Buddha’s Lamp
This project explores the growth of a light enclosure fabricated by the continuous dipping and flash-freezing of wax under gravitational influence. The final shape of the light enclosure was inspired by a citrus fruit called “Buddha’s Hand,” while the overall process was inspired by the formation of icicles in the winter. The actual method, however, was achieved through a process similar to making hand-dipped taper candles.
Evolution & Refinement
Model 1
The first model was created by pouring wax into a series of triangular wooden molds. After the pieces were cooled, they would then be assembled by hand.
This model was initially met with sharp criticism, due to the fact that the fabrication was not process-driven and instead, involved manual molding and shaping.
Model 2
The second model was created by pouring hot wax onto two balloons covered in duct tape. After the pieces were cooled, a fishing line was used to attach both hemispheres. Although this model’s fabrication process took advantage of the wax’s natural properties (dripping), the process still involved too much manual work.
Model 3
The third model was created by continuously dipping a plastic ring in wax and flash freezing the structure in ice water. The drips would then exaggerate into the finger-like shapes shown above.
Out of all the models, this model was considered the least manual and the most process-oriented. It was the most simplistic model that emerged and grew from the process.
Documentation & Diagramming
Fall 2019
4.021 - How to Design (almost) Anything
Professors: Skylar Tibbits, Maroula Bacharidou
TAs: Rania Kaadan, Xiaoyun Zhang
Created with paraffin wax