EMMA POWERS
OLIGOPTICON
An experiential headpiece designed to change the users perception of reality using light and pattern
RESEARCH AND INSPIRATION
I started by focusing on designing for people with agoraphobia, researching the three best techniques to counteract panic attacks. I wanted to design a space or headpiece that would utilize one or more of these techniques in order to change the wearers perception and remove them from the reality that was causing the attacks.
INITIAL SKETCHES
I was inspired by armor and decided I would make the final pieces facade out of metal. I began sketching headpieces that would block the wearers vision without constricting their head movement, therefore the piece would rest on the shoulders.
PROTOTYPE
I used the spot welder and steel welders wire to create a shoulder and head piece. I initially used spray foam insulation over the head piece and was planning on carving it away and covering it with sheet metal.
REFINEMENT
I decided to change direction. I abandoned my prototype and refined my plan. I decided that I would focus on an everyday user instead of solely those with agoraphobia. I wanted to create a changing atmosphere that went from a claustrophobic feeling when looking to the left to a wide open feeling when looking to the right.
PROCESS
I decided to utilize weaving to communicate pattern and copper tape, usually used for stained glass to create an overwhelming, tightly patterned, and metallic left side. This transitioned when I began adding Duralar to the weave, which provided stark matte and transparent contrast to the left side. I created the framework out of copper tubing, usually used in plumbing as well as electrical solder.
OLIGOPTICON
The wearable piece acts as a light filter, becoming less permeable and therefore feeling overwhelming when looking to the left. As the wearer looks to the right the pattern and weave become increasingly translucent and matte, creating an atmospheric juxtaposition.
