Statement of Intent
This assignment allowed us to explore the relationship between 2D shapes and 3D forms by learning how to observe and construct a 2D object into a 3D form by practicing orthographic drawing both by hand and digitally. The goal of this assignment was to construct a 3D polyhedron using a single sheet of “14 x 17” Bristol or card stock. Throughout this assignment we practiced using accurate measurements and crafting technique when gluing our net template together. We were able to borrow a template we found online or create our own. Once we selected our 3D form, we focused on creating the net template. The 3D form I chose to use for this project was a Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle. I managed to find a template for my shape using this website.
Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle Net Template
This assignment has two parts, the first part focuses on the raw 3D form and how it was originally designed. The second part allowed us to choose whether we wanted to incorporate Modularity, Negative space, Comparison, or Surfaces and Illusions into our original 3D form. Modularity could be used by repeating your 3D form and joining them together, Negative space could be used in this assignment to cut into our shapes and create doors, windows, etc., Comparison allows us to play with the dynamics of our form. Surface and Illusions could be incorporated into this assignment by using line, shape, shading, and mark making.
Ideation
In class we did 2 different exercises before we choose which 3D form, we planned on using for this assignment. To better understand how a 2D form is translated into a 3D form we were first tasked with trying to create The Perfect Cube. This exercise helped me better understand how important exact measurements are and it also allowed me to practice the crafting skills I would use to create my 3D form.
The second exercise taught us how to create a digital orthographic drawing of a perfect cube. This exercise helped me create an accurate digital template of my own 3D form. I also learned the difference between using a solid line versus a dashed line and what both lines represent.
Solid = Cut
Dashed = Fold
Iteration and Production
While I was reading through the project brief, I started to think about a toy my friends and I would commonly play with when I was little. This toy was an Origami Fortune Teller and can be made from just a single piece of paper. This toy uses a specific folding pattern to create a fortune teller. Writing colors or words in certain folds that would only appear if a certain pinch pull motion occurred. This shape immediately caught my eye, and I began trying to find a 3D form of an Origami Fortune Teller.
I was successful with my research and discovered a shape called a Kaleidocycle. A Kaleidocycle is a flexible polyhedron that is formed by connecting 6 tetrahedra on opposite edges. While there were a ton of different templates to choose from, I narrowed in on the Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle. The website I got this design from had three different perspectives on what the Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle looked like folded up. I was drawn to the shapes the Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle created when it turned. When it turns the paper creates an equilateral triangle and hexagon. I was drawn to the natural negative space this 3D form created when it turned. My first attempt at creating this shape did not go very well. I mistakenly assumed the triangles pictures in the template were equilateral triangles, they were not. My first iteration did not turn at all due to this fluke.
After this discovery I made a new net and tried again this time I got the results I wanted.
I started to play with shadows and how the position of the shape altered the shadow it created.
I knew illusion would be a part of my final form, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to incorporate it into my shape. I wanted play and movement to be a part of my project, so I designed a box with a light on the top and a basket made from fish wire to hold the shape. My hope was that the light would create a shadow exposing the shapes the Half Closed Hexagonal Kaleidocycle created when it was turned. The shape could also be removed from the fish wire basket and rearranged to create a different shadow.
I thought my idea was good but looking back at the project brief I realized I might of stray a little too far from the goal this assignment. After talking to one of my professors I realized I had to completely change my idea. With the idea of my shape constantly turning I chose to use card-stock instead of Bristol.
I knew I still wanted to incorporate Illusion into my assignment while still incorporating negative space. This is the moment I decided to cut into my shape with the goal of creating an illusion by using the negative space.
I was happy with the outcome of this decision and decided to make it my final project using Option 3 (Negative Space) and 4 (Illusion).
Final 3D Form
Final 3D Form: Negative Space & Illusion
Reflection
This assignment helped me fully understand the importance of accuracy, craft, and translation between a 2D to 3D form. I really enjoyed exploring the different options this assignment focused on, Modularity, Comparison, Negative Space, and Illusion and Surfaces. I had fun learning how to properly create an orthographic drawing both by hand and digitally. Looking back, I am happy with the shape I selected, it allowed me incorporate movement, play, and surprise into my final assignment. Most Kaleidocycle can constantly turn, in the beginning stages of this assignment the first two iterations I created did not turn fully. It wasn’t until my professor walked over and pushed my Kaleidocycle past the resistance the Bristol was giving that I realized it did turn like it was supposed to., I just had to trust my design. For me that was a breakthrough in this project, and it really pushed me to want to trust myself more in the long run.
Final Work
View the final project at Observation & Communication