In this project, I was looking to unify the modern music listening experience by combining digital and analog music into a single unit. I also looked to distinguish the unit’s style by utilizing rattan and unique joinery methods.
Disjointed Experience
Many modern listeners utilize a mixture of digital and analog music.
These mediums do not work well together and force the listener to choose one over the other.
Persistence of Analog
Analog has proven itself as a medium that has longevity.
Vinyl music turns listening into a hobby and an activity.
Rattan Theme
I chose rattan as my theme for this piece given its allowance for organic curvature as well as its rise in popularity.
Form-factor
My process started by exploring different shapes the unit may take.
Initially the forms were more rectilinear, but my intent for a cohesive experience led me to a circular form.
Joinery
I then began to look at creative and aesthetic ways to solve the joinery aspect of the piece.
The focus was on manufacturability without the use of screws or fasteners.
A Tool For Iteration
Virtual reality (through the app Gravity Sketch) allowed an organic environment to experiment with numerous concepts very rapidly.
Working In Scale
Virtual Reality gives the ability to experience forms first-hand. This means works can be created in full scale.
Joinery CAD Detailing
Simple CAD renders show how steam-bent members interconnect to form the assembly. No hardware is utilized, exclusively wood glue is used to join members.
Detailing and Interface
On board computer and touchscreen allows users to seamlessly switch between analog and digital with the use of a smartphone.
Utility
Console also includes shelves for storing records and other home goods, allowing the user to customize the unit to their needs.
Speakers
Speaker units have a complementary design and a removable grill.