流れ
Nagare
Incense Holder
Designer: Iris Pham
Dates: February 25 to April 8, 2025
Deliverables: Metal Homeware Prototype
Materials: Cold-Rolled Steel and Powder Coating
Instructor: Tim Antoniuk
Overview
The objective of this project is to design a functional home decor object inspired by a space, using metal as the primary material. Meanwhile, the final product must be manufacturable, taking into account all expenses, including materials, overhead, and labour. My chosen product is an incense holder for a Zen space. As the incense burns, the ash and smoke follow the curves of the holder, creating an impression of a gentle waterfall. The echoing of circular shapes, paired with a muted gold powder-coated finish, resembles the raked sand patterns often found in traditional Zen gardens. Despite the minimalist form, it is crafted to hold both stick and cone incense, offering flexibility for different activities and purposes. The name Nagare (流れ) means “flow” in Japanese, embodying the movement of water and the quiet passage of time.
Incense Holder Final Prototype
Process and Finished Prototype
Reflection
I began the project without a clear, workable idea, initially exploring concepts with numerous curves and stamped textures. However, manufacturing these designs would have required specialized machinery and a significant amount of labour, making them impractical. To streamline production, I limited myself to sheet metal and joined the parts without welding, optimizing costs and reducing the final product price. The function testing stage was the longest, as each iteration involved completing nearly 80% of the manufacturing process. Through this rigorous refinement, I arrived at a final design that not only met all project requirements but also achieved a clean, elegant aesthetic.