Jack Davidson, a collaborator
Jack did the double erasmus experience. Partly at Elisava design university partly at TMDC. This gave him the opportunity to learn both about the student and the professional experience. This was also visible in his work at TMDC.
Jack Davidson
Jack is keen on exploring options through the development of samples and fast prototypes, and even more motivated to take from start to finish whatever he is set to do. He is so committed that he came back to Barcelona - after his internship was done - to finish the dining table for TMDC.
The kind of guy that will not let you down!
“I do not want to be a designer who is not involved in production.”
TMDC: You have been working at TMDC for more than 6 months. How came your choice to come from the UK to Spain and especially to TMDC? Did you have a special project in mind?
Jack: This year was about personal development for me both as a person and as a young designer. I initially came to Barcelona in September, and studied on the Design and Innovation course at ELISAVA. That ended in December, but in that short time I had fallen in love with Barcelona as a city and was hoping I could continue my stay here. Whilst at ELISAVA I came to TMDC to work on a project and was impressed by the facilities and the open and friendly atmosphere that you would not necessarily expect from a workshop environment. It was so appealing from that outside perspective and I had heard great things about working here from a few previous collaborators so I was excited to work and learn within TMDC.
What do you study in the UK? And how did the experience at TMDC enrich your further studies?
I study Product & Furniture Design in the UK at Kingston school of Art and thanks to TMDC I feel I am much better equipped for my final year of study. I was looking forward to learning the physical making skills and that was a large appeal for coming to work here. My improved confidence in woodworking and metalworking and all around fabrication will allow me to design more confidently and competently. Together with the wealth of knowledge I got from being exposed to the designers here and the understanding I now have for how design and making happens in a professional context, I feel more knowledgeable, inspired and excited for the future.
How would you describe your experience at TMDC in 3 words?
“Inspiring, confidence-building, fun!”
Which part of the process do you prefer, designing or making? And from where do you get your inspiration?
I have an equal appreciation for both I think. At this stage I would not feel satisfied doing just one or the other. I am stimulated by the imaginative problem-solving in the design process and working through modelmaking, drawing and CAD, but also finding solutions within different making processes and mediums, and when married together there is the ultimate satisfaction in finalising a project you have designed and made from idea to reality.
I like that about TMDC as well, they are all designer-makers, producing a range of creative projects. Of course you see the making side more so in a workshop, less of the designing. However, that was what I wanted to be exposed to and improve here as I have developed my design process at university but circumstances with the pandemic left me less knowledgeable and experienced in making. I do not want to be a designer who is not involved in production.
“[..] I was impressed by the facilities at TMDC and the open and friendly atmosphere that you would not necessarily expect from a workshop environment.”
You have made our new dining table. How was the process and what would you do different if you would have to create this kind of massive concrete object again?
Ah, the dining table! I loved this project. I probably would have lost my mind if I didn’t love it! It was such a rewarding experience for me to work on something like this and am glad it will be used so regularly at TMDC. It is intimidating to design and make a table in an environment full of professional makers! I quite enjoyed the range of responses I got during the process, somewhere between concerned and quizzical looks to more affirming and excited comments as the table came to fruition.
The process was really enjoyable as I worked through different designs of the form and structure whilst learning about the strengths and limitations of concrete, at the same time as being experimental with making textures and casting sample moulds. Then closing in on a design and working out all the logistics of positioning, making the mould and pouring the concrete. I felt like it was such a holistic learning experience that wrapped up my time at TMDC perfectly.
For that reason, I would not change much about the process. Perhaps I would have benefitted from being more experienced in designing with concrete prior, but I learnt through doing and had great advice from Micha and others along the way.
“I am quite drawn to moulds and the mystery of pouring a material and revealing an outcome. ”
How many structure tests did you made?
Quite a few. Some more successful than others. Probably over 20 tests and models in total. I like to make models and see things in 3D so I made 5 scale models of potential table designs. Then I had 15 or so texture samples for the surface of the table until I reached a final conclusion using the natural polystyrene texture and hot-wire-carved shapes. Strictly structural experiments I had around 5 of different sizes.
Will you use this experience for future projects?
Certainly! In a direct and tangible sense, I will learn from the experience in working with concrete and using different tools and machinery, making my own tools and finding solutions to problems I had. I think concrete is a really interesting material with a lot of potential and quite beautiful in its aesthetic and the process. I am quite drawn to moulds and the mystery of pouring a material and revealing an outcome. I will take a needed break from styrofoam, but as a problematic waste material, I would eventually like to experiment with its potential. Most importantly though is the confidence I have gained from doing it.
If you could come back to TMDC what project would you like to do that time?
Well I’ve grown quite attached to that new kitchen dining area, and it is such a cool space. I would like to design more in there as TMDC transitions into using it more. Obviously, designing the benches or chairs that accompany the table would be great. I am also quite excited about the plans for the new spaces and would love to contribute to that too. Regardless, I am excited to see how everything develops as it is always exciting and creative at TMDC. I am looking forward to seeing it all when I return, hopefully soon!