This project was a perfect opportunity to exercise my 3D design skills using an application called Blender.
Blender Foundation
I have a more extensive knowledge of how to navigate around blender, how lighting works and other aspects, however the challenge came when I decided to learn how to sculpt 3D objects as opposed to simply importing them, as before I considered sculpting too time consuming to try to learn. Here is my approach to the brief:
- Design for Connection
How can design foster meaningful relationships, not only by encouraging collaboration or interaction but by creating shared experiences that bring people together in unexpected ways, whether fleetingly or lastingly? This project is an opportunity to explore how your work can create connections. Think about the kinds of interactions you want to encourage. Will people share a moment of play, reflection, or conversation? The connection could be physical, digital, or conceptual, but it should offer a meaningful way for people to engage with each other.
- Immersive 3D environment
Virtual spaces or scenes that transport the audience into a different world, allowing for exploration or storytelling in three dimensions. These projects use depth, movement, and atmosphere to create a sense of presence. A 3D environment should feel cohesive and intentional, with careful attention to how users navigate and experience the space.
Example: An AR-enhanced visualisation of a historical site, allowing users to explore its layout interactively.
I chose these two outcomes mainly because out of the combinations, themes and ideas I could come up with via a spitfire of thoughts, this had the most potential. I figured a sculpted 3D object placed in an open area to be seen and be pontificated by the masses reflecting the wisdom and longevity of old age was a great challenge for me.
Idea Generation
It started with a narrowing down of ideas for combinations, making for a total of 6 combinations:
- Amplify the Overlooked & Customised print materials - used to launch a campaign about something small
- Transform a Space/Object & Immersive 3D environments - Could make a scene set in real life and warp it
- Explore narrative the interaction & Interactive Physical objects - Finding a medium to convey a story (Cards?).
- Explore narrative the interaction & Digital Fabrication Interaction
- Amplify the Overlooked & Data Visualisation - using data derived from an overlooked issue and designing information flyers
- Design for Connection & Customised print materials - Custom prints can be sentimental/ bring people together.
- Design for Connection & Immersive 3D environments - Statues can help immerse yourself in the environment
these stood out due their ability to showcase a narrative, either about a pressing issue or a story worth sharing through design. Eventually I zoned in on the one about a sculpture symbolising the elderly and their abundance of wisdom and life experience. Through a handful of research, I came across a flower that represents what I was looking for: the Aster flower. The idea I ended up going with was an elderly hand holding an Aster flower displayed in a public space.
Struggles
The hardest part about actually making the sculpture was two things: the sheer amount of patience required to think about essentially painting in 3 dimensions and the process of trial and error and the toll it was taking on my commitment to the project and pick another one. But I persevered and eventually made a sculpture that reflects what I wanted it to.
Outcomes and Analysis
Once again, I took the Millenium Square as the focus point for the environment, using blender, Photoshop and Lightroom in order to paint the scene efficiently using a photo by Deb Hetherington as a base. Here is the final result:
My final thoughts are this project showed me what happens when I stick to a challenge and step out of my comfort zone to try something I never thought I'd touch. And I think giving 3d Modelling a try in the future is definitely the right move for me as I have come to really enjoy it.
