Project 1 - Week 1 & 2

We spent the first two weeks of the 3D pathway working on the project title of ‘Fixtures and Fittings Included’ this project lasted for 6 days over the two weeks. The aims of the project were to use and evaluate research and sampling techniques effectively, to explore all creative possibilities of materials enabling us to make something which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, to develop drawing techniques when designing 3D objects and to become proficient in sourcing and obtaining different materials. The description of the project explained that most objects, buildings and spaces are often made up from components joined together in a multitude of ways. The brief also outlined that fixings and fixtures can be used in a variety of ways, whether that be functional uses or aesthetic, decorative uses. When carrying out this project, we were told to consider the colour of the adhesive we use to fix different materials together as this can also be an important feature to the final product. The first part of the project was to carry out research, therefore sourcing and recording existing joining techniques used in objects and buildings that are made up from more than one component and also how some of these are joined to other objects. I therefore decided to capture photographs of my surroundings within my household and outside to develop these images into sketches, experimenting with taking apart the subject of the image and fixing it back together somehow. 

We then carried out sampling techniques by gathering a variety of materials provided and joining these materials together in many different ways, from this I began planning what I would make as my final object. I decided to look into the simple concept of a cup holder and see how I could make the object using both unconventional materials and unconventional ways of joining these materials. Firstly I came up with various ideas based on my original designs, looking into unique and simplistic designs and the concept and design attributes of stacking material together to create structures that could function as storage. There was no real aim when coming up with my first abstract piece, however once the object was completed I found it to obtain the function of storing certain objects like CDs, plates or other disk-like objects. This was due to the objects almost biological design replicating somewhat a spinal cord with a central cylindrical pillar, supporting and sprouting the other, thinner spines. Therefore this structure influenced me to create a product that was to involve a form of storage or follow the function of holding something, using a similar design method of multiple individual pieces of a certain material being joined together to create a single structurally integral object. From my initial research and ideas I had hoped to create a product that functions as a cup holder as well as a coaster, that can be used almost anywhere. Conventionally, I decided that cup holders are mainly to be found in cars, however when designing the product I didn't want for my cup holder/ coaster to be just found in a car, instead to be used in various places such as on a work desk or table. Although some people questioned this concept as cup holders weren't usually to be found on table tops, mainly just the use of coasters, however I decided that due people regularly knocking over a drink onto a table which causes many problems, especially if important papers are also present on the same table top, I felt that I could resolve this by the design of my product, as it would hold the can or cup firmly in place, preventing any possible spillages. I wanted to achieve a product that looked both stylish and aesthetically pleasing as it was to be sat on a tabletop or car and would therefore be in the view of many people. Also as the product was not always going to be in use, I made sure the product was made to look like a stand alone sculpture that also fulfilled a purpose. 

Once I had completed my personal aims and I had come up with a plan for my final design of this project, I went on to research the dimensions of an average sized soda can so that I knew what size to model my cup holder prototype for, however the final product was made to be fully adjustable ensuring it could hold any size cup, can or bottle. Whilst carrying the research for this project, I took inspiration from a uniquely designed bench by Remy & Veenhuizen due to the fact that I appreciated the particular design aesthetically, as well as structurally and therefore wanted to apply this design to my own product. The bench was designed for a high school in Zoetemeer, Netherlands, to be used outdoors and to give the students their own escape area. It was made from a wooden material stacked into a random geometric shape which I felt created a unique, yet interesting form. By taking inspiration from this research and applying it to my own work, I felt that not only will it have made my product look appealing but it would also mean the overall object would be more environmentally friendly, as less materials were needed compared to if i chose to make a solid wooden piece. I also decided that the arrangement of the structure would add strength to the structural integrity so that my product could withhold the weight of various drinks.

My final design prototype was produced using strips of cardboard that I cut out arranged in a criss-cross formation and then fixed together using glue to create a single, simple yet effective and functional structure. I also attached a flat piece of cardboard to the bottom of the structure to act as a coaster and to protect the can when in use with the cup holder. I feel that the overall product I came up with was successful and fulfilled the aims I set out for it to, I was also pleased with the final aesthetics of the cup holder as it looked stylish yet carried enough strength to withhold its function.