Kinetic Bloom

2012

Invited by A+D Museum to participate in the “COME IN! les femmes” exhibit, Yeh Design Lab designed and fabricated a female-centric installation.

The Kinetic Bloom is comprised of 100+ identical “equilateral triangular modules” constructed of folded wood veneer. The work was inspired by a series of studies for “origami” clutch bags by Yeh Design Lab during 2011. In addition to this internal reference, the installation was also inspired by the “Switch Pitch” toy (by Hoberman) and a kinetic wire toy (maker unknown) sold by the MOMA Store back in the 90s. All three references share one thing in common: simultaneous kinetic movements and transformation activated by a single action. In the case of the clutch bag, opening the front flap unfolds all facets comprising the purse’s enclosure and expands the volume. It signals that daily operations such as opening a handbag could be a celebration or a ceremony.

While the final installation, developed and built in 6 weeks, can only open and close simultaneously on the theoretical level, the system points to a future potential as a space-saving divider or a sunscreen capable of modulating light transmission through sensors and motors.

The Kinetic Bloom is made of reconstructed (RCN) wood veneer, laser cut, folded, and connected with metallic kid-skin leather. RCN wood veneer is made from sustainably farmed species such as poplar. The veneer and associated paper backing have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The wood veneer is locally sourced from GL Veneer in Huntington Park, California.

Design, Fabrication & Installation Team:
Yi-Hsiu Yeh, Jesse Cabildo, Charles Ghiotto, and Andre Gharakhanian