Jimmy Carter's pursuit of peace, advocacy for human rights, and dedication beyond his presidency are captivating. His commitment serves as a powerful inspiration for individuals around the world. Inspired by his remarkable leadership, I delve into the concept of melding hardness and softness through a stool-like object crafted from a recycled metal.
To embody the essence of both hardness and softness, I ensured that no similar pipes are directly next to each other. Additionally, I avoided using the same materials or colors adjacent to one another, resulting in a visually engaging and dynamic aesthetic.
One key design element of the stool-like object is the intentional hiding of all constructional elements. This choice represents Carter's humility and his preference for working behind the scenes, tirelessly pursuing peace and justice without seeking personal recognition. The concealed support within the stool mirrors the hidden efforts Carter made throughout his impactful life, enabling his influence to be felt on a global scale.
Looking back on this form study, I've learned the importance of quick decision-making, making necessary concessions, and adapting to time constraints. Although my design became challenging due to limited metalworking experience, a tight timeframe, and reliance on available materials, I see this as a valuable learning experience for my education and professional work. I now carry the lessons of adaptability and realistic planning, enabling me to navigate challenges and deliver successful outcomes. Reflecting on this journey, I appreciate the personal growth it has sparked, and I'm confident in my ability to overcome future obstacles.
The overarching theme was recycled metal. The first weeks students collected a lot of different types of steel from a wide variety of places. Some found steel on the street, others collected steel at the dump. I found my material at the dump in my hometown. The difficulty of recycled metal is that you are very limited in the design as well as choice of specific types and shapes.
We used metal exclusively and had access to tools but no welding. I created a seamless U-shaped structure by cutting the pipes at a 45-degree angle and used metal wire to minimize visibility and maintain the concept of tranquility.
My first idea was to make a chair resembling a spring using metal pipes. However, this became unrealistic due to unsuitable materials and the need for strong connections, which couldn't be achieved without welding. The idea proved too complex, so I quickly devised a simpler design given the existing limitations.
Honourable mention
Henri Borduin | Architect | Teacher
Rinus van der Berg | Volunteer | Metal specialist
External party
Stichting Buurtwerkplaatsen | Organization that sets up up and carry out creative projects and activities.