Reubzk Creative Design Portfolio

Explore Reubzk's university, professional, and personal design projects across visual identity, digital media, creative technology, and art.

JelloPod Restaurant

{"about":"Creating a personalised restaurant","groups":[{"caption":"This project tracks the scaling of a tactile culinary memory into a full-scale commercial interior, translating the colors, textures, and communal ethos of the Key Lime Jelly Pot dessert into an immersive hospitality environment. The goal was to convert an existing restaurant within the Auckland CBD into a newly redesigned restaurant while keeping the current dimensions. \n\nProject Portfolio: The Jellopod Restaurant Interior\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nConceptual Framework & Material Inspiration: Spatializing the Food Memory: The design of the Jellopod Restaurant scales up the sensory elements of the Key Lime Jelly Pot dessert—laughter, joy, closeness, and freedom—into an architectural experience. The iconic three-layer composition of the dessert (darkness contrasting with light and a vibrant neon green glow) directly guides the interior material palette, utilizing natural earth elements to ground the spatial narrative.\n\nMaterial Equivalents to Culinary Layers: Dark American Walnut: Applied extensively across the walls and custom furniture, the rich wood acts as the core material of the interior, stabilizing the space and symbolizing the deep warmth and homeliness of down-to-earth friendships. Tinted Concrete Flooring: Finished in a blue-grey hue, the solid concrete floors represent the concept of friendships grounded on a strong, solid foundation.\n\nSpatial Layout & Pod Typology: Communal Dining Pods: Mirroring the nested distribution logic of the original product design, the restaurant layout is engineered around pod-like communal vessels. Rather than standard open seating, the dining floor is organized into dedicated clusters. Each group of friends or family dines within specialized, high-backed seating arrangements that balance group comfort with acoustic and visual privacy.\nThe threshold between the public realm and the interior dining space is managed by a large, sweeping curved glass wall positioned at the main entrance. This structural curve allows external passersby to observe the dynamic dining pods inside while maintaining a sleek, modern architectural exterior.\n\nIntegrated Furnishings & Atmosphere: To achieve total design unity, every bespoke interior asset is derived from the core geometry of the Key Lime Jelly Pot dessert. Ceiling Illumination: Custom ceiling lamps feature layered, contoured profiles that cast ambient light down into the dining zones.\nBespoke Furniture: The individual dining chairs, tables, modular communal benches, and the primary reception desk utilize the same rhythmic, rounded design language. Biophilic Accents: Integrated interior planting is strategically positioned throughout the layout, softening the geometric lines of the furniture while enriching the restaurant's natural, atmospheric environment.","images":["/objects/uploads/cb64238e-980b-4370-b4a3-4a96477d8f0b","/objects/uploads/cca95776-aec5-4b61-ad95-b8d23fefd548","/objects/uploads/a0dffbce-d3aa-44b0-a6ba-14f2014d000a","/objects/uploads/76ff0fd6-d80a-4ec1-9325-4d6cb18cc2a4","/objects/uploads/2f6a17cd-b541-42f0-a196-357afab3b6c3","/objects/uploads/888cb8ef-f292-4887-90fb-93a6855d46c1","/objects/uploads/b98d6194-b5ff-4d64-936f-bfda92863da6","/objects/uploads/24f1a0ae-1338-4dc0-85e3-2278a8043a7c","/objects/uploads/71d0277a-e92d-4102-9936-8fc192c55743","/objects/uploads/0eaf6abe-fab9-41fe-8ee9-55b0bf0c568c","/objects/uploads/3549a10c-66e5-4853-9008-3c8b150cc531"]},{"caption":"A1 Postefor presentations","images":["/objects/uploads/82b5ba7e-40f1-4a90-802e-3ca2602a5d39","/objects/uploads/15e5c109-1dc1-496b-9308-30e3070ca667"]}]}

Tiny House - Autumn Plains

{"about":"Creating a tiny house for a client","groups":[{"caption":"Autumn Plains Tiny Homes are such an exciting type of housing development. They have so much to offer in terms of functionality and design. Although they might be much smaller than the conventional house, they still have a lot to offer to a select group of people who wish to downscale, live a minimalistic life or wish to live in an exotic environment away from the busy lifestyle. I was inspired by the ‘Cabin on the Rocks’ Tiny house created by I-Kanda Architects with their unique polygonal form design and really helped me to think about the structure I have in mind for the tiny house I want to create. I have chosen myself to be the client for this project so that I can retreat to this tiny house during my holidays. Therefor this will be a recreational Tiny House. The ideal location will be Queenstown simply because of its beautiful nature and scenic views that Queenstown offers during the Autumn months. When thinking about the beauties of Queenstown, I wondered how I could incorporate these elements into a design that highlights each of the following aspects: The stars, The Yellow Autumn leaves and the Lake. A tiny house of my liking would ideally have large floor to ceiling windows and a skylight. This would not only allow light to come in from all angles but also to bring in the nature that exists around. The idea is to look up at the stars at night from the skylight, have a wide floor to ceiling window in the bedroom and Kitchen area that looks out onto the lake, a large protruding window that looks out onto the forest trees. The angle of the house should positioned so that sunlight enters into the house from both the east and west. I have chosen to use metal framing as this provides a sound structure, is very high in sustainability and is best for recyclability purposes. Queenstown has a very high housing cost particularly because of the scenery and therefore must meet a specific design standard to be on par with the surrounding housing designs. In terms of interior design, my chosen hardware would consist of plywood accompanied by wood veneer to bring in a more natural wood feeling. Galvanized steel would be used for hinges and other mechanisms to help keep the plywood in its place. I want to use natural materials within the tiny house as much as possible. It has to be modern sleek and minimalistic while introducing various forms of functionality to every space. Sliding doors will be used within the interior while having a swing door for the main exterior doors. The windows should also be double glazed to preserve heat during the winter months and underfloor heating will also contribute to good heating throughout the living space through the use of solar panels on the roof. The idea is to be able to view all the beautiful sceneries from all the angles of the tiny house. 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Cyberpunk & Dystopian Gardens

{"about":"Creating an Exhibition walkthrough","groups":[{"caption":"A1 Presentation Posters.","images":["/objects/uploads/e64f9525-9684-4269-95c3-100cd1f3b3d6","/objects/uploads/74c9b997-1272-40d7-a9b3-6782bae5a6a8","/objects/uploads/9c0a878f-394f-4a16-a8ac-ea881720b2ee","/objects/uploads/ee38b982-f971-48a8-9810-be44bae73552"]},{"caption":"For this project, we had to convert the existing Auckland Winter Gardens into an exhibition walkthrough of our choice. By utilizing both winter house rooms, I chose the concept of Cyberpunk and Dystopian. 2 Possible futures depending on how we as a civilization will either build together or destroy together. \n\nCyberpunk Gardens.","images":["/objects/uploads/0dca75c7-d480-4968-917f-ccf58bd9bb97","/objects/uploads/17d5a526-ac16-4be2-bf64-30f18fc52376","/objects/uploads/3e353c8d-9e3d-446b-9b5d-3374e0f3c825","/objects/uploads/5d3f92cd-3a27-41b7-817d-e1705636d97a","/objects/uploads/6adc668e-dc62-4c44-b0d5-c5e98ac8c2ee","/objects/uploads/795fcf11-9d02-4409-a8cc-ad23eeff565f","/objects/uploads/d7b95b99-ecc8-4f4d-92f8-de1820577626","/objects/uploads/3d875170-149c-4da9-8ec8-62e6bdc37952","/objects/uploads/8e205e22-4a73-45ec-98fa-d18797848adf","/objects/uploads/ef86814a-c069-4291-8f60-c19fdc84bd56","/objects/uploads/03efba04-74d3-4896-94bc-d423fc8771b7","/objects/uploads/ca3f639f-1c09-45c5-9306-2efe45b99575","/objects/uploads/30f54f46-e36e-4e27-9ab5-5dc8e0186422","/objects/uploads/43a3dd6c-1c9b-45e3-be0b-7f146aabaa5a"]},{"caption":"Dystopian Gardens","images":["/objects/uploads/9104cbe1-ee99-437d-a01d-2bb36712677b","/objects/uploads/993dd0af-6247-431b-a9cb-0450334de930","/objects/uploads/f6b126a0-52f3-4571-b32c-ebc98f9d6d35","/objects/uploads/5f7120ad-9bcd-40fc-bd6b-d2fc4c3dfb35","/objects/uploads/ce888cfe-5057-449d-ac83-798cff0742e3","/objects/uploads/ef7d4081-3300-478d-abe0-136599b08c18","/objects/uploads/15e857df-162f-440b-9d60-ba6ae2b23621","/objects/uploads/515e9ee0-5035-4517-be44-6528e3a29be5","/objects/uploads/4d637f84-a331-47a9-9bcf-b9dd4a16b1d0","/objects/uploads/76c61325-a413-4569-8c94-1fc0892afe9f","/objects/uploads/110c2a45-5c9d-484c-b476-c020b4ff9a0a"]}]}

Cyber Comics

{"about":"Creating a comic book store in New Market","groups":[{"caption":"The Cyber Comics Experience (A Design Proposal by Reuben Kleynhans)\n\nThis project outlines a futuristic, cyberpunk-themed retail environment designed as an immersive escape combining advanced technology, interactive media, neon aesthetics, and downtempo music. Located at 41/37 Nuffield Street, the architecture utilizes modular digital systems to turn a traditional storefront into an interactive urban landmark.\n\nKey Project Components & Spatial Layout: Interactive Kinetic Façade: The curved main entrance features a motion-activated LED wall panel with protruding geometric cubes that physically shift as pedestrians walk by, creating an engaging, three-dimensional texture experience.\n\n\nProgrammable Display Windows: The exterior storefront incorporates transparent, rollable glass adhesive LED screens that display themed comic book previews and digital media while maintaining visibility into the shop.\n\n\nThe Hacking Station (POS System): A gamified point-of-sale counter where customers use a personalized Cyber Comics card to \"hack\" the system for discounts, leveling up their status from Royal to Elite Hacker through frequent use.\n\n\nPhygital Reading & Custom Booths: The interior includes a public seating area for reading physical comic books enhanced by holographic \"Cyber glasses,\" alongside private, soundproof booths where users can listen to music, alter the room's color scheme, and build custom virtual avatars for the broader Cyberverse.\n\nThere is also an Artificial Intelligence assistant in the store known as Miku Hatsune for any enquiries related to the store and the services it provides. ","images":["/objects/uploads/79070e32-5d45-4ce0-bebe-c26269bcf7b1","/objects/uploads/a4a70076-5f60-46b3-b6f2-4c548f339ef9","/objects/uploads/3bdaec07-6d30-4ed7-b63a-c7aae494bf54","/objects/uploads/c4048053-750e-4a76-b7ba-4fb4d1c450f3","/objects/uploads/017b9240-17f2-421e-befb-94c8133467c7","/objects/uploads/6f9bfe22-21f2-49a2-bb2e-8c8e117ada53","/objects/uploads/d5f52e06-c586-4c75-9b28-323c28f94355","/objects/uploads/f2de3821-afff-4099-939f-4e8ba3d0e44b","/objects/uploads/39f0ece9-b401-4042-8042-1c8a9f56e41d","/objects/uploads/cf102e00-4b70-4ba9-bccf-eb9a2ddb830e","/objects/uploads/eea4be4e-a0b6-4f70-8d61-7982984d21dc","/objects/uploads/b00ad6c8-fd24-47e0-8d8c-52fec32a521f","/objects/uploads/82af5ed2-bd8a-4620-b03d-31c62a4ce0f9","/objects/uploads/7b7c0a76-1fcc-4708-8642-3f64d6a31fb6","/objects/uploads/49f425ca-3079-4bcf-8486-b91f3037ece4"]},{"caption":"Planning of the Cyber Comics Store","images":["/objects/uploads/77bdde4a-03ed-4ad5-8e32-ca9aba7b6b80","/objects/uploads/8270462f-2c52-4881-b58b-b7df5c4ad3e5"]},{"caption":"Plan Drawings for Cyber Comics","images":["/objects/uploads/d13df0eb-f82e-4739-b749-0cd7da3d34b4","/objects/uploads/d4420130-dc2c-4850-8b26-5bd8a215c510","/objects/uploads/ea3a5cfe-0731-4328-a38a-75cfae6c8c9d","/objects/uploads/6d575943-7533-49c8-98a3-32c7bf5585cc","/objects/uploads/318ac09e-93ea-40c2-b72f-c5aacc57b5f5","/objects/uploads/41796690-4247-4c67-8688-b85d68ea0e17","/objects/uploads/5d56c585-5132-4930-86af-3783b93d5248"]},{"caption":"Model made out entirely of acrylic and LED Lights through laser cutting and 3d Printing (interior furniture)","images":["/objects/uploads/86a145aa-689d-4350-a94a-b1dce96f35db","/objects/uploads/ef82e54c-fef1-4afc-86d5-302129d4b392","/objects/uploads/7956cff4-585d-4dc7-8764-7e8eebf33832","/objects/uploads/c3a4c844-2320-4a9d-874f-a79d95479bba"]},{"caption":"Exhibition in the ST art gallery for the Comic book store concepts (AD23)","images":["/objects/uploads/558a53df-21f6-4753-846d-650e5236bdae","/objects/uploads/0cceaf65-be36-4dd7-a247-7136bc0022c8","/objects/uploads/0c8022e3-8aa5-45c2-b69e-0a75727ea550","/objects/uploads/a87dd22a-611e-4105-91db-b767210d9306","/objects/uploads/64ece82f-6351-4304-b797-349720059745","/objects/uploads/2b29836d-c326-4e80-ac5d-4ee666fd136a"]}]}

Sun Shade Lamp

{"about":"The Intersection of Light, Shadow, and Geometry \n ","groups":[{"caption":"Project Overview: The Intersection of Light, Shadow, and Geometry\nCourse: Digital Fabrication I: 2D to 3D (ARDN505)\nProject Title: Transformation\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nConcept & Inspiration: As an aspiring interior designer, my goal for this project was to explore how digital fabrication—specifically laser cutting—can be leveraged to enhance and manipulate interior spaces. I am deeply intrigued by how light can set an environmental mood, shift human emotion, and entirely alter a scene through texture and shadow. This project focused on creating a piece of functional interior art: a geometric lighting pendant/desk lamp designed to protect and enclose a central light source while projecting complex, atmospheric shadows onto surrounding surfaces. \n\nProcess & Technical Execution - Early Experimentation: The design journey began with foundational 2D-to-3D geometric experimentation in Rhino, translating flat profiles into interconnected structures like fan bowls, cones, and contoured surfaces. \n\nDesign Iteration: After testing various structural concepts (including a pyramid spiral and a large paper-based spiral), I developed a complex, interlocking design based on an octagonal geometry.\n\nDigital Craftsmanship: Using Rhino, I engineered a base plate featuring a dense network of triangular cut-outs that mimic a spiral illusion. To form the 3D body, I modeled 8 concentric, extruded octagon rings held together by 8 sharp-edged, interlocking \"boomerang\" support pillars. \n\nMateriality & Real-World Simulation: The piece was modeled to be crafted from light oak wood to match minimal, modern interior aesthetics. Using Raytrace rendering, I simulated real-world lighting conditions to study how adjusting the bulb's position alters the density and fluid spread of the geometric shadows.\n\nKey Challenges & Reflections: This project offered invaluable insights into the strict precision required for digital manufacturing. Navigating technical hurdles in the file-preparation stage—such as ensuring perfectly closed vector curves and eliminating duplicate overlapping lines—strengthened my attention to detail. While unexpected remote restrictions prevented the final physical fabrication of the prototype, the extensive digital stress-testing, boolean engineering, and raytraced shadow mapping provided a rock-solid blueprint for future large-scale, precision-cut interior fixtures.","images":["/objects/uploads/369bb1fd-e4f0-4a1d-a448-2d7a8c93a7a0","/objects/uploads/a947730a-9789-4236-9ed9-298dff8e0ca0","/objects/uploads/3e1448e8-3a55-4bc3-aab3-8f6303d410e6","/objects/uploads/8ad2a97e-2150-4fce-a34d-19ea4b3d268d","/objects/uploads/5e4d5271-2c1b-4ab6-905c-df3229facb04","/objects/uploads/1d929525-ad5c-42bc-a7cc-74f390f7e939","/objects/uploads/ed316e74-4c4a-490b-969d-740e9e97ba2c","/objects/uploads/2ca41e74-1fe3-4785-9b31-7970bd933c5d","/objects/uploads/b771b69d-aae5-4a34-b1c7-65c6a9cc0e56"]}]}

Model Creations with Paper

{"about":"Model inspiration through folding and light","groups":[{"caption":"Model making through various techniques: I used an LED light strip behind A3 paper and adjusted the lighting to show off the various lights and shadows that bounce off. The reason why I used colour for this task was to give an idea of how buildings could look like in places where a lot of neon light is used. An example of this type of scenery can be found in the city of Tokyo. ","images":["/objects/uploads/ec9931d5-e0c0-4701-b1e0-e217348f1533","/objects/uploads/08047636-c987-4c21-b8d5-79ec06aced6f","/objects/uploads/3f561687-2a0d-45e3-92b9-d9b28ccab641","/objects/uploads/922df2c0-e5f8-4814-9f07-cd8840124ea8","/objects/uploads/639d56b9-3abc-4eb5-9457-7a210b246a04","/objects/uploads/02583a4d-b560-4f74-8322-55ac85fdf37f","/objects/uploads/787c9a59-a126-445b-9c8a-fa8edeb304ac","/objects/uploads/27062a30-6079-464d-a511-f8b155eceab0","/objects/uploads/d6ebde7d-b32e-4b46-a010-39b4800a4c3a","/objects/uploads/90229dc4-124d-4f94-b587-6c43fbaf1b96","/objects/uploads/4ddf7642-4a41-4080-b467-978f1e965794","/objects/uploads/c54cfe1a-c274-4360-85fe-28832855d031","/objects/uploads/375671bb-ab54-48eb-b805-c51fb2b4f4f6","/objects/uploads/b959728e-8bf5-4390-b18a-77766467a145","/objects/uploads/7d9ab70b-ce26-426a-8aa8-8e9b2b176df6","/objects/uploads/38756d72-e876-4a88-b525-e6613c61cfa0"]},{"caption":"Volumetric Studies: Light Flow","images":["/objects/uploads/b87ba310-f1c2-4c72-8944-a9b68ee7ba28","/objects/uploads/caa4c1cc-443a-40d5-ae8f-303550f52aa1","/objects/uploads/be31e283-873f-4fda-bd18-50a86aace4cf","/objects/uploads/a113700c-deb0-4942-b8fb-3ddc05ca6731","/objects/uploads/7e3d268f-3388-4881-b652-205c6eeabf7b","/objects/uploads/4398eb02-925b-4327-badf-7007be3b0958","/objects/uploads/89308e2f-b035-474f-a1db-5696002d8740","/objects/uploads/a39d5ffc-8bc8-477b-944d-d911888175bb"]}]}

Spinnable Bracelet

{"about":"Kinetic Wearable Design through 3D Printing","groups":[{"caption":"Project Overview: Kinetic Wearable Design Course: \nDigital Fabrication I: 2D to 3D (ARDN505)\nProject Title: 3D Printing\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n \nConcept & Inspiration: This project explored the intersection of human anatomy and additive manufacturing. Drawing inspiration from generative design in healthcare—specifically modular hand orthotics that balance structural integrity with ventilation—I sought to create a piece of functional, wearable art that incorporates kinetic movement. \n\nProcess & Technical Execution - Exploration: I began by experimenting with Rhino’s geometric toolset, using spiral manipulation and curve networks to develop organic, fluid structures. Initial concepts focused on footwear, but I pivoted to jewelry to better suit the scale of FDM 3D printing. \n\nDesign Iteration: I developed a dual-layered bracelet featuring an intricate, organic lattice pattern. My primary design challenge was engineering a functional spinning mechanism without traditional assembly. \n\nMechanical Problem-Solving: My first iteration utilized internal ball bearings, which were deemed unprintable due to floating geometry. After consulting with technical staff, I re-engineered the internal structure to feature a \"train track\" interlocking slide mechanism. This design allows the inner and outer rings to glide smoothly against one another, printable from the ground up with 45-degree support angles. \n\nFinal Assembly: The final model was boolean-fused into a cohesive, printable dual-ring system, rendered in a matte black finish to highlight the contrast between the organic exterior cut-outs and the hidden kinetic core. \n\nKey Challenges & Reflections: This project was a masterclass in \"Design for Additive Manufacturing\" (DfAM). Transitioning from a theoretical concept to a printable mechanical file required moving past initial failures and learning to optimize geometry for FDM constraints. The iterative process—moving from floating ball bearings to integrated track systems—significantly expanded my understanding of how digital tools can create functional, complex assemblies in a single print. This experience solidified my appreciation for modern fabrication technologies and the creative freedom found in solving complex mechanical constraints digitally.","images":["/objects/uploads/33550eb7-078c-4cb0-8ac3-075c866c5b25","/objects/uploads/e5801720-41e4-481c-8072-a4130800beab","/objects/uploads/8189d1cd-ad77-48c6-a353-57a3cfdadc02","/objects/uploads/8a05fffb-eafe-426c-bf0a-1450f7ed9acf","/objects/uploads/20ee09d3-57ab-4194-a06f-0b46a7125307","/objects/uploads/db57d265-8ce6-46dd-ae24-190ea78c7988"]}]}

Avatar Film Gallery Walkthrough

{"about":"Creating a digital walkthrough Experience","groups":[{"caption":"Project Overview: Spatial Realism & Cinematic World- Building Course: Digital Techniques\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans \n\nConcept & Inspiration: This project was a deep dive into advanced spatial composition, cinematic analysis, and complex environmental rendering. The core objective was to analyze the relationship between light, atmosphere, and human scale, ultimately translating those principles into an immersive gallery installation. The second half of the project was heavily inspired by a spatial and atmospheric analysis of James Cameron's Avatar (2009), focusing on the bioluminescent night jungle of Pandora. I treated the forest ecosystem as a \"waterless ocean,\" examining how its natural luminescence, layered organic structures, and vibrant neon palette could be mapped into a physical interior context to invoke wonder and exploration. \n \nProcess & Technical Execution- Architectural Foundations & Layered Collages: The work began with an architectural breakdown of Sou Fujimoto House using ghosted, artistic, and composite drawings. This transitioned into complex digital collages used to generate a surrealist city concept, which was later modeled as a 3D environment in Rhino 7 and enhanced in Photoshop. \n\nGallery Modeling & Lighting Design: I meticulously modeled the physical architecture of the St Paul St Gallery as a canvas for spatial intervention. Initial lighting tests involved harsh geometric configurations, such as high-contrast red laser line vectors slicing through the dark gallery space. \n\nCinematic Translation & Materiality: Translating the Avatar research into the gallery, I utilized Rhino and Photoshop to construct a dense, bioluminescent environment within the gallery walls. The design incorporated texturized, glowing organic forms, hanging jellyfish-like structures, neon-threaded partitions, and intensely saturated pink, blue, and green lighting schemes. \n\nAtmospheric & Axonometric Renderings: To simulate how visitors would interact with the installation, I produced high-fidelity atmospheric renders featuring human scales navigating the glowing terrain. The final spatial layout was mapped through detailed axonometric views, precisely illustrating how the organic, cinematic installation integrated with the rigid, concrete geometry of the gallery. \n\nKey Challenges & Reflections: The project successfully bridged the gap between cinematic world-building and real-world spatial design. The primary challenge lay in adapting the infinite, fluid scale of an alien jungle into a constrained, box-like gallery interior without losing the emotional impact of the atmosphere. By combining meticulous 3D modeling, complex texture mapping, and layered digital lighting techniques, I developed a workflow that allows an interior space to act as a living storyteller, entirely shifting user perception through color and light.","images":["/objects/uploads/bf5556fd-09ba-4357-862e-15d0f43db86d","/objects/uploads/45aad6fc-27af-40b2-a72e-29eba202f178","/objects/uploads/cfb941f5-00ab-4c9a-af0e-2be3dd78c54d","/objects/uploads/479c7faa-e5d5-4936-990f-e255b1cce4dc","/objects/uploads/96e87bac-9194-4d77-989c-f585ae4326a2","/objects/uploads/dc1fccac-beb4-4a74-bea5-634ecde81f03","/objects/uploads/65815871-f4c3-4f8d-87c2-89aebc1e7db3","/objects/uploads/10268af5-bcde-4f17-b627-7e205fcf2490","/objects/uploads/b27232b1-9121-4306-b8b2-3796557d4e37","/objects/uploads/238627e0-f203-48d2-94e6-004943154456","/objects/uploads/9621c528-4ee2-4444-a59b-ef8a5120d926","/objects/uploads/5faacf3a-48d5-4485-9020-0a220460f78f","/objects/uploads/32ecd624-a67b-4928-a71a-6e98b67672ad"]},{"caption":"Architectural breakdown of Sou Fujimoto House using ghosted, artistic, and composite drawings.","images":["/objects/uploads/c6f740e7-09e6-4a98-88db-74fa97db86ed","/objects/uploads/ce74ca71-c73a-45d3-af5c-96471df70002","/objects/uploads/023903f0-6fdb-4632-9b2e-d05af30f0dc7","/objects/uploads/12a4a03d-5ded-404f-814f-781ae700197a","/objects/uploads/b767b6c7-d663-4187-8931-f96be7af4889","/objects/uploads/9401e6d8-6c73-4707-aba9-5101e29f8fc3"]},{"caption":"Complex digital collages used to generate a surrealist city concept, which was later modeled as a 3D environment in Rhino 7 and enhanced in Photoshop.","images":["/objects/uploads/24cd4e48-9f9d-4a9c-94ef-36a2252d5eb5","/objects/uploads/bccd0e12-7bf8-42cd-82a8-161df1492961","/objects/uploads/8163b8d6-fdf4-49d9-a4fa-daf41ced89d1","/objects/uploads/da7bdce1-f51b-4465-9c11-ffff666451e6","/objects/uploads/551c8dd5-912c-4422-a3df-4219a4d916f5","/objects/uploads/3933a60f-814a-4094-9a48-8841860d4a4f","/objects/uploads/96cd03aa-8abd-4d27-8ae4-53ed9e3b9217","/objects/uploads/d6e2437b-1db2-429a-8c20-3c3cf4685080"]}]}

Homemade Cushion

{"about":"Creating a cushion for a specific environment","groups":[{"caption":"Project Overview: Bespoke Accent Textiles & Spatial Harmony\nProject Focus: Custom Textile & Cushion Design\nSite Context: Residential Bedroom (Personal Space) \n\nConcept & Inspiration: The foundation of this project stems from a desire to elevate and harmonize my most personal space—my bedroom. Viewing the room not just as a functional area, but as an ever-evolving design canvas, my goal was to create a piece of interior decor that seamlessly blends and flows with the existing environment. Taking design cues from the existing structural patterns beneath my television and study desk, I chose to explore a refined sunset and evening star aesthetic. The design concept leans heavily into a bold, atmospheric color palette featuring deep oranges and rich reds. \n\nFunctional Intent: Designed specifically as a prominent bed accent piece, the goal was to balance striking visual geometry with rich tactile comfort. The engineering of the cushion prioritizes a firm, plump, and structural stuffing method—ensuring it retains a pristine shape as a display piece while remaining soft enough for functional everyday use, whether lounging or watching a movie. \n\nMateriality & Durability: With a strong emphasis on user experience, the fabric selection targets textiles that are exceptionally soft to the touch yet highly durable. A key requirement is longevity, ensuring the fabrics can withstand standard washing cycles without losing integrity or degrading. \n \nDual-Perspective Design & Interactivity\nThe textile is uniquely engineered with two distinct visual and structural narratives:\n\nThe Sunset Face: One side of the cushion acts as a vibrant color study, transitioning fluidly from bright yellow and flaming orange into a deep evening violet to mirror a live sunset.\n\nThe Evening Star Face: The reverse side features four architectural, triangular flaps that connect at the corners. This structure represents the night sky wrapping around a central light source, creating the physical illusion of a twinkling evening star peeking through a dimming atmosphere.\n\nKinetic Wearability: Pushing the boundaries of traditional decor, the four flaps create functional, integrated gaps. Users can insert their arms into these openings to wrap the cushion around themselves like a wearable hug, allowing them to rest their head on the extended point of the star and experience the physical warmth of a translated sunset.","images":["/objects/uploads/246b2608-8e94-4429-a804-16de5d56a2ef","/objects/uploads/8925127b-433c-4074-9e28-189a4960166f","/objects/uploads/e49d7fbd-7c26-45d4-b32a-81d2dfd7a563","/objects/uploads/179f71ae-25b6-4714-9c9e-55e7841040cb","/objects/uploads/4b03f859-969b-428a-add7-0701641fde1f","/objects/uploads/d7713d35-b6c2-45ae-a1ad-77d0f2b7649c","/objects/uploads/7671e1cf-8311-4477-9b51-ee61369dd1a4"]}]}

Autumn Tails

{"about":"Creating a cushion for a specific site","groups":[{"caption":"Project Focus: Bio-Material Design & Eco-Art\nProject Title: Autumn Tails \nConcept & Inspiration: This project is an exploration of the lifecycle of nature, driven by the four classic elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—and how they directly dictate the growth, color, and decay of plant life. My focus was to study the transformation of trees and foliage across the seasons, from the nurturing nutrients of the soil to the structural water veins of leaves and the sunlight-driven breakdown of chlorophyll that brings forth vibrant seasonal pigments. To manifest this concept, I looked to my immediate surroundings to create an installation that doesn't just mimic nature, but is physically born from it. I present a natural cushion concept appropriately titled Autumn Tails. \n\nThe Elemental Narrative: The project framework is deeply rooted in how the elements interact to shape the final design:\nEarth & Water: The foundational plains and deep root systems that feed and sustain plant life. Leaves act as vessels, carrying water and vital nutrients through their intricate veins to allow growth before returning those nutrients back to the soil during the icy seasons. Fire: Represented by the sun's rays, which generate the heat and light necessary for photosynthesis. As the summer heat fades and light dims, the breakdown of chlorophyll unmasks a rich, temporary palette of deep reds, sunny yellows, and blazing oranges. Air: The invisible force driving the cycle forward. Beyond the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, the wind acts as a distribution mechanism—carrying pollen, scattering heat particles, and eventually painting the air with the sweeping leaves of autumn. \n\nProcess, Materiality & Sustainability- Hyper-Local Material Cultivation: The structural base of Autumn Tails is crafted entirely out of organic, fallen leaves harvested directly from local trees found in Auckland. \n\nVibrant Organic Fusion: The design leverages the natural decay pigments of the season. Yellow, orange, red, deep purple, and brown leaves are woven and swirled together in a blended fusion, creating a rich, multi-toned structural tapestry. \n\nThe Temporary Installation Philosophy: Challenging the permanent nature of traditional interior decor, Autumn Tails is intentionally designed to exist fluidly within its natural environment. It functions as a temporary installation meant to be utilized by any living creature. It is engineered with the poetic intent that, whenever nature chooses, it can simply be dispersed back into the air by the wind or safely return to the earth to enrich the soil—leaving a zero-carbon footprint behind.","images":["/objects/uploads/11f319be-e4b9-4eee-89f2-0e20bc41f125","/objects/uploads/666c5f70-fe79-4aa6-a3d7-0e9002d23436","/objects/uploads/3c047aa9-3b0a-4529-ab74-3a57ab1e3a6e","/objects/uploads/8c71edb3-dca1-4ac5-b579-5a1afbccad00","/objects/uploads/3f35e9ea-d968-46b4-9523-d7e6127034de","/objects/uploads/412cf408-7255-424e-b7f3-952e3394ad09","/objects/uploads/5e33229e-356f-42c0-9147-5ebc7b4f0211","/objects/uploads/e718d0c6-9c0e-46c7-a39d-96e8413fc0e2","/objects/uploads/23a84fa6-4216-432d-9306-75dfad1f6110","/objects/uploads/efdf2be1-1643-4b58-9a90-09c17c30e914","/objects/uploads/5c7b2ed5-4e7f-47d5-94d6-904ae6c6ff17","/objects/uploads/0f88828d-faad-474d-a26b-254f371278c7","/objects/uploads/afe963d7-6876-4bff-a325-2ff3258ea154","/objects/uploads/eab55b19-bb11-4cd1-8cc5-d4d77abe6a9f"]}]}

Lava Springs Bath house

{"about":"Renovating a space into a public Bath house","groups":[{"caption":"","images":["/objects/uploads/1fe1e258-8e66-4d9e-8ab8-4e6f847e8061"]},{"caption":"Course: Spatial Studio (SPAD502)\nProject Proposal: Converting the ground floor of the AUT WW Building into a public bathhouse.\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans \n\nConcept & Architectural Intent: This spatial design project responds directly to the unique volcanic landscape of New Zealand, specifically drawing inspiration from the 50+ scattered volcanoes across the Auckland city region. The core concept proposes the adaptive reuse of the AUT WW building's ground floor and underground sectors into an immersive volcanic bathhouse sanctuary named Lava Springs. By layering the textures of hardened lava throughout the layout, the architecture creates an enclosed, primeval, and natural space engineered for profound physical healing, peace, and relaxation. The design serves as a structural dialogue between two opposing elements—fire and water—blending them into a unified, restorative user experience. \n\nSpatial Flow & Mechanical Systems: The architectural program is divided across two main levels to mimic subterranean earth strata: The Ground Floor: Natural spring waters cascade through the entry level, illuminated by integrated lighting installations at night and washed in natural sunlight by day. The Subterranean Cave: The water dynamically channels downward from the entry level, flowing through the interior walls of an underground lava platform and feeding into a centralized cavern pool. Geothermal Core & Illumination: The pools are organically shaped to mimic the natural cooling formations of basalt rock. The bottom of the primary pool features exposed lava stone illuminated from beneath the water's surface, creating a deep glow that simulates active magma heating the spring waters from below the ground.\n\nAtmospheric Palette: The material scheme balances raw, industrial textures with organic heat signatures, utilizing dark Sierra cement, natural wood finishes, glass paneling, and strategic LED fixtures alongside rich \"Lava Glow\" and \"Lava Crystal\" tones.\n\nExperimental Texture Prototyping: To accurately capture the highly organic, fractured texture of real cooling lava, I executed rigorous hands-on material testing. This included developing custom analog mixtures out of unconventional materials—such as crushed Oreo cookies bound with PVA glue, alongside Bluetec, tinfoil, and liquid spray inks—to successfully replicate porous, hyper-realistic volcanic rock faces.","images":["/objects/uploads/92012815-f558-4cc2-b683-9f39ecff6780","/objects/uploads/6f8a06af-ef9c-4cc1-88c3-8bfee45b7019","/objects/uploads/73e15ca5-189b-493d-a523-b6b915371935","/objects/uploads/fc8652dd-5b4f-42bf-840e-36a2c6aa119f"]},{"caption":"Sectional Model Construction: The final phase culminated in a highly detailed 1:100 scale physical sectional model. The model maps out the complete vertical relationship of the complex, showing the contrast between the rigid geometric pillars of the main floor and the hand-carved, flowing subterranean caverns below.","images":["/objects/uploads/0bc5bc52-5bb7-480a-9281-e67a52fc5ed6","/objects/uploads/7bfacdb7-d7ef-4430-8561-e6498c60670b","/objects/uploads/a5d2e862-45f2-4fc3-96c8-4a2110197a71","/objects/uploads/fd394bd1-888c-47d6-94d7-f5e3db536ed5","/objects/uploads/04a6ec88-6f6f-494e-908c-6efd83e7c7ec","/objects/uploads/b6f2a3bf-0300-4639-ba5c-989936d3e7ce","/objects/uploads/617f4013-5a1e-408a-b09a-895ead3e3125","/objects/uploads/7158dc3a-4dd2-4e28-a2c6-61839b87cee0","/objects/uploads/e625b805-1178-4be2-bc7b-3a95e77d095a","/objects/uploads/0e12c290-3c16-43aa-bfa4-8884f64a7dc3","/objects/uploads/8c4a58ec-3fe3-458f-805b-da8bbe97acac","/objects/uploads/f5c912b6-6fc1-4e0d-afde-e8fff91bad02"]}]}

Lined Drawings

{"about":"Creating cities from given texts","groups":[{"caption":"Throughout this course the goal was to experiment with various ways in creating lined work. We received 3 texts each exploring different ideas of how these cities could look like based on our own understanding and interpretation of these cities. Through various forms of testing and iterating on what these cities looked like, the end goal was to use our iterative processes and combine them onto a large A1 poster for showcasing. ","images":["/objects/uploads/9d8edc5f-5831-431c-a1c3-9bc98a2b61fe","/objects/uploads/85914d94-509d-4353-b569-489ef53438b6","/objects/uploads/13da6a16-25db-4683-b783-42a7168bdd91","/objects/uploads/7ef7f381-05f3-44fb-b58c-836222d89423","/objects/uploads/cc7d26b5-d30f-4f12-bec3-2ab2270b8778","/objects/uploads/7ac88b5d-36ad-467a-8819-3cd13117c5bc","/objects/uploads/a74daa78-6a64-414d-915c-2e67d8ccd5b5","/objects/uploads/ca33b7f7-9159-4d80-b9f0-0bf476465767","/objects/uploads/156cd9d7-572d-426b-820a-5a144732ae0c","/objects/uploads/6d38040f-b14f-4fd3-a361-5bbd21da81cd","/objects/uploads/4eba3cb6-8799-4f98-bbe7-80ac70a3a5df","/objects/uploads/a83fba6c-5bd5-42aa-84bf-719732b11a84","/objects/uploads/36cf127f-8679-43ec-a198-f4c4ed2d85a5","/objects/uploads/1c6c1aae-809a-49c9-9968-6e221689ad44","/objects/uploads/c0ee55d1-9b2b-4cf3-9726-edbe1cba9e06","/objects/uploads/15f5a831-24d3-41b1-a246-682ea32a4296","/objects/uploads/9c6a90c6-afab-4c37-bb22-e45ca1fc9bd6","/objects/uploads/4efcd3cd-7327-472f-8447-848c87ef0e7f","/objects/uploads/053c3fe2-0c90-4963-b25d-2c07f20a2f31","/objects/uploads/4a259e2e-9c3a-442c-93f8-655961fb2fe6","/objects/uploads/fe19dd96-a8a9-4358-98ba-d9d5582b3af5","/objects/uploads/869a71ca-68bd-44c6-bda2-0db686b98b26","/objects/uploads/b268099b-04f7-43ce-9d50-5c71ebfed361","/objects/uploads/6154b00f-52fe-4c3e-a99a-f97a7342c04e","/objects/uploads/12528205-e763-423f-8379-3b0e9c01753b","/objects/uploads/b9d3c693-172e-4bec-b3f9-bcab24f8696d","/objects/uploads/5472f554-03a7-44cc-a0b5-7b961e14fe70","/objects/uploads/bb9ebbe5-1895-4681-af09-b3d43d881633","/objects/uploads/aca8e65e-09a3-4b3c-b29c-4af91d10dcc9","/objects/uploads/5604c092-516c-4867-b3d6-c94215301754","/objects/uploads/1a90b1cf-aab0-4459-9d66-cbda9f5145b9","/objects/uploads/644284fb-c5a2-4c48-9a3b-fe24e589e2ed","/objects/uploads/f15a1bf6-3ffe-4ac0-8b40-da7753167f1f","/objects/uploads/9721129c-8299-4e8d-adb3-2251bc80ac6a","/objects/uploads/b76f34c2-fa15-411b-934e-0957a2c1da6a","/objects/uploads/70a281d8-1060-418e-891a-62a314cd9954","/objects/uploads/853ba44d-06d9-4a2c-bcba-ce1ad7923c6e","/objects/uploads/a95e9489-c37c-49e1-aff2-8e9afbc5c61c","/objects/uploads/4974086f-76b1-45bb-b576-f47e4e65a248","/objects/uploads/c2db90ae-fbc7-4233-9a76-b96e85ad10b6","/objects/uploads/dccb1180-2473-4857-8c9c-107552e6e0bc","/objects/uploads/074f6628-a1e5-410e-ad90-2ec9868400eb","/objects/uploads/f320c506-df18-4646-a9b8-7d8669c9a0d8","/objects/uploads/fd8ffa56-526a-4628-b491-aa9ff00a9e70","/objects/uploads/caad7436-4a34-4b2a-93dd-81106e76c585","/objects/uploads/7ef31173-0a34-4f18-81f7-3817657aef67","/objects/uploads/dd441a30-c9c3-4104-a5c1-6476d2de40a9","/objects/uploads/bc025655-0871-4763-990e-35689873b1be","/objects/uploads/990f0ffd-de4e-422e-8e13-2e93aead390a","/objects/uploads/e3c03597-4299-44b0-b494-3eea9209208a"]},{"caption":"Final A1 Poster with combined set of 3 cities","images":["/objects/uploads/e788f9d3-0e0f-426f-99df-5869180ed54e"]}]}

Pearl Lamp Shade

{"about":"Structural Cohesion & Sculptural 3D PrintingCourse","groups":[{"caption":"Project Overview: : Digital Fabrication I: 2D to 3D \nProject Title: Lamp Stand/ Lamp Shade\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nThe Exposed Pearl Shell Lamp & Helix Stand\n\nPhase 1: Luminous — The Exposed Pearl Shell Shade Concept & Biomimetic Research: The initial phase of this project began with an exploration of childhood vessel collections, ultimately selecting a unique, highly textured seashell clam picked up from the beaches of Orewa as the primary inspiration. Measuring just 4 cm by 3 cm, the physical clam shell exhibits complex, rough outer layers alongside a smooth, pearlescent inner nacre. I was fascinated by how natural organisms construct their own transportable armor, drawing parallels to modular architectures like the \"house on wheels\" concept studied in my concurrent Spatial Fabrication course. To translate this organic exoskeleton into a functional pendant lamp shade, I researched advanced material applications, drawing inspiration from: Dichroic Acrylics: Investigating Adam Goodrum’s Flatpack House installation, which utilized film-coated acrylic panels to cast ethereal, shifting shadows. \n\nTechnical Execution & Fabrication: The Internal Pearl Assembly: Modeled in Rhino, the \"pearl\" center houses the LED light source. I sliced a digital sphere into thin moon-shaped profiles and used an array curve function to duplicate the slice 20 times around a central 3mm clear perspex disk. To achieve a true shimmering, pearlescent finish without access to specialized overseas acrylics, I manually wrapped the perspex pieces in a highly reflective, sticky-backed holographic book cover before laser cutting. \n\nThe Layered Exoskeleton: The outer shell was engineered by vertically contouring a digital sphere, dropping alternating layers to establish open vents for optimal light transmission. For the outer texture, I hand-moulded and crumpled ripped strips of A3 tracing paper. When backlit, the organic folds mimic the internal veins of a living organism, casting a warm, sandy beige tone characteristic of natural bivalve shells. \n\nFortuitous Material Anomalies: The tracing paper layers were bonded using double-sided sticky foam strips, which intentionally blackened under illumination to perfectly simulate clumps of sea barnacles. Furthermore, slight scorch marks and bubbly textures introduced by the heat of the laser cutter added authentic biological blemishes, giving the finalized Exposed Pearl Shell Lamp its distinct organic character. \n\nPhase 2: The Lamp Stand — The second phase shifted focus to transforming the ceiling-hung pendant shade into an independent, balanced desk lamp. Initial exploratory mockups in Rhino examined flat resting rings and lightweight, twisted infinity symbols, but these configurations posed substantial center-of-gravity and stability concerns when balanced against the weight of the shade. To solve this, I reversed my original design intent: instead of building a detached resting bowl, I integrated the stand directly into the lamp's internal connector mechanism. By removing the core components of the shade, I designed an extension that anchors to the internal pearl assembly, flipping the power cable downward to exit cleanly out of the bottom of the unit. \n\nTechnical Engineering & 3D Printing: Early models utilized dense, repeating rings of stacked triangles wrapped around a base column. However, evaluating this pattern revealed it would create extensive, unremovable internal 3D-printing support structures. The design was refined into a streamlined, 16.5-centimeter lofted pillar—pushing the maximum vertical boundary of the printer while expanding outward at the base to ensure a low center of gravity. \n\nSculptural Twist Mechanics: I extracted individual triangle profile curves, scaling and arranging them at three distinct heights along the main column. Using the digital twist tool, I rotated half of the structure to the left and half to the right, generating a dynamic helical surface pattern that beautifully mirrors the layered motion of the overhead shade. \n\nSeamless Wire Channeling: To guarantee that the stand sits perfectly flush on flat desk surfaces, I modeled the exact trajectory of the power cord. Using a BooleanDifference operation, I carved a precise oval channel directly out of the bottom rim, providing a hidden, clean exit path for the braided cord. \n\nProject Reflection: The final synthesized artifact demonstrates a successful bridge between raw biomimetic inspiration and technical fabrication. Using a high-contrast black filament, the rigid, mathematically twisted 3D-printed stand offers an excellent aesthetic anchor that highlights the delicate, organic transparency of the laser-cut paper shell above. Moving from basic exploratory sketching to complex multi-material construction provided a deep understanding of digital manufacturing constraints, validating the immense potential of pairing automated fabrication techniques with hands-on material processing.","images":["/objects/uploads/83fae92a-9874-422c-8e40-03da72dc4a8f","/objects/uploads/20b83e0c-20ad-4e60-9598-a3f8fc810b9e","/objects/uploads/244062d5-de90-4455-8fd8-1b673f079fe4","/objects/uploads/790738e2-ab79-4467-8798-53d114697aa2","/objects/uploads/b2004fb7-ead0-4cd1-bcee-101c2609bf20","/objects/uploads/3f523fd3-89a8-4b8e-aad8-d00d21356325","/objects/uploads/d0005a12-b653-4227-bdbd-d984447a7792","/objects/uploads/ca3a3be6-078c-44ac-a4ce-a14f61ba7cf5","/objects/uploads/472e6a8b-b6e1-46cb-be86-300a17c882c1","/objects/uploads/c0e7fbb0-7e47-43bf-9101-bcd26c2eabf8","/objects/uploads/2601bce6-70d7-4451-97f6-e6d83f82776f","/objects/uploads/d0d2e244-a463-41a5-b99b-b71e58322d1b","/objects/uploads/ec011178-604f-4ac7-a841-1c41b158f6c2"]}]}

Exploded Fusion Vessel

{"about":"Creating a vessel from additive manufacturing","groups":[{"caption":"Course Series: Digital Fabrication III: Additive Manufacturing\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nResearch & Precedent Analysis: The core objective of this project was to design a functional, physical artifact incorporating advanced surface textures, evolving from previous \"Experimental Skins\" design concepts. Initial research investigated how different 3D printing technologies—ranging from FDM, SLA, and SLS to specialized ceramic and metal printing—can be utilized to manipulate physical surfaces.\n\nKey artistic and technical precedents included: Olivier van Herpt: Examining his custom-built clay extruder setups capable of printing ceramic structures up to 90 cm tall. His collections use woven, tactile structures that pay homage to traditional, pre-industrial ceramic craftsmanship.\nYvo de Haas: Analyzing his method of creating modular, 3D-printed interlocking scales engineered with integral loopholes, allowing them to be sewn seamlessly onto flexible fabrics to form realistic dragon-scale armor.\n\nInitial Concepts & Constraints: Faced with tight five-week project constraints alongside concurrent studio obligations, several initial design paths were explored and ultimately pivoted away from: The Luminous Bonsai Tree: A concept featuring a hollowed 3D-printed bonsai tree housing fiber-optic lines and internal LEDs to emit light through cylindrical branch tips.\nThe Ceramic Bowl: A project focused on utilizing a ceramic 3D printer to fabricate an intricate, glazed functional container.\nThe Incubator: A multi-material design marrying SLS and ceramic printing to build a textured, hollow dragon-egg incubator featuring internal lighting.\n\nPolygonal Modeling & Base Geometry: Shifting focus toward SLS capabilities and a year-long theme of vessel exploration, the design departed from typical cylindrical containers to embrace a modern, low-poly aesthetic characterized by sharp, polygonal facets. Modeling began in Rhino by containing a base sphere within a 15 cm × 15 cm bounding perimeter. This geometry was converted into a mesh and systematically reduced to a clean composition of roughly 15 distinct flat polysurfaces. To ensure the surfaces could cleanly interface with other solid geometric objects, the `ExtractWireframe` tool was used to trace the mesh. Every panel was then completely rebuilt with the surface tool and boolean-combined into a uniform, closed solid.\n\nTactile Texture Mapping & Algorithmic Design: The goal was to transform the object into a highly tactile artifact—functioning akin to a fidget toy—where every facet stimulates a different sensory response. The center was hollowed out using a rounded cylinder via a `BooleanDifference` operation, and a flat top rim was introduced by intersecting a cube.\n\nManual & Experimental Surface Textures: The top flat surface was adorned with miniature, scaled-down iterations of the main polygonal artifact oriented at varying angles. Clustered Arrays: One facet features an angled array of tiny cylinders of alternating heights. Another replicates organic, soap-foam bubbles by packing dense spheres closely together, while an adjacent face utilizes a boolean negative of those spheres to leave a porous, cratered surface. The \"Splop\" Workflow: To map multi-pointed, irregular shapes flush onto complex angled planes without manual alignment, the `Splop` tool was deployed to automatically distribute geometries across specific facets. Haptic Desk Linework: Inspired by the fine linear grooves felt on a wooden studio desk, thin lines were mapped around a surface and carved out using negative boolean operations to mimic fine grain wood textures.\n\nTo transcend basic geometric shapes, computational design was integrated using the Grasshopper plugin within Rhino. I implemented a differential growth simulation, which takes a standard closed curve and forces it to programmatically expand and ripple outward without ever intersecting its own boundaries. Once generated on a flat plane, the resulting intricate, brain-like coral curve was baked, extruded, and mapped onto the vessel skin.\n\nMulti-Vessel Integration & Fabrication Failures: Software Crashing & Multi-Body Prototyping: Initial attempts to print a single, full-scale vessel on a resin 3D printer failed, crashing the slicing software and requiring the model to be scaled down to 50%. Based on critical feedback, the concept evolved from a single object into a complex cluster of four nested vessels of varying scales.\n\nTo preserve structural stability, the two largest polygonal bodies were arranged on the ground plane to securely bear the cantilevered weight of the two smaller, floating containers. Fusing these four highly detailed, textured meshes into a single manifold solid required a tedious, three-hour process of testing various intersection angles and executing successful boolean operations. The finished composition was named \"The Exploded Fusion Vessel\"\n\nFinal Artifact & Reflection\n\nThe final consolidated cluster was successfully fabricated using FDM printing in both white and bright orange PLA filaments.\nTactile Contrast: Scaling down the vessels successfully altered the perceived resolution and feel of the individual textures. \n\nMaterial Performance: The high-visibility orange PLA captured and defined the intricate surface shadows far better than the white filament print.\n\nOptical Phenomenon: Photographed in direct sunlight, the translucency of the orange material causes it to catch the light internally glowing like a carved Jack-o'-lantern. \n\n Functional Utility: The final artifact successfully fulfills its dual purpose—acting as an interactive tactile desk piece and a permanent domestic housing for small succulent plants.","images":["/objects/uploads/e37eb7db-19a8-4505-b5c7-f11c08af9b23","/objects/uploads/5769c344-91b4-4c73-9ef6-6996893f4e5c","/objects/uploads/d2777070-ae29-4c07-b701-f2ceada066b4","/objects/uploads/d769ecf4-346e-4080-8904-5a7a94ae153a","/objects/uploads/ec8817c2-124e-4b2d-bec6-250381322e7a","/objects/uploads/cbcf527e-90d6-48e7-a39f-d9a35adc3676"]}]}

Line Work Installation

{"about":"Creating an installation guide through linework","groups":[{"caption":"Project Portfolio: The Dingwall Reception Desk & Platform\n\nCourse Series: Digital Techniques II\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nPhase 1: Architectural Extraction & Spatial Transmutation: The project began with an urban field study within the Auckland CBD, sketching iconic architectural facades to document historical patterns, line weights, and tectonic textures. These 2D field drawings served as the foundation for digital translation. Using Rhino, prominent geometric profiles, linework configurations, and motifs were explicitly isolated and \"dragged out\" into three-dimensional space, transforming flat historic ornamentation into structural wireframes.\n\nPhase 2: Interior Concept & Material Specifications: The spatial languages derived from the solid-void exercises were repositioned as architectural components for commercial interiors. Collaborative brainstorming maps categorized these geometries into potential programmatic typologies: Lighting Installations: Incorporating crystalline forms into hanging museum chandeliers or geometric wall lights.\nSanitary Fittings: Adapting cantilevered volumetric shapes into touchless water faucets.\nFurniture Infrastructure: Translating twisted structural linework into coffee tables with multi-pointed star leg configurations.\n\nThe most successful architectural iteration was developed into a monumental, site-specific Reception Desk Platform, tailored for the main ground floor entrance of the historic Dingwall Building. Designed to establish an immediate spatial focus upon entry, the installation features a massive cantilevered overhang framing a multi-tiered stair entrance and integrated workspace.\n\nMaterial & Design Metrics: Selected Prunus Cherry Wood throughout to impart a warm, natural, and hospitable atmosphere within the lobby.\nConcealed LED panels recessed flush behind the reception desk to cast an ambient backdrop glow.\nSafety & Orientation: Low-voltage linear strip lighting embedded directly into the stair risers for convenience and safety.\n\nPhase 3: Architectural Integration & Technical Documentation: To validate the scale and functional layout of the hub, a multi-story digital twin of the Dingwall Building framework was modeled. The reception platform was nested into Level 1 near the primary entrance corridor.\n\nTechnical Drawings: Comprehensive 1:100 scale floorplans, sectional views, and elevated technical projections were generated within Revit to verify clearances, structural alignments, and structural column columniation. Vector Refinement: Existing building floorplans were dynamically updated in Adobe Illustrator to clean linework weights and accurately outline the new spatial intervention within the revitalized interior plan.\n\nPhase 4: Structural Fabrication & Component Assembly: To transition the massive installation into reality, the platform and desk were broken down into distinct modular components, complete with detailed 1:10, 1:20, and 1:50 structural assembly sequences.\n\nModular Reception Desk: A staggered, slatted structure assembled by dropping separate desk sections over structural metal cylinders anchored into base holes.\n\n\nBase & Walls: Built using an alternating layering method, fastening Wall B onto Wall A with a pneumatic nail gun to build a rigid, high-density wood sandwich profile.\n\nStair System: Assembled by inserting rounded connector pegs into pre-drilled holes in Stair Base A, allowing Stair Base B through E to press-fit flush atop each other.\n\nCeiling Louvers & Panels: Utilizes a series of structural pole cylinders supporting friction-fit wall dividers and slide-in wall slats (Sliders B, D, and E) to form a deep, textured overhead pattern.\n\nRecessed Lighting: Circular, custom-milled light fixtures engineered with a metal cylinder locking ring, turning smoothly into the pre-cut ceiling openings until firmly secured into place.\n\nPhase 5: Final Presentation: The finalized design resolves into an intricate, highly detailed vector drawing mapping out the complete assembly. Coated entirely in a texturized linear pattern pulled directly from the historic Auckland CBD context, the Dingwall Reception Platform and Desk bridges the historic character of its site with structural, modular design.","images":["/objects/uploads/03e5dbc0-0d12-4642-9192-96e242fce6c9","/objects/uploads/30f06eca-ab97-4820-980f-3fbf9bec3973","/objects/uploads/4d15ba0c-74d4-4aa8-8529-81cab3f07346","/objects/uploads/54a9a7eb-7aef-40b6-a407-89ceb799e52d","/objects/uploads/d8a33a03-1730-4885-88f8-1c6036ac3e5a","/objects/uploads/b0c22acf-b6e9-415a-9563-66957bed3ac1","/objects/uploads/f7b10d99-b3b1-49f9-b388-968c3040d4dc","/objects/uploads/9e88c198-7b1c-44ba-8189-60413ba53c59","/objects/uploads/c5802f6a-ed54-44cb-814e-db39cad966fa","/objects/uploads/27b58c3f-8ed3-437e-86e9-a48dd86145da"]}]}

Key Lime Jelly Pots

{"about":"Creating a personalised utensil ","groups":[{"caption":"This project documents the development of a collaborative serving set designed to complement a specific culinary memory, translating sensory layers and communal experiences into physical vessels using CNC machining and material casting.\n\nProject Portfolio: The Key Lime Jelly Pot Set\nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nConceptual Framework & Sensory Memory: The Culinary Inspiration: The design of this vessel and utensil set is deeply rooted in a personal food memory centered around a specific dessert: the Key Lime Jelly Pot. The concept explores themes of laughter, joy, brightness, and the freedom of early university flatting life in 2015, capturing the essence of lasting friendships established during that period.\n\nMaterial & Textural Translation: The physical composition of the dessert directly informed the visual and tactile design language of the vessels:\nThe Three Visible Layers: The dessert transitions from a dark base to light cream layers, topped with a neon green glow.\n\nThe Textural Contrast: The crisp, structured sensation of a spoon cutting through bouncing lime jelly, down into soft white swirls of cream and sour cream cheese, mixed with zesty lemon bits. The Foundation: A rich, dark base composed of crushed Oreo cookies refined with melted butter and Oreo icing.\n\nWhile this dessert is traditionally presented in standard glass cups, this project reimagines the serving method to address functional limitations and emphasize community. The individual cups and the larger communal container are designed with a circular profile, directly symbolizing a \"circle of friends\" coexisting within a shared pod.\n\nErgonomics & CNC Machining: The Ripple Effect: To physically replicate the internal culinary layers of the dessert onto the exterior of the hardware, a distinct ripple pattern was carved across the wooden surfaces using a CNC machine. Condensation Management: Beyond its aesthetic alignment with the dessert's layers, this machined ripple texture serves a vital ergonomic function by providing a secure, high-friction area to grip when the wooden cups begin to condensate from being served chilled.\n\nMaterial Integration & Assembly: The final product functions as an integrated distribution system where the individual wooden serving cups nest perfectly into a singular, central hub. This structure allows for easy, seamless transportation and sharing in a communal setting.\n\nMaterial Composition & Narrative: Flexicast Housing: The primary communal vessel is fabricated from Flexicast, chosen for its structural properties and ability to grasp the nested cups securely during presentation and distribution.\n\nEarthy Color Palette: The cast material blends naturally with the organic, earthy tones of the wooden cups, creating a cohesive product family.\n\nThe Reveal: When fully assembled, the set acts as a mysterious invitation. It conceals the inner cream layers and exposes only the vibrant neon green lime jelly at the top, visually indicating to the user that they must dig deep down past the surface to discover the hidden flavors below. ","images":["/objects/uploads/7bad94db-7861-40b6-90c0-a807edbe1ed8","/objects/uploads/fc34d28b-08d4-495f-be94-d12a2e9ac420","/objects/uploads/c6f7ce54-cede-4c17-ba36-1cbc8775fbde","/objects/uploads/4e0a3a1c-c064-43e7-b1f3-6bcfdf2dd0d0","/objects/uploads/d5b5f5a0-b845-4e7b-8a41-e58a270707bc","/objects/uploads/26e977a8-460a-421c-a39d-4b4599855673","/objects/uploads/38606613-92f0-4e20-a16e-db2e89a257e8"]}]}

Cyberpunk Tree

{"about":"Creating a 3D printed concept","groups":[{"caption":"This portfolio project chronicles an additive manufacturing exploration that transitions plant nanobionics research into a physical, modular lighting display rooted in a cyberpunk aesthetic.\n\nProject Portfolio: The Cyberpunk Bioluminescent Tree\n\nCourse Series: Digital Fabrication \nDesigner: Reuben Kleynhans\n\nProject Proposal & Theoretical Framework: The project was guided by a core technical inquiry: \"How can 3D printing be used to create a cyberpunk light display, crafted as a series of modular components that offer a luminescent effect?\" The creative objective focused on establishing an immersive, glowing tree structure while actively pushing manufacturing limits through the combination of multi-part assemblies and advanced materials.\n\n Ideas and planning: The creative direction was heavily influenced by the mid-tempo, downtempo music styles of electronic artist REZZ, inspiring the translation of dark, industrial, and cybernetic themes into physical objects. Plant Nanobionics: Technical research focused on real-world bioluminescence studies, including MIT initiatives embedding luciferin enzymes into watercress flora and Antony Evans' work using marine bacterial genes (*Vibrio Fischeri*) to reduce global grid dependence through living, glowing urban infrastructure.\n\nDigital Prototyping & Iterative Joinery Studies: Mechanical Interlocking Systems: Early modeling in Rhino centered on developing custom threaded connections to let components twist and lock seamlessly. Initial test prints revealed tight tolerances due to plastic shrinkage along the spiral tracks, causing the male thread to jam halfway. Rather than abandoning the flawed prototype prints, physical testing led to an unexpected design breakthrough: utilizing an exposed, contrasting inner white twist as a dual-ended connector joining two separate outer black hexagonal casings together. This established a robust structural column while creating a unique visual window that showcased the internal core.\n\nSurface Modification & Mesh Fusion: To break away from flat surfaces, complex pyramid prisms were mapped along the sweeping curves of the trunk. Initial Boolean fusion operations in Rhino destabilized the geometry, stripping the face and turning it into an open polysurface. To fix this error, the wall profile of the twist was thickened from 3 mm to 4 mm, providing enough surface manifold area for the complex geometric meshes to fuse without losing their faces.\n\nMaterial Experimentation & Assembly Mechanics: Special Filament Implementation: The final trunk was manufactured using specialized custom PLA formulations to achieve deep visual layering: Outer Shroud: Printed using a dark, translucent \"Blue Galaxy\" particle filament embedded with fine pyramid textures along the curves to diffuse light unevenly. Inner Core: Formed with a translucent \"Rainbow Glow-in-the-Dark\" PLA. This core reacts dynamically to different ambient energy sources, emitting a green tint under standard home lighting and shifting to deep blues and purples when charged by natural sunlight.\n\nTo suspend the canopy branches securely without messy adhesives, an internal structural cage was engineered. Modeled as a highly flexible 4-strand open helix, the insert keeps the central chamber hollow for light path travel while acting as an internal compression ring. Rather than standard optical fibers, raw spooled strands of specialized PLA filament were hand-cut into 20 cm lengths to form the canopy branches. Bundled together and fed through the helical core, the natural memory and curvature of the spooled plastic generated an optimal friction lock. The tight grouping naturally forced the strands outward and downward, creating a self-supporting umbrella canopy that effectively traps and transmits light from the base LED.\n\nFinal Integration & Technical Reflection: Once the wide branch bundle was installed, the initial model felt stubby and out of proportion. To fix this top-heavy layout, additional matching modular extensions were printed and added to the bottom of the trunk. This elongated the column, providing an elegant handle to lift the unit clear of the spreading fiber canopy.\n\nThe completed installation functions as a fully modular, customizable lighting object that mimics natural bioluminescence through modern digital design. For future iterations, the structural approach will scale up to create massive, permanent architectural sculptures, further exploring bioluminescent landscapes like glowing marine coastlines.\n\nThe final project successfully demonstrates how digital tools can transform biological concepts into physical art, combining smart mechanical joinery with advanced materials to create a striking futuristic display. ","images":["/objects/uploads/a01fcafc-2a64-4c93-8aef-4e4e46c88962","/objects/uploads/d1258987-ec2e-4e77-a23e-cea2809e9bac","/objects/uploads/729cdaf6-daa7-48b8-8440-6984f2cbef28","/objects/uploads/7f12b762-2299-40a9-adf0-b346e705b196","/objects/uploads/067e86ee-d5b1-4ffd-8e52-94ed2a04f214","/objects/uploads/49089866-ccf7-4a5b-b9bd-2e9504b0af60"]}]}

Rendered Images

{"about":"Rendered and Sequence Images","groups":[{"caption":"For this project we experimented with the program Blender to explore a variety of different ways to manipulate renderings for static and animated purposes. Playing around with light and shadow was one of the key areas that was focused on. ","images":["/objects/uploads/b5a4cc00-01e7-4dc2-a033-cd947e495753","/objects/uploads/9aca6f2b-b332-4449-9bdb-c634919a67a0","/objects/uploads/340b196e-3744-4015-8c7f-1e2970a6b411","/objects/uploads/92b2656f-87be-4df4-8a14-787379551a26","/objects/uploads/bbefbcb9-682c-4421-9989-b4a9cb907efb","/objects/uploads/b45ce9e9-2795-42cb-895b-bff66cfa26d7","/objects/uploads/a012798a-5b0f-48a6-ae1b-85c321e23ee1","/objects/uploads/99a32c3b-ecd5-403d-ba2d-d23d93e35a4f","/objects/uploads/ce45fcb5-c422-46fe-88bc-cd2a50cb8604","/objects/uploads/64b7669e-79c2-4326-92d9-3d5f1c478563"]}]}

Dynamic Health Clinic

{"about":"The employer of this company has asked me to create various styles of design for their business and products according to their liking ranging from labeling, store front locator, pamphlets, business cards, stickers, and logo design. ","groups":[{"caption":"Logo Design","images":["/objects/uploads/deca63ba-ba2e-422c-ad54-a4ad146e1ce5","/objects/uploads/2cd985a1-46ec-44f6-a54d-124a1a5df511"]},{"caption":"Individual Pamphlet Design ","images":["/objects/uploads/e09d85c3-d973-416b-8a15-a20dcda74307","/objects/uploads/b1fce24a-0081-4b30-bc65-d5e4346a82e0","/objects/uploads/abd4d850-ddca-4625-8d2f-cbd5ded21aab"]},{"caption":"Product Labeling Design","images":["/objects/uploads/1510c862-bec8-4a7e-891d-aac99d8e6075","/objects/uploads/941da12d-becc-430d-87fe-61f0a6c7bcdc","/objects/uploads/2415abd1-6cb7-4e72-8b82-202557ec5a6a","/objects/uploads/ea499b2a-2e5b-45d8-958a-e060787a30b0","/objects/uploads/a6c01749-c4ce-46d1-a0c7-316ee0a28708","/objects/uploads/ef3d927d-0436-4a9e-9b73-b9b6bee3263b","/objects/uploads/c02a011f-abe5-480c-89da-039ac386561f"]},{"caption":"Clinic Entrance Location Design","images":["/objects/uploads/261ea163-1678-4808-be02-3b7cf947320a"]},{"caption":"Foldable Pamphlet Design","images":["/objects/uploads/36c60995-3574-4566-a1eb-de79f0376901","/objects/uploads/805ef1b4-4344-4e27-8042-41d3bc263ef3","/objects/uploads/c5bca5ba-8892-44bf-a17a-f5a57a3f492f","/objects/uploads/bace170e-9249-4576-8f42-c95262031372","/objects/uploads/8b7ef5c7-92b4-4015-877c-25d2f596bc7e","/objects/uploads/d6afd9d8-2a48-466f-be83-ccad1098414a","/objects/uploads/17c168c1-7cd5-4ef1-895a-6cad031249ae","/objects/uploads/da1fdc2d-7555-44cf-891e-cd697328b2fb","/objects/uploads/00422b8b-f690-4757-b774-80557bf25b37","/objects/uploads/c5e6ed13-5f11-4405-a98a-b80dfde93625","/objects/uploads/964154bb-3137-413f-b72b-614ec3219e3c","/objects/uploads/5bf8153c-c670-4415-bb64-f6c3774600f3"]}]}

Dynamic Health Centre

{"about":"The client has asked me to create display signs for their clinic to advertise their services","groups":[{"caption":"","images":["/objects/uploads/afe1204d-fd74-48c8-89f2-8e4bea866513","/objects/uploads/23677a3f-ed8a-4c1d-88c5-8743b0a0a72a","/objects/uploads/0c807e38-c8b7-475c-8e19-965023c05ce2","/objects/uploads/dca0ef07-216b-4728-aeb1-61b5c0469e87"]}]}