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Same But Different Tangible Smell by Asya Demidova
Same But Different Tangible Smell by Asya Demidova
Same But Different Tangible Smell by Asya Demidova
Same But Different Tangible Smell by Asya Demidova
Same But Different Tangible Smell by Asya Demidova

Iron Fine Art · 2021

Same But Different Tangible Smell

by Asya Demidova

  • A' Design Award 2021 in Fine Art
  • CLIENT: Asya Demidova
  • Estimated Number of Design Views: 11,480
  • Verification code 8B4350FBF5 · Verify this award
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About Same But Different Tangible Smell

Same But Different is an art installation that turns smell into a physical form. The work is based on isomers, which are compounds with the same chemical formula but a different arrangement of atoms, and can therefore carry two different smells. Each sculpture holds two related smells and joins their molecular shapes in one form. The forms are 3D printed and coated with several layers of holographic paint applied by an industrial airbrush. Internal chambers with absorbent materials preserve the smells, which diffuse outward through thin conduits. Visitors can hold and smell each piece.

About the A' Design Award

Same But Different Tangible Smell is an Iron A' Design Award winner, a prestigious recognition granted to good designs that meet the professional and industrial requirements expected from well-designed creations. Iron winners demonstrate great skill, high specialization, expert understanding, and creative capacity of their creators. Same But Different Tangible Smell is expected to be a highly regarded, admired, and cherished creation that is practical and innovative. This Iron A' Design Award-winning design integrates industry best practices and has competent technical characteristics linked with know-how and talent. Same But Different Tangible Smell is respected for its thoroughness and is designed to provide quality of life improvements that help make the world a better place.

Press Kit

Unique Properties
The project is about converting smell into a physical form and constructing visual interpretation in two different approaches. For the first approach, to provide a tangible experience of the smell, forms were created. Each shape contains two relevant smells. Molecular representation of the smells has to be placed together to create a form. Smells were contrasted in their juxtaposition to each other using still-life layouts based on these smells' chemical arrangements for the second approach.
Dimensions & Packaging
The 3D forms around 12-15cm and printed with the maximum resolution of the printer. The inside of the forms has internal chambers (2cm) with absorbent materials, which allow preserving the smell. The chambers are connected to the exterior through thin conduits (2mm), which allow the smell to diffuse out.
Tags
smell, chemistry, 3dprint, sculpture, art, tangible, juxtaposition, 3d, holographic
Production Technology
The forms were 3D printed and coated with several holographic paint layers applied by an industrial airbrush. Shape and a colour give a hint about the duality of the smell preserved in one form.
Design Challenge
The project's greatest challenge was to stay on the scientific side and translate real phenomena into the experience for the ordinary person.
Research
There are thousands of chemical substances. The exploration is about unique pairs which have the same formula but have two different smells. Only a small variation in the arrangement of their atoms makes them different. This rare and unique phenomenon was found and confirmed with experts (perfumers and chemists) through the research.
Inspiration
The complexity of the human senses is impressive. If you are interested in the topic, it will bring you to the research in the chemistry behind them, in this project specifically to smells.
Project Duration
The project started in January 2017 in Moscow and finished after five months. It was exhibited in the "Reveal" show in June 2017.
Operation Flow
People can smell and grab the sculptures to experience them from different angles.

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