P H A S E 1
Project Description:
“Even though we are living in large and crowded cities, it seems we are losing the sense of face to human interaction and rely mostly on social media outlets. In this final project, students will work in groups of three or four and will be responsible for designing a light installation-art, which will allow human interaction with each other and the surrounding space.
The methodology of the structure: Thinking about how you can produce small components that come together to form something that is larger than the sum of its parts. Students will research Biomimicry and constructed habitat in nature. How the ecological approach is related to design.How the structure and materials in nature and used by animals/insects.
- Explore the ideas of how this installation helps a social interaction
- How light influence our mood and our surrounding.
- How can this installation enhance the senses: touch, sound, smell, viewing, etc?”
Roles:
- Ali:
- In charge of own piece (Construction, Development, Material Selection)
- Lighting Assembly
- Research
- What are light installations/art installations? Examples from the design and art world, and what is special about these examples?
- Grace:
- In charge of own piece (Construction, Development, Material Selection)
- Styling Shots
- Research
- Any particular group?
- Space?
- Location?
- Simran:
- In charge of own piece (Construction, Development, Material Selection)
- Lighting Assembly
- Research
- What is a chandelier?
- Look into the history or Eastern and Western evolution of lighting, what is the difference in the use?
- What materials or applications were used?
Timeline:
April 20th
- Moodboard
- Timeline
- Concept (general)
April 22nd
- Finalize concept
- Begin sketching out in more detail
- Talk to professor about concept
April 24th
- Begin working on individual parts
April 29th
- Continue working
May 1st
- Continue working
May 6th
- Continue working
May 8th
- Continue working
- “Dress rehearsal” of final pieces
May 13th
- Project ready to present
Research:
What is a chandelier? Look into the history or Eastern and Western evolution of lighting, what is the difference in the use? What materials or applications were used?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a chandelier as “a branched, decorative lighting fixture that holds a number of bulbs or candles and is suspended from a ceiling.”
The earliest candle chandeliers were used by the wealthy in medieval times; this type of chandelier could be moved to different rooms. From the 15th century, more complex forms of chandeliers, based on ring or crown designs, became popular decorative features in palaces and homes of nobility, clergy and merchants. Their high cost made chandeliers symbols of luxury and status.
Toward the end of the 20th century, chandeliers were often used as decorative focal points for rooms, and often did not illuminate.
What are light installations/art installations? Examples from the design and art world, and what is special about these examples?
Light and/or art installation are a form of design and art where space (be it a room, cliff side, etc.) is utilized to communicate an idea and or fulfill a service. This idea could be to reconstruct an experience or feeling, but it can also be used to utilize different techniques in order to manipulate space in a new way. Some examples include work from Yayoi Kusama, Jacob Hashimoto as well as Kirsten Hassenfeld.
Yayoi Kusama, born in Japan, moved to New York in 1957. Engaging in the city’s avant-garde scene inspired Kusama’s work which went on to tackle installation work, sculpting, etc. Her signature work is not one piece per se but of her use of polka dots. Primarily in black, but other colors as well, Kusama transforms a blank object or space into one of wonder and movement. One of her works that stands out to us is the 2009 installation piece “Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity.” Atypical fo her main work, it holds true to her style through the heavy use of detail. Regardless, the work utilizes mirrors and light to construct a room that actually does not exist. The effect it has on the audience is a form of being overwhelmed or taken over.
Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, Yayoi Kusama, 2009.
Sky Columns, Jacob Hashimoto, 2013.
Having graduated from numerous arts institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design, Kirsten Hassenfeld has developed a distinctive style that utilizes polygonal shapes to construction light installations. These light installations manipulate light through their shapes and colors to light up as if they were gems. One recent body of work is “Cabin Fever” where the artist used recycled paper to construct her pieces. The various paper color and textures give rise to a diverse range of shapes and colors where the light passes through.
Cabin Fever, Kirsten Hassenfeld, 2012.
Whom you are designing this installation for? Any particular group? Space? Location?
Inspired by color therapy, we aimed to design three night lights to aid those in need of sleep. These night lights will be put or hung in their bedrooms and to create a calm atmosphere.
Color therapy is an alternative therapy that uses colors and frequencies to heal physical and emotional problems. The goal of color therapy is to correct physiological and psychological imbalances. For instance, if you’re stressed, color therapy can help soothe you so that you can regain your psychological balance. If you’re depressed, color therapy can be used to invigorate you and give you increased energy.
We all chose a color that can heal ourselves to start that project. Pink, purple and blue are our chosen colors.
Citations:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6603/How-Light-Therapy-Can-Help-Your-Mood.html
http://jacobhashimoto.com/selected-exhibitions/schauwerk-sindelfingen-2013/
http://www.kirstenhassenfeld.com/recent
http://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/biography/index.html
https://www.networx.com/article/what-is-a-chandelier
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.412.7403&rep=rep1&type=pdf
http://www.dreamgate.com/dream/hoss/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297510/
Moodboard:
Brainstorm:
Brainstorm of Materials
Brainstorm of Color
Free Sketching of Concepts
P H A S E 2
Concept Sketches:
Initial Concepts
Finalized Design:
Rapid Sketch Models & Mock-Up:
P H A S E 3
Important Update:
Along with the creation of this project, I found that my idea changed subtly over time. The newest rendition of the idea is that the lantern-like structure to be hanging rather than standing as this would be more cohesive with the other two pieces. Furthermore, I found that the piece also resembles an onion. Onions have many layers and are considered to have the biology similar to a flower with a bulb in the center and “leaves” that surround it. As I was already creating a piece with layers of plastic, I thought that these two concepts could meld together very well. I have also altered the shape to better mimic an onion. This is the element that connects my piece to the natural world.
Citations:
https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/plants/printouts/bulbanatomy.shtml
Orthographic Projection:
PDF Link: S&M_P3_Orthographic_Projection
Process of Final Piece:
Individual Styling Shot:
Individual Product Shot:
Group Product Shot:
Group Stylish Shot:
Branding:
As for branding, I came up with the logo that highlights our chosen name “Bulbs,” which is a pun on the bulb of a flower and a light bulb. Furthermore, there is a flower with a glowing center that highlights nature meets technology concept. This was created after the completion of the project and therefore is based on where we took our ideas rather than from where it originally started.
Our Logo
Our powerpoint presentation followed the colors and tones of our branding, opening up with the logo itself. Below is a link to the power point.
Link: S&M – Project #3 – Group Light Instillation
Reflection:
Throughout this entire project, I found it difficult to talk to my group members. Communication was a large barrier in that neither seemed to want to communicate in the beginning, however, over time it gradually got better. We did communicate more and discuss how we felt about moving forward in the project, but I could not help but think that things were left unsaid. Nonetheless, my group members and I worked with one another well and no other difficulties arose.
As for the construction of the piece and how it ended up looking, I am content with it. There are definitely places where I can develop it further.
Our critique mentioned that our pieces could have been more cohesive if I translated the frills and texture the other two pieces had into mine. I find this to be a valid point as the texture I did create almost met that texture. I remember our professor mentioning something similar where I went and altered the second layer of the piece to give it ripples; this edit, though, did not suffice. One suggestion was to show the layers more as if an onion had been taken apart at the point but left attached at the base, similar to a lotus flower. I liked this idea and could definitely see it developing into a very soothing and beautiful night light.
Moreover, another comment was that the form of the piece was a little obvious as it was round and onions are round. If I had played with the form a bit more as well as the texture it would have turned out a lot more interesting and in line with the rest of the pieces. Some more concepts that I have for the final drawing can be seen below.
In broader terms, I found that this project really tested my stamina and commitment. Being the last final of the year, it was difficult to give the project the time that it needed while also trying to complete other projects simultaneously; however, it only needed one simple technique to avoid complete paralysis of enormity – The Pomodoro Technique. A recognized form of studying, I found it to be useful with anything one has to do. Set the timer to 25 minutes and work. After 25 minutes are over set the timer again for 5 and relax, check your phone, stretch, etc. Then, repeat from the beginning. This technique ensures focus and drive.
In my case, I could have started using this technique earlier and it would have remedied some of the issues I was having. Nonetheless, things worked out.
