For my final project, I looked to bridge the gap between the first two projects of the Aesthetics of Design course, and develop a contrasting scene through the use of multiple aesthetics. Previously, I developed a cardboard model showcasing my take of ‘the ultimate hotrod’ which referenced a hotrod aesthetic. My final project utilizes this hotrod model, as it is broken down and being pulled by a solarpunk tow truck. Although cardboard may come across as primarily a prototyping material, I thoroughly enjoyed sharpening my cardboard skills, especially as an engineer where cardboard is commonly used! By doing so, I feel that I was able to focus more on the design and aesthetic elements opposed to the manufacturing and high-fidelity of the product.
Solarpunk characteristics: integration with nature, renewable energy (solar panels), organic shapes, environment friendly, etc.
For more details of this project, please visit the following page: Final Project
The process of this project is as follows:
I began by creating a CAD model and then worked on constructing the cardboard body and general shape, ensuring to incorporate curvature and organic shapes. I added wheels, rounded fenders, and spent quite some time getting the rear of the tow truck to be unique and functionable. I created two sweeping curves leading from the roofline to the tailgate of the tow truck, which turned out nicely. I found that placing a small plant or tree-like figure in the bed gives a unique look.
Solar panels have also been sketched and printed onto the roof of the truck to accommodate the ‘renewable energy’ aspect of the solarpunk aesthetic. Additional live nature-elements such as leaves, vines, flowers, etc. have been implemented.
The towing boom is the piece of a tow truck that is typically a long lengthening cantilever beam driven by hydraulics. In this case, the boom represents a tree or the growth of a green stump, originating from the flower (truck) bed of the truck. Springs were then utilized to act as the connection point from the boom to the front of the hot rods chassis.
Additionally, I battled some time-constraints with the live plants — as some of the initial plants I incorporated for previous progress updates started shrinking and dying — some of which were replaced. I implemented new dandelions to act as headlights and taillights. I implemented a purple plant in the bed of the truck to give some depth and contrast. I also added vine-like plants with red berries to the hanging plant shelves to either side of the truck bed. Inside of the truck/flower bed, I utilized some white flowers to give a unique color contrast and to fill the space.
