My approach to the project

After researching into the material I recognized that traditional applications of magnesium demonstrate only the functionality of the material as they are used primarily for mechanical and structural purposes. They are widely and mainly utilized in the automotive and aerospace industry. And for such functional intentions, attention was focused primarily on exhibiting the properties of magnesium – light weight, superior weight-to-strength ratio, high impact and dent resistance, dimensional stability, excellent damping capacity, ease of machining, ease of welding and so on. These properties were the only appealing reasons and they were displayed and highlighted in the traditional applications of magnesium to demonstrate the functionality of the material. The application of these properties at the time identified magnesium as a metal that means light and strong. I think that the properties and functionality of magnesium were successfully highlighted. However, less attention was paid to expressing the aesthetic qualities of the material.

I noticed that recent approaches using magnesium in new products and applications explore new visual forms and qualities that can be exhibited by the material. Encouraged by Ross Lovegrove’s Go Chair, I want push the boundaries further to utilize every visual aspect of the material to produce a new application that echoes the very essence of magnesium.

The Go Chair is polished and powdered coated in white or silver. But magnesium is metal that is naturally silvery white in appearance and I think that powder coating the material in any form of colour hides its visual qualities. I want to reveal the very nature of this material’s beauty through the use of electroplating. Electroplating allows the material to achieve finishes that highlights and emphasizes its very own appearance. I aspire to enhance its metallic silvery white appearance and its sensual qualities. Traditionally we associate magnesium as a material used for structural purposes. Retaining this aspect of magnesium, I want my material to move from mechanical and geometrical structures to soft and organic forms. I want to show the gentle side of magnesium through the use of soft curves and tender forms – something that will be friendly to touch.

Often, we associate metal as ‘cold’ materials. When we touch it, it’s cold; when we see it, it’s cold. Because of this, I’d like to create a warmer feel in my design by using an electroplated satin finish. To me, the texture created out of the material conveys a warmer emotional appeal. Through the use of new visual languages exhibited by the property and visual qualities of magnesium, I want magnesium to not only say ‘light and strong’ but emotionally ‘gentle’ and visually appealing in its very nature. These visual languages are shaped by different manufacturing processes and technologies, and there are unlimited possibilities and diverse design potential for magnesium.

Concept 1 - Bookshelf


Concept 2 - Towel Rack


Concept 3 - Chair