Julieta Montealegre
Experimental Form

Spring 2024
Individual

Experimental Form Projects


During my spring semester I took a class called Experimental Form (XF) and had three different projects where I was able to develop my form language and push my design boundaries and out-of-the-box thinking resulting in unique and eye-catching objects.



Project #1: Afterlife Object


Prompt: Design an object that you would intentionally have with you to navigate in the Afterlife, orient yourself in time and space, and/or connect with the living.

Project number one was definitely the most speculative and out-of-the-box of the three. Because there was so little criteria for the object, I decided to contextualize it.

By this I mean I created a made up “afterlife” where this object would be used, including:
- What immediately happens after we die.
- How the “Afterlife” looks like.
- Activities and types of interactions.


Storyboard

Sketches/Process


Prototype:




Renders:




Project #2: Polytemporal Object


Prompt: This exercise explores the crafting of 3 identical artifacts that can endure beyond their present to exist across multiple generations. 


The Carnegie Museum of Natural History will serve as a resource for concept inspiration and Contemporary Craft will provide critical reviewof objects and help you determine a market.

For this project I had to draw inspiration from a bug, yes and actual bug, and design and fabricate three identical objects in a short amount of time. 


My game plan was:
- Pick an insect that draws your attention.
- Analyze its elements (form, color, characteristics).
- Decide on an object that translates well and make it unique to me.
- Make a fabrication plan.
- Get working!


Process

Experimenting with resin and bead patterns to building final product from start to finish.
Coming up with what object to make, finalizing pattern and color palette, and lab sketches.


Final Objects

In Context

Project #3: Paper Radio


Prompt: Design and build a working paper radio that you can tune, adjust volume and turn on and off. 

This is the project I was most intimidated by because it includes working electric components and ultimately a working final prototype. Because there was little form criteria I decided to make it myself. 


- Robot-like.
- Playful.
- Intuitive.

My process included deconstructing an actual radio, understanding its components, and introducing new interactions by sautering and rewiring its componets to my paper radio.

Process/Sketches

Final Form

Figuring out its form and parts.

Deconstructing a radio, figuring out internal components, and finalizing outer shell.