Steampunk Design Concept
Level of Detail: High
Project Overview
This project was a personal project, and not commissioned by a client. I have always loved the steampunk theme, and it is a style not used or much talked about in the practical design world. However, I wanted to create a space that used this design style as a study in texture, lighting, and design concept. The result is a rather unique space – one that I think could easily be seen in a sci-fi movie. Some of the elements are homages to two of my favorite movies, “Bladerunner” and “Serenity.” The focal point of the room is a large conference table with claw like legs, and think supports adorned in neon light. The table top is a smooth glass surface, with gears and other mechanical elements below the glass. The stools use element of the table, such as the claw foot, and the gears embedded on the seat. The plasma screens are a modern element to the space, however, the borders of the screens are comprised of brass and bronze, and are secured to the walls or center structure with thick leather straps and brass rivets. In the television screens, one can see the first reference to the movie “Serenity” with ship’s logo on one of the screens. The second reference can be found on the wall – a partial sign advertising space on “Miranda” – a planet key to the story line of the movie. On the same wall, I created two sliding doors that are operated by hydraulic pumps located on either side of the doors. The doors themselves are adorned with gears, glass and piping. On the opposite wall, I included an old world touch – exposed brick and crumbling stucco – this is design element commonly found in Steampunk design – mating the old with the new. Next to the brick wall, (on the left) is the large battery wall – perhaps a means to power the room. Again, the batteries resemble everyday car batteries, however, they are appointed with indicator lights, connection cables, and brass poles for support – making them more of an art installation then functioning power cells. To the right of the brick wall is a large, modern curved wall with narrow windows, a sharp contrast to the floor to ceiling windows found on the opposite wall. Next to the curved wall, is a ladder access hatch to a separate level, and behind the ladder is a doorway to the balcony. Like the curved wall, the balcony is enclosed with heavy horizontal members and narrow viewing spaces. Here is where the tribute to “Bladerunner” is located – the view of the modern city from the air – giving my space the feeling of being in a high rise building. In all, this was a fun project to create, and gave me a chance to express my own creative side just for my own amusement – I hope to do several other themed rooms like this in the future.
Time and Cost Analysis for Project:
Digital Model Construction Time: 30 Hours
Rendering and Finishing Time: 12 Hours
Total Time: 42 Hours
Total Cost: $3,570.00
