Student Work

Doodlecore Embroidery Skirts: Specifications & Constraints

For my main project, I’m sewing a skirt and embroidering a doodlecore, water-inspired design onto it. If I have time, I’ll finish a second skirt that’s inspired by lantern festivals. Top 5 Specifications: The skirt fits and is wearable/washable. The skirt twirls/flows nicely. The sewing looks nice (and mostly clean). There aren’t any big problems…

Specifications and Concerns: the Board that Follows

As the semester draws to a close, I find myself deeply immersed in my interactive art installation project. What began as a simple concept has evolved into something more complex, challenging me to balance artistic ambition with practical constraints. Above all, I’m striving for elegance in execution. There’s something deeply satisfying about work that’s well-crafted—where…

Constraints and Specifications

Determining specifications and constraints is a very important part of any design process. In this blog post, I will detail my top  5 of each. First, the specifications: 1: First and foremost, the flint knapping tools should function. As a tool, the most important job is to perform its job well, especially a custom tool…

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

Introduction When designing my product, I wanted to create something that is not only visually appealing but also genuinely useful. For my final project, I want something functional, durable, and tailored to my personal needs. I decided to design and construct a folding camp table—a compact, portable workspace that balances rugged outdoor aesthetics with functionalist…

Rugged Functionalist, Minimalist, Rustic Camping Tables

Defining the Project Aesthetic: Rugged Functionalist For my final project, I’m designing a portable camp table that embodies a mix of functionalism and rugged outdoor design. This table is meant to be more than just a flat surface—it’s a purpose-built tool that serves my specific needs in an outdoor environment. My goal is to create…

Design Report – Hidden Compartment Hobbit Door Art

For my main idea, I’m designing a hidden compartment behind a fantasy-inspired art piece. This piece will incorporate a dynamic locking mechanism—something that blends into the artwork while also serving as a functional element. This project should have a chameleon-like aesthetic—somewhere between minimalist, fantasy, and whimsical. I am shooting for a blend of simplicity, storytelling,…

Building a Steampunk Strandbeest

What is My Project For my project, I’m creating a steampunk-inspired Strandbeest. A Strandbeest is a wind-powered walking machine originally designed by Dutch artist and engineer Theo Jansen. First introduced in 1990, Strandbeests are fascinating mechanical creatures made from lightweight materials like PVC pipes, using linkages to move like real walking animals. Jansen’s vision was…

Futuristic Beer Bottle: Complete Project Overview

Introduction The upcycle project for this class has been an exciting and challenging task, requiring resourcefulness, creativity, and hands-on fabrication. The goal was to transform discarded materials into something functional and aesthetically compelling, demonstrating the potential of upcycling as a sustainable design approach. After collecting materials, and experimenting with different configurations, I have finally created…

Handmade Spice Spinner with Mexican Ceramic Aesthetic

For my final project, I am making a spice spinner for my mom, inspired by traditional Mexican ceramics and pottery. I want to create something that is both beautiful and functional, incorporating handcrafted details that reflect my aesthetic. Traditional Mexican ceramics often have bold colors, hand-painted designs, and a rustic feel, which I plan to…

Wöddha Board Preview

For this semester’s final design project, I will craft a wooden iteration of the zen drawing Buddha Board concept, which currently only exists in ‘disappearing water’ format. This user-driven movement project combines my love for woodworking with my love for creative technology — and generally has a positive effect on mental health. In addition, this…

Moon Phase Diorama Design Preview

In my previous blog post, I stated that for my project, have decided to make an educational diorama of the moon’s phases. This diorama will include small artificial plants and planets/stars to enhance the aesthetic. To make this educational, I plan to create a moon out of plastic or paper and place a stepper motor…

Cylindrical Lamp – Inspiration from Alternative Aesthetics

I plan to create a cylindrical lamp for my project. I am drawing from a few aesthetics, namely space age design and functional minimalism. I am also incorporating elements from biophilic design as well as mid century modern. I still haven’t decided between using a sunset LED lamp and a lens or using LED filament…

Meditation in Time

My project embodies the principles of eclectic minimalism I’ve cultivated and discussed in my previous post—a philosophy that balances clean lines with unexpected elements. At its core, the piece features a pendulum housed within a precisely engineered metal support structure, creating a dynamic interplay between movement and stillness. The pendulum culminates in a handblown glass…

Hidden Compartment Designs

My main project has a chameleon-like aesthetic—somewhere between minimalist, fantasy, and whimsical. I am shooting for a blend of simplicity, storytelling, and playfulness. For my main idea, I’m designing a hidden compartment behind a fantasy-inspired art piece. This piece will incorporate a dynamic locking mechanism—something that blends into the artwork while also serving as a…

Exploring Final Project Aesthetics

My current plan for this project combines an industrial aesthetic with natural elements, much like my “urban ivy” style that was heavily influenced by Seattle’s skyline, shipyards, and greenery. The centerpiece is a wood-based shelf finished to mimic concrete, offering that cold, edgy ambiance without the complications of actual concrete. I want the texture to…

Post 7: Main Project Aesthetics: Plans and Alternatives

Brutalism, an architectural and design philosophy, emerged in the mid-20th century, leaving an indelible mark with its raw, uncompromising aesthetic. Primarily known for its concrete monoliths, Brutalism championed the honesty of materials and structural integrity over superficial ornamentation. The term itself, derived from the French “béton brut,” meaning raw concrete, highlights this core principle.   Brutalist…

Main Project Aesthetic and Alternatives: Mid Century Modern Glass Blocks

The plan for my project is to design and build a floor lamp that includes glass blocks as the primary lighting/diffusion element. For my project aesthetic, I plan to follow some of the furniture design elements of the mid century modern movement. Mid-century modern furniture design, popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, emphasizes clean…

Modernisme or Minimalism, an Artistic Record Player

[2] Antoni Gaudi’s Basílica de la Sagrada Família Modernisme is the Catalan word for modernism, also known as Catalan Art Nouveau. Architect Antoni Gaudí is credited with founding this aesthetic, and his works can be seen across Barcelona. Some of his most notable creations using this aesthetic include Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Casa…

Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic: Watch Winder and Alternative Aesthetics

After considering different aesthetics and styles that would look good incorporated in my room, I have decided to follow through with the mid-century modern aesthetic. I enjoy the clean lines and the organic shapes that accompany the aesthetic. Using this aesthetic to create my project will create a cool-looking decoration that can help my room’s…

The Vintage Surf Aesthetic & Alternatives

In my upcoming project, I’m excited to delve into creating a custom pressed skateboard deck, drawing inspiration from the intertwined eras of vintage surf and classic skate culture. As mentioned in a previous post, my aim is to capture the essence of a time when these two cultures melded seamlessly together. [Image 1] The vintage…