Follow Me: A Sculptural Vase Inspired by the Peacock

Combining Form and Function to Enhance Flower Arrangements

The design of "Follow Me" draws inspiration from the peacock's tail, which forms a semi-circular pattern when fanned out. Rajkumari translated this concept into a vase that resembles a bird with a long, upright tail and a pair of perforated wings. The intention is to make the flowers an integral part of the vase's form, creating a harmonious and complementary pair.

What sets "Follow Me" apart is its functionality as a sculpture and a vase. The vase consists of three pieces: the body and two detachable wing pieces. The semi-open form allows for air circulation around the stems, keeping them moisture-free. It also enables users to add water daily without disturbing the arrangement. The perforated wing pieces serve as aids for arranging flowers in various patterns, allowing users to follow the profile of the openings or skip in between to create their desired arrangement.

The technical specifications of "Follow Me" are as follows: the size of the body is 220 mm x 60 mm x 260 mm, the size of each wing is 120 mm x 230 mm, and the overall size of the vase is 250 mm x 120 mm x 260 mm.

Through extensive research on flower conditioning, Rajkumari discovered that flowers require constant water replenishment. Traditional enclosed vases with stagnant water create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Additionally, vases with wide mouths may be convenient for adding water but do not provide enough aid for arranging flowers in patterns. These insights led to the development of "Follow Me," which aims to enhance the post-harvest life of cut flowers rather than merely serving as a container.

One of the main challenges in designing "Follow Me" was reconciling the conflicting criteria of form and function. While a wide-mouthed vase allows for easy water addition, it lacks the necessary aid for arranging flowers in patterns. To address this, the vase was designed with a semi-open form, separating the conflicting functions into three pieces. The perforated wing parts serve as aids for arrangement, while users can easily add water below the wings. The larger gap between the body and wings also facilitates air circulation, further enhancing the longevity of the flowers.

"Follow Me" is a testament to the marriage of art and functionality. It not only adds beauty to any space but also provides a platform for creative flower arrangements. The vase's unique design allows users to explore various patterns and create stunning displays. By incorporating this vase into their homes or events, individuals can elevate their floral arrangements to new heights.

Image Credits: Heloise Rajkumari, 3D Modeling and Rendering, 2014.

Awards and Accolades: "Follow Me" was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The design of "Follow Me" showcases industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world and providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its users.