Main Project Part 1: What

Inspirations

In this course, I was incredibly inspired by our discussions on furniture. To me, it seemed like furniture was one of the first modern crossovers between art and craft.

My inspirations in modern furniture are wide-ranging. Early modernists such as Gerrit Rietvild, the Eames’ and the Bauhaus are particularly impressive to me

Additionally, contemporary modernists continue to push forward the genre nearly a century after it’s inception. I am particularly inspired by the Herman Miller Furniture Company as well as, yes, IKEA.

I liked seeing examples of people who have improved their daily life in some way with their craft. This lead to my ideas for both of my projects this semester. My upcycle project was a lighting fixture for my room.

The light was not diffused enough for comfortable use unfortunately, so I wanted to build a replacement for it and a standing lamp for my room. To add a moving component, I thought to add a clock to make it a full décor suite.

Vision

I wanted to achieve an incredibly simple aesthetic with my design. I limited myself in the curvature and geometry of my construction, and tried to keep my designs symmetrical. I was inspired by the following designs, but wanted to go for an even simpler look, and one that would allow for more consistency between my designs.

I briefly considered attempting the art deco aesthetic, after seeing a few lamps that piqued my interest.

 

I also enjoyed the following lamp, and the way it doesn’t use a traditional bulb. I considered making a similar one with neopixels, but ultimately decided to go for something more traditionally modernist.

Sketches & Early Renders

Here are some of my early sketches for the designs. They are pretty similar to my final models, because I had a pretty clear vision entering my design process.

I orginally created the following simple 3D models, for the purpose of sketching out my ideas before fabrication.

In my next post, I will discuss my more in depth 3D models and renders.

Sources:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/58791851/midcentury-modern-wooden-table-lamp

https://www.destinationlighting.com/item/modern-floor-lamp-white-glass-walnut-finish/P666223

https://www.etsy.com/listing/507243584/wooden-clock-157-40-cm-walnut-wall-clock

https://www.hermanmiller.com/

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/

http://bauhausfurnituregroup.com/Index.html

https://www.idesign.wiki/tag/de-stijl-furniture/

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Final Project Video

5 Comments. Leave new

  • miles radakovitz
    April 30, 2020 11:14 am

    I Rhys,
    I really like the design you made it seems like you really had to think out of the box to come up with it!
    Have you thought about how you would go about manufacturing this when all of this is said and doen and what materials would you use.

    Reply
  • Your renders looks really clean, well done! I hope you can get access to the machine shops in the fall so you can make your pieces.

    Reply
  • Justin Engbrecht
    April 27, 2020 11:43 am

    Hello Rhys! Have you looked into laser cutting services like Ponoko? I had my modern desk lamp enclosure panels laser cut with their service and it turned out pretty well, ignoring a UPS shipping mishap.

    Reply
  • Noah Verspohl
    April 27, 2020 11:39 am

    Rhys,
    Statement of meaning:
    I like how you included multiple renders. The render of the items in a room also gives a sense of scale.

    Reply
  • Zach Aldrich
    April 22, 2020 5:20 pm

    Rhys,
    Awesome images! It really helped me visualize your project. What are your plans once everything opens back up in terms of manufacturing and bringing your project to life?

    Reply

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