The Project
Pedestal Fan
I was tasked to design a Pedestal Fan for the contemporary family home or office.
The client wanted to create a premium product that is able to differentiate itself in the market and moves away from the ‘utility’ models more commonly seen. Consideration of the aesthetics and combination of materials to create a product with a strong aesthetic identity, which is able to complement and enhance a contemporary home or office interior, was a priority.
The client was environmentally-conscious and keen to move the business towards more sustainable and environmentally-friendly methods of manufacture. Therefore, they did not "want the product to be manufactured from plastics and that any use of plastics needs to be kept to a minimum".
Initial Designs
Guided by the brief, I considered materials as a key element of the design from the offset, exploring the combinations and contrasts which could be created from sustainable material options such as cork, aluminium, mirror and bamboo.
Each concept had a different height adjustment option, as well as form and material choice, to offer my client as larger range of directions as possible. Aiming for a more high-end market, a unique form was important, and therefore a product which was appealing on its own, regardless of its function, became an objective for me.
Once the overall design was decided, I focused more on ensuring my design was both manufacturable and sustainable.
I was keen to not make design decisions purely for aesthetic reasons, ensuring they either improved the function and/or the sustainability of the fan.
A major change made was within the wooden frame. I altered it, so each "leg" was a iteration of each other, meaning one could be cut from each other - preventing any unnecessary waste and reducing manufacturing processes needed.
I created a simple, to-scale CAD model, then utilised VR to see first-hand whether all elements were an appropriate size and layout.
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Design Refinement
The Technicalities
Focusing on sustainability, not only through material choices but also manufacturing processes, was important to me.
The wooden frame would be steam bent which, when done correctly, is a respectably low-energy manufacturing process.
Materials, manufacturing process, and location choices were made aided with Solidworks Sustainability and Cambridge Engineering Selector, allowing me to compare different options, and see the manufacturing energy and water usage as well as CO2 output.
The Final Design
I thoroughly enjoyed the rendering process of this design. I found adding all the materials and finishes highlighted the unique form, and the contrasting material choices of white ash and aluminium worked cohesively to create a product suited to a high-end, contemporary household.
For more render images of this product, please click here!
