Lotus Lamp - Final

Lotus Lamp - Final

After completing the Lotus Lamp prototype two weeks ago (see post from October 24), we gathered as a class to provide feedback on ideas and paper models completed.  The feedback I received was in two parts; I requested feedback for problems I identified with my prototype and I recieved ad hoc ideas given by the class regarding how to improve the overall end product.  Feedback I received is as follows:

• ideas to manage the visibility of the functional tabs used to assemble the lamp when lit from within:
• consider stretching the tabs so they cover the entire surface
• consider constructing the model from velum first, then adhere the paper to the surface without tabs (velum tabs not appreciably noticeable due to their ability to let light through)
• consider using a thicker paper
• consider using decorative tabs such as half circles
• consider mimicking the tabs on the other side of the surface so tab placement will appear symmetrical
• a swirl could be added to the base of the lamp for an added design element
• wire could be attached to the inside of the lamp to convert the lamp to a hanging one.
• the base seems flimsy.  Improved base would be good.
• petals could be added to the lamp to create the appearance of a blooming flower.

Armed with some great ideas from my classmates, I moved forward with the final version.  I modified the prototype model in Rhino.  Below are three Rhino rendered images of the final design (Fig. 1-3).

Fig. 1 Lotus Lamp Final Design Render #1

Fig. 2 Lotus Lamp Final Design Render #2

Fig. 3 Lotus Lamp Final Design With stars repositioned and Added Base

Through the feedback I received as well as some improvements I identified as desirable,  I decided to modify the Lotus Lamp design as follows:

• designed a base for the lamp that could hold the light and provide support for the lamp.  
• with the prototype, I avoided placing stars across folds as I thought this would cause issues with the design.  After prototype creation, I saw this was not an issue and I could add larger stars to the model, ones that spanned fold lines.
• moved the star placement so they did not overlap with the tabs
• created circular tabs with the knowledge that they will be seen once the lamp is lit
• added an "echo" half circle to the circle tabs to create the appearance of consecutive full circles running up the inside of the lamp. 
• selected a fabric-like paper pattern to be more in-line with the materials typically used for Lotus Lamps.
• selected a lightly coloured velum to blend with the paper and add a rose tone once the lamp is lit.

Below is the base template (Fig. 4 and 5), base 3D model in Rhino (Fig. 6), and photo of completed base (Fig. 7).

Fig. 4 Template of Upper Portion of the Base (Light Holder)

Fig. 5 Template of the Lower Portion of the Base (Lamp Holder)

Fig. 6 3D model of Light Holder Portion of Base

Fig. 7 Lotus Lamp Base and Light Holder

As mentioned above, the star placement was adjusted on the lamp and the tabs changed to half circles.  The updated lamp template with the corresponding half circles added to the tabs to create full circles are shown in Fig. 8.  A photo of the inside of the completed Lotus Lamp is Fig. 9.

Fig. 8 Lotus Lamp Template with Modified Tab Shapes

Fig. 9 Interior of Lamp Showing Circular Tabs

Once the Lotus Lamp was fully assembled, I took a few photos under various conditions and at different angles as shown in Fig. 10-13.  At the end of the blog is a video of the lamp.

Fig. 10 Lit Lotus Lamp - Note the "fabric" Paper and Base

Fig. 11 Lit Lotus Lamp - Note the Circular Tabs and Added Decoration From Paper

Fig. 12 Lit Lotus Lamp

Fig. 13 Lit Lotus Lamp from Top