Download the Chess Set

The Organic chess set is available for download at the following sites for non commercial, creative commons use. 
Thingiverse        MyMiniFactory       PrusaPrinters  

A newer version of the set proportioned to add mass to standard size pieces is available here.  There is also a display case you can print for this set.
Printables​

NTX9 Design

Christopher Gizzi (NTX9 Design)  is a registered Architect and has been involved in design and construction for many years. He began his studies in art and architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago completing the foundation program inspired by the Bauhaus school of design. Moving to the Pacific Northwest, inspired him to explore alternative fields of art and design, and he finished his undergraduate studies at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Working as a CAD designer at several design and architecture firms, he furthered his experience in the field of design and became adept with new technologies. With this immersion, he discovered early on that he truly enjoyed the process of designing 3D objects.

The inspiration, design and fabrication of a chess set.

More than a decade ago, Chris was given a chess board without pieces. This provided the inspiration to design a custom chess set. Chris’ concept for this chess set is derived from the traditional and easily recognizable Staunton chess pieces, each re-imagined in the form of an organic double helix. As Chris sketched out designs for a spiral pawn, he came to the realization that fabricating such an item, let alone an entire chess set consistent with each piece, would be challenging. Also at the time, 3D printer technology was beyond the reach of the average person, so the concept went on hold for many years.

From concept to design

By 2012, 3D printing was becoming feasible and cost effective providing the opportunity to make this idea into reality. 

Chris put his experience with CAD drafting and 3D modeling to use in designing the prototypes. Creating the basic outline of the pawn was relatively easy, but carving the double helix with the organic feel that Chris envisioned took several iterations. The bishop followed a similar process as the pawn. As Chris designed each new piece in the set, he found himself having to learn new tools and techniques in order to realize the vision. The design of the rook is much more architectural and utilizes the computer’s ability to generate complex patterns and detail from relatively simple shapes. The clean lines of the king are deceptively simple, and tie together the more organic pieces with the architectural features of the rook. The knight and the queen required Chris to learn new software, and a more sculptural approach to drafting. While each piece has its own unique features, all retain the characteristic helical cutout and maintain a resemblance to the easily recognized pieces in a traditional Staunton chess set.

A vision of the future

3D Printing is a rapidly evolving technology.  The speed, precision and capabilities of today's machines is a world away from even just a few years ago.  New materials and techniques become available all the time.  These advances have made it possible to create objects that until recently either could not have existed or would have be prohibitively expensive to fabricate.  The inspiration of a chess set has become a gateway to a future yet imagined.

The Knight to the right was printed in stainless steel.  This and many other materials are available for purchase at Shapeways.com    

In May of 2019, the Organic Chess Set was featured on the YouTube channel '3d Printing Nerd'.  The video also shows an interesting approach to making a chess board with the assist of a laser cutter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-bWnqg_fTk

As of January 2020 the Youtube video has over 50,000 views and the chess set has been downloaded 5,000 times.

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