Statement of Intent
To explore the relationship between 2D shapes and 3D forms, I used the options given to create a dynamic polyhedron. Using found nets as a template for your 3D form, my goal is to create a complex, yet clean shape. These concepts lead into my goal for this assignment, which is to construct “perfect” forms that are clean, sharp, and accurate. This is a priority to me since I want to prove how my perfectionism can be beneficial in the design world. With a focus on precise measurements and crafting techniques, I aim to create intentional and dynamic 3D polyhedrons.
Ideation
To begin the brainstorming part of this assignment, we were tasked to create the “perfect” cube. This challenge comes with my different interpretations of what “perfect” means. When examining, this could mean clean or sharp or accurate. Because of this variation, in my opinion, the “perfect” cube had to fulfill all of these requirements, which was very difficult to accomplish. After finding, drawing, and cutting out a net for the cube, we learned the importance of tabs when creating 3D work. These allow for the final product to be more visually appealing since gaps should be reduced, along with glue marks. This construction transitioned into more complex shapes like the tetrahedron, octahedron, and icosahedron. Experimenting with different forms allowed me to find a construction and net drawing preference. I found nets using this website and was able to create polyhedrons of varying scales. Using this as a base for my orthographic drawing was also helpful to create a 1:1 scale. Below is attached my final outcome in Adobe Illustrator. This process was extremely challenging because of the various tools used. It was also interesting to see how big of a difference scale made when creating the 3D polyhedrons. The larger models allowed viewers to understand and visualize each side of the shape, compared to the smaller models work. While these details were still there, on the smaller models they were more difficult to point out as everything blended together. After witnessing the pros and cons of both of these, I came to the conclusion that I wanted both in my final composition.
Iteration and Production
Within the iteration process, I struggled to decide which option of the project I wanted to complete. I also considered combining options as one thought was to create a tetrahedron connected to an octahedron connected to an icosahedron on descending scale. This option would have combined modularity and comparison while allowing me to express emotion through the composition. Each choice had compelling arguments that intrigued me, but I ended up choosing modularity because it would allow me to focus on accuracy within my physical crafting techniques. I wanted to create dynamic icosahedrons that connected in order to convey how big of an impact scale has on a project. I used Adobe Illustrator to find out how big my triangles could be since the 14”x17” Bristol paper was a requirement. I uploaded my net and increased the size up to the edge of the paper then measured a triangle to find that the maximum height I could achieve was 2.8”. This restriction allowed the measurements for the rest of my triangles to be created since I wanted to incorporate multiple different scales of polyhedrons. When constructing these icosahedrons I drew multiple nets onto Bristol paper then carefully cut out each shape and constructed them using tacky glue. During this process, I came up with the idea to arrange the icosahedrons into the Fibonacci spiral. In doing so I wanted to show how simple polyhedrons can be symbolic. But this iteration was ultimately unsuccessful due to the conflicting triangle sides. I played around with my existing icosahedrons to create some sort of imagery that was dynamic and creative. During this process I struggled to fit everything together in a visually satisfying way due to the difference in scale between forms. Eventually, it fit together like a puzzle as you can see in my final composition, shown below. These final decisions allowed the repetition of forms to shine while simultaneously creating emphasis on the new structure. My composition incorporates the principles of contrast and balance through asymmetry of scale and placement. The secondary principle is unity since all four shapes come together to create a dynamic appearance. I also feel as though the emotion evoked from this composition is attachment or close knit due to the physical proximity of the shapes.
Reflection
Within this process of transforming 2D nets into 3D forms, I have learned the importance of accuracy in orthogonal drawings. Difficulties such as measurements and precise cutting caused extra time to be tacked on to my creation process. The challenges that came through the assignment taught me that a back up plan is always a smart decision. Being able to quickly shift ideas and produce iterations when original plans don’t work out was a learning experience throughout this composition. Because of this, I was able to achieve nearly “perfect” constructions in this assignment. This will always be a work in progress since measurements and cut lines can always make a difference. But, I am proud of the progress I made toward perfecting constructions considering it is hasn’t been something I’ve done in years. I am confident in the cleanness and sharpness that I was able to execute. This assignment also allowed me to work with Adobe Illustrator again. Exploring new tools furthered my knowledge within the program, while still using former skills. To improve this composition I would want to create some sort of imagery or symbolism out of the icosahedrons. I think that creating a light fixture out of my existing form would be an interesting approach to the negative space option. However, my favorite part of my final product is the varying scales that create a dynamic view from each perspective.