DESIGN NAME: Contra
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Vessels
INSPIRATION: I wanted to design a product based on bringing the outdoor experience indoors through materials and processes.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Contra vessels aims to bring the outdoor experience indoors through the use of materials colours and texture. The set is constructed with a base of zebrano wood or alabaster that represents the randomness of nature’s beauty, with a ceramic resin composite representing the comfort of the indoors by filling the cracks and imperfections.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The products interaction lies in the the differentiation of materials. The look and feel of the two materials are different and create a sense of contrast. The materials also represent both indoor and out door qualities
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was started January 2014 using the facilities of Nottingham Trent University. The project was realised in May 2014.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The product was made by first turning a base material (zebrano/alabster) and then I would make a feature of the object where it was cracked or deformed. This included carving a pattern or cracking the object more. The resultant cracks and gaps where filled with a ceramic resin composite to complete the peice
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Carafe : HXW 180mm x 120mm
Small mug : 60mm x 50mm
Large mug : 90mm x70mm
TAGS: Contrast, Resin, Alabaster, Zebrano, Exotic
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: The manifesto for this project was bringing the outdoor environment indoors through the use of materials. I conducted my research through focus and peer groups setting up regular sessions where the subjects could interact with outdoor materials I viewed the emotional impact that each material gave them. The materials used where stone pebbles wood sticks metal cans
From these sessions I was able to narrow my research down as the subjects liked the wood and stone samples, wood as it provided a sense of warmth and homeliness and stone because of its smooth feel.
The decision to add a ceramic resin composite was added , due to a sense of contrast needed in the work I wanted an two opposing materials to be together in the pieces without the need of glue. As ceramic and stone or wood have not been bonded I mixed ground don porcelain with a resin substance to add to the work
CHALLENGE: The obstacles that I overcame were finding the right materials that invoked a positive response from the user group and made them think of the outdoors.
ADDED DATE: 2014-07-28 06:00:35
TEAM MEMBERS (1) : Bem Robinson
IMAGE CREDITS: All images produced by Yasmin Ensor and edited by Bem Robinson
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