Trophy Project
January - March 2023
Collaboration with Nathan Vernel, Ziye Chen and Sophie Nather
Brief
To design a trophy for the University of Edinburgh CAHSS staff recognition awards, as the 'inspiring colleague' award.
I am proud of this project as the values and message behind the design resonate with the person I am striving to become.
Research and Brainstorming
It was important for our trophy to truly represent what it really means to be an inspiring colleague, which was what the bulk of our research was focused on.
By interviewing past nominees, and reading their nomination speeches, we were able to create a list of prevailing traits, themes, characteristics, and words that ran through most nominations.
We found that these awards are special as they recognise the work that often goes unnoticed, or under-appreciated. As one staff member put it, it’s the ‘unsexy’ work, but the essential work nonetheless that allows the university and its departments to function, and allows the students to thrive. In other words, inspiring colleagues are the foundation, or the backbone of their teams, because they go above and beyond for no reward. That is what makes them inspiring, keeps us afloat, and pushes others to be better.
Some thoughts behind the decision-making during the brainstorming:
The inspiring colleague is almost always seen as the pillar of the community - someone who puts the needs of others before their own and does what they can to keep the ship afloat. They are strong, stable, and reliable, like age-old columns that can withstand all sorts of pressures for the sake of everyone else. They play an important role in the success of other colleagues who come to them for support and guidance. A spiral shape reflects the improvement of those who work with the inspiring colleague, and journey to success.
A spiral represents a journey upwards. It can also be linked to a helix structure, similar to DNA, which can represent the uniqueness of each colleague but also the components that make the bonds, and thus create the DNA of CAHSS.
In addition, we decided to add an element of customisability and interaction to the design, in order to further emphasise the uniqueness and importance of each individual.
Manufacturing, Materials and Design
The manufacturing process developed through various different prototypes, each exploring different elements such as material, colour and form.
After some digital iterations of the design, we 3D printed the form, allowing us to cast accurate jesmonite pieces, which aligned on a central pivot point.
We chose to use jesmonite for 13 of the 14 pieces, as it's a water-based material, and a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option, compared to other materials.
Aesthetically, we were able to create a marble-like effect through the we swirled darker streaks through the mix. Through the dark to light aesthetic, and its form ranging from subtle at the bottom to more defined and sharp at the top, we attempted to symbolise the ‘unsexy’ work that exists as the foundation of the university and that often goes unnoticed.
The top piece is made of pewter, representing the importance of all the work below, which contributes to a bright outcome. It is also non-ferrous, meaning it is not going to rust over time.
The complete omission of glue in our design further emphasises the important consideration to its sustainability.
Final Design
The final design aims to represent:
- Someone who is the ‘backbone’ of the community.
- Individuality through its unique colour patterns and the user's option to change the shape.
- A journey upwards through its spiral/staircase shape, and its colour gradient.
- Sustainability through material choice.