5 Rings is a research and development project with the goal of determining which of five common manufacturing processes have the largest and smallest carbon footprints when producing the same design. 13 designers came together and designed individual rings inspired by the Olympics to be manufactured and showcased during the Olympic Track Trials in Eugene, OR.
This project has been on display in USA, Netherlands, and Germany with Green Future Club, a sustainable non-profit.
my role
ID/Jewelry Design
Exhibition Design
Fabrication
Along with 12 other designers who had various roles.
project
Junior Studio III
timeline
10 Weeks
tools
Adobe Suite
Rhino
BambuLab
Formlabs
Woodshop
Metalsmithing Studio
recognition
2024 - Green Concept Award Finalist
Background
How do design, material, and manufacturing process contribute to overall carbon footprint of a product?
For this research project led by faculty Kiersten Muenchinger (Product Design) and Alida Bevirt (Jewelry & Metalsmithing) with the University of Oregon, each designer was first tasked with designing an Olympics-inspired ring. We then manufactured each ring using five separate manufacturing processes and sets of materials.
Meanwhile, we split up into four teams to complete the rest of the project needs: print media, calculating carbon footprint and compiling research, informational videos, and exhibition design/build. I worked with two other designers, Eli Mikiten and Rhys Forbes, on the exhibition design/build portion of the overall project.
Manufacturing Processes
Investment Casting
Bronze - Powdercoat
Silver - Glass Enamel
3D Printed Stainless
SLA Resin Print
FDM PLA Print
Initial Concept
For this project, I was inspired by elegant geometric forms and color-blocking. Considering the Olympic Track Trial theme, I looked into common Olympics-related products, motifs, and imagery to direct overall form and visuals. I wanted the piece to be more on the avant-garde side rather than an every-day wear.
geometric, smooth, color-blocked
elegant, linear, illusive
Ideation & Development
Selected concept for development
In-depth information on iterations & critique. Click to expand.
Jewelry Manufacturing
Each designer manufactured four of their rings with the fifth (stainless steel 3D print) being outsourced. I led quite a few metalsmithing demos during off-hours as I had been working as a teaching assistant for the other Jewelry & Metalsmithing courses.
Final Ring Design
Valiant
A ring inspired by the Olympic Track Trials.
Features an offset blue horizontal bar and a red outer-band inlay.
Draws inspiration from the Olympic Torch and starting pistols.
Ancient Bronze & Powdercoat
Sterling Silver & Glass Enamel
Printed Stainless
Dyed Resin
Multicolor PLA
For more information on the research project and its results, please visit:
Exhibition Design/Build
My Contributions: 1/3 of design and ideation, creation of the build plans/cut list, material selection, and leading overall construction.
Roles Completed by Rhys and Eli: Design and ideation, concept renders, 3D modelling, contacting CNC tech and acrylic vendors, electrical work, material sourcing, and assisting with construction among other tasks.
Concepts
Build Plans
Display Construction
Final Display
942 Olive, Eugene, OR
5th St., Eugene, OR
5th St., Eugene, OR
The ring stands rotate
