✹ Disco ball project
20th February 2021
The Worshipful Company of pewters has held this annual competition of pewter live awards to encourage in design to exploit pewter to its fullest potential and stretch the boundaries of this material. In this year the theme of the competition is ‘The roaring 20’s’ which is the period of time when consumerism and many cultures had been raised.
The Great Gasby (film) 2013
For this theme, I interpret it as the time when the economy had been massively growing as well as cultural, artistic and social dynamism. New millionaire had arisen - people had lots of money to spend. They held parties, drinking and dancing at night. One of the objects that are symbolic of the party in the 20s - a disco ball, it was first widely used in nightclubs in the 1920s. The reflection of the light on tiny mirrors spread across the room giving the audience a sense of movement and excitement. I found this topic relative to my MA project so I think it’s a good opportunity to explore my subject through different media.
the disco ball needs a light source to function, the light source need to set from at least 2 opposite directions in order to reflect most of the mirror - how can we make it easier and simpler for the user and can disco ball be in different shape?
From my observation when the light hit one side of the disco ball, because the mirror from that side can catch the most of the light - the glitter reflection will be most bright, obvious and sharp (on the wall) So I separate the part of a disco ball into two and insert the spinning connector in between so each part can freely move and create different direction of the glitter on the wall.
Also, the idea of status symbol is another topic I’m researching - a chandelier is a form of luxury that usually seen in the 1920s. I’m combining these two ideas together using a geometrical shape from Art Deco pattern. By using diamond shape on the form that is continuous and discontinuous at the same time create a sense of tension and relief when see. As well as the pattern on the surface - I’m planning to use the diamond shape as well - to make it harmonise with the overall form.
First mock up - material ; steel wire and lead soldering
Now I’m making the mock-up at home, using steel wire and lead soldering to see the size, movement and form. It came out as good as I imagine in mind! The next step is to try out the mirror surface and pattern on the form as well as the lighting system. I’m so excited! I have this idea of redesigning the disco ball for a couple of weeks but just came up with the sketch at the last minute before the deadline of the submission! Phew!