indn241ljd

[indn241ljd]

Final Model and Video

I took photos that display both the visual and tactile wonder that my form creates. Visual being the fact that something very hard - like concrete - does not look so, and the glowing effect another aspect one would not normally associate with concrete. The tactile wonder shown is when the top piece is touched it moves which is unexpected. I tried to display both of these aspects in my video aswell.

In my video I tried to incorporate the original context or inspiration of my cushions form - the 70s vintage aesthetic. I did this through the use of an orange rug.

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Electrical Components and Springs

To create the light coming from under neath the cushion I made a circuit with a push button, some batteries and a strong LED light which I got off of the end of a torch.

I attached springs to the four corners of the top piece.

The springs had to be tall enough to support the piece above the push button when there was no pressure on it.

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Painting and Finishing

I made beading to go around the edge as well as a centre button to add a retro detail to the form.

I tried a number of different mustard colours which were influences from fabric used on furniture in the 60s and 70s. I also used a chocolate brown for the beading. In the end I settled on a lemon yellow.

Because the optic fibres were not working as well as I had hoped, I decided to add some glow in the dark paint to create a similar effect. I found this quite fitting as the pillow would normally used at night time anyway - the pillow still lights up around the edges when pressed.

I finished off the model with a coat of matte varnish to keep the paint looking nice.

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Optic Fibres

To install the optic fibres into the top piece I drilled individual holes 1mm in diameter. Now looking back it may have been a better idea to set the concrete with the optic fibres inside, as they did not end up working as well as I would have hoped.

Refilling any cracks that were created by the drilling.

I made an mdf base for this part to give it extra support.

Threading through the optic fibres - this proved to be very time consuming, I kept doing it wrong as well which meant I had to do it several times.

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Final Model

I decided that it would be easier to make my cushion using plastic ziplock bags, luckily I found one that was the exact dimensions I required. (30*30cm)

I mixed up some concrete mortar mix and filled the bag, using string and weights to create the ripples fabric texture I wanted.

Once semi dry I took the mold out of the plastic and carved away at the centre to create a cavity where I would place the optic fibres.

To stabilize the base I glued it onto an acrylic sheet to give it extra strength.

At the same time I made the top piece in a smaller ziplock bag.

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Creating the Final Model - fail

Initially I tried to create my mold with polystyrene. I cut the polystyrene into blocks to form the basic shape of my pillow then covered it in plastic bag to create the fabric texture.

This ended up failing as before it had the change to dry the concrete (because it is so heavy) pushed the walls of the mold away and unstuck them.

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Final Model Development and Sketches

I explored and sketched out some possible details that I could make using concrete - finally I decided on small balls that will go around the edge of the cushion, almost a fraying effect.

After discussing further with my tutor I wanted there to be more of a visual impact as apposed to the tactile wonder. I thought that it would be a great idea to make the concrete light up or glow somehow. I looked at the possible use of optic fibres and incorporated them into my final sketch.

[indn241ljd]

Experimentation

I also experimented t see what it would be like to create a type of concrete fabric. I did this by evenly spreading the concrete onto a fabric surface - however I would say that the results were unsuccessful as the concrete would crumble as soon as it was bent.

By doing this I have enforced the concept I want to portray of a moving or flexible concrete. As can be seen in my sketch developments there will be two parts to my pillow a solid base - and a top part which ‘jiggles’ when pressure is applied.

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Concrete

After practising with concrete a bit. I found that the perfect consistency to ensure the dried concrete is strong and does not crack is paste like and cuts into flat plains. 

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Reinforcing Techniques

Mesh

Mesh is widely used as a concrete reinforcement. To accomplish this I will use sheets of chicken wire set into the mold.

I decided that a mesh frame would probably be the best solution to support the concrete.

I experimented with this and it went well, the scale model did not crack.

I experimented with the form a bit creating this bent looking pillow, however I found that it was too thin in parts and because it did not have any reinforcing it cracked easily.

Rods

Steel rods are also commonly used as a reinforcement for concrete. To achieve this I will cut steel rods to a length determined by the mold and set them into the casting as it is setting.

Fibre

Fibre, in particular natural fibres are a traditional way of reinforcing hard materials. These could include leaves, sticks etc.

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-Fiber-reinforced-concrete-and-steel-reinforced-concrete

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Concrete Casting

[indn241ljd]

First Experimentation

Casting with concrete.

In order to create a cushion-like surface texture I used fabric as a mould.

I initially want to give the cushion a vintage vibe. 

I thought a good way about this would be to add upholstery buttons onto the cushion.

I may also look at different forms for my base - looking at the couches below their edges have tapered effects.

Initially I have tried to create the dips in the cushions by threading beads into the fabric and supporting them as the concrete sets into shape.

Results

The technique to get the desired effect works well I think, however it has cracked apart when I removed it from the Mould. Dylan has suggested that I use some sort of concrete reinforcing to prevent this. I will look at doing this in my future experiments - either metal wire reinforcing or fibre.

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Plan

I have decided to use the medium concrete.

At this point I want to create a ‘pillow-like’ form that contrasts the soft looking texture of a cushion, with the hard cold textile concrete.

To create textile wonder - there will be two seperate concrete parts, the base will enclose elastic/bungy chords that will suspend the ‘cushion’.

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Project Three - Designed Wonder

Create a uniquely designed object that physically supports a whole or part of a human body and, more importantly, entails visual and tactile wonder by exploiting various design elements purposefully.

I have explored a few different materials that I could use for this project.

- Concrete

- Macrame

- Weaving

- Using macrame, a wall that becomes seating when it is leaned in to by someone.

- Concrete sheets layered up to form a chair that breaks away/erodes over time.

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Presentation

Context: Fast Fashion, the materials that I have created offer an alternative to a leather like material without using animal products or plastics. It can be made with a variety of natural, earthy colours, and when out of fashion, can be returned to its original sedimentary form and put back on the beach. This bag also offers sustainable design.

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Photography

I decided to take contextual photographs at the same beach where I collected the rocks.

In this way the bag can be seen doing a full cycle, of coming from rocks collected on the beach, being made into a bag, being used, and then when out of fashion being put back onto the beach as sediment.

I also took some detail shots.

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Putting the bag together

This step was quite difficult, I learnt that stitching together panels of rock was very HARD. 

I was unable to create a form of thread using the rock, so I used black wax thread which I thought contrasted nicely with the red colour.

Heating up the panels made them more malleable and easier to handle.

I punched holes in each side of the panels where the stitches would go and then, using these tied each part together.

The edging on the panels was rough and not pleasing to the eye. It was also contributing to slight cracks along the edge. When the material gets cold it becomes quite brittle.

To solve this issue I mixed some Mod podge with black colouring and painted along the edges to replicate the waxy edge surface seen in some high quality bags.

After sewing the panels together, I attached the base with more of the glue mix and left to dry for a few hours.

I wanted to make the bag have a high quality aesthetic so I decided to make a lining for it. I attached this lining as the side panels were drying, again with the glue mix.

I attached straps to the buckles and then attached them onto the sides of the bag.