Melting Point: Chess Set

thingiverse

A chess set born from the cinematic imagination of Water World (1995), designed to melt away as the game unfolds. The chess board takes its shape from the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, precision-cut on a CNC router to become a food-safe mold. As you pour water into this mold, it freezes into an icy surface, ready to be played upon. However, with each move, the ice begins to melt, a constant reminder that even in the game of kings, impermanence prevails. The chess pieces are 3D printed in PLA, with two sets of sixteen pieces designed to stand out from one another through their vibrant colors. Each piece is carefully crafted to represent a vessel, each one a testament to humanity's ingenuity and its relationship with the ocean. At the heart of this chess set lies a vision of a future where humanity has fully adapted to life on water. The King piece takes the form of a luxury yacht, a symbol of power and prestige. Its counterpart, the Queen, is embodied by a versatile warship, its strength and adaptability unmatched. The Rook represents an oil rig, a resourceful defense mechanism that safeguards the community's well-being. The Bishop, a converted catamaran, exemplifies the upper class, with its sleek design and refined features. Meanwhile, the Knight, inspired by a converted submarine, embodies versatility and agility. Finally, the Pawn, a DIY cargo ship, represents the largest concentration of people, the least protected yet possessing the necessary resources to sustain life. This chess set is a testament to human creativity and innovation, born from the digital fabrication class where it was conceived.