Monday, June 28, 2010

Screen Captures...




Visualizations...


Abacus Inspiration...

This new, playful twist on a storm drain cover is a brilliant reintrepretation of the usually dull and disengaging storm drain cover. The unexpected pop of color in a biege oasis adds to the interest and draw exhibited by this object.


Abacus Bench

The Abacus bench is another piece that encourages interaction on the part of the user. By constantly needing to manipulate the object to accomodate size and comfort, an intimate relationship is formed between bench and user. A thought process is needed in this seemingly mundane movement of sliding the object, however the user is required to think about their size, seating position, and actions to take place while interacting with and enjoying this flexible object.



The abacus is a counting instrument that has been around for centuries. Often used by young children and displayed as artifacts by collectors, the instrument is an incredibly engaging object when compared to its simplistic design. Simple slides engage the user physically, mentally, and emotionally. With the introducation of color and texture, the piece can become a work of art encouraging the user to create patterns and images.

Material Inspirations...Lucite anyone?...

To give this table top surface the element of defying gravity, the designer has used a Lucite base, which visually disappears.

Inspiration Documentation...Lilly Pads...

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Putting it together...


These images start to help with visualizing how the elements of the space will go together. The colors of the table have changed from a solid green to a combination of warm colors. The structure of the table would possibly be a clear plastic such as Lucite or Plexiglass that could be heat bent during the construction process.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Inspiration...

Cezanne Large Bathers as inspiration


Through offering a multitude of table heights without overwhelming the space with too many tables, too few tables, or too complicated to adjust tables, the breakout area can accomodate the surface needs of loungers, recliners, belly-layers, up-rights, and by-standers without requiring a large move from their choosen seating position.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Presenting...

Out of Our Minds...

The photographs below were taken of Out of Our Minds Studio in Downtown Winston-Salem. Out of Our Minds Studio is a professional production company with professionals who have expertise in areas such as modeling, programming, animation, etc. We visited the company to see their space, particularly the library area. The photographs offer points of inspiration particularly with the storage but also with the table and seating design.


The lighting in particular is a memorable element of the space. Spot lights are used to highlight both the shelves and artifacts stored in this area.

The complimentary colors (yellow and violet) intensify the space, while adding a playful elements.
The built-in nature of the shelfing makes it feel unified with the space as though it was always meant to be there. By encompassing a variety of heights, the shelving allows are a number of storage options.
Other areas around the office continue to exhibit the playful colors. The bright red seating area allows for an informal meeting space and also adapts to provide additional seating around the office when needed.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Design Status...




Floating table
Abacus table
The abacus table would utilize a combination of materials including plywood (blocks), rectangular steel tubing (slides/supports), and circular steel tubing for frame. Tubular steel will be welded.

The floating table would also utilize a combination of materials including plywood (table tops and bases), and solid steel rod for leg supports. Hardware will have to be identified that will allow pieces to move.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Pushing the design...















The design for these tables is inspired by the abacus. The movement of th abacus is mimiced in the movement of the table pieces. The colors offer an additional playful element to the design. Through varying the height and width of the peice, a variety of surface heights are available to the user.