Fused Deposition / Molten Tension showcases the work of two Melbourne artists undertaking raw explorations in new mediums as part of their ongoing practice.

Daniel Barbera, a designer and maker with a decades long practice in industrial/furniture design, will show his sculptural glass work alongside interdisciplinary artist Tom Blachford, showing his first ever series of sculpture.

Both artists employ highly iterative processes in contrasting methods; one using tactile traditional processes, the other integrating computer aided fabrication technologies.

At the event expect interactive design & live manufacture. Process outcomes that are uncurated and experimental. Both Daniel and Tom’s pieces are available for sale.

Opening Event 19th May – Booking

Form generation through model making is one of the key tools used at MBAD to establish a viable layout at the earliest stages of a project. By working in three dimensions, these physical models allow clients to more intuitively understand spatial relationships, scale, and proportion in a way that drawings alone often cannot convey.

This hands-on approach makes it easier to test ideas quickly, explore multiple configurations, and identify opportunities or constraints early in the process.

For clients, it provides a clear and immediate way to engage with the design, ask informed questions, and feel confident in the direction being taken.

Ultimately, model making supports a more collaborative and transparent design journey, helping ensure that the final layout is both functional and aligned with the client’s vision from the very beginning.

Sketch renderings are an important tool we use at MBAD to help clients clearly visualise their future spaces from the earliest stages of design. By translating ideas into a tangible, easy-to-understand image, these renderings remove much of the uncertainty that can come with interpreting plans and drawings, allowing clients to feel more confident and engaged in the process.

As the design develops, layering in materials such as tile and stone further enhances these images, giving clients a more realistic sense of texture, tone, and overall atmosphere. This makes it significantly easier to compare options, refine preferences, and make informed decisions about finishes—reducing the risk of costly changes later on.

Ultimately, this approach creates a more collaborative and reassuring experience, ensuring that clients feel confident their space reflects their vision before construction begins.

This rendering was created for the Primary Ensuite at Prismatic House, shown alongside the completed design.

Melanie was recently interviewed by Her Design Her Story hosted by Sarah Reid. The discussion centered around our studios approach to personal and professional development. The design journey that has been Melanie career to date and shared love of design with Sarah’s insightful Podcast.