[#6] Paper-craft Research & Exploration

 RESEARCH - Zim & Zou

"Genetic Manipulation" display from Zim and Zou's "Edible Monsters" project for la Rinascente, EXPO Milan 2015.

While researching examples of paper-craft objects I was most impressed by the immersive scenes, bold colours, and fine details of Zim & Zou's creations. Zim & Zou are a duo of designers out of France that focus on creating physical creations as opposed to computer designs. The scale of their paper-craft work ranges from small dioramas or objects all the way up to large display features the size of rooms for stores such as Hermes.

Though their work is often part of high-end retail displays, they still have a purpose behind them, or at least an intention to ignite a conversation. The example above is titled "Genetic Manipulation" from their series of displays for their "Edible Monsters" project. It depicts a laboratory experiment in whimsical colours and shapes, the results of which are dripping onto a rabbit with extra ears. The bright colours draw your attention right away but as you look closer you can't help but admire all the fine details. The other displays included in their "Edible Monsters" project all touch on concerns about what we eat such as insecticides, medicines, farming practices, and sugary processed foods.

Close-up of rabbit
The level of detail and impeccable craft of Zim & Zou's work has inspired me to push myself with my design. There's so much you can do with paper to create textures, depth, and narrative. I especially like how they have taken everyday things such as food and created bold, new interpretations of them out of paper.

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EXPLORATION

From my research, I have come to the conclusion that pretty much anything can be made into paper-craft. There's so many interesting creations out there that I wanted to think of something that I could put out on display but also keep it to something I can actually execute both in Rhino and in paper. 

Quick Sketches

I did a variety of quick sketches and decide to delve further into the pinball machine, espresso machine, and pasta dinner ideas. I will have to experiment in Rhino and get feedback from the rest of the class on which I should move forward with. My main concerns are that modelling and crafting the objects will be difficult to execute.

I would like to include some transparent areas on the pinball machine and some LEDs if I have the time. I would also like to use a variety of textured papers on whatever object I finally choose to create similar textures to reality. Maybe a finely corrugated texture on an off-white paper for the pasta, shiny paper to mimic metal or plastic, or rough textures for things like bread or meatballs.

So far, the pinball machine appeals to me the most since it has a shape that I think I can model in Rhino and lots of opportunity to go crazy with the details. 

Top 3 Ideas:

Idea 1: Espresso Machine



Idea 2: Pasta Dinner


Idea 3: Pinball Machine

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