Architecture Pendant (necklace) by Kim Hung Chea

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DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

KHC : I love ancient arts and architectures. I was inspired by the uniqueness of the leaning Pisa tower and the textural and colorful dome of the Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Combining both architectures to create one-of-a-kind jewelry.

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

KHC : The main focus in designing this work is to make a box that can put thing inside.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

KHC : Currently I am a jewelry design student. I join this competition because I want to challenge myself and also want people recognize me through this competition. I want to be a famous jewelry designer.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

KHC : It took me few days to come up with this design because I keep changing and adding thing in my design.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

KHC : I think it is cool to have a historical piece that can wear as a jewelry and also can keep as a display.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

KHC : I am design student. I intent to produce this piece to build my portfolio for transferring to a university and finding a part job as a designer or jeweler.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

KHC : The work actually is the project I had to make in the class. The original concept of the project was to make a box only with any design. But I didn't want it to be just a box, I wanted it became a wearable piece. So I decide to make it small as a pendent.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

KHC : I was influence by the luxury brand, Cartier, the beaded tassel. The beaded tassel made the piece look more classy and feel like going back into the old day.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

KHC : the target customer is who that love and know about the Roman and Islamic architectural history. ( college student to elderly)

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

KHC : The name for this design is straight forward, it's all about art and building.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

KHC : I didn't use any computer software; basically, I drew with my hand. I used many tools with different kinds of metal techniques. The metal techniques are sawing, silver casting, soldering, rounding jump rings and the box, and beading.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

KHC : The unique aspect of my design is can wear 3 different ways. The pendant that can take out the bottom box which can wear the whole thing or just wear the dome part. And also can hang beaded tassel under the dome.

DI: Who did you collaborate with for this design? Did you work with people with technical / specialized skills?

KHC : The design was my original idea. I didn't collaborate with others.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

KHC : I came up with this design, it was because I took the western art history. I learned a lot about ancient architectures and sculptures. Pisa Tower is the place that I want to visit.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

KHC : The challenge is to make a simple box as a wearable pendant and find solution to make a multi-wear pendent.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

KHC : I want people know about me and my designs. Moreover, I could compare my work with others to improve my design skill.