Workshop : paper and sewing
In a group of four students, two in object design and two in product design, for one week we have worked as a team to create a system to enhance a store product using only paper and sewing.
We first started working with paper by cutting, tearing, crumpling, folding and assembling it. Then we added sewing assembling threads to assemble, to texture, to compel and to join.
After some days experimenting on paper and sewing we kept three tracks to develop:
-Weaving
-Suturing
-Providing elasticity with modules
From right to left : first days ' experimentations and development tracks for elasticity with modules.
1. Weaving
With weaving stripes of paper of different we get a sort of paper fabric which brings elasticity and stiffening to the paper.
Although the paper loses much of its flexibility, it is still possible to curve by straining it.
Weaving allows to add elasticity, stretching and deforming capacities but only when the paper fabric is pulled in a slant draw. Otherwise, pulling it vertically or horizontally will not allow deformation and stretching.
2. stitching
By its regular work, stitching offers a dynamic and a rhythmic volume. The thread creates a volume through the void of the paper.
Playing with the paper allows to create different shapes with the thread. This thread is like the skeleton of the volume.
3. Elasticity with modules
We cut paper stripes in such a way as to gain flexibility using the weight of the paper material itself as we hung it from the top and released it downward (gravity force).
The module while being pulled produces a spring effect which changes the original module's shape.
A TEA SHOP IN SAINT-ETIENNE
Project development :
Our project is located in a tea and coffee shop in Saint-Etienne. The facade has two showcases, so we decided to highlight one of their products inside them because it was the best place of the shop.
Tea boxes to highlight
Finally, we developed a paper cut module which allows a principle of elasticity.
Those modules also enable to create shelves to present products : tea box and tea bag. They also divide showcases with the rest of the store.
Repeated modules create a pattern which partially hides the shop as a claustra. This element is in connection with the Asian oriental style as Japan's partition walls.
Our modules would be in black paper with an orange thread to match with the facade colour.
To present products, the modules will be hung in display cases. Tea boxes are inserted in module's alcove. This device allows light to pass through the store. The light crossing through modules create a game of shadows and light inside the shop.
