Modelling in Action
Given an open brief for a full-year year 13 project Tian Liu decided to make a bookcase for a university friend, Lin Jian, who had lots of books but very little space. Tian explored the problem from every angle and investigated existing solutions. His research led him to specialist furniture and interior design agencies that advised from commercial, aesthetic and functional perspectives. He then assimilated and moulded this information in the form of concepts and Google SketchUp images. Finding that he needed to work with practical models to develop his ideas, he turned to modelling various possibilities, and found this an excellent way of discovering the practicalities, possibilities and limitations of his designs, and the viability of particular materials.
Tian began with concept drawings, focussing on aesthetics: a set of floored slatted wooden cells joined and pivoted on various common corners. "I explored different ways of rotating bookshelves. I also added acrylic to the inside of the bookshelf so light can pass through."
Through a series of mock-up models, in wood and polystyrene, Tian found that the pivoting action unbalanced the unit and he went on to explore other ideas. "The wooden model was made to show an idea to my client, about a rotational bookshelf. This design had a layer look to it, which goes well with books and this was very different."
While there is also the obvious question of "Where do the books go?" there are still fundamental aspects articulated in this initial abstract model that ended up as integral to Tian's final solution, despite extensive exploration of other possible solutions. These include:
- the rotating three-cell structure;
- the materials (wooden cells and metal pivots);
- the slatted design element.
Back to the drawing board and Tian came up with some alternative concepts, continuing the exploration of cells, this time in 1950s retro styling. The unit was now static and required mounting on a wall. Consultation with the client dismissed this idea as neither desirable nor practical:
"The concepts are kind of the same," says Tian. "I have just changed by adding new styles, colours and the shapes/ order of the designs. Here I have just added new materials to the bookshelves, this fulfils the key factor of my client, which is modern."
Again Tian experimented with mock-ups, both in miniature trying out different materials and colours, and full-sized, first in wood and then introducing acrylic. "These were just put together to show the design, shape and form. When it was made I kind of liked it, so then I developed it further. The first thing that came to my mind was ' How can I make this look better?' Then I thought of using different materials. Another type of material that my client would like in his bookshelf was acrylic. so using the measurements for the smaller cubes I made two out of acrylic. Using the new two acrylic cubes made a new design. When I looked at the model there was something still missing, it still wasn't perfect. Then by cutting the two bigger cubes, which gave it a later look, made it complete."
Tian also explored a number of options through mock-up modelling:
Left: "These models were made to explore the shape and form of the legs, if the bookshelf was going to be free standing. Coats of spray paint were also tested for the finish on the final product."
Right: "By weaving the materials together, I was creating a new style, this was to test the outside form and look of the bookshelf."
A further, highly radical, model based on an example Tian had seen on the internet, explored different possibilities of rotation and balance, and also introduces the idea of storing books on both sides of the cells. The shelves are constructed in two interlocking vertical units. One unit is on a sliding base enabling it to be rotated and repositioned. While Tian was excited by this idea, and keen to develop it further, it presented too many technical issues for him to be confident of finishing the project within time and budget.
Left: Tian also explored variations of vertical stacking, combining metal (the yellow strips) and wood. This model anticipates the structural problems associated with this design. "I took the rotational bookshelf up the next stage, I came up with a new design. This bookshelf will be free standing and it will be able to rotate when locating for a book.
Right: Tian finally revisited his original concept – the rotating slatted cuboid three-cell structure – and included the double-sided shelving idea evolved from the modelling process. The rotation-imbalance issue was fully addressed through pivoting the cells around a central column. This last model formed the basis of Tian's final solution.
Before constructing his final solution Tian modelled some joints to decide on the most suitable:
Tian's final model still gave rise to two issues that were addressed in the final construction:
- the stability of the unit as a whole; and
- the fact that the central column limited storage possibilities inside each cell.
Tian believed that both issues may be solved by changing the mechanism of joining/rotating the cells. He consulted extensively with several specialist engineering suppliers including Schrodoco, borrowing and trialling devices until he came across the perfect solution – a ball-bearing race sandwiched between two circular plates that fitted between each pair of cuboids. As each rotating device was independent, it enabled the bottom unit to sit on the floor, removing the stability issue altogether.
Fixing the ball-bearing races proved problematic. Gluing and screwing would give the strongest bond, but while the plates could easily be screwed on to one cell, the second cell had to be fully in place before the screws could be inserted – an impossibility. Impossible, that is, if the units were solid, and here Tian's slotted design showed its value as it turned out that the screws could be inserted into the plate and into the lower unit through those slots.
Final outcome
Tian completed his project with excellent workmanship and finishing. He explored and trialled joints, and considered and tested a variety of stains, but decided, along with his client, he preferred a natural look. He was concerned that the joints felt a little 'loose' when the bookcase was empty, but was relieved to find that the weight of the books themselves greatly enhanced the solidity and firmness of the joints and the unit.
"Tian's maturity and quiet confidence in his problem-solving capability has won through," says teacher Matthew Lane. "He has particularly impressed with his multiple experiments and trials. Many of which were analysed and tested. His client followed the development of his problem solving with great interest and regularly requested updates.
"Some of Tian's earlier models proved to be highly favoured by Lin but later 
developments won though. The practical construction was very time consuming and because of the extensive modelling tests was in danger of failure but he worked all hours to complete the project to a very high standard.
"His work has featured in the staff room and will take a prominent place in the college's collegian. A great many staff have requested commissioning replicas! His design is both robust and innovative. Tian remains a hard working thoughtful and meticulous student who perfects a design solution rather than opting for mediocrity. I cannot recommend him highly enough as he has built upon an outstanding Year 12 solution with an equally original and impressive piece in Year 13."
