Hoek van Holland Alternative Map
I have created my experimental map through image stitching, layering and blending of which, give the map a collage but photorealistic look. I catch the essence of Hoek van Holland below with my photos based on the vegetation found in the area.
Favorite Shoes
I make 3 copies of my suede Chelsea boots using materials such as wood glue, staples and cardboard to form their base and enforce structure.
Larnaca Biennale 2021
One of the biggest art exhibitions in Cyprus starting from the 13th of October until the 26th of November. Notable installations which use materials in alternative methods include:
‘Google It’ A collage of 8 video screens which run for 1 minute, conceived by the Greek artist Dimitris Douramakos.
‘Utopia’ Glass on metal frame, an 18x30.5x43cm piece conceived by the American artist Hasna Sal.
’Feelings’ Fired stoneware clay, a 90cm cubed piece conceived by the Cypriot artist Irene Zenonos.
‘Paradise made in Larnaca’ Artificial flowers and fruits, inflatables, trimmings, beds, led, a 300x300x20cm piece conceived by the French artist Corinne Fhima.
‘Epidermal’ Polyethylene resin, watercolor, dry mushrooms, wood branches, a 50x130x250cm piece conceived by the Cypriot artist Maria Trillidou.
Rotterdam Lighting Solutions - Input
For clearer understanding of my ‘family of objects’ I have divided the project in two sections. The first section focuses on everything planning while the second section focuses on the more consumer friendly side of the whole ordeal. My concept for the project is as follows:
Coming from a sunny island, I adore anything coastal and I am very grateful to have previously gained input on Hoek van Holland through prior assignments. After extensive research I have come to the conclusion that sunlight plays an essential role in the wellbeing of everyone visiting the area. Without the warmth and shine of the sun the area has no movement, nobody at the eateries and shops, and an eerily empty parking lot as a result. This includes even animals such as seagulls therefore light there is necessary in order for my area to have a constant stream of happy visitors. Furthermore besides the beach and dunes, my area offers many beach bars, lounges and restaurants all of which take advantage of spotlights and contour lighting to attract visitors to their establishments.
I have decided therefore to make a family of lighting fixtures aptly named ‘Hoek van Holland’, a collection within my pseudo company ‘Rotterdam Lighting Solutions’. The collection includes a ceiling lamp, a table lamp and a floor lamp. To remain linked with my area and proposed coastal influences, I have challenged myself to use materials extracted from my area as key materials in addition to some cardboard and metal as well as any other items needed for the circuitry. As will be shown below, towards the end of the planning stage, I have decided to completely alter my designs from a more conventional approach to ones which better highlight the capabilities of the key materials and less on looking like something which can be found in my area.
Rotterdam Lighting Solutions - Output
Although a quite long and challenging process in manipulating my key materials, trial after trial proved beneficial in my knowledge in the strengths and weaknesses of the materials to be uses, what I could do and not, I could now apply my experience with the seaweed, leaves and bamboo to create a variety of forms.
As mentioned above, for now the products are classed as bespoke and handmade and therefore available in limited quantity. As will be mentioned below, they are heavily inspired by the coast in terms of colors ands styling as they are also planned to create light patterns tailored to what can be seen in Hoek van Holland. Furthermore I decide to not use any straight lines and defined structures making the designs more curvy and unpredictable, I choose to do this as they will look more natural and fitting in the raw environment I get my inspiration from. Moving on, they can easily be converted into commercial pieces after some high initial setup although for now will be sold for a premium price, catering mainly to those who are in need of an accent or statement pieces.
To represent the collection within my company I have chosen to use a logo inspired by what the area is all about with sunlight in mind. In addition to an attractive logo for quick identification, a look book was also considered as a physical deliverable.
HEMA Product Research
Now with prior knowledge on the brand itself me and my team now examine historic HEMA products in search for a candidate object for redesigning. We visit the Netherlands’ biggest HEMA collector and compare their products with ones we owned for 5, 10 and 15+ years.
HEMA Final Product
'ecoplanter' is our take on the humble terrarium replacing the HEMA greenhouse and self watering pot offerings. Our terrarium embraces truly sustainable and fully circular use as it includes the following design cues: The base is made of a starch and rice husk mixture so unprocessed it's edible! The non inclusion of a 'top case' also allows for utilization of leftover non use jars of varying size, including all HEMA jars. The two stage design allows for proper growing and nurturing of plants starting from the small side then going to the large side. The concept promotes the appreciation and utilization of leftover items we have at home. Our ultimate goal though, is connecting with nature, through a dynamic learning and responsibility evoking tool. We heavily market our terrarium to children and young families as it enables parents to supervise and guide the child, bonding in the process. All in all we look forward seeing a change, a change for the better, the promotion and selling of related HEMA products as well as a well informed youth on recycling. A win win for everyone.
