Part A
We used a wide variety of materials in this project from plastic hose pipe, aluminum pipe, aluminum sheet, aluminum mesh etc. to create forms. A bunch of techniques were used on each material to create a new exploration like using scissors, hacksaw, hammer etc.
Each technique was explored in a different way on the material, giving a new result every time.
Struggles and Learnings
With every technique, there was a new learning. For ex. while using a hacksaw for the first time, there was a struggle in understanding the technique and angle in which the results would be neat. After using it for several times, I finally understood the right angle and areas of pressure to achieve the desired results.
The area of force was larger in aluminum pipe compared to a plastic water pipe. The different types of hacksaw blades gave different results on the pipes. The Hacksaw with thinner blades that were placed close to each other, gave less kerf than a hacksaw with bigger blades.
Another area of struggle for me was to design the laser cutting model digitally. It required a lot of precision to get the measurements correct, so that the slits fit right into each other.
This could only be done with patience and trial and error. Before taking out the final pieces of laser, I took out 1 to see if it fits perfectly.
As a design student, this project has been very helpful as a base for me understand different types of material and what works best for it in order to achieve a desired result.
After visiting the laser cutting site for the final outcome, I came to know a lot of other things that are done with the technique of laser cutting in mass production.
I also realized how details and precision is very important for this technique.
Creative tools or thinking tools & techniques
I used thinking tools like SCAMPER in this project. After exploring the material, in order to make a form I tried eliminating, combining materials to get a wide variety of forms.
For eg, while using a plastic hose pipe, I combined an aluminum wire and tied it.
Part B - Concept Note
The idea behind my final form was to show the concept of being 'protected'. I decided to put aluminum mesh inside the final form as the material is pointy and harmful and needs to be handled with care. The MDF used on the outside acts as a cage to the aluminum mesh and keeps it trapped inside, keeping the outsider protected.
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