Ernst

The challenge

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Revive the sense of wonder and curiosity that accompanies seeing something unfamiliar and perhaps inexplicable. Engage users by creating a form that demands to be explored and understood.

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Research & analysis

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As illustrated by Ernst Haeckel's drawings, there is a fascinating middle ground between something recognizable and familiar, and something entirely the opposite. By taking inspiration from naturally occuring forms such as barnacles and urchins, I can create something that has conceptual handles to grab onto, but is still engaging and fresh.

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Concept & strategy

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I aimed to utilize the sound emitting within to create an additional sense of wonder, centering my initial design thinking around a form that has an apparent exterior and interior.

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Design & development

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By utilizing Grasshopper, a parametric design software, I was able to quickly create an organic, dynamic, and variable form to house the electronic components. Such a complex form would only be possible to realize thanks to the robust capabilities of SLS , or Selective Laser Sintering, 3D printing technology.

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The solution

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The Ernst Speakers is carefully poised between the familiar and the alien. It's form not only creates intrigue over its inner-workings, but also acts to hid the seam separating the two halves. The  snap-fit hinge enables the user to pursue their curiosity, opening up the speaker to inspect, or direct the sound how they please.

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