Blog Comments

http://ides2161yvonnesha.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/favum-new-kitchen-storage-experience.html

http://vindustriald.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/biodesign-pelapo.html?showComment=1332808537211#c7942029591071490608

http://tomloefler.posterous.com/

http://ttinging.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/project-one-bio-inspired-storage.html?showComment=1332809295052#c3700384247799285173

http://akiwei.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/model-project-one.html?showComment=1332809425239#c2897594064894982132

Proj 2.

Rationale

For this brief I had to develop a bio inspired domestic storage system by looking at how nature storage systems work. For my area of storage I focused on kitchen bench top storage. To do this I had to look into a range of different items that are commonly stored along the bench tops, these include spatulas, wooden spoons, vegetable such as onions, garlics, tomato’s as well as herbs and spices and salt and pepper. With so many different items being stored on kitchen bench tops I knew that my product would have to cater to at least a range of these items. By looking at how nature would store these sorts of items I came along a source of inspiration from an insect known as a lacewing, the insect goes about storing its eggs on the undersides of leaves from a thin strand of silk to protect them. This gave me the idea to create a storage unit that is elevated from the bench tops by hanging from the under sides of a kitchen cabinet. My concept consists of three hanging pod like forms, carrying on from the natural inspiration for a concept these shapes take on quite organic and natural forms. Each pod like piece holds a different kitchen item. The longest and thinnest pod stores wooden spoons, spatulas and ladles. The widest pod is for fruit and vegetables that can be stored out in the open, it will fit food such as onions, tomatoes and garlic. The smallest pod, which has two separated bowls, is for storing cooking salts and pepper or herbs of the users choice. The benefits of having an elevated storage system means in medium to high density living small kitchens will have increased bench space to work with. These hanging storage units are not only a functional item for the kitchen but are also meant to have decorative value. The final product will be made from clay as it gives the user the feel of preciousness and delicateness, as well as being aesthetically appealing for kitchen type environment. Clay also has the strong ability to absorb moisture, this benefits the storage of fruits, vegetable, herbs and spices by absorbing any excess moisture and keeping those items fresher for longer. Assembly is easy as the timber rests on hooks that have adhesive bottoms that stick directly onto the underside of a cabinet. If no area underneath a cabinet can be used for hanging these items the adhesive hooks can also be directly placed onto the wall. This product will be manufactured from clay using a slip casting method, this involves using a plaster cast for the clay to be to put into.

I have not uploaded my technical drawing as it has to be re submitted.

Truth

An Inconvenient Truth

This movie displays the nature in which humans interact with our environment and the problems it poses. Starring Al Gore he takes us through our polluting habits and the damage it is causing to the atmosphere and the overall warming affect it will have on the earth. He uses many examples of how human involvement has caused the melting of glaciers, warming of seas, increased flooding and drought and how all of these relate back to human interference. These are all due to humans increasing carbon emissions into the atmosphere through pollution and energy consumption.  Al Gore demonstrates how warming oceans have even caused storms to increase in intensity and how heat waves are becoming more and more prominent. Global warming effects are even being seen in natures natural life cycles with populations of birds that rely on certain worms to be born similar times are now being seen much earlier in the year. Developing nations as well as the USA are some of the highest contributors to Co2 emissions. Many have tried to pass global warming off as a theory rather than fact in the public limelight however global warming is scientifically recognized as fact and due to human involvement. Al Gore preaches at the end that we need to take a stand, we have the technologies and resources to reduce such emissions.  He places great importance on the fact that we must look to renewable resources and choices for the future to cut carbon emissions to zero. This incredibly relevant for industrial designers as they are the ones responsible for the production, manufacture and designs that are used on a major scale. Industrial designers need to think very hard before they take a product to the market on how they may reduce wastage, carbon emissions and how a product may in turn be recycled to be used again. In the 21^st century these are some of the most important factors that will go in our designs such as “how can we make this product from cradle to cradle” to breath new life into old, obsolescent products. After watching An Inconvenient Truth, as a designer I will be much more conscious about the materials, manufacturing processes and packaging I incorporate into my products as well as this recycling and the reuse of the products I design will also be a major factor. Al Gore for world president!!