the process

The greatest challenge arose right at the beginning of the assignment: translating the geometric form of the icosahedron into the digital realm. Since I had no prior experience with the Rhino8 software at that time, the most complex part of the task was actually learning and understanding how to use the software.

Once the icosahedron was successfully digitized, despite the difficulties with the program, the next step was to unfold this form. Unfolding is necessary to translate the shape back into a two-dimensional format, making it possible to laser-cut it (the final step of the process).

The ornaments

After the icosahedron was first translated into the 3D software Rhino8 and subsequently unfolded into a two-dimensional layout, I began to consider the concept for the ornaments.

The underlying idea for my ornaments was to create a body that appeared as open as possible. This meant designing an icosahedron that one could look into, giving the impression that it consisted only of its skeletal framework.

To achieve this concept, I needed ornaments that were as large as possible.

For the shape of the ornaments, I took inspiration from the form of the icosahedron itself. Accordingly, the ornaments needed to encompass a linear shape that captured the corners of the icosahedron.

Ultimately, I arrived at a shape resembling a boomerang, which I felt successfully fulfilled my fundamental requirements.

Laser-cutting

Effect in different versions

After completing the final body, including its ornaments, I explored its effect in various versions.

I laser-cut the body using both white and black cardboard to understand how the color influences its overall effect.

I noticed that with the black object, the ornaments seemed to blend into the body and become less visible. In contrast, with the white object, the ornaments stood out more prominently, as the body was less dominated by the white and more by the ornaments themselves.

As a result, I decided to continue working with the white version to ultimately create a final form composed of multiple icosahedrons.

the final object

The final step was to construct a final object composed of multiple icosahedrons.

My goal was to reflect the effect of the ornaments in the final construction. This meant that my final structure should also represent an open space or create the impression of such a space for the viewer.

I therefore decided to use the individual icosahedrons to create a circular structure, so that this circular body would only encompass the outer lines and, like an „O,“ provide an open space in the center.

The challenge with this design was ultimately creating a closed circle, as the angular shape of the icosahedron made this quite difficult.

Despite the challenges in construction, I am very satisfied with the final form and the effect it has when viewed.

presentation

Flyer