In northern Chile, the opening of a new PUMA store in Antofagasta was marked by the presence of two monumental three-dimensional sculptures: a pair of seated pumas designed and fabricated to embody the brand’s energy and precision.
The project was led by the team of Dado2 & CNC Studio, composed of Claudio Vera, Néstor Rojas, Mario Vergara, and Lili Gendelman. Together, this alliance has a combined experience of more than 15 years in digital manufacturing. The concept originated from a parametric model that translated feline anatomy into a stratified topography— a design language that transformed musculature into geometry and gave the volumes both dynamism and sculptural presence.
Each puma stands 2.10 meters tall and is built from more than 700 layers of 3 mm MDF. This layered logic not only captured the volume with high fidelity but also optimized material use, minimizing waste while ensuring repeatability throughout the process.
The digital workflow integrated Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper, with the OpenNest plugin used for intelligent nesting of parts on MDF sheets. The CAM stage was completed in RhinoCAM, generating the G-code that guided the CNC router.
The assembly combined cold glue and nail pins to consolidate each layer, gradually reconstructing the full volume. Finally, after sanding and filling, the client applied a lacquered paint finish that sealed the piece with a uniform sheen and crisp contour definition.
Beyond their striking appearance, these sculptures act as a statement of process: they demonstrate how parametric design, computational nesting, and CNC carpentry can converge into an object that balances sculptural character with industrial rigor. Each layer serves as both a structure and a visible trace of the digital logic that shaped it.
The Antofagasta pumas do more than attract attention; they represent a convergence of art, technology, and contemporary material culture in Chile. They are also a clear example of how digital manufacturing can expand the possibilities of design in retail environments.
CREDITS
Project by: Dado2 & Cnc Studio
Team: Claudio Vera, Néstor Rojas, Mario Vergara, Lili Gendelman
Client: PUMA Chile
