The Opportunity
To craft and explore how dining objects enhance the sensory experience of tasting.
The Objective
Design a family of objects for an Omakase dining experience.
01
Inspiration
Bold, Sensual Curves
I found inspiration in bold curved forms, much like the works of Zaha Hadid. I specifically focused on her Coffee and Tea Piazza with Alessi. I began sketching free form bodies that spoke to her visual language of design.
Multi-dimensional plates
Eating is not 1-dimensional, so the plate should not be either. I found that as I sculpted forms with my hands, they came to life in multiple dimensions. I started thinking about this idea of a “4 sided plate” to embody the multi-sensory experience of eating.
02
Crafting a Set
A Complete Ritual
Each platter is associated with a different type of dish in the Omakase ritual. The goal was to create a set of 8 plates, and produce at least two. I sketched out the set to communicate the final product, and building out 2 of them would show material, scale, and visual language.
03
Final Design
Shadow Petals
Moves the user through the tasting bites of Omakase
Explores the sensory connection between plate and food
Dissolves the lines between the plate and food
04
Behind the Design
Craft + Development
Starting with laser cut silhouettes made from my design, I hand sculpted the clay around the wood to get my form for the plaster mold. Then, I poured the plaster mold around my sculpted form, and once that was done, I poured the porcelain slip.
Engaging Visual Design
The platters explore movement through the nesting shapes and sensual curvature. There is a primary space for the dish and smaller surface for sauces.
Glaze with Dimension
I tested about 10 metallic glaze on my initial prototypes to see how the glaze would lay on the curves. Food safe glaze was a must, and a tight constraint.
05
Presentation
Photography
Capturing movement and shape through photography was essential to convey the concept. In food photography, the food is generally highlighted over the platter, so I wanted to blend the plates with a dark background but with bright highlight to show curvature.
What I learned
While much of the project was centered on learning about slip casting, I personally explored how to express form and emotion through sculpting.
Skill Gained
Form Development, Color, Material, Finish, Photography, Ceramics.
