Duration: 9 Weeks
Group Project: 3 Members
Interdisciplinary Fabrication Project
Focus: Iteration, Modularity, Fabrication
Meet Bloom, a handmade side table thoughtfully designed over the course of the spring semester. With solid mahogany and sleek acrylic, its organic shape and innovative construction offer a creative platform for displaying plants or other trinkets.
Created by a team of designers, one from each major. Abbey Fricke in Interior Design, Bryce Patterson in Visual Communication Design, and Mark Boyd in Industrial Design.
About this Project
This project took place in a collaborative studio setting with students from Visual Communication Design, Interior Design and Industrial Design. We were sorted into groups that each had one student form each major and were prompted to lean on each others strengths and create a product that was modular and allowed for packability.
This wide scope let us decide where we wanted to focus and gave us great opportunity to learn new tools and teach each other throughout the duration.
Form Iteration
During the first 3 weeks we were prompted to create rapid prototypes while learning new skills. In these 3 weeks we created 3 prototypes that prepared us to create the full scale model. We began with an interest in the ability to swivel and screw in mechanics. Drawing inspiration from solar system models and others we ended up creating 3 models that used slightly different mechanisms and materials to pursue the same ability and use. The ability to swivel, adjust and create floating platforms that act as 'side tables'. At the end of this period we reflected on these models and found we appreciated having a sturdy base and hidden hardware (similar to the third and final model we made).
Right to left shows the progression of our concept
Full Scale Preparation
Across the next phrase I was tasked with creating the blueprints for the full scale model of our table. By using Fusion 360 I was able to create multiple iterations with different materials and proportions. In doing this, I was able to create a cutting diagram for my classmate to create the beads throughout the table on the lathe. I also created a cutting diagram for the base of our table to be cut on the CNC machine with a droplet texture that wove into our natural and serene theme.
Fabrication
In the last phase of this project we used the practices we learned throughout the period to piece together our table. Using the lathe to create the beads, CNC to carve the base and shelves, and post processing to add finish and cleanliness to the acrylic shelves.We had to make final adjustments to the base and shelves because of weight distribution issues.
Above displays a part of the process of creating the final table
Above are two orientations of Bloom. On the left is Bloom with plants in place of the Mahogany disks in the acrylic, and on the right is bloom in its original placement.
The final poster created to display alongside the table