Our second project had two main components. First, we were to make a series of expanding and collapsing systems that involved a stationary object, a starting, and a stopping point. (Something like an umbrella or sliding door). The second was to make a garment that connected or disconnected the wearer from others. The garment had to be worn comfortably and allow the expanding or collapsing mechanism to move without issue.
After making the first few systems, I decided on the armadillo shape, as it reminded me of shoulder pads. From there, I thought of the idea to create spikes that would jut out when the armadillo was unveiled. After creating the two shoulder pads and spikes in the chip board, however, I realized I needed something to stabilize the armor on the body. From there I made a front and back cape on the prototype.
When making the final model, I used about a yard of aluminum sheet metal. In this process, I found that I could not make the springs in a way that they would stay standing down. I drilled two holes in the metal to hold the spring, but it would unravel. After adding the spikes inside the shoulder pads, I found that they would not jump out unless they were placed closer to the outside, in which I found they would not close. I gave up on that idea, but realized I also needed Velcro to hold the armor close to the body. The metal that I was using was not heavy enough to sit comfortably on the body and I measured it to a person with a smaller frame than myself.
With regards to the theme of unconnected and connectedness, I wanted to create spikes that looked elegant yet gave a regal, lethal impression. With the leftover metal from the creation of the armadillo shape, I made overlapping leaf shapes and bent them outwards as a decorative element. I added the same leaf pattern to the cape on the back and Velcro connectors. The front and back pieces were created with curves and sharp edges for a feminine touch.
The final piece was photographed open, closed, and with a detail.
I planned for my final conceptual photo to be in Grand Central Station and to have my model stand still as people walked around, showing unconnectedness as others continued with their own business. However, the final conceptual photos were taken in Union Square station and we found that it connected us with more people as some stopped to ask us about the project and wait until we were done photographing.
