CHLOE HODGINS
SHOJI LAMP
DESIGN
Designing a functioning lantern lamp inspired by Japanese shoji screens
PROJECT DETAILS
Tools
Autodesk Fusion360, Revit, OMTech Laser Cutter
Role
Product Designer
Time Duration
3 Weeks
IDEATION & ANALYSIS
Challenge
Project Schedule - Using Gantt Chart
Concept Sketching
Mood Board
Design a fully-functioning lamp. After conducting research, choose one of 3-6 design sketches to prototype using CAD software. Create a plan to complete the entire design process with the use of a gantt chart.
Constraints
Maximum amount of total materials used: 500 mm x 300 mm
75% of the material min - wood
25% of the material (optional) - acrylic
Pros
Light through paper is aesthetically pleasing
Design is easy to laser cut onto paper
Allows for an 'artsy' design
Cons
The frame would need divots on the inner sides to hold each paper layer in place
Uneven distribution of light - LED light will be brighter at one part of the lamp
Many layers requires more paper surface area (may prove difficult to adhere to restraints)
Pros
Provides the room with soft lighting
Much creativity ("shadow scenes" and stained glass)
Pieces fit together therefore are more secure than if they were simply put together with glue
Cons
Does not provide the room with much light
Light will need to be glued on as it does not have its own small space to fit into
More work (could be problematic due to time constraints)
At this point, the chosen design was assumed to be mid-high difficulty due to its many parts and each part having to fit together.
Edges would need to be angled to fit next to each other (approx. 60 degrees - therefore requiring sanding). Paper would be positioned in front of cutout art designs to create silhouettes. Additionally, acrylic providing a "glass look" was considered in this step: the longer wood frame surrounding the cutout art would align with the top and bottom acrylic , allowing light to shine through the acrylic. The main material, wood, adhered to the constraints and the overall theme (Asia/shoji).
Pros
Pillars are strong so the lamp will be sturdy
Pillars are aesthetically pleasing
Wood top allows for an engraving addition to the design
Cons
3D modelling and concrete is time consuming
Light going through paper could hurt eyes if looked at straight-on
Heavy
Pros
Easy to create as the only materials are wood and acrylic
Simple but classy looking base
Design is simply scored onto acrylic (less time required compared to painting)
Thoughtful space for LED light
Cons
Won’t provide room with much light
Pieces do not "fit" together (tab and slot), but instead rely completely on glue
Chosen Sketch Rationale and Considerations - (Sketch #4)
PROTOTYPING
3D CAD Model in Fusion360
Prototype / Initial Cutouts
Paper screen material testing
(baking sheet parchment paper (left) vs A4 printing paper (right))
Light testing
(with battery-powered LED)
ASSEMBLY & FINAL DESIGN
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Shoji Lamp Design
Slash Magazine >>
Sketch #1
Sketch #2
Sketch #3
Sketch #4