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Gallery
About
A series of artifacts designed for the awkwards
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With an interest in spatial design and a fascination with objects and furniture, Cameron and I stumbled upon the typically overlooked corner spaces, leading us to explore and investigate the deeper meanings of corners across different spaces and settings, as well as understanding people's relationships with them.
‘For The Awkwards‘ delves into the unique social dynamics of corner spaces in bustling environments, revealing how these unassuming areas serve as spaces of comfort for those seeking respite from the demands of social interactions.
By observing how individuals find solace, isolation, or retreat in these secluded spaces, we transform these silent experiences into tangible artifacts that reflect the hidden dynamics of these neglected areas.
Collaborator: Cameron Lee
Category: Furniture, Objects, Installation
You may be asking..
During our exploration, we discovered a group of individuals –– those we called “the awkwards.”They are the individuals who mysteriously vanish into the shadows of social gatherings, often gravitating toward the forgotten corners where they find relief among the chaos of human interactions.
After capturing the creatures and studying their behaviors, we imagined the possible interactions with the corner, moving from conceptual to formal ideation allowing each idea to evolve and take shape.
From 1:1 models to 1:10 scale, woodworking, sewing, and working with technology, we focused on perfecting each object's execution, thoughtfully curating the materials and forms to create a subtle and cohesive experience.
For the Awkwards:
A series of artifacts designed for the awkwards
The Seat for the Awkward:
For those who just feel a little awkward.
For those who just feel a little awkward.
Need a moment of peace? Step into the corner, face the wall, and escape the noise and chaos. The bench, designed at a 45-degree angle, fits snugly into the corner for a quiet retreat.
41.5 x 161 x 34.5 cm
Plywood
Plywood
Artifact No.1
The I’m Not Here:
For those who would like to avoid some human interaction
For those who would like to avoid some human interaction
Just want to hide from the crowd? The blinds offers discreet coverage, allowing you to quietly slip away from the bustle.
73.5 x 95.7 x 2.25 cm
Wooden Dowel, Canvas
Wooden Dowel, Canvas
Artifact No.2
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The Other Corner:
For those who would like to meet the other awkward.
For those who would like to meet the other awkward.
Positioned in two corners of separate rooms, the installation creates a live feed, allowing two introverts to connect—together in solitude, apart yet connected.
23 x 22.5 x 18.75 cm
Plywood, Acrylic, Surface Pros
Plywood, Acrylic, Surface Pros
Artifact No.3
The Peekiscope :
For those who would like to participate from a distance
For those who would like to participate from a distance
Peering through the eye holes from below, you can discreetly observe the room from above—ideal for those who want to feel connected without fully engaging in the social scene.
96.25 x 20.5 x 17.7 cm
Plywood, iPhones
Plywood, iPhones
Artifact No. 4
The Design Show Exhibition
Jacob Lawrence Gallery | June 5 – 21
Jacob Lawrence Gallery | June 5 – 21
We distributed our creations throughout the exhibition space, designing posters, cards, and plaques as a wayfinding system to guide viewers to our corner pieces.
Meet the Family
We had a photoshoot with the artifacts to bring them out of their shell for a bit, they immediately went back to the corners after the shoot
Unfortunately, this concept didn’t make it to the final exhibition. Though it turned out a bit wonkier than we envisioned, it was made with lots of love, and we felt it deserved a spotlight here.
The Corner Hug:
For those who feel over stimulated from the crowd and just want a hug
For those who feel over stimulated from the crowd and just want a hug
When everything feels overwhelming, this offers the comfort of being enveloped—like a warm hug just when you need it most.
Very big cm
A lot of Canvas and Foam
A lot of Canvas and Foam
Artifact No. 5
Though the project was a hefty undertaking, it was filled with moments of joy, learning, and discovery. It gave me the opportunity to combine my passions for spatial, interaction, and industrial design into a meaningful final project during my time at school.
Special thanks to Alana Ikemoto for tirelessly driving us to gather materials and for her support throughout the project, and to John Martin for assisting us in making physical artifacts come to life.