Fountain Ring Wearable fountain parts by Atelier OPA

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

AO : To take advantage of　the laws of nature.

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

AO : Transparent and thin water membrane is so beautiful that we express the beauty, wonder and importance of water in a butterfly and spider shapes.

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

AO : We would like to expand market in EU.

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

AO : First concept came to us in 2010. Then we won Lexus Design Award 2014 with advanced idea. In 2015 we finally realized original idea in whole new product, silver rings.

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

AO : To realize Fountain ring is Sugihara's mission. No one think to make a hybrid of a ring and a fountain, but she imagined.

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?

AO : We already started to sell it on internet.

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

AO : Playful mind and serious water situation in the world.

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

AO : Our precious fountain works, Water dome. It was popular project, but we must consider water quantity from a sustainable point of view. Moreover, normal large fountain is not suitable for personal use.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

AO : A person who wants to play with water. Besides, a fiancee, husbands and romantic people who are looking for a nice gift.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

AO : There are many silver rings, but function to make a fountain is unique.

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

AO : Very simple. Fountain plus ring.

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

AO : Shade 3D and Illustrator.

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

AO : We design rings shape, however actually the laws of nature designs water flow.

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

AO : Jewelry artisans.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

AO : Basic design to make 3D models.

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

AO : We analyzed water consumption data in major countries.

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

AO : While using a circulation pomp, the flow rate is fixed, however, the flow of tap water is different in each kitchens and buses. Moreover, the distance between a tap and a target is also different. We designed rings to fit any water circumstances.

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

AO : There is no border for water and design.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

AO : Powers of observation.

DI: Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

AO : The purpose of these rings is not to consume water, but to celebrate it and underline its importance. Fountain rings will remind owners of the essentiality of water, making its user rediscover its fundamental qualities.