MCM and Modernist End Table: Plans and Alternatives

Main Project Plans and Further Exploring Inspirations

Last week I settled on a few aesthetics I will draw from for my final project in this course. My personal aesthetic is a combination of many aesthetics, including MCM, modernism, post-modernism, and contemporary. While these are slightly conflicting aesthetics, I think that they can all come together to form a unique and personalized aesthetic. For my final project, I plan to make a side table that focuses on a modern, sleek design incorporating mostly wood materials and possibly some metal and glass elements to add more depth. I would also like this table to be functional and include some storage drawers and realistic design elements. Below are some inspirational photos I have found:

Figure 1: Bookshelf with Tinted Glass Top

I like this piece because it can be used and seen from all sides. This could be very versatile and does not require a corner placement or to be next to a wall. Additionally, it incorporates a transparent glass top which I would also like to use in my own project.

Figure 2: Wooden Side Table with Multifunctional, Hinged Top

I love this design where it has hidden storage in the inside AND the top of the storage can be used as an alternative surface when it is in the “open” position.

Alternative Aesthetic and Project Incorporation

The two alternative aesthetics I chose to explore were Brutalism and Futurism. My chosen aesthetic is minimalism and MCM which focuses on timeless designs, typically using natural materials like wood. Brutalism also focuses on raw materials but typically incorporates more concrete in the designs. Brutalism also frequently has very sharp, harsh lines and the designs can come off as more cold. The second aesthetic I chose was futurism which focuses on futuristic shapes and concepts. It also uses bright whites or splashes of color. The shapes are typically rounded and to me, sometimes look like abstract spaceships.

Figure 3: Alternative Aesthetic Sketches, Brutalism (left) and Futurism (right)

For my brutalist end table on the left, I imagined it would be made of a large concrete block as the base and a slab on top as the surface. It would only incorporate straight lines and one material to keep it very simple, functional, and free of frills. It would have small cutouts that could be used as shelves on the two visible faces. It would require no fasteners as the top slab would be held with just its own weight.

For the futuristic option on the first, I imagined a tiered approach for the table. It would extend in a diagonal direction to give it a floating feel making it seem “otherworldly”. I sketched it in pink but I could imagine it being any color. It would be made of a material that would allow it to be shiny, another common futurism theme. Each shelf tier would be circular and disk-shaped to give a futuristic effect. I really liked this design and I think it would make a really fun alternative final project.

Preliminary Scheduling

After looking at some photos for inspiration and playing with alternative aesthetics, I moved on to scheduling. No matter the final design, this schedule is key to staying on track and having a final product I can be proud of by the end of the semester. Below is an in-depth schedule I have created for the rest of the semester that I hope will make this entire project run a bit smoother.

March 3rd to March 7th

• Draw out plans
• Research materials and vendors
• Plan a tentative schedule with possible roadblocks

March 10th to 14th

• Design Preview Presentations (Week 1)
• Finalize design and plans
• Begin collecting materials
  • Anticipated Roadblock: prices are very high for good wood, no available vendors, may take longer to drive and pick up wood if a shop is far away

March 17th to March 21s

• Purchase as many materials as possible
• Begin cutting pieces and sanding
  • It will take time to measure and mark all the materials to ensure no pieces need to be recut, wasting material

March 24th to March 28th

• Studying for the FE Exam
• No anticipated time for work
• If I do make progress that would put me ahead of schedule
  • If behind schedule, finish any last cutting that needs to be done
• Finish selecting glass and hardware and order/pickup

March 31st to April 4th

• Taking the FE Exam
  • Not much anticipated time for work
• Begin assembly

April 7th to April 11th

• Continue and finish assembly of the main frame and drawers
• Stain and varnish after assembly (base and drawers separately)
  • Likely one full day for it to set and dry
• Begin adding hardware, drawers, and smaller details

April 14th to April 18th

• Final touches
  • Make sure drawers are working smoothly
  • Attach and test glass top
  • Add feet (if planning to use)

April 21st to April 25rd

• Fabrication must be complete by April 23rd
• Prepare for Presentation
  • Pod presentations in class from April 25th to April 30th

April 28th to May 2nd

• Documentation and Report Writing
• Prepare for the Design Expo

May 7th (1:30pm-4pm)

• Design Expo in the Idea Forge

 

Sources

[1] https://pin.it/5QJgyOeGP

[2] https://pin.it/2Pn9ZRv3A