Final Bike Rack Scale Model
Context Rendering
This assignment asked us to design a bike rack for a building of our choice on the OSU campus. I chose to design for the Wexner Center for the Arts, specifically in a small alcove near one of the primary entrances.
Wexner Center for the Arts. (2025, January 6). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wexner_Center_for_the_Arts
Area analysis
Observing the area, I identified the major principles of the architecture and designated a viable working space for the rack to be "installed."
Moving through the ideation process, I gravitated towards forms that mimicked the primary visual elements of the Wexner. Sticking to right angles was the most effective element for making the bike rack cooperate with the rest of the architecture.
Embarking on the model-building process, I started with a simple mockup of the bike rack in CAD. Using this model, I was able to 3D print a set of guide jigs for accurately gluing square dowels into the correct positions. This particular model is 1/18 scale.
To ensure the design and scale model's success, I experimented with the placement of the model within the original area I had designed it for. After studying the area further, I came to the decision that this design was not the proper format for the initial location choice. Considering the shape language of the bike rack cooperated exceptionally with the existing architecture, I decided to scout a better location to implement my design.
Updated Location
Updated Location with Render
Ultimately, I chose a section of the building facing the most common bike path in the area. With a satisfying amount of commensurate architecture near the new location, I found this area to be much more complementary to the bike rack and the building, as well as more functional. What I found most valuable about this design exercise was the idea that a good design can be flexible and adaptive, as long as proper attention is paid to the greater design cues of the environment. Finding the particular reasons why a design won't work in a certain context can be just as important as finding why it can work.