. With a total weight of approximately 40–50 kg, the piece was also designed with the demands of an outdoor installation in mind.
Materials and finishing
We selected a bio-based specialty filament for the printed parts, with heat resistance as an important consideration for exposure to sunlight. A base coat and high-gloss finish recreated the appearance of patent leather.
The finished piece was created for display outside Minna Parikka's Helsinki flagship store.
3D-scanning the original shoe
First test print
Printing the red ball
Printed toe section
Assembly in progress
Ready for surface preparation
First stage of painting complete
Finished high-gloss surface
