Research

Design Brief

Your task is to initially research resin pouring and existing table lamps, and then produce a range of designs for a Resin Poured Lamp to 'sit' on a bedside table or coffee table. We would like you to use some exotic Thai hardwood timber(s) and combine thesewith (creatively) coloured resin that you mix, pour, cut and file to shape to create the base for your lamp. We would also like you to design, cut and shape other parts of the lamp including a 'neck' that joins to your resin poured base, a 'head' and a 'lantern / lamp shade' that is interesting to look at and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the lamp. You will design, develop, model, prototype and manufacture a table lamp made through combining resin with exotic hardwoods, and additionally use laser cutting and 3D printed parts.

Objective: The goal of this project is to design, develop, and manufacture a unique table lamp that combines the natural beauty of exotic Thai hardwoods with the vibrant and customisable properties of resin. The lamp is intended to be a versatile product that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a room.

Project Scope:

Research Phase:

• • Resin Pouring Techniques: Investigate various resin pouring methods, focusing on techniques that allow for creative colour mixing, transparency, and embedding effects.

  • Existing Table Lamps: Analyse a range of existing table lamp designs to identify successful elements and potential areas for innovation, particularly in terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Design Development:

• • Base Design: Create a series of design concepts for the lamp base, incorporating exotic Thai hardwoods with resin. The resin will be mixed, poured, cut, and filed to shape, providing a sturdy and visually striking foundation for the lamp.

  • Neck and Head: Design and shape the neck that connects to the resin base, ensuring it complements both the base and the overall structure. The head of the lamp should also be designed with attention to balance and proportion.

  • Lampshade Design: Develop an interesting and aesthetically pleasing lampshade or lantern that not only adds to the visual appeal but also enhances the lighting quality.

Prototyping and Manufacturing:

• • Utilise laser cutting and 3D printing technologies to create intricate parts and components of the lamp.

  • Prototype the designs, making adjustments as necessary to ensure structural integrity, ease of assembly, and aesthetic coherence.

  • Finalise the design and then manufacture a fully functional resin poured table lamp, showcasing the harmonious blend of exotic hardwood and resin.

Outcome: 

The final product will be a distinctive table lamp that serves as both a functional lighting solution and a statement piece of decor, reflecting the innovative use of materials and modern manufacturing techniques.

Design Restrictions

There are many, many opportunities for careful and detailed creativity in all parts of this project, from the design of the base and use of resin, holes, seperate pieces etc. through to the neck, head and lantern designs. However, there are some Specification guidelines that we want you to follow to hopefully ensure that you successfully complete the project in the given time with a design that looks elegant and stylish. 

1. The base of your lamp should not be longer than 230mm (length), not wider than 135mm (width), not taller than 100mm (height). Therefore the maximum size that your Base piece could be is: 230mm x 135mm x 100mm.

2. You should look to combine resin with timber for your Base piece. There are many options to cut out shapes, pieces, holes etc. 

3. The neck of your lamp should ideally be manufactured from laser cut acrylic pieces that will join together. This will allow for wires to be hidden inside the layers. The maximum size for your 'neck' should not be taller than 350mm; not wider than 125mm; no thicker (depth) than 30mm. 350mm x 125mm