These past few weeks, Agnes and I have been working at the uCreate space to brainstorm and test various concepts for designing the mushroom nodes.
Here are the three prototypes that we have been experimenting with:
Prototype 1: Umbrella
The first prototype was based on an umbrella-like structure. Due to our use of weaker paper, we were unable to shape it effectively with the wires inside, resulting in a design more reminiscent of a leaf than a mushroom. Additionally, we were dissatisfied with the appearance of the stem.
Prototype 2: Paper Lantern
After observing how light interacted with the previous paper model, we conceived the idea of constructing an aluminium wire framework covered in ideal paper and glue. Since we lacked the materials for this, we initially prototyped with masking tape. This process led us to the realization that creating eleven additional nodes using this method would be too time-consuming.
Prototype 3: Crepe paper mushrooms
This prototype built upon the first iteration, utilizing crepe paper to achieve more mushroom-like heads. Additionally, we repurposed 3D-printed scraps available at uCreate to create the stems. The texture of crepe paper enabled light to pass through, and its pliability allowed us to mould it into various shapes, as illustrated in the image above.
We are quite set on prototype 3, especially since there are only 3 weeks left but we have still contacted wood and laser cutting technicians at ECA workshops to see if a different approach is feasible with the time we have.
