FoFM I
When Oscar tasked us with creating 10 objects in roughly 20 days for the Festival of Fast Making, I was initially overwhelmed. Crafting so many items by hand in such a limited timeframe was uncharted territory for me—I have always approached product and project development with meticulous planning. This methodical mindset seemed at odds with the rapid pace expected at the festival.
Recognizing the need for adaptation, I shifted gears. To align with the "Fast Making" ethos, I embraced the concept of "Fast Decisions." With this new approach, I decided to draw inspiration from a familiar source: my daily life. By focusing on the simple and routine, I aimed to streamline the creative process and meet the festival's unique demands.
The kitchen desk of my flat
This piece draws its inspiration from the cramped quarters of my student accommodation kitchen. In a compact space where a diminutive desk serves multiple functions, flanked by a sink and stove, I am compelled to organize an array of bottles and appliances. The constraints of the area have sparked a desire for a more expansive storage solution—a notion that has undoubtedly influenced the design of this object.
Cardboard model of the shelf
The concept of a shelf emerged as the immediate solution to my spatial dilemma. Its straightforward design reminded me of the interlocking construction sets of my childhood—pieces joining together seamlessly without the need for adhesives or fasteners.
I crafted a 1:5 scale model from cardboard, paying meticulous attention to the measurements and cuts, ensuring each miniature plank fit perfectly. The assembly was flawless, a promising prelude to the full-sized creation.
However, a visit to the wood workshop brought unexpected challenges. Gillian and George informed me that wood sheets of the required dimensions were not available, and purchasing them would be costly. They kindly offered an alternative: leftover wood pieces, which necessitated a redesign of my shelf to match the available materials. Furthermore, while I had envisioned a hands-on approach, employing traditional tools, they proposed using CNC routing for efficiency. This means revisiting my design and measurements to accommodate this new method and material constraints.
Designing the shelf with Rhino
Swiftly returning to the studio, I took advantage of the situation by constructing a rapid 3D model using Rhino software. Embracing the CNC's capabilities, I realized it opened up possibilities for incorporating more intricate elements into the shelf design that manual tools might not allow.
With this technological pivot, I reimagined the shelf's aesthetics and functionality, producing a second iteration that better utilized the CNC's precision. This revised design was quickly brought back to the workshop for a second consultation in the afternoon, marking a productive step forward in the realization of my project under the time constraints of the Festival of Fast Making.
The CNC routing machine working
The CNC routing machine working
In the updated design, I incorporated two slots to allow for the easy replacement of boards, enhancing the shelf's modularity and longevity. I also softened the silhouette by replacing sharp edges with curves, creating a safer and more user-friendly piece. This not only minimized the risk of injury but also gave the shelf a less aggressive and more approachable aesthetic.
Final work of the shelf
Final work of the shelf
This shelf presents a quirky visual, reminiscent of boards neatly tucked between winding paths akin to intestines—an amusing yet unexpected design outcome. Nonetheless, its structural integrity surpasses expectations; the boards are tightly interconnected, creating a surprisingly sturdy and cohesive unit.
