PLASTER PLANES
PROTOTYPING ● RESEARCH ● VISUAL DESIGN ● RENDERING ● ILLUSTRATION
More details on skills
Bowl designed for decorative houseware inspired by paper folded geometries
1 month independent project at MIT, Spring 2018, Cambridge, MA, USA
CONTEXT
The aim of this project was to develop a unique process to design and create a bowl. My product inspiration was focused on iconic pieces from brands such as Alessi and Georg Jensen. I wanted to achieve the same level of elegance and creativity exhibited in their pieces.
Alessi Blow Up Bowl
Georg Jensen Crash Tray
Alessi Mediterraneo Bowl
Georg Jensen Triple Cobra Tray
Alessi Stanza Bowl
Georg Jensen Cobra Tray
CONCEPT RESEARCH
I was also inspired by the geometries and patterns of paper folding sculptures. I looked into 2D and 3D folded geometries from artists such as Richard Sweeney and MIT's Professor Erik Demaine.
Richard Sweeney paper folded sculpture
Erik Demaine paper folded sculpture
Matt Shlian paper folded sculpture
I wanted to recreate the geometric, repeating, contours and patterns for my vessel design. I started by folding my own pieces to understand how to make and manipulate different contours and geometries.
Drawing measurement guides
Folding construction lines
Folding construction lines
Final paper folded pattern
PROTOTYPING PROCESS
I chose plaster as my prototyping medium. I wanted to capture the folded geometries in vessel form by pouring plaster over the folded patterns.
Wrap around effect
Plaster and paper mould setup
Pouring plaster over paper mould
Pouring plaster over paper mould
Final plaster piece
CONCEPTUAL PROTOTYPE
I repeatedly experimented with pouring plaster over folded paper. I tried different patterns of folds and plaster consistencies to better understand the medium and process. Due to the fluid nature of the plaster, each creation had a striking contrast between the organic shape of the poured outline and the crispness of the folded lines.
Once I had a better understanding of the material and method, I started developing pieces that were concaved mimicking a bowl shape. I had to iterate significantly to find the right pouring technique and plaster consistency to achieve something that was aesthetically beautiful.
PROCESS
I developed illustrations to show the creation process and the intended use. Here, the conceptual material portrayed is plaster, however in practice the material would need to be a stronger material to withstand holding dry objects and everyday handling, and a potentially a non-porous material for use with liquid substances.
1. Flat paper
2. Folded paper
3. Orientate paper
4. Pour plaster over paper
5. Cover paper in plaster
6. Let plaster dry
7. Peel paper off
8. Final plaster piece
Plaster piece holding liquid
Plaster piece pouring liquid
PRODUCT CONCEPT
After developing several prototypes, I created a CAD model based on the general form of the plaster prototypes. I explored several options for the orientation and material depending on how the vessel is used as decorative houseware.
FINAL RENDERING
I created a conceptual rendering in Keyshot of the 3D model as a polished stainless steel fruit bowl as inspired by the metallic abstract designs from Alessi and Georg Jensen
