Minimalist – Upcycling Project Aesthetic
Sketch of possible Upcycling design. Modified images of artwork by Jon Allen For my upcycling project my goal is to create a metallic sculpture using a minimalist aesthetic. I have included a rough visual for a potential path that I want to take my upcycling design. The design is made up of columns of metal…
Skateshop Aesthetic Ipad Holder
For my upcycling project, I have decided to create an iPad holder for my desk that fits into the Skateshop Aesthetic. Before I talk about my project I would like to explain what the Skateshop Aesthetic looks like. At its core, the skateshop Aesthetic encompasses anything that looks like it belongs in a skateshop. This…
Upcycle aesthetic: Scandinavian Aesthetic
I am very interested in the timeless elegance of Scandinavian aesthetic design, a style celebrated for its minimalism, functionality, and pastel color palette [1]. Embracing simplicity as a guiding principle, Scandinavian design captivates with clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and an emphasis on geometric forms [1]. In my exploration of this design philosophy, I am particularly…
Aesthetic Exploration: RWB Porches
When I first began brainstorming about an Aesthetic that was interesting to me I could not help but be drawn to delve into RAUH-Welt BEGRIFF Porsches. Although it is not a typical aesthetic relating to fashion or architecture, I do believe that these cars can be viewed as art and have guiding principles. Embark with…
Post 1 – 2024 Aesthetics Explorations
The aesthetic I chose to discuss for my first blog post is the Space-Age aesthetic. This design movement emerged in the 1960s, and came as a result of the launch of the Sputnik, the peak of the space race, i.e., the space age and space exploration. The space age aesthetic came as a response to…
Aesthetic Exploration: 19th Century Science Graphics
I’ve always been struck by the appearance of vintage science posters and charts – their combination of Victorian era printing practices, not quite realistic images, and underlying geometry is hard to find in anything else. For me, they spur a feeling of nostalgia for when I was learning the basics in grade school, as well…
Balinese Architecture
Background During winter break, I had the opportunity to visit Bali with my family. Being someone of Indian descent, I have visited India and other countries in Southeast Asia before. However, the traditional Balinese architecture that I witnessed on this trip amazed me for numerous reasons. Although I could discern influence from Indian, Thai, and…
Minimalist Aesthetic
Minimalism Introduction Through my exploration of design aesthetics, I chose to talk about minimalism. This design aesthetic is centered around generating art which consists of placing more emphasis on the quality over the quantity, following the ethos of “less is more.” This is an intriguing art form to me due to the care which artists…
Aesthetics Exploration – Cottagecore
INTRODUCTION The aesthetic I have chosen is Cottagecore [1]. This aesthetic encapsulates the essence of simple living, countryside charm, and a peaceful connection with nature [2]. This movement draws inspiration from a romanticized interpretation of western agricultural life, embracing values like gardening, sewing one’s clothes, and a rejection of modernity. Let’s explore the intricate characteristics…
Aesthetics Exploration: Impressionism
Many of us are familiar with the great artists of the Impressionist movement in art history. Claude Monet, Eduard Manet, Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Berthe Morisot, and Mary Cassatt all come to mind when you think of the Impressionists. However, their creative visions were so nearly snuffed out by the established, classical art culture…
The Industrial Aesthetic
A large craze that we have seen take over the world of interior design and so-called “hype” locations is industrial design. With its raw nature industrial design is characterized by exposed beams, harsh unpainted metals, exposed brick, strong angles, and an overall unfinished or unpolished feel. Image from: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/industrial-interior-design-explained Though the aesthetic has grown in…
Aesthetics Exploration: Brutalism
Fig 1: CU Boulder Engineering Center, Extremely Brutalist. Photo from the CU Boulder Website Brutalism is a aesthetic defined by functionality, a form of architecture that shows the raw materials of construction. Brutalist is defined by exposed construction materials, unusually shaped buildings and monochromatic colors. Many of the monumental concrete structures seen all over the…
Aesthetics Exploration: Visual Psychedelia
The Birth of Psychedelia In 1943, scientist Albert Hofmann synthesized and experimented with LSD, and in the resulting decades, this drug influenced art in a revolutionary way. LSD was initially picked up by many surrealist scholars and artists who were connected with Hofmann, and it had a heavy influence in the literature created during the…
Post 1 – 2024 Aesthetics Explorations (Art Deco Aesthetic)
Art Deco is a style that became popular in the 1920s and 1930s. It started in France and quickly spread around the world. This style is known for its sharp, clean lines, bright colors, and fancy decorations. It was a way to show off wealth and the excitement of the modern world during a time…
Aesthetics Exploration: Bauhaus
The Bauhaus movement is a German design philosophy that emerged after the First World War. Originating as a response to the artless engineering of the European war machine, this movement aimed to integrate art, design, and engineering into a “socially oriented” viewpoint, embracing the idea that engineers and artists are one and the same. Members…
Aesthetics Exploration: Art Nouveau
Art Nouveau is a style of art and architecture that originated in Europe in the late 19th century. Inspiration for this aesthetic often came from nature, following the natural and sinuous shapes of plants and flowers. We also see a large focus on dynamics, movement, and asymmetry, within Art Nouveau, as well as a focus…
Aesthetic Exploration: Old School Hip Hop Style
Hip-hop originated in 1970s New York (although it’s highly debated by neighborhoods (Queens, Brooklyn) that were the originators). Even so, the culture began to rise among youths of the time from all neighborhoods. B-boying (break-dancing), jamming to local disc jockeys. The music carried across from coast to coast, inviting those who are creative and have…
Post 1 – 2024 – Aesthetics Exploration – Live Edge Epoxy
For my aesthetics exploration I have chosen to explore the world of live edge epoxy furniture that has become a unique aesthetic found in may peoples homes. What I find interesting about this particular aesthetic is the unique combination of art and function that this form of art provides. I personally have made a few…
Aesthetic Exploration – Classical Architecture
In my pursuit of aesthetic exploration, I aim to delve into the intricacies of classical architecture, seeking a profound understanding and appreciation of its timeless aesthetic principles. Classical architecture represents a design ethos rooted in the principles of ancient Greek and Roman architectural traditions, emphasizing elements like order, symmetry, geometry, and proportion. Characterized by the…
Aesthetics Exploration – Late 90’s / Early 00’s Tech Skate Footwear
Skate shoes are an unusual type of footwear, as they are rapidly destroyed during the act of skateboarding. Abrasion with the grip tape during flip tricks and ollies wears through the upper, blows out stiches, and cuts through laces. Thin soles are preferred for better board feel, but at the same time impact protection must…
Ferrari Limited “Icona” Series
The Ferrari Limited “Icona” series pays tribute to its iconic cars from the 1950’s and 1960’s. An era where it was make or break for Ferrari. At that time, Enzo Ferrari, the founder and CEO, was completely focused on his racing team. Yes they produced luxury road cars, but those were only sold in order…
Aesthetic Exploration: Minimalism
The Minimalism Aesthetic is known for having a clean visually appealing style. It is characterized by bright neutral colors and minimal distractions. This aesthetic originated as an art style back in the late 1950s. Frank Stella, an abstract painter born in Malden, Massachusetts, was one of the first major contributors to the minimalist art style…
Frank Lloyd Wright Aesthetics
For my aesthetics exploration I decided to look into the architectural design and aesthetics of Frank Lloyd Wright’s many designs. Wright’s style over his lifetime evolved over time starting with his works from 1899 – 1910 where he developed the “Prairie Style” of architecture, which emphasized the horizontal line of the prairie and domesticity. Later…
Desert Modernism – Alex Reynolds
Desert Modernism After World War Two, many Americans who lived in Southern California saw a large construction boom when heading towards the Coachella Valley. With the harsh and rugged environment of the Southern California desert, many architects were able to experiment in a region that had little architectural influence prior. Here, Desert Modernism was…
Aesthetics Exploration: Cactus Jack
The Cactus Jack aesthetic is very interesting. The founder of this aesthetic is Jacques Bermon Webster II also known as Travis Scott. He is an American rapper, singer, and producer who has achieved four number-one hits on the US Billboard Hot 100. Travis Scott is originally from Houston Texas. He also created a notorious song…
Norm-Core, The Joke That Became a True Fashion Trend
Normcore, a term born from the convergence of irony and fashion, represents a departure from the traditional notions of coolness. It transcends the pursuit of uniqueness and authenticity, opting instead for a post-authenticity coolness that revels in sameness. At its core, normcore is a deliberate embrace of the mundane, a rejection of alternative subcultures, and…
Aesthetic Exploration – Lofi
INTRODUCTION: The lofi (low fidelity) aesthetic is typically characterized by nostalgia and relaxation, typically in the form of music accompanied by similarly nostalgic imagery. Within the music, a slow minimalistic melody is used to create a soothing atmosphere that helps to encourage the listener to relax. This type of music is generally combined with other…
Aesthetics Exploration: Industrialism
Introduction The Industrialism Aesthetic is one primarily characterized by the use of unfinished materials, exposed structures, neutral color palettes, openness, functional-minimalism, and urban decay. A good example would be repurposed factory or warehouse spaces; see the Boulder Urban Outfitters store. Boulder UO https://boulderdowntown.com/go/urban-outfitters Boulder UO https://foursquare.com/v/urban-outfitters/4a6a24adf964a520b1cc1fe3 History The industrialism aesthetic has seen two primary occurrences…
Aesthetic Exploration – Art Deco
[1] Art Deco Architecture: Chrysler Building The Art Deco aesthetic originating in France around the 1920s used sleek geometries with man made materials to symbolize wealth, glamour, and technological progress. Art Deco was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s between the first and second world wars. Although it was relevant beforehand the aesthetic increased…
Personal Aesthetic and Design Inspirations
Leatherman Featured image from Ikea.com I believe that my personal aesthetic is very dynamic. I think it draws a lot from my personality and my interests. I am very passionate; you get me started talking about something I am interested in and I will go for hours. This leads me to appreciate putting effort into…
Design Progress Report: ArtisanalTime
Since the Design Preview of my project of building a wristwatch inspired by Art Nouveau and Clockpunk aesthetics. There have been a few developments. I have continued my research on learning how to build a wristwatch, and also what parts I should get to accomplish it. I have ordered the ST3600k movement, a brass PVD…
2 Different Aesthetics
Currently I am planning to do my final project with a simplistic and earthy aesthetic. i plan to create an infinity style box with a terrarium inside of it. That is the current plan as of now. I also tried to sketch this concept but with different concepts. The first concept i tried was brutalism…
Alternate Aesthetics: Art Deco & Industrialism
The structure I’m creating for my final design isn’t necessarily greatly affected by a shift in aesthetic. For reference, I’m creating a hanging screen installation for visuals I create. The aesthetic I’ve chosen is minimalism and I plan to continue with that design choice despite this week’s exploration exercise. That being said, I’ve really enjoyed…
Sculpture Artists
Below are a list of sculpture artists that primarily work in Found Objects. This is great to look into for inspiration for your upcycling project. Marcel Duchamp Fountain 1917, Bicycle Wheel 1913. He is considered one of the fathers of found object. Decontextualizes the item itself and redefines it’s purpose. Joseph Beuys I Like America and…
Renaissance Capo – Final Project
For my project, I designed and 3D printed a guitar capo. A capo is a clamp made of plastic that uses a spring force to press onto the strings of a guitar and raise its tuning. I have been practicing guitar on and off for a few years, and I’ve wanted to get one for…
Timeless Puzzle box Ideas and Inspirations
I enjoy indulging in YouTube in my free time, where I came across several puzzle box videos. I took an interest mainly in Japanese puzzle boxes, because I enjoyed the overshadowed precision behind every box. As I delved deeper into the history of the puzzle box, I noticed that form the very first puzzle boxes…
Final Design – Neon Sign
For my final project, I decided to create something that I would keep for a long time. Since I play and stream for the Call of Duty Esports team here at CU, I decided to make a neon sign of my username so that I could use it as decoration in my room. On the…
Bikepacking Setup: Final Project Report part 1 & 2
If you’ve been following along with my posts, you will know by now that I wanted to create bikepacking bags for my final project. If you are unfamiliar, bikepacking bags are bags that attach to your bike frame so that you can go camping and riding for days at a time, completely unsupported. That means…
Floating Coffee Table : Final Report
For my project, I built a ‘tensegrity’ base for a coffee table. A ‘tensegrity’ design is a tension-based structure that creates a sort of floating illusion. These designs operate on the principle of opposing tension to create stability. A lot of the designs that I have seen out there seem to be very wobbly and/or…
Final Report – Mousetrap Car 2.0
Presentation: https://youtu.be/MZqY-Pv0UXo To recap, my project is inspired by a high school physics project. I wanted to apply the skills I’ve acquired as an engineering student to build a better mousetrap car than the one I made in high school and see how much longer my new mousetrap car can go. So to briefly explain…
Chess Board Final Report Parts 1 and 2
PART 1: WHAT Inspirations For this project I really wanted to create something that I would use long term as opposed to making something just for this class. I thought of creating a chess board since it is a hobby that I picked up at the start of quarantine to pass the time and yet…
Final Report Ammo Crate Center Console
WHAT? The inspirations for this project was two fold: the center console in my current car was butts, and my dad has already made new center consoles for the old Jeeps that he has made, plus I saw ammo crates in a store one time and they were pretty neat so I had to…
Design Report Part 2: Airbox Construction
For my final project, I decided to design and construct an air intake system for my car that consists of an intake tube and air filter enclosure. I am aiming to develop a design that simplifies the engine bay while also conforming to the minimalist aesthetic. However, I want to add features that are reminiscent…
Kayak & Canoe Rack
Design and Aesthetic Inspiration The structures that I would like to incorporate design elements from are my parents house, a national forest trail map sign, and a kayak rack I found online. For the roofing I would like to keep steel roofing technique seen on the balcony of my parents house. I would like to…
Two Part Workspace: The What and How
The What: With remote work not going anywhere anytime soon, people are making the most of their home spaces to create a space that allows for work to be done while also creating a relaxing space. I want to create two office spaces in a spare room that will still be able to function as…
Futuristic Longboard | Final Report
Part 1: What I Made With this project, my intention was to apply the futuristic aesthetic that I have been exploring throughout the semester with my personal aesthetic. [ The Futuristic Aesthetic ] The futuristic aesthetic is something that I made up in a sense and is very subjective as to what it actually means…
Thanos’ Gauntlet: Final Report (Both Parts)
I am a big fan of Marvel movies and wanted to make something that is from the movies. One of the more prominent characters in the recent films is the infamous villain, Thanos. He wears a gauntlet in which he can carry Infinity stones to which he can use to wipe out mass populations. This…
Chair Mural – Final Report
What: The chair mural is a functional piece of art. When folded flat, it can be laid against the wall as a decorative mural. When folded into its chair form, It can be used as a piece of furniture. To start I’ll describe my inspirations. I needed a folding chair that folded as flat as…
Final Report – Two Stroke Engine Lamp (Parts 1 and 2)
Introduction In this final blog post, I’ll be discussing what my final project was, what I was inspired by, and how I created it. One of my biggest regrets regarding this project is that although I gathered all the materials needed, I was unable to build the final product. This was largely due to the…
Final Project Both Parts: Paludarium
The what: A paludarium is the combination between an aquarium and a terrestrial terrarium. I have been in the aquarium hobby for over 12 years now and paludariums have always caught my eye. Growing up I only ever owned aquariums that were created with false plants, plastic hides, and beginner fish. Starting sophomore year of…
Organic Desk Fountain (Sculpture) Final
Organic Desk Fountain (Sculpture) Final I want to make a Water Fountain that can sit on my desk. These systems are often battery or USB powered with a small pump to bring the water upward. I have seen these in offices acting as a calming visual and auditory element. An example of a Desktop Water…
T-Shirt Quilt Final Report
Part 1: What Aesthetics/Inspirations: For my project, I decided on making a t-shirt quilt out of my sister’s Iowa State University t-shirts. This falls into two aesthetics that I have explored in the past. The first being the aesthetic I used for my Upcycle Project: Old School Athletics. The second is my personal aesthetic: comfy…
Modern Style Lamp Final Report
For my final project I wanted to create a modern/futuristic style lamp that was portable and was able to articulate into any position that I may need. I am constantly finding myself needing more light when working on various projects and wanted to make something that would look “cool” on my desk. I think that this…
Final Report – Topographic Mountain
For my final project, I decided to create a topographical map of Copper Mountain. Copper Mountain is a ski resort that holds a lot of meaning for me, because it is a place where I have a lot of memories from my childhood, and also continue to go to for fun. Currently I have a…
Final Report – Swivel Bar Stool
For my final project, I had been struggling to find a concept that I would really enjoy exploring as well as something that I could use or look at daily! I was struggling between two very different aesthetics that both in their own way, spoke to me. The first aesthetic I explored was the aesthetic…
Hidden Blade for Cosplay
Introduction For my final project, I created a hidden blade like the ones featured in the videogame Assassin’s Creed. In this report, I will describe the design selection process, the planned manufacturing steps, and the testing protocols. The aesthetic of the hidden blade has varied in each Assassin’s Creed game, featuring the common styles of…
Final Project: Plant Wheel
Presentation Video: https://vimeo.com/541321416 As another semester comes to a close, I am delighted to say that my final Aesthetics in Design project is complete! I had several functional goals going into this project. I wanted to create some sort of wall decoration that would help fill wall space in my dining room, which is the least…
Rotating Light and Dark Sculpture Final Report
For my final project I created a rotating sculpture that highlights lighting and depth effects. The aesthetics that I was trying to highlight are matte black and a neon LED look. In order to achive my matte black look I am used a specialized paint that is supposed to be extremely dark. I was hoping…
Paper-Cut Light Box Top 5 Constraints and Specifications
Constraints: 1. Be within $100: I would prefer for the design to take up less of a budget if possible because it would be more monetarily efficient and a very expensive design would be unnecessary. I will look for affordable equipment as well as materials, as very expensive paper or LEDs would result in a…
Paper-Cut Light Box Design Preview
Inspired by rockets and the space industry, the design and aesthetic I’m pursuing for this is focused on a rocket launching from a launch pad. Exhaust plumes will frame the focal point of the image, the rocket. To create the paper-cut light box, some materials are needed. Paper is obviously one of the main components…
Final Report: Light Board
As planned my end product for the final project which is a Lightboard is completely fabricated as of today. The design and fabrication were fun and a little bit challenging but I am happy with how the end product turned out. I utilized the Lulzbot printer for fabricating the LED strip holding fixture at the…
Final Report Part 1
My design project was difficult for me to determine at first. I had trouble finding something I wanted to build that I would want to keep when the class was over. I decided to do something with cars as I really enjoy working on them and being creative with them. I choose to design and…
Final Report – Cryptex Lock
As a little kid I constantly found myself wanting to take apart objects or find a way to lock mechanisms that could be used for storage. For example, I had a special piggy bank for my allowance that had a key locking mechanism which must be inserted a certain way to unlock the piggy bank.…
Paper Cut Light Box Plans and Alternatives
Inspired by rocket launches, I am looking to create a design that shows a space aesthetic using a paper-cut light box. It will have shapes that are both organic and geometric. In terms of style, the rocket and tower will be simplified but will still reflect the shapes and designs that are seen in actual…
Final Report – Digital Picture Frame | What and How
THE WHAT: My father has been asking for a digital picture frame for christmas or his birthday for years now. For some reason each year we neglect his request and get him something else. Why? I have no idea. But delay no more, for my final project in Aesthetics of Design I produced him a…
Modern Designer: Tim Cook
Timothy Donald Cook aka Tim Cook is a creative genius whom I follow and admire. He may not be a conventional designer of products but as a visionary in technology and an operation and manufacturing problem solver, a “Designer” tag on him can be justified. As per the biography of Tim cook: The genius who…
Top 5 Constraints and specs – Neon Sign
My goals for this project are to create a neon sign with my Gamertag to put up as a decoration. I would like to be able to control the lighting with an Arduino to manipulate which neon light is turned on. The aesthetic I aim for is glow wave as my sign will have a…
Modern Designers – Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was a British Iraqi designer. She was best known for her work in architecture in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. She was born in Baghdad and originally studied math in college and then later enrolled at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. Some of here major design influences were Suprematism and…
