INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
INDN211
Project 1 Communicative Products
Due Monday 11th May 2020 - 40%
Josie Taggart
THE TASK:
You are to create a small enclosure that uses the fundamental design elements of form, surface, material and texture to express and symbolise, through visual language, the values and meaning of one of the following themes:
1. Strands of fibre from Stephanie Kwolek bullet-proof material invented in 1966
2. A piece of moon dust from The Apollo 11 mission 1969
3. A tip of a tool that Ralph Hotere might have used for one of his paintings from his Black Paintings series 1968 and 1969
4. A fragment of a sketch from Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano’s competition entry for the Centre Pompidou 1973
5. A seed for the Svalbard Global Seed Vault 2008
6. A piece of thread from Alexander McQueen’s Plato's Atlantis collection 2010
7.An aglet from Eliud Kipchoge’s AlphaFLY running shoe 12 October 2019
8. An LED bulb from Olafur Eliasson Escaped light landscape,2020
Your design must communicate explicitly which theme it relates to; however you should be careful not to create a simplistic or stereo-typical object. The selection of material/s and their visual quality will help to add specificity and depth to your interpretation.
The total volume of your enclosure must not exceed 200 cubic centimetres or 200000 cubic millimetres.
I have chosen to explore the value and meaning of A piece of thread from Alexander McQueen’s Plato's Atlantis collection 2010. This theme appealed to me because I have an existing interest in the fashion industry. I have previously done a mini research project on Alexander McQueen in a different course and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to continue and further my exploration. I will divide my project into 4 different phases:
1. INITAL RESEARCH
2. RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
3. IDEATION
4. DEVELOPMENT
5. RENDERING
6. FINAL DESIGN
PHASE 1 INITIAL RESEARCH
INITIAL RESEARCH
PLATO’S ATLANTIS - Spring/Summer 2010 - Paris 6 October 2009
McQueen’s final runway presentation was widely acclaimed as his finest collection. Fittingly, he returned to what inspired him most: nature. McQueen merged Darwin’s nineteenth-century theories of evolution with twenty-first-century concerns over global warming. Plato’s Atlantis – a reference to the legendary island described by the Greek philosopher, which sank into the sea – prophesied a future world in which ice caps would melt, seas would rise, and humanity would need to evolve in order to survive. It was pure fantasy.
This time McQueen delivered his models as an androgynous army of other-worldly beings –human-animal-alien hybrids. Two cameras on giant robotic arms moved along the catwalk, scrutinising these specimens and projecting their images onto a white-tiled backdrop that resembled a clinical laboratory. Model Raquel Zimmermann appeared on an LED screen, writhing in sand and covered by vibrantly coloured snakes.
As evolution advanced and each model charted the progression from life on land to life under the sea, their features changed. Hair was either plaited tight to the head in mounds or sculpted into fin-like peaks, while the contours of models’ faces were distorted with prosthetic enhancements, both features connoting biological adaptation. Colours and textures shifted with the transition from species to species. Camouflage prints of roses, and jacquards depicting moths in green and brown tones, referenced life above the sea; amphibious snake prints suggested a transition to water; and designs in blues and purples incorporated images of ocean creatures, such as stingrays and jellyfish. Here McQueen perfected the use of digital printing techniques with each design engineered specifically for individual garments.
McQueen developed a host of new shapes, tailored to mimic marine features: pronounced hips and shoulders gave way to amorphous forms; a fluted miniskirt resembled the folds of a jellyfish; puffed sleeves were folded and pleated to connote gills.
McQueen broke new ground not only with his superlative collection but also through its multi-media presentation. In collaboration with photographer and web publisher Nick Knight, the show was the first to be streamed live over the Internet, enabling an interactive dialogue between fashion and technology.
INITIAL RESEARCH MOOD BOARD
Research Questions:
- Who is Alexander McQueen?
- What does 3D modelling look like?
- What does the Plato Atlantis collection look like?
- How can textures be applied to 3D models?
Research Findings: to gather a broad understanding of what elements make my project for assignment 1, I took to pintrest with the 4 questions above in mind. These were the first questions I wanted to have answers to before continuing with my project. From pintrest, these were the photos that answered my questions. To explain, Alexander McQueen was a famous and influential Haute Cotoure clothing designer and passed away in 2010. His Plato Atlantis collection was his final collection before he died and was inspired by the ocean and some reptiles. With no significant experience of 3D modelling, pintrest showed me that pretty much anything can be 3D printed these days, from shoes, vases, glasses and jewellery. Texture can also be created on 3D printed surfaces that can create a really effective outcome.
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN + PLATO ATLANTIS RESEARCH
Lee Alexander McQueen was a British fashion designer admired by experts and fans alike for his fantastical and dramatic dresses. He also designed equally remarkable shoes and bags that made his name one of the most recognisable both in fashion and art. Aside from his creations, he was known for his unapologetic attitude towards his unconventional background and appearance, breaking the mould of a conventional designer.
- McQueen was the youngest of six children who grew up in a council flat in London’s East End. His mother was a social sciences teacher and his father was a taxi driver.
- For this reason, McQueen called himself the “pink sheep” of the family.
- After dropping out of high school, McQueen found work on Savile Row creating made-to-order suits. He worked for the tailors Anderson and Shepard, then Gives and Hawkes.
- After design school and before launching his own label, he moved to women’s clothing. He became the head designer for Louis Vuitton’s Givenchy fashion line.
- McQueen’s pieces are famous for their violent and grotesque elements, as well as their dark romantic themes. His entire first collection, inspired by Jack the Ripper, was bought by famous fashion director and stylist Isabella Blow.
- McQueen was found dead one day before his mother’s funeral. Three years previously, Isabella took her own life, McQueen describing it as “the most valuable thing I learnt in fashion”.
- He reportedly left £50,000 to his dogs and £100,000 each to four charities, two of which are for animal welfare.
SUMMARY OF ALEXANDER MCQUEEN RESEARCH
- He came from a working class family and the youngest of 6 children
- He came out as gay at a young age
- McQueen was known for his his unapologetic attitude towards his unconventional background and appearance
McQueen essentially broke the mould of a conventional designer.
- McQueen created some revolutionary designs that changed the fashion industry forever
- McQueen experienced issues with mental health for much of his life
SUMMARY OF PLATO ATLANTIS RESEARCH
- PLATO’S ATLANTIS was Alexander McQueens final runways collection before taking his own life 5 months later.
- Collection was inspired by Darwin’s nineteenth-century theories of evolution with twenty-first-century concerns over global warming.
- He presented his models as an army of other-worldly beings ands human-animal-alien hybrids
- He used distortion and prosthetics effects and enhancements with his models
roses, moths in green and brown tones were a reference to life above the sea, amphibious snake prints
- transition to water was suggested by designs in blues and purples which incorporated images of ocean creatures, such as stingrays and jellyfish
- He incorporated an interactive dialogue between fashion and technology
PLATO ATLANTIS DESIGN RESEARCH
Research Questions:
- What colours were consistently used in the collection?
- What textures were used in the collection?
- What shapes were consistently used in the collection?
- What interesting design features were consistently used in the collection?
Research findings: I used pintrest to understand the designs in the Plato Atlantis collection. I decided that researching and collecting a range of images would allow me to highlight the consistent colours, patterns, shapes and designs that were used. This way, I gain a better idea of the types of shapes and patterns to manipulate into the design for my 3D enclosure. This will allow me to successfully represent the theme of Plato Atlantis through the shape of the final model.
I will now use these shapes and patterns to sketch out some initial design ideas on paper. I will see how I can manipulate some of the different design features from the mood board above into potential shapes to use in my 3D model.
DESIGN FEATURE SKETCH EXPLORATION
In this sketch exploration, I have tried to manipulate shapes and features from the mood board above of the Plato Atlantis collection. I have taken shapes from those images and exaggerated them into initial sketches. This has been beneficial as I can start to see what shapes will be more effective to use in my 3D model. Some shapes, when exaggerated, became too simple or too complex. I will now continue my research to see what other design features are consistent in Alexander McQueens work, not just in this collection. I will also play around with more sketching ideas, seeing how different shapes combine or look in a repeated pattern. I also need to look into how I could incorporate a thread, and a space to enclose it into the designs.
HOW CAN A THREAD BE 'ENCLOSED' RESEARCH?
The purpose of this assignment is to create an enclosure for a piece of thread from McQueen's Plato Atlantis collection. But how do you 'enclose' a thread? I needed to research the idea of enclosing a thread as previously I have just thought of thread as something you sew with. I want to research how other people have creatively enclosed threads to get inspiration for my design. I will look at pintrest for ideas and record my findings.
Research Questions:
- How is thread stored?
- Thread storage ideas
- Creative ways to store thread
- Thread exhibits
- What is the definition of an enclosure?
Research Findings: After conducting research into thread on pintrest, I found that thread can be stored traditionally, around a cylinder wheel that is fit for a sewing machine, in a ball shape, or creatively between 2 points to create thread art. Thread needs to be kept neatly to avoid tangling. The definition of enclosure is 'an area that is surrounded by a barrier'. Since I have to completely surround the thread to meet the enclosure criteria, is there a way I could still make the effective threat art visible in my design? Eg. Could I make my enclosure out of a see-through material so I could still have the thread visible. This could make my 3D model more of an exhibition piece - which would be fitting considering many of McQueens garments are displayed in exhibitions already. This will be something that I need to consider and develop in the design development of my 3D model.
Before getting ahead of my own abilities, I need to familiarise myself with the CAD software Fusion 360.
FUSION 360 TUTORIALS
I am new to the industrial design programme so I had to get familiar with Fusion 360 software to begin creating models. I spent 2 weeks going through these tutorials on youtube and learning all of the features of the programme. These tutorials were very helpful and I now feel more confident in my modelling ability for this project.
CONTEXT
PHASE 2 - RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
Research questions:
- How can I find out more about McQueen's life
- How can I found out about any underlying design ideas across all of McQueens work
- How can I find any consistent design ideas or patterns in McQueens collections
- How can I find out more about the ideas behind the Plato Atlantis collection?
Research Answers: The 2018 McQueen documentary gave me all the answers I wanted and more! The Documentary explores Lee's (McQueens first name) life from when he left home as a teenager, up until he took his own life in 2010. I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary, it was fascinating and gave me a whole new outlook on Lee himself and the designs he produced. Some consistent ideas were his outrageous, dark and emotional ideas and themes that seemed to stem into all of his personal collections. As a designer, he was always associated with a skull icon that he often incorporated into his work. This became almost a trademark symbol of his.
I also gained a deeper understanding of the significance of the Plato Atlantis collection, most importantly that McQueen planned and knew that this collection would be his last before he took his own life. McQueens's connection with the ocean and animals in the Plato Atlantis collection became clear, he admired the peace and calmness and clarity of the ocean, something he couldn't find within himself while dealing with his dark internal conflicts.
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
Alexander McQueen:
- Alexander McQueen had many internal conflicts
- He coped with his dark internal conflict by expressing them in his collections, often emotional and uncomfortable for the audience to watch
- McQueen had very little money to begin his career which meant he often up-cycled unusual materials and turned them into runway masterpieces
- His work was commonly acknowledged as dark, powerful, emotional and revolutionary
- McQueens signature icon was a skull
- Although his final collection was full of bright and vibrant colours and patterns, this collection had the darkest and most depressing meaning behind it of all his shows.
Plato Atlantis Collection:
- During the turn in design industry into more graphic and printed patterns
- The ocean was where McQueen found peace and serenity in himself
- Bright and powerful colours that would leave a lasting impression
- Expressed his emotional connection with the ocean in his final collection to signify that he will be finding peace within himself with death
- Signified that this last collection would be where he would find peace
- PLATO’S ATLANTIS is a reference to an island which sank into the sea which predicted a future in which humanity would need to evolve to survive when the ice caps melt and the sea began to rise - McQueen might have been symbolising that he was also melting into the ocean with this idea, he was melting into the ocean as this meant he could find peace with his internal conflicts.
RESEARCH INTO THE MCQUEEN SKULL ICON
After learning about the significance of the skull to McQueen and his designs, I decided I should research the ideas behind the skull and see if there was any connection between the skull and McQueens dark internal conflicts he faced for majority of his life. I will research the significance and symbolism of the skull to McQueen but also to the rest of the world.
SKULL SYMBOLISIM AROUND THE WORLD:
- Often a sign of death
- Negative spirituality associated with the skull symbol
- Protection symbol from spirits or demons
- Universally recognised symbol
- Strong religious connotations
- Earliest symbology of the skull can be traced back to the Hindus over 5000 decades ago
- Symbolises serious internal conflict / depression
SKULL SIGNIFICANCE AND SYMBOLISIM TO MCQUEEN:
- symbolised his strong connection with death
- symbolised his dark internal conflict
- use it to symbolise his internal emotions
- used it as communication to those close to him that were dead
- symbolised his fragility and mortality he faced for much of his life
- the consistent use of a skull in his work suggested that he found some solace in the idea of a skull and death
- external expression of what he felt internally
- McQueen saw the beauty in a skull
https://303magazine.com/2012/10/fashion-fridays-skull-crazy/ https://www.girvin.com/a-love-of-the-skull-alexander-mcqueen/
HOW DID MCQUEEN USE THE SKULL ICON:
- McQueen incorporated the skull in majority of his work and became a design that people associated with him as a designer
- the skull became McQueens icon in the design world
- McQueen would incorporate skull patterns in his work, often repeated in different directions printed on fabric
- He would abstract and skew skull forms into headpieces for models to wear on the catwalk
- If not using a simple skull shape, he would often abstract the shape or use the colours associated with a skull consistently in his work (black, white, red)
HOW IS A SKULL SIGNIFICANT IN PLATO ATLANTIS:
Since McQueen purposefully planned for Plato's Atlantis to be his final collection before taking his own life, his connection with the symbolism of the skull symbol was at its greatest. Although the simple shape of a skull wasn't as prominent in this collection - the underlying connotations were at their strongest. McQueen essentially embodied a skull during this collection, he was extremely fragile, emotional, mentally unwell and had accepted that this was his time to leave the world and experience death. It seemed that he had found solace and relief in the idea of death by this point in time.
After conducting this research, I think it is important to include an element of the skull into my final design. It was the icon and shape that was most strongly associated with McQueen and his work, so it would be fitting to an include an element of the skull into my design too. I will need to explore how I could abstract the skull shape, or the bones of the skull to ensure I am not including a sterotypical shape in my design - as mentioned in the brief. I would like to sketch some quick ideas of how a skull could be abstracted to see if the element of a skull in my final design will be successful idea or not.
Before abstracting the skull on paper, I turned to pintrest to gain some ideas around abstracting this shape.
ABSTRACTING A SKULL RESEARCH
Research questions:
- How have people abstracted this shape in the past?
- What shapes could be added to a skull shape?
- What are the prominent shapes in a skull?
- What are the prominent features in a skull?
Research findings: After exploring pintrest for skulls, I discovered many different ways people have abstracted the shape. There was effective combining of the skull or just features of the skull, with other shapes, this looked really effective. There was different shapes, elements, colours and patterns used in the range of abstractions above. I think the designs where there was less of the distinct skull features (eyes, nose, mouth) used, were the most effective. I will now try use some of these ideas and abstract the skull on paper.
ABSTRACT SKULL SKETCHES
Sketching reflection: I like the sketches without all of the main features in a skull present. I think when the eyes, nose and mouth feature is used in a sketch, it looks too sterotypical. I think I need to continue abstracting these shapes, using less elements and features of the skull, maybe singular bones from the skull and start combining them with features from the Plato Atlantis collection.
PHASE 3 - IDEATION
IDEATION SKETCHES
In phases 1 and 2, I conducted diverse research into McQueens life and fashion collections, imparticular the Plato Atlantis collection. I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for his work and could depict the consistent ideas and designs in his work. To begin ideating CAD models, I have sketched out, a range of ideas to base my CAD models off. These sketches are all inspired by the previous research ideas and images from phase 1 & 2. I have incorporated similar shapes and pattern that McQueen has used in the Plato Atlantis collection such as repetition, scale like, skull shapes and marine inspired patterns. I also tried to incorporate some of the ideas discussed around McQueens emotional life, using geometry to signify the sharp and hard parts of his life. I have used the twisting sketches to represent the change and revolution in his life, coming from a working class family to becoming one of the most successful fashion designers in the industry. I will use and combine different elements from these sketches to begin ideating my CAD models.
I plan on designing my CAD models to be presented in an exhibition style context. This seems like the most realistic context to place them in as majority of McQueens pieces are now stored in exhibits since he passed. This also fits with Haute Couture, the style of fashion he designed for, that are seen as pieces of art rather than clothing. Haute Couture clothing is more often shown in exhibits than being worn on the body.
CAD MODEL IDEATION
The first step of ideation for this project is to create 5 CAD models. I am using Fusion 360 to create my models and will create a range using the research ideas above. After creating 5 models I am satisfied with, I will begin to develop my ideas and narrow my final design down to 3 models.
CAD MODEL 1
For this model, I abstracted the outline shape of the skull to create the circular shape for the body of the model. I manipulated this shape and made it more organic looking. I then combined the ruffle and scale pattern from the Plato Atlantis collection to make a texture on the top surface of the body. I also manipulated the shape of the skull on the outside of the shape, in order to make it more organic and flow better with the ruffle and scale texture on the top. I have created a glass tube running through the middle of the model for the thread to be placed in. This is an exhibition inspired model, with the glass tube being the only 360 enclosure around the thread. This way, people can view the thread from all angles.
Context for CAD 1: This design was created to represent how McQueens internal conflicts create and shape his external successes in the fashion industry. This hollow inside of the design, represents the emptiness McQueen talked about feeling that lead to his dark, emotional and difficult internal conflicts. The tube on the inside, where the thread is enclosed, symbolises how the ideas for his collections, like Plato Atlantis, come from these internal conflicts. In contrast, the outside, is solid, with peaks that form a pattern and is shaped organically. This represents McQueens solid and powerful career, that had many peaks in the form of successes, which changed and evolved considerably over his life.
Development ideas for CAD 1:
- Manipulate the glass tube for the thread to be more organic eg. add curvature or could it go around the model somehow?
- Continue the scale/ruffle texture down the sides of the model more
- Exaggerate the texture, make the bumps higher
- Make the edges of the model softer/smoother
- Try out different surface finishes
CAD MODEL 2
For this model, I utilised the same twisting nature from the ideation sketches I had done to create this organic and hollow model. This model begins with a hexagonal base and twisting towards the triangular point on one side of the model. The twisted edges are smooth creating a very organic form. However, the angles at which each hexagonal sections twist on, are not uniform on purpose. This creates a more interesting and uneasy looking model - which is inspired by McQueens same approach to his clothing collections, creating an uneasy feeling for people looking at his collections. The inside is hollow for the thread to be placed in. The lid on the model is see-through so that the thread can be seen.
Context for CAD 2: This design symbolises the way McQueen's work created a fashion revolution in the industry. As mentioned, McQueen's work was very bold, often designing to express darkness rather than beauty like other fashion designers. McQueens was dark and emotional which contrasted to the elegance that many other fashion designers strived for. McQueen showed the industry that dark can be beautiful and emotions are powerful. His work changed the industry forever, which is represented by the twist in this design.
Development ideas for CAD 2:
- Try to create more twist through the middle of the model
- Try incorporating a texture onto some of the hexagonal panels twisting through the middle of the model
- Hollow out the triangle point
- Find a way to attach the thread near to the top of the model so it can be seen more easily
- Try adding a design feature to the see-through section of the model. Attract more attention here so people know to look inside, from the top, to see the thread.
CAD MODEL 3
In this model, I have combined the features from the sketches in the bottom 2 images on the left, to design the top half of the model, with this layers and scattered design. The top 2 sketches on the left inspired a more simple design approach for the bottom of the model. There is a cylinder running down the middle of the model where the thread is enclosed. There is a hole in the top and the cylinder is see-through so that the thread can be seen through the top half of the model. The pattern creates significant contrast in the design, similar to the contrasting ideas McQueen expressed in his work.
Context for CAD 3: This model represents McQueens inspiration from Darwins theory of evolution in designing the Plato Atlantis collection. In this model, the patterned, top half of the model represents the diverse landscape on earth. The solid bottom half of the model represents global warming, slowly rising oceans, CO2 levels and compromising earths ecosystem. The solid area is slowly overtaking earth and causing damage.
Development ideas for CAD 3:
- Develop the simple circle shape into more of a skull shaped form
- Make the cylinder a more organic shape, make it fit with the rest of the model more effectively
- Increase the number, in the circular pattern going around the top of the circle
- Try changing the shapes that create the circular pattern
- Try adding a texture onto the bottom half of the model
CAD MODEL 4
In this model, I have manipulated a similar layered or wavy pattern from the ideation sketches into a shell surrounding a rectangular block which is enclosing the thread. This model is very similar to my ideation sketch, the first top image on the left side. The pattern is effective and makes the simple shape more interesting. There is a subtle twist in the outer model too, inspired by the top image on the left. The thread it enclose in the inner rectangle part of the model, but cannot be seen from the outside. The inner rectangle is an opaque material meaning the enclosure must be opened in order to see the thread. The pattern is smooth to touch, similar to thick scales on a marine animal.
Design narrative for CAD 4: This enclosure also represents McQueens internal conflicts versus his external successes. The solid centre represents the strong and solid conflict and emotions McQueen constantly dealt with, which occurred even before his career in the fashion industry, hence the length of the inner rectangle is longer than the outer layer. The outer layer represents his career in the fashion industry, successful and always changing. His internal conflicts, represented by the solid middle, are the inspiration for his career hence the solid inner and wavy outer layer representing his work.
Development ideas for CAD 4:
- Make the middle block a more organic shape.
- Create less contrast between the inner and outer shape.
- Could the outer model extend to be the same length as the inner model?
- Try incorporating more colours from the Plato Atlantis collection (blues and greens) into the outer model to make it appear more 'marine like'
- Make the model more organic and connected
CAD MODEL 5
In this model, I have revolved a sketch outline from a skull to create the circular shape in this model. I have incorporated a twist and ruffle like texture, inspired by the sketches, into the sphere in the middle of the model and also subtly twisted the base of the model to make it more organic looking, and similar to a skull. The thread is enclosed in the sphere shape, and this is made from a see-through material so the thread can be seen from the outside. The bottom of the model is holding the sphere up, to make viewing the thread easier. This model has been created to be viewed in an exhibit.
Design narrative for CAD 5: This model is inspired by McQueens iconic skull icon he became associated with in the design industry. McQueen saw beauty in the skull and related to it. He used it in many of his collections often abstracting parts of it into his designs. This model has been abstracted from the shape of the skull, using rounded shapes. The 2 models together represents McQueens close connection with the skull.
Development ideas for CAD 5:
- Make the bottom of the model, more organic looking, less of a holder for the sphere and more connected like 1 model
- Create more twist in the sphere
- Have more view of the bottom of the sphere
- Consider adding a texture onto the sphere
- Consider the colour and pattern for the bottom shape of the model
PHASE 4 - DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENT 1
After ideating 5 concept enclosures to hold the McQueen thread, I need to begin developing these designs to make them more successful. Under each concept, I reflected and wrote down different strategies or features I could edit, evolve and advance. I will now apply these comments to my designs and develop each concept.
CAD MODEL 1 - Development 1
To develop this model, I have extended the texture on the top surface, right down to the side of the model. Originally this texture was just on the top/flat portion of the outer layer. By extending this texture I have made the whole model look more connected and considered. I have extended the texture towards the highest point of the model but stopped it here also. This creates some contrast and means the model is not overwhelmed by the thick texture. In terms of the narrative, this helps build the idea of contrast between McQueens internal conflicts and external successes. I have also removed the tube from the inner section of the model, as it looked disconnected, and incorporated a see through area into the top right face of the model. This area has been cut out with sides closing it in to contain the thread. The walls are see through so the thread can still be seen, so the exhibition idea for this model is still achieved.
Development ideas:
- Consider the middle area that is open. How could I make this space more interesting and considered?
- Alter the shape of the new see-through section for the thread to make it fit better with the shape of the model on both sides.
- Could I incorporate a similar texture onto the inside faces of the model?
- Should the see-through section be sticking out the sides or fit into the original models shape?
CAD MODEL 2 - Development 1
In developing this model, I have kept a very similar organic shape in the body and made changes to the top face of the model. Originally the top face looked disconnected from the rest of the model as it was flat with minimal shape. I attempted to create an interesting pattern and texture, as McQueen did in the Plato Atlantis collection, by using triangles inspired by the overall shape of the original model. I have raised each triangle, to create a lid on-top of the model. The size of the triangles is random but they fit into the top face of the model nicely. The lid is designed to be see through so they thread can still be seen. The interesting design on the top face draws attention to this area making it easier to view the thread too.
Development ideas:
- Consider the middle area that is open. How could I make this space more interesting and considered?
- Alter the shape of the new see-through section for the thread to make it fit better with the shape of the model on both sides.
- Could I incorporate a similar texture onto the inside faces of the model?
- Should the see-through section be sticking out the sides or fit into the original models shape?
CAD MODEL 3 - Development 1
I have developed this model by removing the solid body on the bottom half of the model and replacing it with the pattern on the top half. This means it is just the pattern making up the sphere shape. The shape of the model has remained the same, however I have developed a cylinder shape around the tube running vertically from the top to the bottom of the sphere. This cylinder is to ensure there is some solid material holding the model together and to create contrast against the sparse pattern around the outer layer. The thread is still enclosed in the vertical tube and can be viewed from the top of the sphere.
Development ideas:
- continue developing the inner shapes in the model, make them more coherent with the outer layer of the model
- try changing the shape of the rectangles that make up there pattern
- try alternating shapes in the outer pattern
- consider how the inside and outer layers are connected
CAD MODEL 4 - Development 1
I have developed this model by extending the outer textured layer of the model. By extending this layer, I have made the model more interesting to look at. I have also chosen to twist the top section of the outer layer, to create a bottle-neck like feature to show where to look to view the thread. This also draws the viewers eye to the top before moving down the model, where as before it was hard to tell which end of the model was the top or bottom. This development reinforces the idea behind this model that McQueens strong and powerful internal conflicts gave inspiration for his work, which lead to many achievements in the fashion industry. By increasing the height of this model, I am showing the range of the achievements that McQueen had and how they pushed him to the top of the fashion industry, becoming one of the most successful in history.
Development ideas:
- Consider how I could make the inner shape more interesting
- Consider how the inner and outer layers connect
- Consider the material of the inner shape
- How could I incorporate more twist into the outer layer?
CAD MODEL 5 - Development 1
I have developed this model by sectioning the shape surrounding the sphere, into a pattern like formation. This pattern is made out of the shape surrounding the sphere in the original model. This has made the model more interesting and means it is easier to view into the sphere where the thread is held. This new model creates an effective pattern, makes the model look more interesting and creates a unique shadow when under lights. The sphere has been rotated slightly more to create more texture, however the material of the sphere is see through so the thread can be seen. I think his development has made the model look more McQueen inspired and is more reflective of similar patterns and textures used in the Plato Atlantis collection.
Developments:
- Consider how the sphere and outer layer connect
- Try designing a model/shape to go into the sphere to make the thread easily viewable from the outside. To ensure it isn't lost at the bottom of the model
- Try closing off the bottom of the model
- Try developing or altering the shape that makes up the outer layer pattern to be more organic
DEVELOPMENT 2
The next phase of development requires choosing 2 of the CAD models above and developing them into high quality final designs for rendering. I have chosen models 1 and 2 to develop as I think they both have the most potential to become successful forms that enclose a thread. These models also have a stronger narrative and connection to the Alexander McQueen theme.
CAD 1 - DEVELOPMENT 2
I have developed this model by continuing the texture on the top surface, down and across the whole back face of the model. Originally this back side was a flat surface and did not add value to the model. To develop the pattern, that represents the McQueen theme, I decided to continue it onto the side of the model. I think it is effective and creates a good contrast between the back side and the front side that does not have a pattern on it. I wonder if I could continue this pattern around the whole model or if it will become too much? I have removed the small see through area in the top corner of the model, where I had originally planned to enclose the thread. However, I have removed this and need to reconsider where I can incorporate this in the model. I think the open middle area of the model would be a great place to incorporate the thread, just need to figure out an effective way to do so.
CAD 2 - DEVELOPMENT 2
When looking over this model, I decided that the triangular pattern on the top face of the model did not represent the theme well enough. McQueen does use abstract patterns, but he does not typically use geometric triangles. I decided this was making the model hard to understand and the theme wasn't clear without context. I want to make this model represent the McQueen theme in and out of context so I decided to incorporate a texture/pattern from the Plato Atlantis collection. This abstract animal print, almost scale like, was seen across most of his garments in the collection. Therefore, there is an easy connection between this texture and McQueen. I have added this texture just to the solid face on the top of the model and kept the rest of the face see-through to see the thread. However, I think I could incorporate this texture further on the top face to make the pattern look more coherent and connected to the rest of the model.
CAD 2 - DEVELOPMENT 3
I have developed this model further by extending the texture across the whole top face of the model. This makes the design look more coherent, connected and McQueen inspired. I have purposefully made the texture abstract as McQueens point of difference, in the Plato Atlantis collection especially, was his ability to abstract a pattern into interesting textures and prints and express them in his clothing collections. I think it looks more effective being abstract rather than uniform. It also ties in with the body of the model that is also abstract and organic.
PHASE 4 - RENDERING
For this final stage of this project I must create high-quality renders of the concept and developed models I have created. The brief entails 5 rendered concepts and 2 high-quality renders of the final models. In order to render consistently, I am going to first explore the type of McQueen inspired textures and colours that I might include in my renders. This way I will not spend time trying to choose colours when rendering, instead I will have a clear colour scheme before I start. I looked on pinterest for textures and colours from, or similar to, those in the Plato Atlantis collection. This way, viewers will be able to dictate what theme my model was inspired by, just from looking at it.
These were the final texture and colours I decided to render with. There is a consistent metallic colour scheme, often contrasting to darker colours. I will begin by rendering with a gold/yellow metallic colour and a dark grey or blue to contrast. I plan to try and include some of the multicolour metallic colouring into my final high-quality render. In terms of texture, there is consistent animal pattern, almost scale like. I have already used this texture in some of my concept models so I will continue to include this into my renders where it is suitable.
CAD MODEL CONCEPT RENDERS
CAD DEVELOPMENT RENDERS
I then showed how I had developed my 2 chosen models that I would render to a high quality. Before showing the high quality render, I thought it was important to show how I had developed the models and the design decisions that were made in order to produce the final model. I showed the development by rendering 3 key stages in the models development. In my presentation, I will explain why I made these development decisions as I have above.
I chose CAD model 1 & 2 as the designs that I would develop into my finals due to their strong narrative and cohesive shape that I thought well represented the theme. These were the 3 major stages of development for each model and I have laid them out next to each-other to represent this. This shows how the textures and shape has changed in each model. The final model will be most similar to the right hand images, which are the most developed to date. I plan on making some minor changes to the models and in the renders to produce the highest quality final models possible.
FINAL MODELS REFINEMENT
I have continued developing my two chosen models. For the model on the left, I have added colour and played around with creating a metallic effect on the texture. I have kept the front side a solid colour and made the area enclosing the thread transparent so it can be seen. However, I would like to develop the colours on the outside a bit more, try different colour schemes and darken the material enclosing the thread so it is more obvious on the model but still able to see the thread.
For the model on the right I have kept a consistent gold theme, I have accentuated the twist in the model by adding a texture to the edges of the model. I have also made the inside of the model a textured surface to bring attention to the centre where the thread is enclosed. The top lid is a transparent material and not able to be seen very well. If I choose to develop this model, I would like to experiment with more colours and a more obvious lid colour for the top face of the model.
PHASE 4 - FINAL MODEL
FINAL MODEL
After deliberating which of my final 2 models I would select to be my final, I chose this model as my best option. From the beginning, this has been my favourite model in terms of its connection to the precedent. I also like how unique it is but also how well it conveys a similar texture and pattern to the Plato Atlantis collection. I also decided that this model, if printed would look and be more successful than my other option. Before creating my final renders, I finalised my design and made some minor adjustments to the shape and size of the texture in areas. I am now happy with my model and ready to create my final high quality renders.
With these high quality renders, I focused on angle and lighting to render the best areas of my final design. I am very happy with how they have turned out and believe they capture the true form of the model. I have also included some important close up renders to show the textures in the model. In my final presentation I plan on incorporating one of these renders into a real scene, onto an exhibit pedestal or glass box.
FINAL CAD MODEL IN CONTEXT
REFLECTION
On reflection of this project, I am proud of what I have managed to achieve given the current circumstances of working from home and being my first ever industrial design project. I really enjoyed the research aspect of this project and was fascinated by McQueens life and fashion collections. It was challenging to begin with but after many tutorials, I learnt my way around Fusion 360 and enjoyed getting creative making CAD models. I also pleasantly surprised myself with the models I came up with and how they related back to the precedent. I liked pushing my designs in the development phase and pushing my skills too. I enjoyed rendering my model most in this project. Being able to turn the CAD model into a realistic form is rewarding and playing around with different materials, colours and textures is interesting. I have learnt a-lot in this project and look forward to using these skills in the future.
