The Design of Connected Objects class teaches how to draw inspiration from unconventional objects to create new and beautiful designs. Students were instructed to study and build off design elements seen in the Wagner Institute artifacts to create wearable sculptures. Below are two student projects from the class.

Claudio Angrigiani’s “Control” is a concept that emerged from the idea of inverting the relationship between the object and the person that wears it: what would happen if the object were in control of the human wearing it? In response to that, Claudio created an object that, when being worn, looks as if it were coming out from the wearer’s mouth and attacking her eyes and back part of her neck.

Sommer Farber’s “Carnivora” is designed to sit on the wearer’s shoulder and rest against the neck.  Though it covers portions of the throat and collarbone, large cavities in the form create a juxtaposition between protection and vulnerability.  Carnivora conveys ferocity and resilience without sharp geometries or harsh colors.  Its biomorphic form and natural symmetry honor the austerity of the hyena skull and the cold, wild apathy of nature.