A CUT ABOVE
In design, the sum of all we do is focused on appeasing the end user. It is the sum of the parts that when assembled can render a mesmerizing masterpiece or an over designed attempt only to be re-designed once again. It seems that such is the case with the onset of laser cutters and CNC machines alike. “Computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines have been around for decades. Originally developed for the aerospace industry to facilitate the precise machining of complex shapes, CNC mills have since become the go-to gadget for everyone, from product designers to architects who want their intricate designs fabricated fast. The off-site machining of building elements expedites their installation, drastically reducing construction time.” http://loguestudiodesign.com/
That said, like all fads that hit the design scene, the designer who can embrace a new technology while remaining focused on the design outcome will yield the best result and gain industry praise. Case in point, the CNC and laser cut undulating, repetitive pattern, mind bending furniture and wall & ceiling applications that have graced every contemporary furniture show and architectural exhibit in the last five-ten years. While amazing in concept and exploration, we are now moving past the fascination of machine use and its ability into refined simplicity and elegance. Truly stunning designs are emerging that are setting a new standard for designers to try to surpass. CNC pre-programmed applications have taken on a whole new meaning moving into 2014.To fabricate is second in the process, a means to an end, while design is at the forefront, the new standard. Prepare to awe if you want to be “A Cut Above” in 2014 and beyond.
That said, like all fads that hit the design scene, the designer who can embrace a new technology while remaining focused on the design outcome will yield the best result and gain industry praise. Case in point, the CNC and laser cut undulating, repetitive pattern, mind bending furniture and wall & ceiling applications that have graced every contemporary furniture show and architectural exhibit in the last five-ten years. While amazing in concept and exploration, we are now moving past the fascination of machine use and its ability into refined simplicity and elegance. Truly stunning designs are emerging that are setting a new standard for designers to try to surpass. CNC pre-programmed applications have taken on a whole new meaning moving into 2014.To fabricate is second in the process, a means to an end, while design is at the forefront, the new standard. Prepare to awe if you want to be “A Cut Above” in 2014 and beyond.
Digital drawings as above have aided fabricators in the production vision designers have set out to achieve.
Below a result of such innovative applications.
Image above: http://loguestudiodesign.com/
Below a result of such innovative applications.
Image above: http://loguestudiodesign.com/
Routers and milling CNC machines have all provided the means by which to push the creative envelope. What was once geometric investigations that webbed across walls and ceilings has now emerged into layered walls and wood fabrication that is an art installation in itself. below, a series of drawings that produce a breathtaking outcome.
Perhaps the most intriguing and stand back stunning effect is the milled ripple effect. Seen below on cabinetry or further down as a water drop effect on a cabinet that serves as a room divider and headboard. Perhaps inspired by the Farnsworth house wardrobe Mies designed?
Ripple, waterway or raised topography. The outcome for interior scapes is as delicious as meringue.
Just as appealing are the endless design options that can be routed then overlaid. In the instance below, a pattern that has been cut then then polished to perfection.
A CNC 3d marble panel.
Below: http://www.houzz.com/photos/6378552/3d-nature-stone-wave-panel--3d-stone-wall-art-tile--3d-cnc-marble-wall-panel-contemporary--other-metro
A CNC 3d marble panel.
Below: http://www.houzz.com/photos/6378552/3d-nature-stone-wave-panel--3d-stone-wall-art-tile--3d-cnc-marble-wall-panel-contemporary--other-metro
Furniture designers are stretching their imagination in all directions.
Fabrication is yielding new forms of furniture that combines art installation and practicality.
Bench: http://www.danielwidrig.com
Fabrication is yielding new forms of furniture that combines art installation and practicality.
Bench: http://www.danielwidrig.com
What is truly amazing is that now designs can be mass produced and shipped flat pack for the end user/customer to simply assemble (i.e. the light pendant below). The intrigue is as much a part of the re-assembly as is the flat packing of it.
Both ends of the spectrum allow for participation of design.
Image Below: http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/14/light-modulator-by-studio-lazerian/
Both ends of the spectrum allow for participation of design.
Image Below: http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/14/light-modulator-by-studio-lazerian/
Voila!
Lighting designers are not jumping but running off the high dive in possibilities.
Lighting designers are not jumping but running off the high dive in possibilities.
A flat packed CNC chair design...ready for shipping and assembly upon arrival.
Below: http://new.pentagram.com/2009/05/preview-the-nature-conservancy/
Below: http://new.pentagram.com/2009/05/preview-the-nature-conservancy/
While not as elaborate in scale...when CNC designs work, they work!
An elegant & timeless modernist chair below. Perhaps a "One-off" but not for long.
Chair below: http://www.danielwidrig.com
An elegant & timeless modernist chair below. Perhaps a "One-off" but not for long.
Chair below: http://www.danielwidrig.com
A practical stacked storage concept & elegant at the same time.
Dresser: http://blog.ponoko.com/2009/06/03/office-da-pump-serious-cnc-assisted-design/
Dresser: http://blog.ponoko.com/2009/06/03/office-da-pump-serious-cnc-assisted-design/
Lasers, routers, milling machines...the options have provided weekend crafters to venture out to seek-out venture capitalists to launch their concepts in business plan format. Below are precision milled examples by Steelforme, craft worthy of MoMA's gift-shop shelves no less.
http://steelforme.myshopify.com/
http://steelforme.myshopify.com/
A custom designed hospitality tray request by Steelforme for a hotel/client.
For me, the amazement arrives in the form of everyday objects re-thought and re-designed with environmental sensitivity applied. Small gestures of caring carried out with chicness will be tripple good fortune for the designer, catered guest and for the environment. With the advent of such new technology i.e. press form, applied form, cut form. No wonder many are embracing the fad, but as commented earlier; not all designers are created equal and it will be those designers that aspire to be "A Cut Above" that stand out in the rat race of all things manufactured at warp precision speed.
Images dinnerware below: http://www.verterra.com/collections/all
Images dinnerware below: http://www.verterra.com/collections/all