Pelagia

Project Overview

Project Type: Semester Coursework | Forms & Aesthetics

Focus: Biomimicry, Family of Forms, Additive Manufacturing

This project explores the intersection of organic morphology and functional product design. Conceived during a semester module focused on "Form Structure and Aesthetics," the objective was to develop a coherent "Family of Forms" derived from a singular natural inspiration. The project necessitated a rigorous iterative process, generating three distinct stylistic lineages before refining a chosen direction into a fully functional, 3D-printed working prototype.

Design Approach

Drawing inspiration from the structural elegance of leaf venation and the fluidity of natural curvature, the design embodies a bio-mimetic approach. The lamp does not merely imitate a leaf’s outline but abstracts its skeletal geometry to dictate light diffusion. The shade features a ribbed, undulating structure that mimics the curling of a dried leaf, creating a dynamic interplay of shadow and warm light that enhances the ambient atmosphere of a workspace.

Prototyping Approach

Additive Manufacturing: The complex, undercut geometry of the shade and the fluid curves of the base were fabricated using FDM 3D printing, ensuring precise adherence to the CAD model.

Surface Finishing: To align the material semantics with the organic concept, the raw print underwent extensive post-processing. A specialized spray-painting technique was applied to simulate the grain and warmth of natural wood, effectively concealing the layer lines of the 3D print and elevating the perceived value of the object.

Functional Integration: The model was transformed from a static form study into a fully functional desk appliance through the integration of a working lighting circuit, housed discreetly within the organic shell to maintain visual continuity.