canopy
a lighting solution designed to energize and provide a tactile component to workspaces
opportunity
In today’s work era, "work from home and hybrid work is the new normal. This is a lifestyle that many have adopted. Working from home and hybrid work has its own benefits of comfortability, time flexibility, and producing a smaller carbon footprint. However, having a dedicated workspace is key in order to maintain high productivity levels at home.
initial research
Starting out, I researched the impact the pandemic has left on those working from home. Through this research it was concluded to primarily focus on materiality and high aesthetics in order to create a light that enhances workspaces in a residential environment.
form inspiration
organic. integrated. flowing.
product opportunity gap: fabric + metal integration
Currently, there are not a lot of lights inclusive of fabric as well as industrial elements, like metals. The majority of fabric pieces exist in commercial areas, and the majority of industrial pieces exist without fabrics. This redefined the goal to create a light that contains elements of both and is suitable for residential spaces.
biomimicry + industrial architecture
In order to further understand how to integrate these materials in a cohesive way, inspiration was drawn from key elements in nature as well as industrial architecture.
designer inspiration
material research
objectives
3D ideation: phase 1
Creating simple mock-ups with paper and various fabrics. In this phase I was trying to get a sense of what the form would look like as well as which fabrics to use. I experimented with weaving as well as using mesh-like materials to create draping forms.
3D ideation: phase 1 continued
Throughout this process, I did lots of experimentation and fabric manipulation. This was to see if the fabric could be “molded” into an organic shape that holds its form. I created my own hardener to provide a stiffening coating to the fabrics and painted resin on to create a barrier.
phase 1 conclusions
Due to feasibility and the need for this product to be manufacturable, at this stage I decided to shift gears a little bit. Instead of creating a fabric that is hardened, I decided to utilize an inner frame for support. The fabric will be draping on top, referencing raw elements flowing in nature.
2D ideation + quick CAD models
To the drawing board!
3D ideation: phase 2
Bending and soldering copper wire to create scale mock-ups of the inner framework, then draping fabric around the form to get a sense for how it would naturally lay.
refinement
orthographics and pattern
branding process
fabrication process: metalworking
To create the inner framework, I used 1/8” diameter steel rods. I practiced bending them against laser cut profiles and cylindrical forms. After narrowing down the correct work flow I MIG welded, sanded, enamel coated, and finally spray-painted the welded form based upon full scale orthographic drawings.
fabrication process: creating the shades
After narrowing down which fabrics to use, I developed several patterns to test how they would drape over the frame. Through lots of trial and error, I ultimately landed on a final pattern. I used an ultrasonic welder to fuse panels of fabric together and then sewed them into a cohesive shade.
refined physical prototype: in daylight
refined physical prototype: nighttime
Fusion 360 + CLO 3D: modeling process
It order to create an aesthetic based lighting solution that is functional and manufacturable, it was important to 3D model in order to get the components down. I utilized Fusion360 to model the inner frame, and CLO 3D to model the fabric.
components
colorways: shade
