Close Overlay
Grand Challenge: Space Station
SOLIDWORKS employees from all corners of the globe joined together
to push their design prowess to the limits and create something truly out of this world.
As COVID-19 took hold last year, employees of SOLIDWORKS, a 3D design software program, took on a project of global proportions: a worldwide, multi-disciplinary collaboration to design a digital space station, aptly named “The Grand Challenge.”
In only eight weeks time, over 500 SOLIDWORKS employees from all corners of the globe joined together to push their design prowess to the limits and create something truly out of this world.
When the digital model was completed, the space station measured nearly 1.5 miles long and 2,600 feet wide. That’s when the SOLIDWORKS team turned to Dimensional Innovations to bring the space station to life, in scaled form. That’s when we got to work.
Our response was to utilize numerous disciplines, including high-end 3D printing, metal working, CNC cutting, electronics, special paints and graphics to develop a 7-foot model from their intricate design details. The space station, composed of pods that integrate life support systems, recreational arenas, food support systems, waste processing plants, and more, slowly spins on an axis to give a functional, dynamic aspect to the model.
Completed, the space station will be permanently housed and suspended in the Dassault Systèmes U.S. headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts.
110
Individual, 3D-printed parts using the SLA method
83"
Length of the scaled model of the space station
3D Printed Furniture in IDS Center’s Crystal Court
Casey's Headquarters
Dairy Farmers of America Headquarters
H&R Block Headquarters
LinkedIn Chicago Office
Wilson Sporting Goods Headquarters
AMC Theatres Support Center
Caterpillar Inc.
Grundfos Service Center
Hy-Vee Helpful Smiles Technology Center
Ash Grove Cement Company
Big Ten Headquarters
Visit KC
J. Rieger & Co. Distillery
Blue Cross Blue Shield
DI VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE™ [DIVE]
Mosaic Life Care Center
Talk to Our Experts
Whether you have a fully-baked idea or are just exploring the possible, our proven-effective approach makes it easy to help you determine where to start and how DI can help. We'd love to learn more!
Get in Touch
Jeff Mikes
Practice Director - Corporate
Jeff leads DI’s Corporate, Retail, and Entertainment practices, collaborating with clients to ensure experiences deliver both maximum audience and business impact. For over 20 years he has led digital agencies, studios, and consulting... more about Jeff Mikes
Eric Buckels
Senior Client Development Representative
