Final Statement

REVIEW OF FINAL MAJOR PROJECT (FMP)

Student Name: Freya Salisbury         

                                                                                 Pathway: 3D Pathway

Final Major Project Title: Rio Olympics 2016 

In the final Foundation project I have designed and manufactured a 3D medal and Olympic Flame Cauldron sculpture to symbolise Rio Olympic Games 2016. The main requirements of the medal design were clarity and choice of visual components. It was observed that Nike the Greek Goddess of victory featured on medals from the last 3 Olympics, so she was included on these designs.  The Rio 2016 font by Dalton Magg inspired the design on the medal; the letters are created to look as if they are drawn swiftly suggesting the movement of athletes. The stages of initial rough ideas through to final medals shows that some of the early design elements remain. This is seen in the retaining of the Olympic rings and Christ the Redeemer.  Method and material progression meant that the medals have required some rethinking. A gilded medal showed failings in the application of real gold, silver and bronze leaf due to the porous nature of plywood and difficulty pre-sealing the surface - and losing fine medal detail in the process.

From the very beginning with the project proposal the final outcome is very different to that which I imagined, and I feel the models now serve as a symbol of Brazil, reflecting a hint their culture. Some effort went in to incorporating the appropriate typography into the design, and the Rio 2016 font gives an informal laid back feel echoing the lifestyle of Brazil.

The other product designed and manufactured for the final project was the Olympic Flame Cauldron. In the words of Pier De Coubertin “The Olympics is not just about winning - but about taking part”, and this quote epitomises my design ethos on this project to involve and impress people.  Unlike the torch relay where people are involved by selection or watching from the side-lines, this cauldron design allows the stadium crowds to participate by entering the sculpture providing a profound and memorable experience.  The cauldron is double insulated with safe access for any visitors, and creates an unforgettable experience once inside. The flame is shot from the base through the funnel into the sky continuously for 2 weeks of highly competitive sport. 

During the research into this project I considered and understood the power the Olympics has on a country and its people.  A trip to the London 2012 Park gave an insight into how that area has transformed for the better due to the profile of the games.  A trip to Berlin allowed a visit to the 1936 Olympic fascist stadium. The historical context that surrounded those games still impacts on us today. This visit was vital and encouraged me to think more widely and to be more inclusive in my designs. Keeping an on-line blog has allowed me to present my research and designs to others in a more professional manner, and feedback is often gained through this medium by peers and tutors. The amount of time spent researching both written and on-line media has helped me realise the depth of study needed for a project of this magnitude.

This project has a seven week duration and therefore talking through and discussing ideas is a necessary element.  Geoff Henman gave me advice for the design of the Olympic cauldron; he mentioned layering using acrylic to create rounded seating - widening at the top and have the flame in the middle.  This was useful information as never before has such great access been granted allowing people to walk within this iconic sculpture.

Anna also gave advice on the medal designs and insisted that I look back at past medals to reference the changing styles and imagery. From my peers the most important feedback received was praise on the amount of testing and different methods used during my project. For example the use of rapid prototyping, laser cutting, gilding and spray painting. These all show versatility and experimental design to reach the best outcome possible within the brief.

The stages of initial rough ideas through to final medals demonstrates that some of the early design elements remain. The project enabled exploration of ideas and processes from initial ideas to Adobe software and 3D printing.  Technical drawing and exhibiting the idea to its full potential in scale and the environment in which it belongs.  To improve the overall process I would aim to begin the drawing stages earlier and  develop these sketches earlier. 

The learning curve of improvement would include taking an idea and developing it to a reasonable conclusion  before moving on to an alternative design.  With this in mind then continuing to research into the contextual background of products and their meaning, and designing with the client/project objective in mind.