C O N T R A S T
Contrast occurs when various aspects are obviously different from each other, causing juxtaposition.
We were assigned to implement our theme – in my case, Contrast, into our models. What I planned to achieve was to show the difference between each rectilinear form, with good positioning and materials.
PROCESS & DEVELOPMENT
Here’s the 1st sketch model. For this model, I used an XL box as a Dominant, a M sized Sub-dominant and an XS Subordinate. By doing so, I wanted to show that with the differing masses, you can see the contrast. The SD is flatter, but with a larger surface area and is taller; whereas the SO has a more relative form, and is thicker than the SD but despite that the SD still remains ‘bigger’. Wedging was used to make the 3 separate parts look more like one, fused model.
Materials wise, the D was planned to be transparent, acrylic. SD would be mirror-material, reflective. SO would be a solid black block, dense. With the transparent XL D, even though it’s so big, since it’s transparent it’ll remove it’s own presence and display and bring focus more on the SD and SO. Something very reflective vs something very black and dark; that’s contrast.
However, I didn’t choose this model in the end as I felt that it did not feel interesting enough.
The second sketch model. I wanted to show a bit of cantilever and rule of thirds as a bonus in this particular model. So each part was positioned in the way of the rule of thirds, making the whole thing look pleasing. The D, SD and SO were wedged and pierced into each other to create a feeling of unity with the aim of proving that in a single unit, contrast is still possible and it’ll remain as one whole.
As this was the sketch model I’ve chosen to finalise, I’ll go into detail with the materials later on.
Materials wise, the D would be constructed out of metal mesh that’s dense and fades off to the top, SD would be a translucent box with sand, SO would be a light, thin wood. The selected materials further enhance and complete the overall look and theme, Contrast.
The metal is to show that it’s very strong and concentrated, as it fades upwards into the SD that’s a translucent box with black sand. The box will show the sand as it moves around with motion, building contrast as the black colour make it seems dense but it actuality sand is softer, more malleable. It ends at the top with the SO being a very light balsa wood strip, something that’s a block and seemingly heavy, but in truth it’s very lightweight.
As a whole, it also shows the contrast of something ‘man-made’ vs ‘nature’
APPLICATIONS
It’ll work as a large high rise building, with the illusion that it’s fading to the skies, accompanied by a indoor greenhouse-garden extending at its side.
A table lamp and digital clock combination, the translucent part being the light and the wood protrusion as small light button. The clock face can be on the main body.