DES100 - LIGHTING DESIGN
Task:
To design and fabricate an original lamp that makes use of either 3D printing or Laser Cutting.
Mood board:
I had chosen to do 3D printing because I like the simplicity and clean looks of the material.
Iteration and ideation:
In an effort to remember all of my thoughts, I made an effort to draw every idea I had. I decided to model the circled one with paper to see what they look like physically.
The first prototype was too flat because it was fragile so I added a cylinder inside (right image). They ended up looking like this which was better than the first prototype.
I received some critical criticism from my group members and tutor, who suggested that I construct a cardboard cylinder and then decorate it with designs. I thought it would be interesting to put the light shining inside a ball, so I looked back at my mood board for further inspiration. Among the several versions, I selected the bottom-right one.
After considering the comments, I constructed the cardboard cylinder to see how it would seem in real life.
3D printing:
Finally, I made two domes and the cylinder with some line patterns on Fusion 360 and transferred the project file to Cura. The model turned out to be over 100g so I reduced the dimensions on all three dimensions making the shape thinner and shorter overall. Thankfully, it turned out to be 89g.
This is how the shadow patterns appear when the light is turned on; it was wonderful that the model was printed nicely. I used the hot glue gun to join the two domes so it becomes a ball.
Final:
When I realised that the light would not pass through the ball, I made the decision to use a hot knife to make a hole beneath it, allowing the light to pass through and creating the shadow patterns. Lastly, I joined the ball to the cylinder using a hot glue gun.
Reflection:
Overall, it looked exactly how I had envisioned it, and I really liked how the 3D material gave it a clear, uncomplicated appearance. Furthermore like a planet is the ball's reflection of light. But if I were to do the project again, I would definitely concentrate more on the mood board and take my time searching for ideas. I think that would make my lamp look lot more abstract. I should also think about putting the wire and switch within the lamp.
Throughout this project, I learnt the process of 3D printing, from developing the model on a software, to seeing the physical version of it, it was an interesting experience.
