Eureka Lamp: Think 3D, Design 3D, Print 3D

Turning Ideas Into Reality with Think 3D, Design 3D, Print 3D
One of the most exciting parts of working with students is seeing their ideas come to life. Our Think 3D, Design 3D, Print 3D initiative, a collaboration between Art+Design and the Reality Collab, is a perfect example of how creativity and technology combine to produce something extraordinary.
Take the Eureka Lamp by Erin Nelms, for example. It started as a concept in Gravity Sketch, where Erin designed the lamp entirely in VR, exploring scale and proportions in a fully immersive environment. From there, the design was exported and brought to life with 3D printing. The result? A functional, beautiful lamp that’s now proudly displayed in our gallery.
This process—thinking in 3D, designing in 3D, and printing in 3D—isn’t just about creating objects. It’s a framework for design thinking itself. It challenges students to iterate, solve problems, and connect virtual creativity with physical reality. Whether it’s shoes, lamps, or entirely new ideas, this approach empowers students to see their work from concept to completion.
If you’re in education, media arts, or design, I’d love to hear how you’re exploring these possibilities. Let’s keep inspiring the next generation of creators!