In this two-week project, I had the opportunity to design for public spaces and think deeper about how design impacts society. The goal of the project was to pick a space on Ohio State's campus and (re)design a bike rack with a 1/16th scale appearance model as a deliverable. We were given the constraints of creating appearance models without any high-tech tools like a laser cutter, 3D printer etc.
I started this process by producing some fast thumbnail iterations based off the design elements/principals already present in the space. The space I chose is the new "Alley of Friends" on the corner of High Street and 15th Avenue. The Alley of Friends currently has some distinct features involving repetition, movement/rhythm, and contrast. The area is a place for people to utilize the bright red and orange table sets to sit and chat with their friends and get some work done. It also features cylindrical light speakers that play music all day long as the lights change color.
Analyzing the "Alley of Friends" on Ohio State's Campus
Repetition thumbnails
Movement Thumbnails
Contrast Thumbnails
After doing some exploration, I started to hone in on the wave-like movement/rhythm thumbnails (such as #8). I think that the waves match the atmosphere of the space, and the fact that the sound of music flows/waves throughout as people walk by or choose to sit. I did some more prototyping, quick math/measurements so that I could come up with the most cohesive bike rack concept.
First Idea
Better Measurements With More Space
Prototype
After doing more sketching and models, I realized that I wanted my final form to have more space (32 inches) between each bike rack and that there should be 5 in total. I played around with height and width to come up with my Appearance Model that I spray painted black. In real life, I would want this bike rack to have a metallic, black finish as well.
Final Measurements
Alley of Friends Bike Rack Appearance Model
Alley of Friends Inspiration
Reflection: In this quick project, I was able to utilize the design process to quickly ideate, prototype, and create and 1/16th appearance model bike rack for the Alley of Friends on Ohio State's campus. It was inspired by the movement/rhythm found in the architecture, music, and constant footsteps throughout the space. There is a sort of wave/frequency found from every angle you look at the bike rack including front, side, and birds eye view. Overall, the 5 black bike rack structure helps provide more cohesive unity and rhythm within the space. During this process, I gained more confidence in my abilities to prototype and create forms without the use of more advance technology. But I have a ways to go! My crafting needs a great deal of improvement in order to strengthen the intention of my concept. As I continue to refine this project, I will utilize different glue and tools to make it look sharper and enhance the appreciable wave aspect of the design. Altogether, I am excited to continue designing for public spaces in the future!