Assignment Description
- Research the history of wearable extensions, and how it changed throughout the years
- Design Proposal Statement – one paragraph (what are you planning to make based on the conducted research)
Project Proposal:
My objective for this project is to create a functional asset for people. The idea that I want to cultivate is what would be described as a shoulder fabric/ pad/ material, what have you and it has the ability to transform into an umbrella. The reasoning behind this idea is sometimes we forget out umbrella or at times we find it inconvenient to carry one around ( depending on size, weight, and space it takes up. And an issue that I personally have is I sometimes forget to my umbrella. However, if it was attached to be, could be easily concealed/ invisible but at a convenient time I had access, that would be amazing.
The only thing I fear about this project is the construction, materials and what it would take to create it. Although a decent Idea, I also don’t what it would take and how much precious time it would take. But thus far, that’s the best idea I have so far.
Mood Board
Sketches
Research
Through Darwin’s perspective on evaluation ever species has developed the physical characteristic necessary to best survive in the environment in which they have been placed. Birds, Insects, and bats, animals that have all developed wing are no different.
As humans, species trapped to the ground, we peer at the incredible species free to roam in the clouds and fantasize about such a reality. I would be lying if I said I haven’t dreamt of being a flier. I am not only curious about the experiences birds and others are inherently gifted but how they acquired wings and how their physical design bears the fruit of flight.
When it comes to the question of why wings emerged, scientists are conflicted on the “why?”. However, around 150 million years theropods had undergone a drastic shift in physiology. Thus allowing, ” the limbs to serve as airfoils, which in turn may have eventually enabled the first birds to take off and start to fly.” According to the Huffington Post, paleontologist, Hans Larsson believes wings manifested during the existence of dinosaurs.
Through the evidence of fossils, people infer that dinosaurs are the ancestors of birds. Scientist believes that over time environments called for a change in which, ” Longer forelimbs were most likely coupled with a shortening of the hind legs, reducing drag and making it easier for the birds to perch on tree branches.” Evolution is adapting and animals who are fit, survive.
When answering how and why wings came about, I understand that the environment was the catalyst for change. For survival reasons, wings were triggered to develop to allow the species to manage their environment.
Bibliography
Bennett-Smith, Meredith. “How Did Prehistoric Birds Get Their Wings?” HuffPost, HuffPost, 20 Sept. 2013, www.huffpost.com/entry/early-bird-wings-origns-of-flight-mystery_n_3952403.
Than, Ker. “What Is Darwin’s Theory of Evolution?” LiveScience, Purch, 26 Feb. 2018, www.livescience.com/474-controversy-evolution-works.html.
More sketches
prototype
Process Photos
Final Product
Reflection
When given this project, It was pretty easy for me to decide what I wanted to create; I automaticity thought, I will develop wings. When people ask, ” if you could have any superpower, what would it be?” I always answered, to fly, ever since I was a young kid. Instead of creating a functioning “useful” design, I decided to fulfill a repressed fantasy.
To do this, I bought a couple of large chipboards and cut the silhouette of the wings. After that, I took tracing paper and cut around 100 feathers. The tracing paper provided a beautiful touch due to its light, airy appearance and when detailed and layered a great texture. I combined the two different materials through the method of weaving. My last touch was adding straps to the wings so it could be wearable and fulfill its purpose as a body extension piece.
In the end, I am happy with how my product turned out. Although it supposed to be an item for the body, I prefer it on the wall as an art piece. To me seeing this on the wall would be inspirational. Wings represent freedom, light, purity, protection, dreamer and more. I love the happy message that is symbolized through wings. Also, it reminds me of my younger self, and there is some piece of her that I always want to keep so its a reminder to stay pure and child-like.
