Parhelion, the 3D Printed Mural That Combines Art and Acoustics

The use of 3D printing in interior design enables the creation of customized, durable and highly functional pieces. Furthermore, AM gives designers the freedom to experiment with shapes, textures and colors impossible to achieve using traditional methods. This is what has lead to Parhelion, an original 3D-printed work designed by Dutch artist Mae Engelgeer. The mural was developed in collaboration with Aectual, a company specializing in on-demand digital fabrication, and combines the best of art and acoustics.

Parhelion is an acoustic mural distinguished by its refined aesthetic, combining dynamic motifs, linear compositions and a carefully chosen color palette. Its name refers to the atmospheric optical phenomenon known as “parhelion”, where luminous, colored dots are observed next to the sun. This inspiration is reflected in Parhelion’s surfaces, which feature layers with gradient effects and a chromatic palette evocative of this natural spectacle.

On the left, designer Mae Engelgeer

3D Printing as a Manufacturing Tool for Parhelion

Each Parhelion unit is manufactured by 3D printing using Aectual’s proprietary extrusion process, which allows colors to be mixed during manufacture. This ensures that each piece is unique, with color combinations specially designed by Engelgeer. There are three distinct palettes: the first, ALPHA, is composed of soft sand tones; DELTA, of deep purple hues; and OMEGA, intense blue. These compositions are complemented by a recycled PET acoustic felt backing in contrasting colors, enhancing both aesthetics and sound performance.