2024 SAMUEL BRAID DESIGN PORTFOLIO
CONTENTS WORKSHOP STOOL
1-8
THE TOT CHAIR
9 - 16
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
17 - 24
BOTTLE KILN VASES
25 - 32
STACK SHELVING
33 - 38
OFFCUT CANDLE HOLDERS
39 - 46
The following portfolio showcases six design projects I have produced over the past year. Inspired by British industrial landscapes and influenced by noteworthy landmarks encountered during my design journey, I have transformed these fading scenes into modern homespace settings. This process involves infusing a more ritualistic connection within the objects, having collaborated with local makers to bring these connections to life.
i
ii
INTRODUCTION
WORKSHOP 01STOOL
FEBRUARY 2023
INSPIRED
The visual inspiration originated from observing the skyline in Liverpool, where my gaze was drawn upward. Two prominent structures, namely St John’s Beacon and a water tower from the former Ford factory in Halewood, captured my attention. These structures served as the initial reference points for shaping the silhouette of the workshop stool.
WORKSHOP STOOL
by a collection of discarded items reclaimed from the back of an East London workshop, I looked to repurpose these components to craft a stool, whilst collaborating with nearby manufacturers in the process.
2
WORKSHOP STOOL
simplifying processes to create a playful workshop stool, concealing each join, allowing the stool to flow seamlessly. The split back legs screwing together, giving an illusion of one solid intersecting pipe passing through the wooden seat, allowing the connected wooden parts to rest flush.
WORKSHOP STOOL
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
ZOOMED PRODUCT SHOTS
3
FORM FORM.
4
REAR PRODUCT SHOT ZOOMED PRODUCT SHOTS
WORKSHOP STOOL WORKSHOP STOOL
5 6
SILHOUETTES
OUTDOOR SHOT
SILHOUETTE SILHOUETT z
WORKSHOP STOOL
WORKSHOP STOOL
initially influenced from drawing visual inspiration from landmarks in Liverpool, this is evident when projected from both the front and back of the stool. The solid, straight form is reminiscent of the beacon-like water tower, casting its shadow down onto the ground.
7
8
INTRODUCTION
DECEMBER, 2023
MOTIVATED
to design a chair that complements the workshop stool, I revisited Liverpool, retracing the same path of inspiration. This journey brought me to Matchwork’s old Mersey Match Factory and its distinctive water tower in Garston, Liverpool, and imposing figure presiding over the factory. The main source of inspiration originated from the robust, substantial form of the tower and its four legs descending, supporting the structure high above. I aimed for the chair to possess a sleek yet impactful appearance, capable of harmoniously complementing the workshop stool.
THE TOT CHAIR
THE TOT 02 CHAIR
10
THE TOT CHAIR
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
identical joining techniques as those used in the Workshop Stool, to craft armrests that securely perch, almost appearing to float, atop the underlying pipe. The exaggerated structure of the backrest intersects through the seat, presenting a unified and solid form when viewed from the front, rising prominently from the legs.
THE TOT CHAIR
ZOOMED PRODUCT SHOTS
11
ELEVATED
12
THE TOT CHAIR THE TOT CHAIR
ZOOMED PRODUCT SHOTS
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
13 14
SILHOUETTES
FRIENDLY STRANGER
CASTING
THE TOT CHAIR
THE TOT CHAIR
shadows from the chairs figure plays a crucial role in unveiling elements reminiscent of the Matchworks tower within its design. Transforming its straight lines into more fluid and playful contours, the result was a barrel-like structure, visually accentuating its edges using the seat and armrests to project these features within the shadows behind.
15
16
INTRODUCTION
AUGUST 2023
FOCUSED
on the demolition techniques used to pull down the structures used within old industrial industry in Britain, I delved into the practices of chimney felling and cooling tower demolition, adapting these techniques into a modern home setting. Drawing inspiration from well known steeplejack Fred Dibnah, and a notable cooling tower demolition at Didcot Power Station in 2019. Examining these techniques, I found the excavation of the lower sections particularly intriguing, commencing with workers adding fuel or explosives to these openings, ensuring a controlled and safe collapse of the buildings.
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
DIDCOT n’ 03 DIBNAH
18
comprises of two ceramic parts: a base for incense cones or sticks, and a cylindrical clay chimney. Once ignited, the chimney is placed on the base, visually resembling the opening of the chimney felling process.As the incense extinguishes, the smoke rises through the chimney, funneling the incense scent into the room.
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
EXPLODED VIEW
DIBNAH
DIDCOT
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
consists of three ceramic components: the base accommodates a lit tealight, allowing the main body to sit on top, with candlelight flickering through circular windows. The top piece, filled with a blend of water and essential oil, allows theflame to ascend through the diffuser, heating the solution and emitting a refreshing scent.
19
20
SHADOWY SETTIN’
SHADOWY SETTIN’
INFUSING
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
a more ceremonial signifcance within these structures, collaborating with local ceramic artisans to materialize this connection. Each structure embodies contrasting shadows and glazed surfaces, symbolizing the transition from night to day, blending the warm radiance of light emanating from the windows of each.
21
22
SUNSET SHOT
SUNRISE SHOTS
AWAKENING
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
DIDCOT N’ DIBNAH
a ritualistic element into users’ daily routines, stimulating senses at differing stages of the day, providing a diverse sensory experience with the completion of the process. showcasing this from sunrise to sunset through the following images.
23
24
INTRODUCTION
BOTTLE KILN 04 VASES MAY 2023
DELVING
Inspired by this historical backdrop, I decided to use it as the foundation for designing a collection of ceramic vases. Aiming to replicate the contrasts in shape between the body and neck of the Bottle Kilns, creating a similar effect while experimenting with the structural balance.
BOTTLE KILN VASES
deeper down this industrial path, I explored the ceramic history of Stoke-on-Trent. During my visit to the city, I was especially captivated by the Bottle Kilns, named for their distinctive bottle-shaped ovens used for crafting ceramic products throughout Britain.
26
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
PRODUCT DETAIL SHOTS
BALANCING
BOTTLE KILN VASES
BOTTLE KILN VASES
the forms and shapes of the vases,capturing the essence of the bottle kiln imagery within two distinct yet contrasting forms. Infused with earthy tones, the result is a vibrant decorative set that sits securely, while creating an illusion of potential movement when interacted with. The detailed ridge along the central line, accentuated by a contrasting shadow, serves to highlight the curves of the shapes.
27
28
SHADOW PLAY
SHADOW PLAY
ADAPTING
BOTTLE KILN VASES
29
BOTTLE KILN VASES
the language from prior inspiration, imparting a gentle quality to the templates, allowing an overall sensation to gracefully reach the user. While the substantial forms still project through, there’s a deliberate effort to counterbalance this with softness and a light color scheme. This approach seeks to overlay these powerful shapes, reminiscent of those once prevalent across Britain.
30
ZOOMED IN SCENE SHOTS
FULL IN SCENE SHOT
CONTRASTING
BOTTLE KILN VASES
BOTTLE KILN VASES
against the rigid brick inspiration, experimenting with a more organic shape and function that harmonizes within a contemporary setting. The delicate opening at the top enables the protruding flowers to mirror the shape of the vases shown below.
31
32
INTRODUCTION
OCTOBER 2023
TRAVELLING
across the country by train and observing the dynamic landscapes transitioning from urban to rural, a consistent sight was the battened columned electrification masts flanking the railway. Inspired by these structures proportions, the concept of crafting a shelving unit emerged, transforming these sturdy elements into an organic form while incorporating their bulky support structures. STACK SHELVING
STACK 05 SHELVING
34
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
ZOOMED PRODUCT SHOTS
STACK SHELVING
35
forms a unified structure that spans the entire width of the piece, in contrast to the slender and flowing legs that traverse the shelves. This imparts a nuanced sense of lightness to the overall look of the piece, standing tall in juxtaposition to the compact depth of its form.
STACK SHELVING
STACK STACK
36
ZOOMED SHADOWY SHOT
FULL SHADOWY SHOT
CONCEALED
STACK SHELVING
STACK SHELVING
joining techniques incorporated within the legs creates the illusion of a cohesive form, with the battened support structures serving as both a visual feature and a discreetly functional element to maintain structural stability. The shadows play a contrasting role, softening the tough, rigid appearance and adding a dynamic quality as they dance alongside the balanced subject.
37
38
INTRODUCTION
COALESCE CANDLE 06 HOLDERS DECEMBER 2023
OFFCUTS
These shapes prompted an exploration of the process of coalescence, signifying the union of diverse elements into a singular body or form. Utilizing this concept as a starting point, I embarked on creating a family range of candle holders.
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
left from crafting prototypes for The TOT Chair, sparked inspiration for a candle holder range. Leveraging the contrasting elements evident in these projects, aiming to create a harmonious connection between natural organic forms and raw, inspired backdrops.
40
FULL PRODUCT SHOT
EXPLODED VIEW
COMPRISED
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
41
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
of two contrasting components, these candle holders feature an oiled, rounded oak base paired with two burnished stainless steel legs. The legs are affixed to the base using a welded straight bar and a secured nail, providing a stable platform for the candles. The recessed sections create the illusion that the candles are passing through the base, extending through from the legs.
42
PRODUCT SHOT RANGE
EXPANDED RANGE
COALESCING
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
the forms, from the initial dual candle holder, transformed into a range, extending the original circular design to accommodate three and four candles. Subsequently, it was downsized to craft a complementary singular candle holder, providing the flexibility to be showcasedindividually or together.
43
44
IN SCENE SHOT
IN SCENE RANGE
ILLUMINATING
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
COALESCE CANDLE HOLDERS
the surrounding space,the raised candles ascend above the candle holders, providing contrasts of statures against the thickness of the shallow space underneath the base. This contributes to illuminating a broader
45
46
CONTACT
+447931267623 sambraid.design@gmail.com