Object Timeline

-0001

2012

  • Work on this object began.

2014

2015

2016

  • We acquired this object.

2024

  • You found it!

Free Universal Construction Kit Construction Toy

This is a construction toy. It was designed by Golan Levin and Shawn Sims and manufactured by 3D Systems and printed by Scott Summit. It is dated 2012 and we acquired it in 2016. Its medium is resin . It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

The Free Universal Construction Kit consists of nearly 80 adapter bricks connecting 10 popular construction toys. Users can download the files from various sharing sites and print them on a Makerbot or other personal 3D printer. The Kit demonstrates that reverse engineering is “a creative process in which anyone can develop the necessary pieces to bridge the limitations presented by mass-produced commercial artifacts.”

This object was donated by Golan Levin. It is credited Gift of 3D Systems.

  • Sidewall, Drop
  • screen-printed on vinyl, polyester backing.
  • Gift of Knoll Textiles.
  • 2011-40-7

Our curators have highlighted 13 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Drawing, Design for Leaf Table
  • graphite, brush and white gouache, pre-printed with digital code on white paper.
  • Gift of Marc Benda, courtesy of the artist.
  • 2013-24-9
  • Prototype, PolyBrick series
  • ceramic, maltodextrin, alcohol.
  • Courtesy of Jenny Sabin Studio and Sabin Design Lab, Cornell Architecture.
  • 35.2015.3a,b

Its dimensions are

H x W x D (largest connector): 10.8 x 9.8 x 8.6 cm (4 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 3 3/8 in.) All remaining connectors are under 7.6 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3in. x 3 in.) Sample object made with kit: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm (5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in.)

Cite this object as

Free Universal Construction Kit Construction Toy; Designed by Golan Levin (American, b. 1972), Shawn Sims (American, b. 1986); Printed by Scott Summit (American, b. 1967); Manufactured by 3D Systems; USA; resin ; H x W x D (largest connector): 10.8 x 9.8 x 8.6 cm (4 1/4 x 3 7/8 x 3 3/8 in.) All remaining connectors are under 7.6 x 7.6 x 7.6 cm (3 in. x 3in. x 3 in.) Sample object made with kit: 12.7 x 12.7 x 12.7 cm (5 in. x 5 in. x 5 in.); Gift of 3D Systems; 2016-2-1-1/57

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Beautiful Users.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

For higher resolution or commercial use contact ArtResource.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/51497623/ |title=Free Universal Construction Kit Construction Toy |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>