DESIGN NAME: Fountain Ring
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Wearable fountain parts
INSPIRATION: In the kitchen, we can see that tap water creates a thin and transparent membrane when it strikes the surface of the spoon. The shape of the water membrane resembles a heart, because the spoon handle divides the water flow. Then, there is dry area beneath the water membrane where my hand will not become wet. Atelier OPA observed this phenomenon and designed the water membrane in new shapes, such as a butterfly or a spider. Fountain ring reminds us of the beauty, wonder and importance of water.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Fountain ring is a sliver ring that functions as a portable fountain. Butterfly and spider models are available. When running water hits butterfly ring, an elegant water membrane and two antennae appear on the back of the hand. When water is poured into spider ring, an abdomen, antennae and eight long streams of water fly in all directions. Fountain ring can be used anywhere and at any time. While a user washes his or her hands, draws a bath or plays in the pool, he or she can enjoy his or her own fountain.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The purpose of a fountain ring is to enjoy playing with water. When running water strikes a butterfly ring at a rate of 0.3 liters per 10 seconds, the column of water turns into a butterfly-shape with a diameter of about 11 cm. Under the same condition, a spider ring creates a fountain that is 25 cm in diameter. However, once we know the function of these rings, even if we are not using water, the shapes of the ring will remind us of the butterfly or a spider.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project was launched on August 19th of 2015 at a Japanese crowd funding site, Motion Gallery. It soon became a popular big topic and was reported on the best-known portal news sites and TV programs. On October 16th, it achieved 115% of its goal with 38 collectors. Then, we revised the stated prices from 30,000 yen (about 242 EUR) and offered the rings on our websites. The Fountain ring is selected not only as a playful jewelry item, but also as a romantic gift for birthdays, engagements and weddings in Japan and other countries.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Fountain Ring was developed by the use of a rapid prototyping technique. The 3D model is printed in wax. Then, the wax model is cast in silver and polished by an artisan. These silver rings are available with metal plating: rhodium, gold, rose gold, gray and black. In addition, fastening a jewel to the center of the surface is an option. A diamond, blue diamond or ruby may be selected. For the inside of the ring, laser engraving of text is also available.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Butterfly Small Ring: height 1.1 cm., depth 2.8 cm., width 2.2 cm., weight 12 g.
Butterfly Regular Ring: height 1.1 cm., depth 3.3 cm., width 2.5 cm., weight 13 g.
Spider Small Ring: height 0.6 cm., depth 2.2 cm., width 2.3 cm., weight 13 g.
Spider Regular Ring: height 0.6 cm., depth 2.6 cm., width 2.7 cm., weight 15 g.
TAGS: jewelry, silver, accessory, water, fashion, fountain, butterfly, spider, ring
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Sugihara has researched water membranes since 1994 and built large temporary fountains 11 times until 2009. The purpose was to share the feeling with participants of being under water. However in view of the need to conserve energy, save water and adopt sustainable designs, luxury fountains are out-of-date. Therefore, OPA developed Fountain ring, a personal fountain with tap water instead a need for a pump. It reminds users of the importance of water in a modern, charming and sustainable way.
CHALLENGE: An artist and PhD, Sugihara has researched water membranes from viewpoints of art, design and engineering. We have built water dome, 11 times between 1999 and 2009. The large temporary dome used 13 tons of water. Its purpose was to share the feeling with participants of being under water. However, in view of the need to conserve energy, save water and adopt sustainable designs, luxury fountains are out-of-date. Therefore, we developed Fountain ring, a personal fountain with tap water instead a need for a pump.
ADDED DATE: 2016-02-26 21:53:00
TEAM MEMBERS (4) : Artist: Yuki Sugihara, Designer: Munetaka Isikawa, Architect: Toshihiko Suzuki and Marketing and customer care: Bianca Isnardi
IMAGE CREDITS: Atelier OPA Co., Ltd., 2015.
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: USA design patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 29/532248, 2015
USA design Patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 29/532250, 2015
EU design patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 002730333-0001, 2015
EU design patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 002730333-0002, 2015
China design patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 201530218242.3, 2015
China patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 201520701522.4, 2015
Japan utility model patented. ATELIER OPA Co. Ltd. No. 2015-5490, 2015
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