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.