Conceptual Design Idea

For my animation, I have chosen the industrial design topic. This animation will have a transition which is in the style of a metamorphosis as it will show something turning into something else. The Cambridge dictionary definition of a metamorphosis is “a complete change of character, appearance, or condition:” (Cambridge Dictionary, 2024)

Metamorphosis by Judy Prosser

In this piece of art created by Judy Prosser, we can see a woman doing a pose and slowly transforming into a swan through the same pose. The metamorphosis is represented by using five different forms which are gradually changing until we reach the final stage of the woman’s transformation into the swan. The woman’s arm is in the same position as the swans wing, which helps ease us into the transition. 

Anamorphosis, called Mary, Queen of Scots by Unknown

Another example is anamorphic art. Anamorphic art is a form of metamorphosis as it changes depending on the perspective it is viewed at. This is an anamorphic oil painting which is on display in the National Gallery Scotland. The painter is unknown. At first, it appears to be a painting of Mary Queen of Scot, but when the viewer of the painting moves, it transforms into a painting of a skull. The use of perspective creates a two-in-one painting which highlights life and death. 

Metamorphosis can happen in many different ways, but it always includes an transformation somehow.

'Red Force' at Ferrari Land which has carts in the design of race cars

My first idea for my animation was to have a rollercoaster which transforms into a race car when it goes through a tunnel. I ended up changing ideas though because it was too complicated. I instead chose my second option, which was to have a bird transform into a plane.  

“The design of airplanes has evolved significantly since the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers in 1903. Over the years, technological innovations have led to the development of new and improved airplane designs, resulting in faster, safer, and more efficient aircraft.” (Swanda, nd)

One of the earliest planes were the monoplane. These planes were more streamlined compared to other aircrafts and allowed for higher speeds and easier control. The design of these planes are still used today for mostly military and commercial purposes. (Swanda, nd) 

Bird anatomy inspire the design of planes

Most plane designs are based upon the anatomy of birds. Fighter jets are inspired by the short pointed wings of birds such as Eagles and Hawks. These birds were referenced by engineers to create fast planes which were also buoyant. (BirdsConnectSeattle, 2021) 

Modern aircrafts such as the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit utilise a ‘flying wing’ design, meaning they don’t have a tail. These planes were invented during World War Two, with the first being the C-47, a US craft with stronger cabin floors and reinforced fuselage to carry jeeps, trucks, cargo and passengers. (Guilmartin, nd) 

The Nortrop Grunnman B-2 Spirit

Based on my research, my metamorphis idea will be to show the birds flying in a v-shape and then transforming into an old v-shape military plane in place of the birds to show how industrial design gave humans ‘wings’.  

 

Reference List:

 

BirdsConnectSeattle (2021) It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane.: Aviation Designs Inspired by Birds | EarthCare Northwest [Article]. Available online: https://birdsconnectsea.org/2023/09/21/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-aviation-designs-inspired-by-birds-earthcare-northwest/#:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20the%20short%20and,aerial%20combat%20and%20evasive%20maneuvers. [Accessed: 10/04/2024]

 

BirdsConnectSeattle (2021) Planes inspired by birds [Image]. Available online: https://birdsconnectsea.org/2023/09/21/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-aviation-designs-inspired-by-birds-earthcare-northwest/#:~:text=In%20contrast%2C%20the%20short%20and,aerial%20combat%20and%20evasive%20maneuvers. [Accessed: 10/04/2024]

 

Cambridge Dictionary (2024) Metamorphosis [Quote]. Available online: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/metamorphosis [Accessed: 08/04/2024]

 

Guilmartin, John. F (nd) flying wing [Article]. Available online: https://www.britannica.com/technology/monoplane [Accessed: 10/04/2024]

 

Prosser, Judy (2022) Metamorphosis [Image]. Available online: https://judyprosser.com.au/product/metamorphosis-paper-print/ [Accessed: 09/04/2024]

 

Swanda Aerospace (nd) Discover the Evolution of Airplane Design  [Article]. Available online: https://swanda.com/update/discover-the-evolution-of-airplane-design/#:~:text=The%20design%20of%20airplanes%20has,safer%2C%20and%20more%20efficient%20aircraft. [Accessed: 10/04/2024]

 

 

 

Unknown (1542-1567) Anamorphosis called Mary, Queen of Scots [Image]. Available online: https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/3239 [Accessed: 09/04/2024]

 

Unknown (nd) Red Force at Ferrari Land [Image]. Available online: thumb_8689a090b4c028bec7d3fb2607dcfce1_1280_960_1.jpg (1280×721) (pretparken.be) [Accessed: 10/04/2024]

 

Unknown (nd) The Nortrop Grunnman B-2 Spirit [Image]. Available online: US-Air-Force-B-2-Spirit-first-flight.-1090×500.jpg (1090×500) (aerocorner.com) [Accessed: 10/04/2024]