The University of Texas at Austin
Bachelor’s of Fine Arts, Design
Business Minor
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
Texas Athletics
BravoCon 2023 Merchandise
Typography Book
The Future of News
Sports Action Photography
Contact
About the Designer
Email
LinkedIn
Resume
STEPHANIE SHIH © 2021-2025
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Design Student at
The University of Texas at Austin
Projects
Texas Athletics
BravoCon 2023 Merchandise
Typography Book
The Future of News
Heartbeat of America
Texas Asian Business
Students Association (ABSA)
Sports Action Photography
Contact
About the Designer
Email
LinkedIn
Resume
STEPHANIE SHIH © 2021-2024
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
January 6th Memorial
CLASS
Objects & Spaces
PROFESSOR
Kate Catterall
PROJECT DURATION
4 Weeks
CLASS
Objects & Spaces
PROFESSOR
Kate Catterall
PROJECT DURATION
4 Weeks
Heartbeat of America
PROJECT OVERVIEW
January 6th Memorial
For my 3D Objects & Spaces class, we were tasked with creating an entry for the January 6th Memorial competition. With almost no material restrictions, my design, titled ‘Heartbeat of America’ featured a giant glass heart, with water flowing both through and underneath. The inspiration came from the idea that democracy is a fragile structure that requires both chambers to function. I wanted to translate this idea of fragility into my design, suggesting our country needs all parties, especially both major political parties, to work together in order to function.
PROJECT DETAILS
01/06/XX
A vital part of my design included smaller replications of the heart structure at each state capitol around the country to show the unification of all states. These hearts would appear on January 6th of every year to recognize and remember the events that occurred on January 6th, 2021.
PROJECT DETAILS CONT.
On Social Media
The memorials are to be open to the public so that people may take pictures and make dedication posts on social media platforms. In doing so, the monuments would be used to honor the memory of the event as well as those who lost their lives as a result. In addition, the site may be a place to pay respect, but also to reflect on the current state of the country.
PROJECT DETAILS CONT.
Site Map
The green arrows represent flow of people, the red circle is monument location, and the blue line running through red circle is the river accompanying the monument.
PROJECT DETAILS CONT.
3D Modeling
In order to visualize the dimensions of my design, I carved a replica out of high density carving foam. I had no previous experience in modeling using foam or subtractive sculpture-making. Combined with the impending deadline, I would have liked to spend more time on the model, but was satisfied with what I created.
PROJECT DETAILS CONT.
Orthographic Sketch
PROJECT DETAILS CONT.
Orthographic Sketch
FINAL REFLECTION
In Conclusion
This project pushed my thinking past previous limits I thought I had. Due to the public nature of the final project, I was forced to think about how the design would be received by the multiple different types of people that visit the Capitol every day throughout the year. In addition, I had never done subtractive modeling which was an interesting experience. I thought a lot about the Vietnam Memorial during my process and how memorials can carry so many meanings to different people and how those meanings might be different from the designer’s original intent.