October 2010

The two objects that I am committed to creating for our first project as mentioned in my previous related post is a power-generating garden tool and a solar curtain. While the garden tool is remaining mostly unchanged the solar curtain has changed into what I am calling solar paddle lights.
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I changed the frame structure a bit so that base is more proportionate to the body.

Still working at refining the form from what was known as the ‘Cylinder Light’ so that is more slender and elegant. I am trying to stress the relationship between the frame and the glass shade.

I have modified the design for the dome light (see post on dome light here)so that the base is glass resulting in a ‘floating’ dial light switch and light source. It is reminiscent of tea lights floating in water.
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The first year students have been assigned a project that is to address ‘evolutionary behavior’ in a home and to create 2 objects specific to that environment. The guidelines are loose which allows for myriad responses to this assignment. During my investigation into what I thought might address ‘evolutionary behavior’ (I watched A LOT of TED videos, read articles by think tanks and futurists, emailed people, etc), I googled ‘peak oil’ and basically was floored by what I found.
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On Oct. 2nd, the annual Raft Regatta for the first year students at Cranbrook took place. The theme this year was Gaga Regatta (i.e. Lady Gaga themed rafts, outfits, etc). Departments are paired up and race around an ‘island’ (more like a mound). Winners then race each other to determine the winner. A stipulation to note for this year: in order to win, a hamburger must be visibly attached to one of the students in each boat. The hamburger must be consumed before the lap is deemed complete. Good times. My department came in second and was not exactly Gaga-esque. Non the less, they did us proud.

I changed the frame structure a bit so that base is more proportionate to the body.

Here is the newest approach to what will be known as the light formally known as the Cylinder Light.

I met with Scott Klinker (the 3D Designer -in- Residence at Cranbrook) to go over the designs that I have been working on leading up to this school year. It was good to get a fresh response to my work. He had many good things to say about how the pieces could be improved. I generally agree with most of the criticisms and will work at incorporating them into the work as I move forward. Here is what he thought would help each piece:

This piece he felt was unresolved in the base. I have not been completely satisfied with it either. The next iteration may incorporate a glass base and a reduced section in the middle that houses the lighting hardware and the dial mechanism. I think this will really improve the proportions of this light.

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