Brief
We were tasked with designing a high-end ceramic cover plate for the AXOR My Edition mixer. Each designer had to choose one of four approaches: 3D Printed Plastic Master pattern, CNC Milled Plaster Mould, CNC Milled Plaster Mould – Slip Casting, or 3D Printed Plastic Mould – Press Forming. Your chosen design direction was influenced by the chosen manufacturing process, along with all your designs that needed be created in vector and 3D CAD to complete the Render requirements.
research boards
I put together three research boards to try and show the direction my design would be based off while showing my understanding of the manufacturing process I will be using also showing my conscious consideration of what AXOR stood for.
Ideation
sketches
mock-ups
revised mood board
In my ideation phase I tried to emulate luxury within nature and jewellery. I put together rough mock-ups of how these designs would look on the tap. I had my first feedback session within my group who were doing the same manufacturing process I chose. From this session we decided that developing the Sakura inspired cover plate (1st Sketch) would be the most suitable fit for luxury but when consulting with my lecturer I was advised to go back to the drawing board for my design was too literal and that I had to find a way to draw inspiration from the Sakura tree without literally having it on the plate thus led to my research into Japanese culture.
concept development
cad renders
UPDATED DESIGN concept
For my updated design I decided to keep my initial idea of the centre piece but now adding swirls inspired by the rising sun interpreted as a river flowing through the Japanese villages represented by the corner pieces. I added waves imitating the style of roofs for a more complex design for 3D printing. I hope that the texture (mark of the machine) will be imprinted onto the corner pieces to give the roofs more life.
final design concept
In my CADing process I found challenges in my design along with limitations when adapting it to the manufacturing process. My first two models were too complex for 3D printing thus was not suitable for manufacturing. I proceeded to have a third feedback session with my lecturer where we discussed workable solutions to my design, and we agreed that I should go back to one of my original ideation sketches (3rd Sketch) while adapting it to my inspiration from Japanese culture.
Technical Drawing: General Assembly
Manufacture
Mould
Press Forming
Finishing
Painting
I did not encounter many challenges with making the negative mould for 3D printing and the clay press forming aside from the extent of time this process took to complete for one cover plate. Each cover plate took an average of two days to complete this included press forming and firing of the plate. Painting the plate was the quickest part of the process with it taking just a couple of hours to complete all three plates.
Final outcome
Luxury is founded in nature for the Rolex watch worn by a billionaire is considered luxurious not for its design but for the materials used to create this piece of art. Thus, nature is my chosen character to represent luxury.
The Land of The Rising Sun, Japan, is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world and it’s not hard to see why one would love to visit this beautiful country. From its scenic landscapes to its vibrant pop culture, Japan has always retained its aesthetic appeal to the world.
Japanese ceramics art remains amongst one’s of the most sought-after collections in the world costing any suitor millions. With elegant designs highlighted through the unique individuality in each piece and still offering functionality.
Hansgrohe luxury division, AXOR, are innovators of excellence in design and functionality while allowing one to remain individually distinguished. The beautiful landscapes covered in vibrant colours fed by the fresh waterfalls and streams running through Japan are a true testament to Hansgrohe mantra. Meet the Beauty of Water
project Reflection
Lessons learnt
I learnt that CADing a model and manufacturing is a tumultuous relationship for what you believe is a work of art may not be adaptable to the chosen manufacturing process.
what to do Differently
Personally, I would have liked to start with a trial run of my designs to better understand the limitations in my concepts. Understanding the restrictions and requirements of a manufacturing process is crucial in identifying and implementing a design concept you may have.
what I Enjoyed
I enjoyed seeing my 3D CAD model come to life and being able to use it to create what I believe is a unique fusion of cultures and ideas of luxury.
