Investigation 3 - Laser Designs - Individual Project

After designing the table top on Coreldraw for the laser cutter, myself and Jenny finally got on the laser cutter machine! We began to sample, testing slate, MDF and plywood so we had a better idea of what would be effective for the final product. We had to downscale the designs when we got there because we realised they were going to take too long to laser in the time we had booked. During the sampling process, we made some decisions about the layout of the table design, mixing materials and shape compositions we had not given consideration previously. If we were to enlarge the designs to be of larger scale, and be a more dramatic table, we would have to consider the time it would take to engrave so that we could plan our time effectively around this.

A couple of prototypes of the compositions:

Parts of the slate did not engrave fully because of a waxy substance on the surface which was there when we purchased them. This was unavoidable, and although it was not intended to laser the way it did, I think it adds to the rustic feel we were looking for on the surface. I plan to stain these to see how the woods absorb the colour - we want the surface to look more expensive than plywood and MDF in the final design. We would also need to use 6mm thick wood as the slate tiles measure 5mm thick, so that the table has a flat surface and is practical. From experimenting with scale, we have come to the conclusion to make the samples above (currently A4 size) twice as big so that they cover the whole laser area capacity. This would mean that the hole in the centre would be able to hold 4 tiles. We could enlarge a design to cover all 4 tiles, or have 4 cohesive designs together, we haven't finalised this decision yet. 

Investigation 2

Group Project

After this weeks tutorial, the group have decided we need to concentrate on setting ourselves apart from the other groups so that we stand out to Bruntwood at the next presentation. We suggested that some of the interiors students could focus on creating a model of the space so that there was something tangible for Bruntwood at the 'Dragon's Den' style presentation to differentiate ourselves. Another thing that was discussed at the tutorial was a materials board; also something tangible for the client. Myself and Jenny were assigned the task of printing our Photoshop designs onto plain cotton to demonstrate how the inks would look, as well as working alongside Emily who has knowledge of materials suppliers that we could use to show what fabrics our designs could be printed onto, if Bruntwood would commission this. This experience has worked well because of the range of skills within the group - the interiors students have knowledge of suppliers and CAD, and myself and Jenny have knowledge of colour ways and technical knowledge when it comes to machinery needed to make samples for the project. 

After Bolon presented to us, the group decided it would be a slight waste of mine and Jenny's time trying to design flooring ourselves, as Bolon would do this for us already. It also meant that our efforts could be focussed elsewhere.

Individual Project

For our personal project, myself and Jenny have decided to go ahead with creating a coffee-style table for the reception area of 57 Spring Gardens, using Daniel Heath as a reference. Daniel creates lasercut and etched furniture using reclaimed materials. We are wanting to create a design that would be in-keeping with the group project (using geometrics - inspired from the exterior corner of the building), but using different industrial materials such as wood and slate to create different surface qualities. The focus of the next week is going to be on our personal project, creating designs for the laser cutter and testing these out on the machine with the materials we have sourced so far, which we have chosen to work with to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and experiment with alternative materials to fabrics. 

Laser Designs For Table

Red = Cut
Blue = Engrave

At the moment, design 1 is our favourite, with a slate panel down the middle which will be engraved. Through sampling first, myself and Jenny would like to experiment with different depths of engraving onto the slate and the effects this creates.

Table Finishes

After carrying out work experience at The Royal Exchange Theatre Workshop over the Easter period, I have gained knowledge into wood treatments including staining, which I think could be useful for the finishes on the table, which we intend to use to our advantage. This would enable us to make the MDF we intend to use look more expensive - I'm hoping this will work as planned. I will also test plywood, as this is softer than MDF and has more of a grain which means it might take the stain better.