The term Flatware referrs to tools for cooking, serving and eating food. By far the most common of these tools in western culture, are the knife fork and spoon, and while we use them every day we rarely ever have reason to notice the specifics of their design or function except in the rare instances when that function fails. We also rarely think about the aesthetics of their design, how function influences form, the dificuty of creating visual unity across objects with vastly different functions, the ergonomics of the tools, or the materials and methods of their construction.
This assignment is an introductory problem in designing and constructing objects in metal, exploring function, and analyzing familiar objects. The project will provide additional experience in metal fabrication techniques including sawing, filing, texturing, forming and finishing processes. One set of flatware (knife, fork, spoon) is required for this assignment.
Design
Analysis: The first step in the design of these objects should be the careful analysis of the form and function of existing eating utensils. Most commercially available flatware (or tableware) is a highly refined in it's function; attempting to work well for a wide range of tasks and equally wide range of user. Most are utilitarian, prioritizing function over form. Most are also simple in design to appeal to the broadest market possible.
Techniques: At least one type of rivet must be used in each utensil, and at least two of the three types demonstrated must be used in the project. Part of the intent of this project is to experiment with and reinforce your basic fabrication techniques such as riveting, sawing, filing, sanding, etc. You should design the piercings to make use of these basic techniques rather than branching out into techniques or materials that have not been introduced. Special attention should be paid to craft, as excellent craftsmanship demonstrates mastery of technique, and is 10 points of the 25 that the project is worth.
3D design: It is essential that all three dimensions of the objects should be considered in the design. Consider how the object will interact with the food, hand and mouth. For example, a range of function from comfortable-everyday to experimentally- difficult are possible. Consider what your flatware signifies as well. Art is a text which can be read, so what does yours say? When choosing from your sketches, develop at least one design that is conceptually and formally challenging. Also think about how the objects will be displayed. Between design, sketches and drawings, 13 points of your grade rest on creative problem-solving.