Delivery - Unit 1
In the first unit the class was asked to investigate, design and construct a paper lantern, taking into consideration the following factors:
- The light source is to be a tea lantern candle.
- There must be no less than 80mm air space around the sides of the candle and 120mm air space above the flame.
- The lantern must be made from a single colour paper.
- The lantern must sit stably on a table top.
To do this they were asked to complete the following tasks:
- Develop three different lantern concepts, using a range of media to describe the ideas and annotations to support and justify the concepts.
- Select a favourite concept and produce a mock-up of it, using it to explore joining methods and folding and material options.
- Refine the concept into a final design, selecting final materials, shape and size.
- Produce a final isometric drawing of the lantern design.
- Present a final full scale pattern of the unfolded lantern.
- Construct the final lantern design and present to class.
- Evaluate the final design against the given design brief specifications.
This first unit laid the foundations for the delivery of the main second unit and enabled the teacher to assess the various abilities, prior knowledge and experience of the students, who came from a range of backgrounds. This was the first time the students had dealt with an internally illuminated object and the different approach to design and construction that this required.
The unit also set the parameters for the operation of the class, with the students learning how to work to set specifications to design and make a lighting solution. It also clarified the teacher's expectations and established an acceptable work ethic among the students.
