The main project inspirations I have come from a combination of engineering, aesthetics, and passion.
The inspiration from my passion is to create a horseback riding jump. Β Horses and riding are a life-long passion I have.
My inspiration from an aesthetics perspective is to create a jump which is interesting and incorporates my love for lights and sculpture. Β My aesthetic will focus on an innovative sculptural/light installation artistic theme to make a jump which is drastically different from the norm.
This inspiration comes from being from Chicago. Β The city is filled with art, sculpture, and lights. Β If you have never been to Chicago- lights are a MAJOR aesthetic of the city. Β The skyline is magnificent at night from all of the skyscraper lights-several of which change color almost nightly. Β Roof tops have visceral light installations and the parks and fountains change almost nightly with different colored lights. Β Lights also bring the city together and unify Chicagoans everywhere with messages of “Good luck” to the sports teams.
Photo Courtesy of: Alicias.com
Photo Courtesy of: Vimbly.com
Photo By: Barry Butler, “Why Are The Skyscrapers Teal? There’s a Schedule For Chicago Night Lights”
Photo By: Raymond Boyd, Getty Images
Photo By: Kevin Eatinger, Fineartamerica.com
Contemporary art is very important to the city, and can be seen in Millenium park. Β The large video sculpture is an inspiration.
Photo Courtesy of: Cityofchicago.org
Typical jumps are painted and often constructed from wood. Β While people make their own jumps, or purchase jumps, they lack true aesthetic appeal. Β Often to overcome the boring aesthetics, superficial things are added such as paint/color and decorations (flowers, fence pieces, brick decor, etc). Β The aesthetic of the jump itself never changes.
Photos: Doversaddlery.com
From an engineering perspective, my goal is to create an innovative jump thru making it automated by remote control. Β This creates an advantage thru ease of use.
The remote control aspect also lends itself to the aesthetic since both will require a self-contained power source.
The aesthetic will be challenging- finding lights which look good during the day and finding materials which are contemporary. Β Engineering a safe, innovative jump will be challenging too- all components need to be robust, weatherproof, and safe for horses.
Below is a old sketch for the engineering design portion without consideration to aesthetic.
2 Comments. Leave new
Very cool and useful idea! Perhaps you could embed the controller in your whip? I know with your engineering background you will be able to make it work. When watching show jumping, I am always amazed at just how unique and creative each jump is. You can really go after any aesthetic you want here: a European mini village, a formal garden, a an underwater theme, anything! I’m excited to see how it turns out.
Can’t wait to see this idea come to fruition! I think it’s cool that you are completely redoing the aesthetic of something that has been around for so many years. I also love that it will be remote controlled. Like I mentioned in class, I think something like this could be useful in a variety of settings also including hurdles in track and field or dog training.