Karolina B채ckman, Scott Rowe & Paulina Pytka
Student no. 628 993, 640473 & 637869
Semester 2/2013
Group 12
VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS
Material System: Skin and Bone
Earlier in the semester, the skin and bone structural system examined was a toy whose rigid skin elements were held together by a loose string bone that could be brought into tension. This concept of taught and slack can be applied to this design by adding an element of flexibility. The individual pipe elements will be able to move about a series of spheres attached to the bodice. The desired effect is that the pipes, being interconnected by a string, will be able to stand perpendicular to the bodice when brought into tension. However, the system of pipes will be divided in two so that the front is controlled by the right arm while the back is controlled by the left arm in consistence with the group’s definition of personal space.
Effects
The taut and slack movement of the pipes mirrors that of hair on one’s arm when one is frightened. Thus, it is believed that this human reaction is worth exploring in relation to this design. Essentially, this effect is observed across a variety of species as it is believed that increasing ones volume is an effective way to secure space. None the less, one hair on its own is very fragile and in this way, not unlike the lightweight, hollow pipe. Yet collectively, standing on their ends they communicate a second skin. The use of hollow pipes in a suitable lightweight, possibly clear or opaque material is believed to accentuate the omnipresence of air in this design and hence, highlight its delicate perfection. When the strings are slack, the ability of air to move throughout the design and even manipulate them further emphasizes the fragility effect. Furthermore, the human quality that comes with the appearance of breathing as wind moves through the design, communicates vulnerability to the oncoming threat as does the elevation of the pipes which mimics the natural response to fear. A section of the pipes, covering the heart area will be red in colour to create an emotive response that builds on the fragility of life in a human being which this design sets out to emphasize. When the pipes are collapsed, this will be less visible so that when they are taught, this area will create the effect of a shot of blood.
Bodice designs During the critique of the last module, it was highlighted that the underlying structure of the pipe design should be finalized. This concerns the piece that will sit against the body and bear the pipe system.
No.1 Thought this design would effectively display the pipes, it would not accommodate for the tough/slack string system. Furthermore, the form is believed to have sat on the individual as opposed to conforming even slightly to the individual/s body shape, thus overlooking the human features which are so crucial to this brief.
No.2 This design molds to the body more effectively and is believed to sit on the shoulders with more stability. A “hood� component allows the linking of the headpiece together with the torso.
Materials
Small styrofoam balls
Marbles
Plastic straws
Paper pipes
Diameter of balls slightly smaller than that of pipes so that they can fit into the opening at one end.
Perhaps this material will reduce friction, however it would make the bodice significantly heavier.
This material has the advantage of light weight and, being transparent, it would aid the light weight effect the group is trying to achieve. Furthermore, it has the advantage of being readily available.
Perhaps the white colour of paper would better communicate the fragility as seen in the “wedding dress effect�.
The hole bodice could be made from these balls threated onto wires from north to south and east to west to create a mesh of styrofoam balls that mold to the shape of the body.
Paper is also perceived as less durable and temporary than plastic.
Prototype