Design Innovations

'A Private Space in a Public Place'

'The Shape-Shifting Shelter'

This project was designed to make us move out of our usual creative comfort zones. We were instructed to be as creative as possible, as to actually enjoy our designs, rather than placing emphasis on regulations and the constraints of 'normal' designs.

I proposed to design a 'shape-shifting shelter', which could be located in any of the many high pedestrianised areas of Leeds, which would offer some shelter from the elements for shoppers on a day to day basis.

My development for this project began by using the influences of origami and movement. I began by looking into the simple forms of folding and the mechanics of how the design would actually be able to move and flow. I soon discovered that the different types of folding allowed each shape to move in its own individual way.

I began by making basic sketch models which allowed me to experiment with what would and wouldn't work. I used a range of folding patterns and techniques ranging from simple horizontal and vertical extensions, to shapes which could bend and transform into different three dimensional forms.

The models themselves proved to be more difficult than first anticipated as the movement which was available from beginner origami patterns was limited and therefore limited the amount of experimentation.

Elements of the design such as the materials used, along with alternative shapes could prove beneficial in the final outcome to be produced. It was the repeated mistakes which made me become engrossed in achieving a working model which I could be proud of.