3D Modelling and Design
My interests in design stems far beyond my studies at Victoria University, starting with classic Legos as a child, developing into my interest in drawing and art as I got older, further facilitated by the introduction and access to CAD software's in my undergraduate studies. A self-proclaimed “Nerd”, I often spend my spare time 3D modelling artifacts from pop culture out of nostalgia to hone my skills and recreate realistic representations.
The Pythagoras Coffee Set
The Pythagoras Coffee Set is inspired by a Greek design called “the Pythagoras cup” or “the Greedy Cup”. The cup was designed with a valve inside that would drain if the cup was overfilled as an act of instant Karma when a guest would try to have more than their fair share of the communal wine.
The Pythagoras Coffee set was developed as means of breaking social tensions post covid-19 and to help normalize social interaction again, acting a sort of ice breaker. The plunger holds just enough to fill the two cups evenly and challenges the user to fill them fairly, so both parties have an equal amount of coffee. When the cup is overfilled it will immediately drain in the same way as the original Pythagoras cup.
This project was created as part of the Victoria University of Wellington course:
INDN 321: Interactive Products 2020
The Perfect Fit
The perfect fit was a project from a paper called “design physiology” that I took in my second year of university, it was a challenge to design a series of rings in the vein of the classic Goldilocks story, a ring that is too small, one that is too big and finally a ring that is just right.
For the “Too small” Ring, it was designed to fit when first put on but, when the wearer would go to remove it, the ring would grab on tight and cut off blood flow.
I found “Too Big” quite challenging because there was almost too much room for what could be considered “too big.” I opted to create ring that seemed to fit but was barely touching the wearers finger and was comprised of three layers connected by small tubes which hovered over the finger.
I have strong interest in Pop culture, so for the final ring, “The perfect fit”, I was inspired by “Marvel’s Iron Man”, creating a ring that was had separate mechanical parts but moved perfectly with the fluid shape of the finger.
This project was created as part of the Victoria University of Wellington course:
INDN 252: Design Physiology - 2019
Master’s research portfolio: Synthodermis
My thesis utilized procedural nodes (in Houdini) and multi material printing to generate a series of prosthetic appliances for use in film. This research analysed the ways in which the film industry already uses CGI and practical effects, as well as potential gaps that could be filled by the creation of Computer-Generated Objects.
This project focused on the concept of visual authenticity and how audiences can feel a disconnection from the narrative due to overuse of CGI and how practical elements and effects can create a strong sense of realism.
The tangible output of this thesis posed a challenge to how practical appliances can be manufactured using Stratasys 3D Polyjet printing and procedural design to generate a series of prosthesis called “Synthodermis”.
This series takes frames from an animated growth simulation of scales taking over an actor’s skin. This technique could allow directors to isolate key moments of the animation for actors to interact with, as well as the potential to be blended with digital compositing.
The resultant printed series seek to advances the capacity of creative prosthesis beyond what can be in the practical or digital realms in the hope that directors would use Synthodermis as a means to better tell their stories.
Photography by Ryan Greer
*Displayed as part of the master’s showcase “Influx” at Victoria University of Wellington, School of Design – Te Kura O Hoa Hoa
Chittenden-O’Leary. (2022). Synthodermis. Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
