Well it (this adventure) all started back in October 2009 with a latte, and fittingly it ended in the same way! Le moment de vérité arrived today when we presented our three finished designs at the 2009 NSC Design of Future Products with Advanced Engineering Technologies Conference at NTUST. For all our faithfull readers, it is our pleasure to share our designs with you…enjoy!
Motheaten™ (top image)
Society places strong emphasis on the health, energy and future of our habitat; and since governments have taken measures, such as the phasing out of incadescent lightbulbs, in the aim of encouraging more energy efficient lighting like compact flurorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED lights, the classic incandescent glass lightbulb has begun to take on a new significance and charm; and in the same way that moths have an inexplicable attraction to bright lights, hence the expression "like a moth to the flame", individuals are now attracted to this once commonplace household object. Exploiting the decorative potential of lace and its delicate threads and bio-inspiration as direction for form development, this design tells the story of the amalgamation of culture, nature and technology where these extremes co-exist. The moths and their survival instinct, along with the cultural tradition of lacemaking have made a pact to survive in the same way that the classic incandescent lightbulb will continue to glow long after their carbon filaments have been banished.
Disintegration™ (middle image)
'Memento mori,' a Latin phrase, with a tradition in art dating back to antiquity, is translated as 'Remember you must die;' it also names a genre of art that varys widely, but all of which share a similar purpose: to remind individuals about their own mortality. Disintegration is the irreversibility of components breaking into small fragments and biodegradation is the chemical breakdown of materials by a physiological environment. These 3 diverse elements underscore the conceptual thinking behind Disintegration™. Navigating between materials experimentation with lace and lighting, this piece, infused by the natural world, explores the poetic and emotional aspects of our often dehumanised interiors. And, in this era where almost anything, is only a few 'clicks' away, the unique immediacy of an object along with its multi-sensory properties gain renewed importance, and become cherished for its idiosyncrasies.
CamelliaDrape™ (bottom image)
Phenomenon found in nature combine many inspiring properties such as sophistication, miniaturisation, hierarchical organisations, hybridation and adaptability. The camellia, a seductively large bloom with its quasi-geometric shape and near perfect petals have afforded design directions, where a multiplicity of oversized elements, combined with a geometric system are united to create a 'leaf wall' that is also a piece of installation art. CamelliaDrape™ goes full bloom with its extra large proportions, and the collection of layered modular units, arranged to form a curtain represent a design philosophy where art meets functionality. Because the units are modular they can be constructed and grown to any size required for a space. Drapery in some form, is an intergral part of interior decoration, especially with habitats being very multi-functional, therefore CamelliaDrape™ will provide an intriguing focal point in any space whether formatted vertically or horizontally.
2009 NSC Design of Future Products with Advanced Engineering Technologies Conference Imagebank+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
