product / game •

Intersection

A stark and geometric adaptation of Chess

MEDIUM
Concrete and acrylic

DIMENSIONS
12.75" x 12.75" x 3"

Introduction

Originally conceived as part of an independent studies class, my goal for this class was to work on one product through the quarter and use that as an exploration for fabrication and design. Specifically, I wanted to learn more about the nature of materials, how to work with them, and how to design forms for objects.

Concepts & Inspirations

My inspiration came in form of research on materials and forms of lamps. Although I thought lamps would provide more opportunities to explore interesting forms and materials, I realized I could focus on exploring both by designing a chess set instead.

3 main categories of forms: Rotated, bent, and object-inspireds.

Form

My objective was to create a minimalist geometric form while keeping each individual chess role recognizable. I explored using different "grid systems" to create a system flexible enough to create each type of chess piece.

Grid - Blender

Study of Materials

After doing research on different materials and their properties, I decided on acrylic and concrete because I wanted to match the minimalist forms with a equally stark material.

A range of materials from woods to fabrics

Process

While I had considered using 3D printed resin pieces to produce complex shapes, I ultimately scraped the idea due to the resin's color. Due to the limitations of current SLA technology, smoothness of the pieces also made it hard to create molds for the concrete pieces. In the end, I hand-cut and polished all acrylic pieces to serve as molds for the concrete pieces.

Unpolished Resin

Outcome

Intersection is an aesthetically-driven adaptation of chess. The pieces are designed with minimalist, geometric forms, and complemented by acrylic and concrete's stark character.

1 2 3 4 5 6