RISD Foundation year (13-14)
Spring Semester
Spacial Dynamics
Instructor: Stefanie Pender
Project 3 : Polygonal Nature Lab Object

This was a 4 week project.

The goal was to simplify a Nature Lab object into an object with geometric surfaces. 

 

First week:

We chose an object from the Nature Lab and I decided to choose the Poppy Seedpod.

Afterwards, I studied the shape of the seedpod and planned out how I will represent its geometric surfaces.

Then  we were told to make prototypes out of Bristol board and also decided on with what material we will represent our nature lab object.

 

I decided to use wood. Although all I've done with wood is make a box and simple coat hanger and did not have much experience, I thought it will be a good chance for me to learn more about the material.

Second week:

I first decided to visually get help from a 3D rendering program, Rhinoceros. I was able to use the program to make my paper models and come up with the best solution to make it out of ply wood.

I started creating the center walls of the seedpod and let the walls grow from the measurements calculated from the prototype I made earlier. All the cutting process were done on the band saw.

 

As of how to make the base flower pattern of the seedpod, I decided I will make 15 pieces of triangular petal shapes that will come together into a disc.

 

I also found a block of wood and with it, I made a handle using a spindle sander.

 

Third week: 

I put everything together and sanded each surface with the vertical sander so that the surface will be smooth.

Then I put wood fillers in between spaces to fill up some obvious spaces.

 

Fourth week:

Polished the surface again after applying the wood filler.

However I have not yet decided if I should stain the wood or not.