Materiality

Thesis Select 2019

This experimental project employs aesthetic and material innovation to elevate the perception of artificial materials to a level that is actually above that of authentic materials.

Here, the norm of using rare materials to increase the exclusivity, status, and value of luxury vehicles is reversed in order to protect and more responsibly manage the usage of such precious materials. To achieve this, samples of precious wood and stone are examined and reverse-engineered to first capture the inherent qualities of their material essences (their ‘materiality’). They are then re-imagined by artificial means to expand upon those qualities in new provocative yet sophisticated ways.

Team
Sung Hyun Kim

 

We love natural materials, but they are too precious to waste

In the era of sustainable living we can use highly-developed artificial materials which infuse reclaimed and renewable materials with technology and artistry to deliver a rich sensory experience that is beyond what authentic materials provide. All while enjoying the added benefit of being responsible towards our environment.

A collection of digital renderings highlighting abstract, flowing organic forms generated by algorithms, simulating natural textures like carved wood and layered fiber to explore new interior automotive styling possibilities.
A collection of digital renderings highlighting abstract, flowing organic forms generated by algorithms, simulating natural textures like carved wood and layered fiber to explore new interior automotive styling possibilities.
A collection of digital renderings highlighting abstract, flowing organic forms generated by algorithms, simulating natural textures like carved wood and layered fiber to explore new interior automotive styling possibilities.
A collection of digital renderings highlighting abstract, flowing organic forms generated by algorithms, simulating natural textures like carved wood and layered fiber to explore new interior automotive styling possibilities.

In the Development phase, the goal is to explore, experiment, ideate, iterate, test and evaluate a variety of thematic innovations and executions (both functional and aesthetic) in a variety of processes including 2D, 3D, and 4D sketching, sketch-modeling, sketch-rendering, and animated prototyping.

This process, often non-linear and again cyclical, is used to determine viable design directions which most appropriately address the conceptual intent.

A presentation slide labeled "Phase 2," showcasing the digital transition of analyzed textures into virtual models. It includes computer-generated renderings mapping a simulated wood grain pattern onto multi-dimensional surface textures, exploring how tactile physical qualities look under different virtual lighting conditions.
A presentation slide labeled "Phase 2," showcasing the digital transition of analyzed textures into virtual models. It includes computer-generated renderings mapping a simulated wood grain pattern onto multi-dimensional surface textures, exploring how tactile physical qualities look under different virtual lighting conditions.
A presentation slide labeled "Phase 2," showcasing the digital transition of analyzed textures into virtual models. It includes computer-generated renderings mapping a simulated wood grain pattern onto multi-dimensional surface textures, exploring how tactile physical qualities look under different virtual lighting conditions.
A presentation slide labeled "Phase 2," showcasing the digital transition of analyzed textures into virtual models. It includes computer-generated renderings mapping a simulated wood grain pattern onto multi-dimensional surface textures, exploring how tactile physical qualities look under different virtual lighting conditions.

Finalization & Presentation

In the Finalization & Presentation phase students are tasked to continually narrow and hone their development process of a single design direction towards final design refinement. Here all aspects of the design (conceptual, functional, aesthetic) are resolved and refined in detail to the highest degree of sophistication and craft. Final design solutions are then optimally showcased in the creation of highly detailed 3D models, rendered images/posters, and video animations – all of which highlights final design execution and storytelling of conceptual intent.

Final renderings. Automotive design sketches and interior 3D renderings where the synthesized "Nature +" materials are applied directly onto vehicular surfaces—such as the dashboard, side door panels, and center console—to demonstrate a cohesive premium vehicle interior.
Sung Hyun Kim
Final renderings. Automotive design sketches and interior 3D renderings where the synthesized "Nature +" materials are applied directly onto vehicular surfaces—such as the dashboard, side door panels, and center console—to demonstrate a cohesive premium vehicle interior.
Sung Hyun Kim
Final renderings. Automotive design sketches and interior 3D renderings where the synthesized "Nature +" materials are applied directly onto vehicular surfaces—such as the dashboard, side door panels, and center console—to demonstrate a cohesive premium vehicle interior.
Sung Hyun Kim
Final renderings. Automotive design sketches and interior 3D renderings where the synthesized "Nature +" materials are applied directly onto vehicular surfaces—such as the dashboard, side door panels, and center console—to demonstrate a cohesive premium vehicle interior.
Sung Hyun Kim