Alive Whakaurunga Toi Korikori

Press Kit

Unique Properties

This dynamic object is based on biophilic design principles, inspired by water - the foundation and source of all life. Alive is designed for public interiors, offices or various public spaces. It is based on the research that rhythm or movement, perceived in nature, creates a strong impression and a positive impact on the human being. Alive provides the vitality of the environment and reminds us to nurture Mother Nature, our home.

Dimensions & Packaging

Design object consist of MDF construction, motor and neoprene with 2000 plexiglass details attached. Dimensions: Width 1200mm x Depth 100mm x Height 1200mm

Tags

alive, design, object, biophilic, movement, nature

Production Technology

There were two main tasks in design and production. First, how to create simple, inexpensive mechanics to make the object move the particles from inside. Second task - thinking of the whole covering part - elastic but strong textile with attached small details, expressing the best effect of movement while keeping all particles in place. The base structure is construction of MDF and small, but strong motor. The covering part is made using neoprene with specially designed 2000 plexiglass details.

Design Challenge

A few design and technology challenges were met. One of the biggest task was defining the best solution for a theme, concept and what kind of nature aspect should be used for. Also, technology challenges followed. The big question - how to create a powerful, but silent and small technology that would make the installation spin at the right intensity, rhythm, speed. After numerous consultations, research and experiments, all the solutions were found and the installation works as imagined.

Research

At first, my main but abstract goal was creating a design that is alive. But I started thinking that it isn’t enough to present the idea and concept in a narrow, only idea driven design. So I started a research to find and justify my idea - it was biophilic design. After a long research and getting deeper into a matter, I found a lot of statistics, data and projects, that proves the need and benefits of biophilic design in our modern, urbanist environments. Mostly there are designs that are applicable for architecture, interior, landscape design, but there is so little product, furniture design on the matter. So, the process started by finding the main and most affecting aspects of nature that could be transformed into a object. After a long path of research, experiments and ideas, I stick to the idea of transforming a feeling of moving water into a design object.

Inspiration

Biophilic design is based on the biophilia hypothesis. It is the innate tendency of a person to seek a connection with nature or just love for the living. With the rapid acceleration of urbanization, more and more biophilic design is used to create favorable living spaces in a modern environment, maintaining harmony between the person and nature. It has been proved that the application of biophilic design methods indoors, improves productivity, creativity and well-being.

Project Duration

The project started in February 2019 and finished in June 2019 in Vilnius Academy of Arts, Vilnius, Lithuania. It was exhibited in Titanikas gallery, in Vilnius June-July 2018.

Operation Flow

This object is based on simple mechanics, using small, silent motor that stretches the fabric and moves little details as it goes. It goes clockwise, around in circles, creating soothing, calming effect.

Image Credits

Video Credits: Lukas Keizikas