The Botten Shoe System is a process to create shoes at home from biodegradable materials using 3D printed molds. The core of the project lies in moving the manufacturing process from the industrial plant to the domestic environment. The user takes part as the manufacturer from start to finish with a 3D scan of the foot, printing the mold, collecting materials, crafting them into a rubber-like mixture and molding it into a usable object.
This project uses a pair of shoes as a proof of concept. The material is comprised of a mixture of latex and ground peanut shells, transforming waste into a useful, biodegradable substance. The mixture is cast into a 3D printed mold, designed around the unique anatomical shape of the customer's feet. Inspired by a garlic press, I created the mold with small holes to allow for the release of excess material and airflow, facilitating quick and efficient drying of the shoe and easy release from the mold.
The shoe design draws inspiration from Dutch clogs, usually made from a single material.
This project, which moves the sphere of production from the factory to the consumer's home, raises questions about the designer's role in our world. I view the designer not just as a manufacturer but as a mediator between the environment, the product, and the consumer, challenging the perception of modern industrialism.
