The Steel Bend Table
THE BRIEF
The task involved creating digital explorations utilising 3D modeling software, 3D scanning, photogrammetry, rendering, and 3D printing. Additionally, it required research into traditional making materials and processes, as well as investigating designers who integrate digital and material making processes.
CONTEXT
Reflecting on the transition from manual to mechanised metalworking processes, I drew inspiration from the Mid-Century Modern design movement. This era's iconic status intrigued me, particularly Cara Greenberg's book where she coins the phrase ‘Mid- Century Modern’ and speaks on the melodic qualities in the name. The doubling ‘Ms’ roll smoothly off the tongue, evoking clean and sculptural lines of the perfectly balanced aesthetic that it describes. This take on the movement made me think about how lines, in particular, ‘scribbles’ can become sculptural and brought to life.
The Steel Bend Table
THE BRIEF
The task involved creating digital explorations utilising 3D modeling software, 3D scanning, photogrammetry, rendering, and 3D printing. Additionally, it required research into traditional making materials and processes, as well as investigating designers who integrate digital and material making processes.
CONTEXT
Reflecting on the transition from manual to mechanised metalworking processes, I drew inspiration from the Mid-Century Modern design movement. This era's iconic status intrigued me, particularly Cara Greenberg's book where she coins the phrase ‘Mid- Century Modern’ and speaks on the melodic qualities in the name. The doubling ‘Ms’ roll smoothly off the tongue, evoking clean and sculptural lines of the perfectly balanced aesthetic that it describes. This take on the movement made me think about how lines, in particular, ‘scribbles’ can become sculptural and brought to life.
THE PROCESS
I was fascinated by the notion of sculptural lines, especially how 'scribbles' could be translated into tangible forms. This led me to explore metal bending as a means to bring my coffee table design to life. To execute my coffee table design, I used sheet metal and a bending machine to create the desired curved shapes.
I also had to hammer some parts in order to achieve more refined bends. I welded the pieces together to assemble the final structure. Throughout the process, I experimented with different types and thicknesses of metal sheets, opting for a 2mm sheet to ensure durability for holding coffee table books. However, this thickness resulted in the inability to maintain the 'dips' suspended off the ground, as depicted in the initial digital drawing.
THE RESULT
In my final design, I translated the curves derived from digital 'scribbles' using metal bending machines. The choice of a thicker 2mm sheet metal ensured sturdiness for its intended purpose. Although the 'dips' couldn't be suspended as envisioned, the final piece embodied the essence of Mid-Century Modern design, merging digital exploration with traditional metalworking techniques.
