Aesthetics in Design Portfolio Summary

This semester, I completed two major projects in Aesthetics in Design: an upcycle project focused on converting glass bottles into functional household items, and a final design project centered on building a portable, rugged camp table. Both projects emphasized practical problem-solving and material-focused aesthetics, and both pushed me to explore different aspects of the design process—from concept development through fabrication and documentation.

Upcycle Project: Industrial Vintage Glassware

My upcycle project involved cutting and repurposing discarded liquor bottles into usable cups and vases. I chose an industrial vintage aesthetic that aligned with the raw texture and imperfections of the material. One challenge I faced was getting clean, consistent cuts without access to professional-grade glass tools. After multiple failed attempts, I found a successful workflow involving a scoring jig, boiling water, and cold-shock separation. Sanding the edges for safety and aesthetics was labor-intensive, but ultimately rewarding. I was proud of the finished product and how it retained a sense of the original material while serving a new purpose.

Upcycling Liquor Bottles into Industrial Vintage Drinkware

Upcycle Progress Report

Liquor Bottle Glasses and Vases

Final Project: Portable Camp Table

The core of this course for me was the development and fabrication of a personalized, collapsible camp table. My design philosophy leaned toward rugged functionalism—an approach inspired by outdoor gear, engineering workshops, and upcycled materials. One of the key challenges was integrating salvaged shelving components into a stable frame. I replaced the original leg mounting method with adapted press-fit braces and customized the wooden legs to fit securely. I also added a mesh shelf for modular storage and Velcro straps to keep the legs secured in transport.

Although I initially planned to use CAD, I ultimately found the hands-on approach more aligned with the spirit of the project. Working without CAD forced me to iterate in real-time and respond directly to the physical components. I’m proud of how much functionality I achieved while keeping the total weight under 10 lbs and maintaining structural integrity.

The project also required learning how to work within tight tolerances without digital modeling. Adjusting the leg angles, modifying the mesh shelf, and selecting durable fasteners were all hands-on decisions that required trial, error, and close attention to detail. I gained confidence in my ability to prototype quickly and refine based on live feedback.

Folding Camp Table Project: Inspiration, Aesthetic, and Design Vision

Portable Camping Table Core Specifications & Constraints

Camping Table Materials, Leg Work and Attachment Rethink

Portable Camp Table: Design Rationale, Aesthetic Intent, and Build Overview

Fabrication and Final Reflections on the Rugged Camp Table Project

Portfolio Takeaways

Throughout the semester, I balanced experimentation with realistic constraints around budget, tool access, and time. I leaned into material honesty, prioritizing function and clarity over decorative excess. Both projects reflect this mindset, and together they form a coherent portfolio demonstrating my design process, technical problem-solving, and commitment to personalized, functional aesthetics.

This post serves as a central portfolio hub. Links to each project phase are included above. I believe it shows not only my technical progress over the semester but also how I’ve developed my own design perspective and ability to adapt creatively to limitations.