Project Intent
This project was sponsored by Delta Faucet Company, where we were tasked with designing a bathroom faucet inspired by a famous chair. My chosen chair was the Argyle Carver Armchair, designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh in 1897. The design aims to translate the chair’s distinctive geometric structure and architectural elegance into a modern faucet concept.
Inspiration Research
In 1897, Charles Rennie Mackintosh was commissioned to design furniture for the Argyle Street Tea Rooms in Glasgow. For the smoking and dining rooms, he created a series of solid dark-stained oak chairs featuring tall, elegant high-backs. Mackintosh’s work was deeply influenced by Celtic and Japanese art, blending cultural traditions with masterful craftsmanship to achieve a contemporary aesthetic。
Sketches
Delta's designers suggested incorporating elements from our selected chairs into the faucet design, allowing us to refine and distill our concepts into more functional forms. During the ideation phase, I explored organic, cylindrical, and geometric shapes, ultimately deciding to focus on geometric forms for further development.
3D CAD Models
As we refined the form, we used SolidWorks to experiment with different design details and variations. This process allowed us to explore proportions, structure, and functional elements in depth. Delta’s designers also provided a faucet design dimension sheet, which guided our development and ensured feasibility.
CAD Render
Color and finish are crucial elements in faucet design. The matte black finish not only enhances the visual impact but also establishes a strong connection to the inspiration chair, reinforcing its geometric aesthetics and structural details.
Inspiration and Design Features
The faucet design takes inspiration from the Argyle Carver Armchair, incorporating its tall parallel backrest into the vertical structure and translating the curved bottom panel into the faucet’s smooth arch. These elements create a sense of height, symmetry, and elegance while maintaining functionality.
U Shape Water Exit Design
To create a stronger visual connection between the user and the faucet, I incorporated a large opening at the top. This design allows users to see the water flow before making physical contact, enhancing the overall user experience and engagement.
Faucet Prototype
The prototype was built using a multi-step process to ensure a refined and realistic representation of the final design:
1. 3D Printing – Creating the initial form.
2. Sanding & Filling – Smoothing surfaces for a seamless finish.
3. Painting – Applying a matte black coating to match the final aesthetic.
4. Detail Touch-up – Refining edges and ensuring design accuracy.
5. Assembly – Finalizing the prototype for presentation and evaluation
2. Sanding & Filling – Smoothing surfaces for a seamless finish.
3. Painting – Applying a matte black coating to match the final aesthetic.
4. Detail Touch-up – Refining edges and ensuring design accuracy.
5. Assembly – Finalizing the prototype for presentation and evaluation
Final Physical Prototype
The final prototype brings the design concept to life, demonstrating the integration of geometric aesthetics and user-centric functionality. The matte black finish enhances the visual connection to the inspiration chair, while the U-shaped water exit reinforces the interaction between user and water flow.
Designed and developed using SolidWorks, KeyShot, Photoshop, and 3D Printing.
Jie Chen Design
