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W6 - TIME CAPSULE PART II
Part II. Please sketch and prototype several versions of the capsule’s form and structure, aesthetic, and interface, choosing one final design to refine. Update the blog with your process documentation
In the first part, I chose 5 items that are meaningful to me to put into the Time Capsule. I wish my Time Capsule could exist through ages and protect my items as much as possible. I want to person who happens to find it in the future can be able to see the items. I start writing down some keywords for my Time Capsule:
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Stabilization
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Durable material
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Smooth surface
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Impact prevention
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Waterproof
With these ideas, I start sketching.
For the next step of my process, I start with a square box because it's the most popular container shape around the world. Because of its shape, it doesn't prevent damage, especially physical hit damage. In my thoughts, because of global warming, the weather in the future will be very extreme. For my items, I'd like them to have this ability to prevent hit damage and also be waterproof. Then I tried a coffin shape, with a separate section inside to put my items. Coffins are designed to be buried underground, so I believe it has abilities to prevent hits.
However, I end up giving up on these ideas because I want a smooth surface for my time capsule. So I continue to explore with the smooth capsule shape covered outside. I believe this shape can prevent as much physical damage as possible. It will be made with armored glasses which prevent hit and also water. Inside is a smaller capsule shape container with stainless steel so that even if the outer shape broke, the inner shape continues to protect my items. In between the 2 capsules, I put some columns part to further protect the structure.
I decided to prototype this project with 3D modeling. At first, I start modeling in Blender.
Then I pulled them into Unreal Engine for renders. The reason I chose Unreal Engine is that I'd like to try displaying part III with it.
For the materials, I decided to make some stains for the outer glass to give traces of time. Because it's a project with meaningful items of mine, I think 3D modeling is not enough. I want to bring it to life. I start looking at 3D printing services offered in the Maker Space and finished the online orientation. Then I start refined my models. Because we have a 4-hour limit for 3D printing, I start refining my models to low-poly objects by using the Blender modifier.
I used the decimate modifier to lower the face to around 2k in total. I think it's a good size for 3D printing. Then I explored it with Cura.
I used the decimate modifier to lower the face to around 2k in total. I think it's a good size for 3D printing. Then I explored it with Cura. After setting up the printing I realized that I haven't finished the require in-person training in Maker Space!!! The closest time I can schedule is till Oct. 26th. That means I can't use the 3D printer before then..
The 3D print will be displayed in part III!! Finger crossed! I should've considered the waiting time in the Maker Space and planned ahead. :(
Reflection
It's a unique experience for me to design a "container" of my memories. In my previous design, my major focal point is always the creative and interaction parts. But this time, different from any previous design, my focal point is on functionality - how can I best protect my price-less items, or in another word, my memories. You may notice the shape of my time capsule looks like a spaceship, or I will call it a time traveler. I want my capsule to be the transportation to travel through time, with more of my memories as passengers get on board. And hopefully, they can travel as longer as possible.
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