Parametric Waves

Olivia Trujillo
3 min readNov 14, 2021

Final Project Proposal

Over the course of this semester we have explored and dived into a variety of different mediums. From coding to CAD we have learned so many interesting softwares. However, the one medium i’ve found to be the most compelling is using Fusion 360.

Over the years i’ve only ever used CAD programs for engineering and architectural projects. So this semester it was so much fun to learn how to create art and design within Fusion.

For my final project I would like to explore parametric design through an art installation. Last week I created this design within Fusion 360. This design is an example of liquid on a solid surface. Last week I created a parametric design with 40 different pieces connected by two modules in the back.

“parametric waves”

I would love to continue iterating this design on three different mediums; wood, clear acrylic and chipboard with a special paint treatment.

Left to Right: wood, clear acrylic, black chipboard

The first iteration I would like to get it cut out onto a light wood such as bamboo or pine, but of course I am trying to keep costs as low as possible. If anything I will get it cut out onto chipboard and either leave the material raw or maybe paint it gold.

The second iteration will be cut out onto a clear acrylic. I think it would be cool to add some sort of LED lighting to the back of it so it looks like the liquid is moving.

Lastly, the third iteration would be cut out onto chipboard but I would like to explore a paint method to give it more of a “liquid” illusion, as seen below.

The biggest challenges I anticipate will be gathering materials, and working with the Idea Forge on campus to get everything cut out in time. If I decide to add lighting to the acrylic piece I imagine that might be quite difficult as well. I plan on spending the next two weeks prototyping on cardboard and getting my materials together.

I feel this project will add so much to my professional portfolio. I’ve come along way as a designer and artist over the past few years. This trilogy of parametric waves is the perfect project that showcase my transition from being an architectural designer into being a visual designer. This series will not only add a unique view to my portfolio but it also complements the work I am creating in Booklab.

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Olivia Trujillo

Olivia is a current graduate student at the University of Colorado, Boulder receiving an M.A. in Product Design.