Professor: Nitzan Cohen Assistants: Ada Keller, Stefania Rigoni
We were presented a range of objects from which I chose a Bialetti moka coffee roaster. We then had a few minutes to take measurements and make sketches before the objects had to be handed in again.
Our task now was to build a model of the object we picked with one of the dimensions being a minimum of one metre. To complete this assignment we had two hours.
After quickly planning and sketching the shapes I needed, I started cutting them out of the cardboard. Since our time to finish the model was limited, it was essential to not lose oneself in details but rather to assess which parts were essential to the object’s function and characteristical look.
For the coffee roaster the most significant aspect was its polygonous shape with eight corners and of course the main functional features to which I narrowed down my cardboard model. Attaching the several pieces together with tape I finished the model within two hours with one slight mistake - forgetting the coffee roaster’s handle. 2 hours model
After getting familiar with the material cardboard it was time for a more complex task. We were asked to choose a minimum of two instruments and combine them into one. The only tricky part was that both of them had to be still theoretically playable and working. And, once again, at least one of the dimensions had to be one metre.
For my two intsruments I chose a bagpipe and an accordion. One main goal for me was, that the accordion’s bellow could actually be moved, so this was the first thing I constructed. The bellow replaced the bagpipe’s bag thus still providing the bag’s air-pressing function and making the instrument theoretically playable. After that, I studied the dimensions and varying texture of the three pipes and rebuilt them piece by piece. After attaching them to the accordion’s bodice I constructed the mouthpiece’s attacement to the body and added the flute-like pipe as well as the holders to the sides. For finishing touches I covered the raw edges with brown tape and added the small knobs into the accordion’s body. Lastly, I also constructed a detachable set of small drums on the side.
Since the accordion’s body is hollow and is connected with the pipes through holes, the air can flow through the instrument when pressing the bellow together and leaves the pipes at the top like in the original instrument.
In relation to our overall topic “everyday” we had to choose a small to middle-sized object we could find in our homes and think of some alterartions we could make to the object and create models.
My chosen object was a soap dispenser. With my variations of the original I wanted to combine different functions, looks and additional uses. The technique we used for the model-making was a way to make the models in an easier manner without losing their ability to show the object’s three-dimensionality.
This was achieved by combining silhouette-like cardboard pieces through slits or cuts so they could easily slide into the corresponding piece.
By using this method I created a variety of models, some with additional holders for other accessories, some with a more playful look and others who could be used for both liquid and hard soap.
Family matters (three different model variations + final model)
left: model of the original right: model with two pumps, can be used by two people at once
Christina
left: model with space for a bar of solid soap right: model can stand or hang, space for bar of solid soap
above:
tube for pumping the soap goes around the body of the dispenser
below:
body of dispender is shaped like a swan, space for solid bar of soap or other supplies on top possible
dispenser with two pumps and compartments, space in the front, compartments can be filled individually with soap, cream, toothpaste, etc.
After finishing the hand-cutted cardboard models we were now asked to build one of the models out of laser-cutted black cardboard which would make the end result more acurate and precise.
First, I rebuild the model of my soap dispenser in the 3D-modelling software Rhino. I did so by already modeling the shapes of the slide-in pieces with the cuts instead of one closed model.
After laying all the pieces flat on the ground with a specific command I imported the file in Adobe Illustrator and re-adjusted the width of the cuts and arranging the pieces in the most material-saving way possible. After they had been cutted the only thing left to do was to assemble them and thus the model was completed.
Black cardboard model (3D drawing + final model)
Black cardboard model (3D drawing + final model)
This assignment demanded more precision and focus on the details: our task was to rebuild an object with sheets of forex as precisely and close to the original as possible. Once again we were presented the box full of different objects from which we had to choose one, but I decided on another object instead - a cutter.
Since the main goal of this assignemnt was precision, I was determined to not only give my model the same look of the original but also mimic its mechanism. Therefore, the first step was to disassemble the cutter to get a look at its various parts and understand the technique behind the moving parts. Since seeing all of the pieces by themselves was very fascinating to me I also decided to build my model in a way, that each part could be removed and looked at individually as well. The moving mechanism of a cutter works with a spring, so I used one that I removed from an old pen. Taking precise measurements of the original soon got tricky when it came to concave and rounded parts but throughout the whole process of rebuilding the individual parts of the cutter, I found a way of making sure, that my model-parts were as precise as possible: I simply integrated them into the original cutter and checked if the mechanism still worked correctly. In the end, the only thing left to do was smooth some edges and put all the pieces together and the working forexcutter was finished.
Out of sheets of aluminum we were asked to build a vase that we modelled in Rhino beforehand. The end result was supposed to be three different digital variations and one real model.
After completing my sketches I started modelling on Rhino. Since the material provides one with the opportunity to play around with geometric shapes I decided to design a vase with a textured surface that had deepenings and elavations created by the different placement and bending of triangular and trapeze shapes.
All the individual shapes were attached to each of with tape on the inside and clear tape on the outside to further stabelize the model.
The assignment based on Matteo Ragni’s “to be us” project was to create a simple wooden vehicle with at least three wheels. Apart from the diameter of the weels and dimensions of the block of wood we were free to design whatever vehicle we wanted.
My first idea for this assignment was to create a locomotive with attachable waggons functioning as a pencil holder. But due to our limited time and capacities I needed to simplify my design. I decided to create an organic shaped vehicle which was also able to hold a pencil or other office objects but could also work as a toy car for children.
After cutting out and sanding all the pieces to create a smooth surface we added the wheels.
To finish off the vehicle’s look I coated the wood with oil which gave it a warmer tone and highlighted the wood’s texture.
Through this assignment all of us quickly got familiar with the machines and work processes of the wood workshop and even those with almost no prior experience are now able to work with wood securely and efficiently.
For our metal assignment we were asked to build a holder made of metal wires for an everyday object. For stability or practicality we could also add metal sheets if necessary but there was no limitation on size for the holder.
The holder I designed can be used for different objects of either bathroom and cosmetic essentials or jewellery.
I wanted to combine practicality with simplicity but also an interesting and aesthetic look. Therefore, I designed my holder with a polygonous outline that frame a setting sun whose rays function as the holders. Additionally, there is a space where other objects can be placed or layed on.
To carry out this assignment I bended the metal wire in the outlines of the polygon, the sun and the little shelf. I then cut off pieces of the wire which would be the rays and the holders. After adding a metal sheet for the base of the little shelf and sanding the pieces, I welded the pieces together.
As a last step the whole object was cleaned with a sandblasting gun to create a shiny and polished surface.
