3DD - Day 2

Day 5 (10/09/13)

Today, we were told that we will be working in groups to build a structure. However, we first on our own create 4 bridges using paper and masking tape. This would be used as a model or inspiration for when we get to discuss in our groups. I took too much time, so I only manage to create 2 bridges. The first one I folded 2 chatter boxes and stuck them next to each other. This made me think about the things I like during my childhood, which is what inspired my next design. The second bridge, I rolled up a strip of paper and scrunched both ends to make it look like Christmas crackers, but it ended looking like sweets. I made more of them and stuck them at random together to create an arch. 

Each group was only allowed to use 10 cardboard's and a batch of bamboo sticks. Others equipments include rubber bands and brown tape. The length of our bridge starts from the table on one side to the table across the room, which is around about 2-3 metres apart. In our bridge we are only allowed two points that could touch the ground. Also, the height of our structure should be enough for a closed up table to go pass under. At the end, our tutor would drive a remote control car through the bridge to test its stability. 

 My group came together with our models to discuss a plan for our big structure. We came to the decision of creating a new design for our structure. I thought we worked well as a group. When we had a brief idea of what we were going to do, we decided to divide ourselves into two teams, so we don’t have to waste time. There was half of us continue on with designing and making a model, whilst the other team start creating the stands for the structure. My job was mostly helping with creating the actual structure. We communicated a lot with each other, so everyone knows what is going on and what they are doing. 

 Later, we had one group of us working on one side of the bridge whilst the others are working on the other side, and another member was cutting out the cardboards. By splitting up the jobs helped saved a lot of time, so by the end we had extra time spare for us to check for faults in our bridge. We added more sticks beneath the cardboard to create a stronger base, for the car to go by. 

The good points in our bridge is the structure, especially the stands which looks simple but visually pleasing. There were only two bamboo sticks touching ground. It creates excitement and curiosity as to how safe the structure is. This is what makes our structure interesting that you just cannot pin point what’s going to happen.  

 

 We could of used the spare time we had at the end to add things to the structure to make it look more eye-catching. However, we prioritised and made sure that the structure was stable for the car to go across, without having the bridge breaking apart.  The effort wasn’t wasted as the remote control car did go across our bridge safely. Our tutor decided to put a heavy block on top of every structure, which surprising myself our bridge was able to stand the heavy weight of the block.  This shows that we did used our spare wisely and successfully.

 

 

3DD

Day 1- 3DD (09/09/13)

We were given different quick exercises to do on an A1 sheet. An example we did was to draw a human form, and then transform it into an animal. I turned my human figure into a Kangaroo, but with not much success. I couldn’t remember the details of a Kangaroo, so I just drew the main characteristics, which were the face and the pouch with a little Kangaroo. Other examples were turning your favourite fruit into a rabbit hut; create a fashion accessory with our signature; invent a new MP3 and drawing random dots that we joined together to create a floor plan for a 2 bedroom house. 

   

 

 I really enjoyed doing these exercises, it was very amusing.  The exercises allow you to become as creative and imaginative as you can. I think it has helped me to let go of myself, and just basically draw without continuously thinking and doubting my own ideas.

 

Our next exercise was to use an A1 size paper and a strip of masking tape to create a structure that could hold a water bottle of the ground. It was also required to be 30 cm high. I instinctively came up with the idea of cutting large strips of paper and fold it in the way you fold a paper fan. Then, I used a bit of masking tape to stick the ends together, to create an outline of a multiple-pointed star. I made more of the same thing and put them on top of each other until it meets the requirement of measuring 30cm high or more.  I figured it wasn’t strong enough to actually support a filled water bottle, so I stuck folded papers at the side, to give strength and support to the work. 

 

The piece was able to hold up the water bottle, but with some damages. I realized there was not much space for the bottle to sit on, as the inside of the piece is hollow. It ended up leaning on one side, reminding me of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy. It was because the bottle was not able to sit straight on the piece, so it resulted to slanting on one side, crumple up that part of the piece. 

 I manage to finish on time and took photographs of the piece at different directions and angles. I found myself really intrigued with the interior of the piece. When taking a close up of the inside of the piece, it looks like we’re looking from an aerial view of a very intricate building. 

 I did not make any design sketches for the work. I already had a rough idea, so I quickly went on to try and produce what I had in mind.

If I was to make improvements to my piece, I would rip and scrunch up lots of paper and put it  inside. This is to give a stronger place for the bottle to sit on steadily, without having to collapse to one side. 

Our next project was to use only 3 cardboards and masking tape to construct something where you can sit, lay or stand on. At first I didn’t know what to do, so I just randomly put the card boards together. Then after a while of assembling and taking apart the card boards, I realized looking from aerial view the outline looks like an insect. I started putting and moving about the pieces to create something else, such as a pair of eyes. From this point onwards, I seem to have put behind the idea that it needs a function. It is very much like the term ‘style over substance’ but this time it is style over ‘function’.

 

I did not take in considerations about whether or not a person could sit or stand on the piece. If I had the chance to further develop into the work, I would create a top for it to be more comfortable to sit on. Also, to deal with the problem of the work not being able to support a person’s weight, I would add a base to stabilize the piece. In addition, I would roll up some cardboard and stick it around the work vertically, to provide support and strengthen the piece.

 During our feedback, I saw everyone else’s work and learnt how they deal with the task. Some people cut their cardboard's to create a smaller piece. I also realized some people used their cardboard's to fill up there hollow spaces, which I did not do but should of done. It makes there stool much stronger as a whole for someone to sit on. 

I finished much earlier than everyone else, but I didn’t use the spare time wisely enough and left the piece the way it was. I should have used the time and try out whether the structure was strong enough to carry a person’s weight. At the end of the class, we each tried out our work and my structure was not able to support my weight when I lifted both of my legs off the ground. 

 Similar to the paper structure we did earlier, I did not make a plan and instead I just went straight into it.