LUNAR PHASED LUMINAIRE
IESNYC Lighting Competition submission, Lunar Phased exhibits the lunar cycles of light that reflect sunlight toward all life on earth.
Materials: recycled rope, amate bark, string, plywood
The story behind Lunar Phased: The moon, our great celestial body amongst the stars, undergoes a cyclical process that illuminates different surface faces elegantly for nature. Invariably orbiting in circles of light, the sun’s delicate touch gives us a radiating glimpse of a bright night sky. The cycles of the moon, we’re blessed by its shine. With the sun as our nucleus, it allows earth to glow and grow. The raw, yet complex making of life would never persevere without the impact of lunar cycles.
To represent this cycle, I created laser-cut plywood shapes of the full, half, and crescent moons. Using a string-weaving technique, I transformed each moon into a dreamcatcher. This symbolizes the spiritual continuities often distinguished with the lunar cycle. Descending below are amate bark pieces, which personify the vulnerability of nature and life on earth. An omni-directional amber bulb allows for the reflection of these moons to be seen. Enveloped in a yellow dreamcatcher, this bulb imitates the shine of our sun. Its luminosity allows for the overall fixture to replicate the phase changes of the moon.
WAVE TRAY
Models, Mockups, Prototypes final project
Materials: mdf handmade mold, plywood, red-oak veneer
The wave tray is an impractical and unique formation of a typical flat-surface tray. I created the form with an MDF mold that took most of the labor. Next, I soaked 3 sheets of plywood to vacuum seal for 2 hours. Once it was bent, it dried quickly. The last step was to plane it down and glue veneer for a nice finish. It’s decorative facade makes it such a delicate centerpiece that could instill beauty anywhere.
The subtle finish of the red-oak wood doesn’t make the piece appear overwhelming. It accentuates the loud curvatures formed by the piece. The mold allows for this piece to be mass-manufactured with the same forms and any plywood veneer combination.
FLIPPING TABLEBAG
Design Studio 2 final project
Materials: acrylic boards, PLA plastic, wire, faux leather, insulators
This product transforms into a 30 inch-long extended table and folds in on itself into a 12 inch-wide carry-on bag. The interior contains 2 insulation bags that come in layers. They are attached with velcro and can be detached and made flat when emptied. This makes it easier to flip the bag over when it’s fully extended. The straps of the bag are faux leather from recycled old purses. The faces of the bag are layered acrylic pieces laser cut into rectangles. The hinges are 3D printed PLA plastic held together by 18 gauge wire.
It’s small enough and planar making it suitable as a side table to rest food on top of. And the insulation makes it perfect for on the go food and maintaining cold or warm temperatures. It can withhold 100lbs.
RIETVELD CHAIR
Models, Mockups, Prototypes project
Materials: plywood, basswood dowels, toothpicks
This redesign of the Rietveld Chair is a minature verson of the real display by Gerrit Rietveld. The original consists of primary colors and flat surfaces. I decided to laser cut flower patterns on the base of the chair to alter the style. For the color scheme, I went for a monochromatic color scheme of dark and light blues. For another effect, I added quick touches of faded white to give the illusion of clouds. This simply began as a chair redesign, but then I became inspired to make it a comfortable furniture piece of my pet leopard gecko, Pringle. With my gecko in mind, I used pink foam to create a comfy cushion with white cotton fabric pinned into it. The original is more modernized while my concept has a fantastical connotation tied to it.
KITTY BANK
Entrepreneurial Making project
Materials: chipboard, velvet fabric, red cardstock
Who says black cats only bring bad luck? This kitty bank contains mini empty red envelopes that are versatile in use. From storing rainy day money to love letters, or being a centerpiece for good luck money on Lunar New Year, possibilities come from the creative mind of the user. The black velvet fabric was a really great element that added a stark contrast from the red envelopes. Since my partner requested something useful to Lunar New Year, my group-mate said to make larger envelopes that look similar to typical ones given on the holiday. And the money slot should be widened so that the updated envelope fits. The bottom of the bank is meant to dispose the bank and take whatever is inside out. I made it too small, so my group mate suggested I made it a slider that opens from left to right. The bank itself, because of the inexpensive book board, but slightly expensive fabric, it’ll cost $20. The total market price for this product is $22. Overall, I believe I delivered something the consumer loved because it caters to Lunar New Year and allows for money to be kept in it very safely. And the texture allowed for me to maintain what they wanted form the start, which was something black, cat shaped and minimalist.
BASKET CASE
Entrepreneurial Making project
Materials: up-cycled fabrics, foam core, buttons
This is inspired by Parsons School of Design’s infamous black tote bag. I chose to make it larger and more suitable for students to store their laptop and materials.
Professors and other staff members could find them useful as well. And I wouldn’t heavily add the school logo, I would add the mascot artfully onto the bag. It’s important that this product is not only beneficial to on campus students, but also commuters and even staff members. Everyone in college typically carries around laptops.
Universities make students rely on a technological device for note taking and accessibility to resources. And these fragile appliances aren’t easy to carry without protection. And since this school is avidly hands on learning, we’re always carrying physical projects and supplies to work.
My product will consist of a pocket for stationary supplies and large space within the thick bag to carry all your stuff. We tend to carry a lot of stuff. And there's a built in laptop case, so that you'll always subconsciously reach for your laptop and not forget it.
MIRROR, MIRROR
Making Meaningful Things project
Materials: wire, charms, plastic mirror
It is through art and jewelry that I gain confidence and see the beauty in myself. The choice to create an ornamental mirror exhibits daintiness and fragility that, in actuality, empowers a person when looking into it.
My mirror is shaped like a paint palette which reassures myself of where my identity lies, in the art world. Sometimes I feel like I have no purpose and I struggle to find myself, but I find therapy in creating artwork and erasing those thoughts.
The gold wire and bronze charms of this structure showcase jewelry and grant that sense of beauty. Every charm is unique and specifically chosen to embody my interests and characteristics. This mirror allows beauty to be seen and felt when observing the reflection.
COLLAPSIBLE WINGS
Space & Materiality project
Materials: chipboard, pushpins, screws, laces, wire
I conceal my internal disconnect from the outside world behind my wings. I still struggle to see who I am and it affects my personality vastly. I am not one to talk about my feelings mainly because I don't understand the discomfort I hold inside.
But nonetheless, I try to breeze through life and stretch my wings higher than I feel I'm capable of doing. Despite my interior struggles with myself, I always work to bring myself outside my comfort zone and try new things that can allow me to feel some form of freedom.