*website would not allow me to upload photos without crashing so no photos are included*
As the weeks dwindle down, I’ve had to make a few key changes to my original project plans. Construction-wise, I’m slightly behind where I hoped to be, but the good news is that progress on the design front has been strong.
InitialIy, I envisioned a larger rectangular art piece with a minimal/fantasy aesthetic inspired byThe Lord of the Rings. One of the central features was a rotating window that would activate a rack and pinion mechanism, revealing a hidden compartment behind the artwork. However, as the last few weeks of senior year drag on, classes are getting tense and time is limited, I realized I may need to adjust the scope of my idea to fit the timeframe. Lucky for me, I saw a small art piece in a local shop that conveyed the minimalist aesthetic and felt like I could quickly design a key based hidden compartment. Based on this information, I decided to shift. The following information details the changes from the original to new design.
The revised concept focuses solely on the hobbit door. I decided to replace the rack and pinion mechanisms and oversized frame. Instead, I designed a compact, circular door with a turning doorknob that activates a simple key-like mechanism to unlock a hidden compartment. While the mechanism is simpler, it still preserves the, fantasy-inspired feel I originally aimed for.
One of the current hurdles is material selection. I’ve mostly laser cut with acrylic in the past, but this project calls for wood—especially for the front-facing door and frame, which will be laser cut for precision. I need to find the right type of wood that’s laser-safe and easy to work with. That said, I’m considering a using both acrylic for the internal box and hidden compartments, as well as the wood for the more visible, aesthetic elements.
Even though I had to pivot, I’m excited about the new direction. I definitely did not want to lose too much complexity with the hidden compartment so shifting from the rack and pinion to the key function still fits my original vision of the project. The updated design feels more focused, and I think it’ll better showcase the feel I’m after, just in a more efficient and manageable form. I’m optimistic that with a bit more prototyping and some strategic material choices, I’ll be able to bring this little slice of Middle-earth to life in little to no time.
4 Comments. Leave new
Hi Isaiah, great work here! I am in the same boat with the difficulty to make progress on fabrication, but like you I figured it is best to nail the design first anyway. I like how your functionality plays into the aesthetic, with a key and window adding to the sense of whimsy common with fantasy. Being practical about your design choices is prudent. What prototyping do you plan on doing? What have you done already, and what have the results been?
So far, still mostly CAD. Lots of laser cutting this week
I like how you have pivoted while still maintaining the essence of the project. It seems like you have a good handle on the remaining work, and the resources you will need. I encountered site issues too but maybe you could upload your pictures now if you have them.
Yeah, the website was crashing out when I uploading photos so I had to go without them for this post