BRIEF:
We have been tasked with making ceramic tiles for a luxury brand called "Axor" and the project is "Axor my edition". The theme is based on luxury, but your own definition of luxury. We are to go through an ideation process and explore the theme and do research on our manufacturing processes. The next step would be making a CAD model of our molds in order for them to be manufactured. The options were CNC milling and 3D printing the molds, and the actual tile was to be made from either slip by slip casting, or clay by press forming. I did a CNC mold and had the tile slip cast, and was granted the opportunity to press form as well.
PRECEDENT BOARD:
TECHNICAL BOARD:
I will be using a CNC machine to make my mold, and the ceramic will be developed by slip casting as demonstrated below:
MOODBOARD:
The brief was to define what luxury means to us as individuals. When I think of luxury, what comes to my mind is minimalism, and this is why I decided to take the route of minimalism. I felt that the minimalist approach would be suited for AXOR's minimalist signature look and how crisp and clean their tap designs are. I included a lot of organic lines and shapes because those are my personal favourite. I incorporated the silk fabric because it is a luxurious material. And overall the principle I am trying to achieve is movement, inspired by silk texture and well as water wave movements since AXOR is involved with water.
IDEATION SKETCHES:
FINAL 3 CONCEPTS:
SOLIDWORKS PROCESS:
SOLIDWORKS RENDER:
IN-SITU RENDERS:
I have decided to render my 3rd sketch. This specific design was inspired by the movement of water and minimalism. My definition of luxury is minimalism, as seen in my moodboard, therefore I wanted to achieve a minimalist aesthetic for my tap as I felt it would be suitable for AXOR's minimal and clean taps. There are two reasons why I was inspired by the water motion: One, that AXOR specializes in taps and shower heads, pretty much everything related to kitchens and bathroom water providers. Two, that water symbolizes cleanliness, health and sanitation, which are all technically essentials, but in this modern age made to be a luxury.
REFINEMENT SKETCHES:
SECOND CAD PROCESS:
CAD REFINEMENT:
RENDERS:
(The small black part on the tile was a part of the CAD model and unfortunately it could not get eliminated)
RENDER WITH WRAP LOGO TEXT:
My actual tap is black in colour but I had to opt for this cream colour in order for the wrapped words "AXOR" and "my edition" to be visible.
IN-SITU RENDERS:
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS WITH PHOTOS:
BRAND ADVERT:
FINAL OUTCOME:
STOP-MOTION VIDEO:
As stated in the beginning of the project, my definition of luxury is minimalism. I was able to achieve minimalism through my pattern as it screams "Axor". Less is more and that is a principal in luxury. Axor produces minimalist designs itself, therefore I believe my designs suits their aesthetic and brand.
REFLECTION:
This project was definitely fun towards the end when it got practical. I have learned how to design for manufacture and learned that it takes a ton of factors to consider. What I would have done different is considering my desired look and its manufacturing procedure, because the CNC milling machine did not take out the exact pattern that I wanted. Now I know that the machine cannot take out curved or slanted surfaces and in future I will do more research on the appropriate machine suitable for not limiting a design I have to work on.
