The Fireplace reinvented
Brief summary of my concept design practices. In this case, for a significant project requiring 18 months development (and counting).
RESEARCH
Know your subject – reviewed for this project :
- a few thousand contemporary fireplace designs
- hundreds of industrial design patents
- range of available fabrication and material options
Develop an understanding of the historical context of your project (viewed a range of historical fireplace designs and materials).
VISION
- Develop an inspired attitude.
- Original vs imitation – avoid putting a spin on an existing design (depending on time available).
- Specific goals – create or work from a detailed brief.
BRIEF
- Contemporary fireplace design
- Commercial space, hotel lobby, etc.
- Optimize firelight reflection
- High quality materials
- 10’ ceiling
DESIGN PROCESS
Flexible process, move ahead before completing each step (to get inspired by what comes next) – a dynamic process can lead to a more adventurous design.
Like collecting a dynamic set of puzzle pieces and putting them together in your own preference. Push the boundaries – you don’t actually know where the limits are until you take a design beyond good taste.
Contemporary design benefits from a level of playfulness, due to the dynamic nature of modern fabrication techniques, other arts examples, etc.
DESIGN EXPLORATION
Requires thoroughness, you will know when you are beginning to grasp the totality of the brief.
Perspective
Be objective, mentally stand back and consider strengths and weakness’ in practical terms. View images of concepts from a distance (in very small scale) to better see the overall impression they create. See through the eyes of your client and users – fully understand the “user experience”.
Visualization
Develop the ability to see design and form in your mind and mentally revolve structures in your mind
Includes form, structural, material and other aesthetic considerations.
Firelight optimization via back and base reflectors as well as the screen.
As an extensive project, there are a wide range of possible solutions.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Concepts need significant refinement to achieve their full potential.
Look for balance, authenticity (embodying the original inspiration).
Understand your design parameters and work to resolve them (firelight optimization, contemporary, etc)
Base plate - simple reflective surface with minimal raised detail.
Back plate - faceted, repeated pattern to provide significant firelight reflection without detracting from the beauty of the flame.
Stone surround – initially had a separate heath and formal looking side panels – gradually evolved into one cohesive unit with a less formal appearance.
Screen - Eventually settled on a vertical format to capture firelight through the full height of the structure. Worked back and forward on random and mathematically defined arrangements.
Explored dynamic vs simple patterns. Settled on a random sculptural screen which pushes the limits of impact.
Rendering - constant rendering to maintain a strong understanding of potential results/subtleties.
EARLY VERSION
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT - note the treatment at the top
SELECTED DESIGNS
As this is the concept stage, a few options are important, giving the engineering and fabrication process room to manoeuvre.
Design a - employs material separation between the firebox and the surrounds (sides and hearth) with all the firebox extending to the ceiling in a brass material allowing for a strong sculptural effect without being overpowering.
Design b – screen is mostly transparent, fully utilizing the interest of the back plate design. The “matrix” arrangement of the design is more understated.
Following up on the playful design characteristic, a facet form to the hearth stone was later extended to the sides of the fireplace as well, giving an even stronger sense of simplicity / material continuity.
DESIGN A
DESIGN B
Alternate designs (rough renders):
Comments and constructive criticism very welcome.
