Sensory Ethnography Conlusions

During this project I have found some very interesting observations and feelings that are associated with an activity which is so mundane. The main senses that were observed were sight, smell and hearing as all three of these senses coincides with one another essentially and helps us get across the road. In my research diary I have used a number of different font styles showing the age differences, as this was an important part to my study. I found that age played a huge, if not the biggest role in the decisions we make when it comes to crossing the road, and that we are all influenced by the actions of others. 

Sensory Ethnography 5 - Joyce

My final observation is from Joyce, 80 years old.

Experience counts as the many years tower over the youthfulness of the rest. From an elders perspective, all senses combine to factor in the surroundings. Patience stands for safety as an over cautious conscience  steps in and stands ground. Seeing motion in fast forward, this is normal to an elderly lady who cautiously takes her time as she steps out to the edging of the hard cold road. She double checks both ways, and takes her path across the road being careful at every step, not to slip on the wet slippery road. As the traffic waiting for her drives on by, the echo becomes a distant noise which will appear again soon.

The stories i got from Joyce were almost more interesting than the observations, she told me about how roads used to be, without as much traffic around. The main thing she pointed out to me was she had no time limits for anything in her life, so she has no need to run across roads, she would rather be safe than sorry.

Sendory Ethnography 4 - Carl

My fourth observation came from Carl, he is 44 years old.

Matured to the facts with the knowledge to know better, with patience in hand waiting for the all go is the least of his worries. But perhaps this is a result of the past, a bad experience? Or maybe just setting an example for others around. Waiting for the signal and the road to clear, taking the time to make sure there are no hidden surprises. Listening for the green man to make his sound opening the metaphorical gates to the other side. Cars left, cars right, stopped, no movement except that of his own legs. 

As the age grows older, the wiser they get. What i found with Carl is that he didn't mind waiting for traffic to clear, compared to Holly, obviously the age gap is a big influence in this. Another thing he said was that he has 2 kids which he has to set an example to.

Sensory Ethnography 3 - Holly

Holly, 19 years old

Been there done that, seen it all before. Aware of the dangers, yet naive towards the consequences. To wait or not to wait, a mad dash across the road is alarmed by the sound of a car’s high pitch horn beeping. Car engines, sirens and peoples chatter and talk fills every inch of every street. A soft humming like noise rumbles through the streets as a large truck approaches, a gust of wind rushes through her hair sending shivers down her spine, followed by an ever dulling sound of the vicious rumble. The suspense after the storm.

The main things i noticed with holly, is that although she is 19, and old enough to know the dangers, she is still very naive to the dangers as she would quite happily j-walk in front of traffic. She too had connections to memories of her childhood, much like the younger boys, however hers was linked to noise.

Sensory Ethnography 2 - Harry

My second observations was Harry, an 8 year old boy

Our youth is filled with the moments which give us intimate links to certain feelings. Listening to the words of his elders is the key to this young boy’s safety. Innocent and fresh to the big bad world, all this bundle of energy can hear is the whistle of cars swiftly passing him by, followed by a gust of wind which shakes his stance. The smell of warm tyre rubber fills the crisp winter fresh air which hits his skin making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. Heavy shoes, one size too big weigh his feet down tying him to the road as he crosses.

Harry too had similar observations and feelings to Wilson, which was expected.

Sensory Ethnography 1 - Wilson

My first observations came from a 7 year old, Wilson.

To the innocent eye, movement is constant. Close to the earth’s surface even the smallest of moves are noticed. The shiny paint finishes of the cars at the lights glimmer in his eyes. He is observant and waits by his mother’s side, without a full understanding of how much damage could be done if he were to run like it was a school playground. Checks left, glances right just like he has been told, he looks up to see nothing but a dirty car grill staring him down. Noticing the man just across the road walking out in front of a car, realisation sets in that the road is a dangerous place. 

The observations i gained from Wilson i thought were very interesting as it brought back memories from my childhood. Being so young and naive to the world

Sensory Ethnography ideas

After the first part of project one - the auto ethnography, i have chosen to continue with the context of crossing the road. The reason i have chosen this activity is because i believe this is something everybody does on a daily basis, but there are so many observations we don't take in or realize. I will take observations from people who vary in age, from young (7 years old) to older (80 years old), i believe this will give me a diverse range of results and recordings.

Proposed Design Concept

This is my finalized concept which represents new beginnings and hopes. The pillars reach toward the sky as a sign of a new beginning.

My sculpture will be made up of main 3 parts. These parts will be made from wood and carved to shape then assembled with bolts near the base of the wood. I will hollow each pillar out on the outer side to allow room for the LED strip and components to be placed and fitted. I will also make frosted acrylic panels which will slot into the wood to diffuse the light and create more of an ambient glow which i feel will look the most effective in a garden or alternative outdoor setting. Once this is all assembled i will coat and treat the wood so it is water tight so the lighting components inside are protected from the elements and will last a long time.

Further Research - Chosen Ideas

I have decided to base my design on a mixture of these two ideas utilizing the shape and form of the top image with the materials and unique method of lighting of the bottom image. The top image is the Futuristic Blade Bridge in Auckland, i like how the overall form looks very organic, yet structural and i think this will work well with my design as a sculpture. The bottom image is a lamp design by Italian designer Marco Stefanelli who uses old dried wood and adds lighting to the structures to create a unique and interesting lighting feature.
 
Images sourced from http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2012/08/lamps-made-from-sawmill-waste-and-tree-branches-embedded-with-resin-and-leds/

http://www.trendir.com/ultra-modern/futuristic-blade-bridge-in-auc.html

Development Concepts

Exploring the form for my concept in context, also thinking about materials and ways to light such a specific space such as a garden.

Sketches

This is my first concept which i based on one of my precedent images, i love how the use of such a natural material has been juxtaposed and placed in an urban setting. These could be used as stools, or chairs in an outdoor setting providing a small amount of ambient mood lighting.

Refined Context

After looking for precedents which relate to what i am aiming to make, i have decided to go with a garden sculpture made from a native New Zealand wood. The idea behind this context is i would like to restore some of the feeling that may have been lost during the period where the earthquakes have been effecting this area. I think it would be nice to have a large scale lighting object that can be placed either in the garden, or alternatively in any outdoor living area or entertaining area. To light this sculpture i will use LED lights as they give off an even light distribution, and with the help of frosted acrylic i think the lighting would be more of an ambient glow which would look nice in such an environment. The form is an important part to this project so i want to create a design which symbolizes hope, and a new start which is why i have 3 stems reaching toward the sky like a plant growing upward.

Luxcity Project Precedents

These images i have found show unique qualities which i think will work in with my ideas for this project and Luxcity. I want to create a sculptural piece of artwork which symbolizes hope and creates a calming mood for a garden or outdoor living / entertaining area. I think having something that is personal is important in restoring some character to these houses that have been effected by the recent earthquakes. I would love to use wood, and keep it natural and organic looking.

Revised Contextual Image

The torch is made for the bedroom, to sit on a bedside table or cabinet. These images show the amount of light the torch now gives out, i think it is just enough light without being too bright.

Redesigned Parts

These are the parts which i have added, and changed from the original form. Because the torch already had a functioning purpose i chose to change the aesthetics, the housing was made from a grey plastic before which trapped light in, i have changed this to a sandblasted clear plastic which now allows light to escape from around the end of the torch. I also added a base, or stand for the torch which is made out of clear acrylic, this disperses light evenly and gives a nice glow in the area where the torch is placed. In the top of the lid there used to be a clear plastic cover, i have changed this to a frosted cover which also disperses light more evenly, this also cuts out the harsh light and gives it a nicer glow.

Process

These are a few images which show the process and materials i used in making the changes to the torch. Mainly by using vacuum forming, sandblasting  and lazer cutting i have been able to make the changes to my torch.

Final Plan & Ideas

After tearing the torch apart further i have decided to leave the fundamentals of the torch alone - this being the dynamo pump action. Instead i will look at effective ways to convert this to a torch which is suitable for kids and works as a night light. I will make changes to the plastic casing around the bulbs, i will change the material of the bulb housing to diffuse the light better, and make a stand for the torch so it can stand upright on a bedside table allowing a small amount of light out. This is opposed to having a night light plugged in all night, this allows the child to interact with the object and teaches them about saving power.