Art Portfolio Two:Prototype reflection

Today, I want to reflect on my prototypes and share my thoughts about some improvements that they needed.

In the previous week, I created 2 prototypes. Something went good; some details changed because they do not look in real life as in my head or on paper.

I will separately reflect on each of the constructions, also answering a couple of questions. I will start from my first idea image of the prototype and sketch, possible to see below.

Does it work?

Yes, the building work, maybe not perfectly. It's hard for me to imagine a Fashion Outlet with this kind of form; however, it creates an interest in the shape and extraordinary design.

Does it look as you hoped?

The building looks nice, a little bit different from what I expected, not all the details were possible to include, and this is the main reason for this. Also, while I did a prototype, I had some small ideas and changes that had been included.

Is the design working as a whole?

Yes, the design looks very smooth and complex. Even though all floors have a slightly different style, I think they work together because of the same material. I decided that if I have a lot of details, then I should be simple with materials.

What was the process of making the design?

Because I decided to use transparent plastic, it was a little bit difficult. Also, it's possible to see glue marks that I do not like, and for the actual model need to find a new glue or another way to get rid of stains.

How long did it take?

The whole model-making process took nearly 5 hours. The difficult part was to do a last floor and a 1-2 floor design also, I don't have proper dimensions now, so it was difficult to make the building without them.

What materials/equipment will you need?

My design idea it's a fully glass building, so I would need a different type of transparent plastic. I would use heat to change its form. Even though the building will be made from glass, the lift and stairs will be metal, probably bronze, so it will create a nice connection with warm light inside.

Have you sourced this?

For this, I will use a plastic, metal and laser-cut workshop and all materials are available there.

What will it cost?

As I want to use metal for a lift and stairs and transparent plastic, I will do it in workshops and as for student, it will be free.

What would improve it?

I don't have any actual improvement ideas for now, I think I will have improvement ideas when I start more closer look at the details.

My second prototype has a very different design. The style of building absolutely changed. This will also be a glass building. I created 2 prototypes for it. One from transparent plastic and another made from greyboard. I made this decision because the form of building is interesting and because of thin plastic impossible to properly see all the curves. The photo of prototypes and sketches is possible to see below.

Does it work?

Yes, the design looks really smooth, and each part is connected to another, creating a nice outcome.

Does it look as you hoped?

Hard to say, because my idea was to create a building nearly without straight angles and lines, like a wave or water. I had a small image of what I wanted to see, and some parts ended up as I wanted, some of them not; however, the design overall looks peaceful.

Is the design working as a whole?

Yes, the design is very connected and looks like one piece of work. I think this is because of smooth lines and a similar concept of every floor.

What was the process of making the design?

The process was exciting. I never properly did a building from a greyboard, so it was a nice introduction to this material. It was a little bit difficult to create a wavy shape, however, I learn some new techniques. I used transparent plastic sheets a couple of times before, so it was easier to work with them; however, the process of creating waves was stressful.

How long did it take?

For 2 prototypes, I spent nearly 7 hours. This project took less time than the previous one because it has a symmetric and square shape.

What materials/equipment will you need?

For my final 3d model, I will need colored plastic, transparent plastic, metal and greyboard.

Have you sourced this?

All this material is possible to find in workshops, and the greyboard is possible to store from my tutor.

What would improve it?

As the building will be made from glass, I need to think about a support for it and the way how to make it more stable. Also, I need to improve the waterfall system for safer and comfortable use.

Which design do you like best?

I like both designs, they to different to compare them, however, I think the Square tower looks a little bit more innovative. On the other hand Conus tower has originality in form and does not have complications as a waterfall.