This is an example of an exisiting design which exhibits sculptural elements while functioning as a utilitarian object. I analysed this design and used it as a form of inspiration throughout my project. After seeing this design, I decided that I want my final design to also take up a space just as this gemstone bathtub is placed in a space, becoming the focal point of that environment. I was impressed at how the sculptor managed to carve out a bathtub from this piece. This sculpture fills the space and complements its surroundings and that is what I aim to achieve with my final design.
This is another example of an exisiting functional sculpture. This piece exhibits an element of juxtaposition where one side of the bench is a natural and raw piece of a tree just as it is found in nature while forming into the rest of the bench which functions as the utilitarian part. The rest of the bench is sleek and minimal. The sculpture going from nature to man-made reinforces the idea of juxtaposition. This had an influence on my conceptualisation in the sense that I wanted to explore nature in its purest form while incorporating the elements of design.
This sculptural object is an example of how an object can be simple yet function as multiple things such as a sculpture and barberque grill. This piece shows that less is in fact more and this piece complements its surroundings exceptionally well.
This inspiration board shows different objects that work as room dividers as well as a desk or bench while exhibiting sculptural elements. I feel that inspiration is a really important part of the design process and this helped me throughout the rest of the design and concept development process.
I decided to research the different patterns found in nature. I chose eight patterns that I found really interesting and explored these patterns further by using a few words to describe each of them. These descriptive words played a role in my iterative design process.
I used to do arts and crafts when I was a kid and I realised that I could use these crafty techniques in my design. These crafting techniques are done on a really small scale but I was excited to incorporate them into a life-sized sculptural object.
These are some other paper folding techniques I researched and tried. Each is unique in its own way and serve a different function along with different aesthetics. These techniques showed me ways to create intricate patterns. Some turned out as strong, structural objects while others turned out to be really delicate.
This is a crocheted chandelier designed by South African crochet artist, Ashlee Lloyd. Lloyd is an artist who uses the method of crocheting on a large scale. Lloyd designed this chandelier specifically for this restaurant surrounded by mountains. The chandelier was designed to suit its surroundings and complement the nature outside which can be seen through the large windows in the restaurant. Lloyd took this technique from a small scale to a large scale and I thought I could do the same with my crafting techniques.
I followed paper folding techniques to create these designs. I started off by making random shapes and objects to explore the technique and get inspiration.
This was one of my favourite paper folding techniques. I simply cut random lines onto sheets of paper and tried creating 3D forms by twisting them into different directions and stapling them. This created interesting and unique forms which can easily be recreated by removing the staples and retracing the cut lines. This is a new technique I discovered during this project and I will be using it in future projects. It is a quick and easy way of conceptualising through models instead sketching, allowing you to create more free flowing forms. Some of these mockups are inspired by the waves and flowy lines on the sand dunes I showed on my patterns board.
Photo 1 shows a paper folding technique and the other photos show the crafts I made using the husking paper craft technique.
Iterative Design Development
This process shows my experimentation with the patterns in nature I chose to explore. This was an in depth process, showing inspiration, meaning, sketches, models and concept development.
After all that exploration and experimentation, I chose to follow the lava crack concept.
Here I explored the various patterns linking to lava cracks and mud cracks. Although these patterns are each unique in its own way, they do share the similarity of the polygonal shape repeated throughout. I used these patterns as reference images for more model experimentation and CAD development.
Developing the lava crack concept...
Here I developed my concept through the iterative design process. Exploring different design ideas through making physical models is an insightful process which definitely works!
Peer review was done at this stage of the project and many of my peers voted that I develop models 2, 4, 5 and 6. This confused me because I really liked model 1 and 2. However, the design began to change when I took it into CAD.
Taking the concept into CAD
These are screenshots of my design in the CAD environment. I did not think the design would change so drastically.. in fact I did not think it would change at all. I had my mind set on model 1 but after exploring the different shapes in CAD, I began to like the new exploration and development. Once in the CAD environment, I decided to just explore as much as I could with the lava crack concept and see where it would lead.
CAD Renders of possible outcomes
In these renders, I explored a simple design and intricate design.
I also explored rendering in different materials I wanted it to be manufactured in.
In the end, I settled on a design in between these two.
A perfect balance between minimal and elaborate.
Engineering Drawings
Context Renders
The final product...
Recap of the design process followed through this project
