"NO EXPIRATION" Installment
Description
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Taking up an ongoing issue of interest and researching it thoroughly to understand the problems and implications that come with it.
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Iteratively developing design concepts to engage in a collaborative, thorough study of conceptual directions
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Utilizing a range of methods, such as digital studies and two- and three-dimensional sketches, groups must visually represent the possible forms and structures for three potential design ideas relevant to the selected contemporary issue.
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Requires creating a sequence of small-scale three-dimensional model mock-ups to move from conceptual sketches to concrete design solutions.
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Exploring the physical manifestation of the intellectual idea through experimentation with various materials, textures, forms, and techniques.
Objective
To engage in a comprehensive group project aimed at developing essential skills in project management, collaboration, documentation, narrative, and construction.
Idea Process
My group's contemporary issue was plastic food packaging waste. One of our plans was to create a shopping list with a variety of items and their accompanying plastic packaging. Another was to make a huge menu with a selection of starters, entrees, major courses, and desserts. To represent the vast amount of plastic waste with every meal we eat, there would be plastic: hanging towards the bottom, filling a shopping cart, or bags full and poured below the list. This concept emphasizes the need to reduce the amount of food packaging that is thrown away.
Initial Concept Sketches
Final Concept Sketch
Design Concept
My final concept sketch is a visual representation of my group's final project choice which was to drill four canvases together creating a large one, then paper mache receipts to the surface. Once dried, adding the names of the grocery items and an important piece of information. Then having plastic food waste pouring out of the canvas and piling onto the ground. The installation was placed between the second-floor entrance and the Robin's Nest cafe.
Design Concept
“NO EXPIRATION” is a visual representation of the large amount of plastic waste produced by the food industry. It aims to inform viewers about their personal contributions to the massive amounts of plastic waste produced. Viewing the exhibit puts in perspective how typical grocery shopping or dining out involves not only buying food but also plastic packaging that winds up in the environment as waste long after the food is gone.
The installation involves a shopping list of typical grocery store items and ends with a mound of plastic bags and trash on the ground. "37.3 million tons of plastic" is the only thing crossed off the shopping list at the bottom. This list exemplifies the immense amount of plastic that the US food industry produces annually.
Collage Concept Study
Design Concept
Having my contemporary issue be plastic food packaging waste, I added photos of a grocery store, receipts, shopping lists, and plastic waste. In addition, I included pictures of my group's project poster and a model of mine that looked similar to the real installation.
Concept Models - Exploring Presentation of Plastic
Design Concept
I decided to explore how plastic waste could be presented for my three models. The object options being a shopping cart, a shopping basket, or plastic bags. I based my model backgrounds on the main chosen site, which made it easier to see the potential placements for the waste and the difference in appearance between the materials. I also made larger versions of each object to display more detail.