designs for a curvaceous model

[mackem73]

Hello,
After many years of planning I decided to scrap all my ideas! and create a less angular cabinet of two layers. The side-logo is not the final image, just something to see what it will look like.

The responses I've had so far include not overly liking the purple and maybe banging your feet on the bottom while using the control panel, to it looking a bit like Elvis.

All responses welcome.



Neil.

[Jollyrob]

only thing i can say is...if you do build something looking like that....top half of sideart totally has to look like the crap floating around in a lava lamp

so there is my opinion, looks like a 6 foot lava lamp

[RayB]

You could base it on Anna Nicole Smith. She's a pretty curvaceous model...

[Flinkly]

unless is has a turtles theme, the purple is out.  or unless your a girl, but still, a purple arcade cabinet?  that's like those pink cars... ugly.

[Setabs]

Check this thread out I beleive they talk about ways to curve the wood.

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=23438.0

I think the key would be to make it look good curved but keep the structural integrity.  most of the weight is at the top of the cabinet.

[Nannuu]

Here is another material not mentioned in that thread:

http://www.interiorproducts.com/products_timberflex.html

It has a distributor list if you want to find availability in your area.  Found out I can get it where I live.

[xonix_digital]

looks kinda wierd... 


Maybe with a bit more detailed design it could grow on me.


but I doubt it lol...
(I think I might just be old school when it comes to cab shapes.

-=XD=-

[Bones]

Although I admire your creativity and urge to do something different, the shape looks

[Felsir]

unless is has a turtles theme, the purple is out.

[jcroach]

Unless the cabinet is based on the Purple Tentacle from "Day of the Tentacle"... Purple Tentacle rocks! It could have Dr. Fred (rubbing his hands), Bernard (in cowering pose) flashes of lightning and ofcourse Purple Tentacle in the "TAKE ON THE WORLD" pose!

  YES!

[Jollyrob]

It could also be a melting UAII actually

[gingerone]

I prefer more traditional designs, but I  bet it would look pretty damn cool.

[AceTKK]

I don't really like it either.  The shape is awkward and unappealing.  The purple color too, is hideous IMO.

-Ace-

[samou812]

only thing i can say is...if you do build something looking like that....top half of sideart totally has to look like the crap floating around in a lava lamp

so there is my opinion, looks like a 6 foot lava lamp

This would be great for a 70's themed arcade. Especially if you made the side art to look like  floating blobs.

Sam

[mackem73]

Hello,
Thanks for the replies, bit of a mixed bag there

I do know about the flexi-mdf, it's just a bit harder finding it. I'll probably end up making it myself.

As for it's 'unbalanced' look, if anyone has any suggestions on improvements, I'm all ears. At the minute it's more about the form than the function so the design will evolve anyway when I start doing detailed drawings.

And yes, jollyrob, I did get the inspiration of the dual-layers from Ultimate Arcade II.

Neil.

[JonnyBoy]

I dig it. I think it's something different, refreshing. I'm not sure if it's really that unbalanced either. Either way, if you like it then go for it. Maybe you can even send a copy of the plans my way.

[Baker535]

I basically took your shape, cleaned it up, then went from there. The bottom row is just the base flipped and slightly modified for each study, to "see what happens". Of course some of these could have balance issues if used for a final solution... would need modifications as necessary.

I hope it's some help, I was interested in what you were working with and wanted to help generate some more ideas because it is such a tricky project. Seriously if you go forth with this and cut those insane shapes... you deserve some free ideas... just let me know if you want my vector file to experiment with.

Good luck!

-baker

Oh, download and view the graphic in your favorite program. It's bigger than what the message board autoformat is showing.

[mackem73]

Thanks

I think now looking at the new designs I see what the 'unbalanced' look is. I think its the top left of the black base part (control panel) - it looks slightly lurching and needs tuckin in a little to let let the lower half stand proud, like some of the new designs by Baker.

I really like the kidney shaped ones, but the problem I can see is that I don't want to make it too deep (32-34inches at the most) and the narrower kidney shape would make it too deep. The size of my original was just big enough to cover a 23 inch deep tv/monitor.

btw, feel free to send me the file (I used visio on my drawing, but also have autocad). it is "neil at retrospec.sgn.net"

Thinking more about the design, if i really wanted to I could easily mount the top half so that it swivels and it would make it easier to watch tv, sit down whilst playing or allow smaller people (read, my children) to see the screen easier.

[edit]
Right, taking into account the various new designs, I've chopped them around a bit a came up with a couple of designs that should work with the right proportions for fitting all the components, attached/below (ignore the artifacts and the dodgy merging, I did them using mspaint). My main goal was to allow the curve at the back to be seamless from bottom to top, hence the narrowing down to two basic shapes:


Neil.

[Baker535]

I'll format the file for Visio tomorrow, it's at work. Right now it's in Freehand. What can Visio import? I'd like to send several types of files in case there are conversion issues.

-baker

[TOK]

The organic look is cool, but I think this design could work better with a combination of curves and straight edges. I'd leave the top flat, and have a straight edge on either the front or back side of the base.  A nice arc could work on the front or back of the front section too, if straight lines are totally out of the question.
My idea is to preserve the flowing look, but have some crisp lines so it doesn't look so droopy and sloppy.

Edit: I did a very quick edit to kind of show what I was talking about. Changed the marquee area since you kind of want that to fit a standard flat sheet of plexi, and made the top and the rear base straighter (as straight as I could freehand!). I just think a couple of straight lines on a cab like this make it look more solid, and also make the remaining curves look intentional.

[mackem73]

I think you've just created the perfect bottom half, thanks

That straight bit at the back makes it more balanced and gives it a bit of angular style.

Neil.

[quarterback]

I'd lose the bottom 'point' on the purple part.   It looks out of place with all the other rounded curves.