I wanted to create something having to do with space and planetary orbits. As interlocking elements were the primary focus, I decided that each planet’s orbit should be the asset that interlocks. Every orbit perfectly nests within one another. I also knew that I wanted to have the worlds displayed somehow. I chose to 3D print each planet with glow-in-the-dark filament and laser-cut acrylic rings. I wanted to have a kind of light fixture element to symbolize the sun, so I added an Edison bulb. Since my concept utilized multiple techniques, I chose to sketch my ideas on my iPad using Procreate. Then I transferred those preliminary sketches to Adobe Illustrator. I looked at furniture, learning tools, and lighting installations, used their structural information, then went in my own direction with materials and assembly.

To make my planetary orbit lamp, I used a wide variety of materials. Within this project, I used semi-transparent acrylic in multiple colors, a lamp kit, an Edison bulb, and PLA filament, as well as jewelry clamps, fishing line, and superglue. As I made this project, I used a laser cutter to cut and engrave the acrylic, the 3D printer to make the planets, and used handcrafted techniques to assemble.