PEOPLE OF CAHSS AWARDS 2025
Project Info
Type / Trophy Design
Format / Group Project
Focus / Material Exploration, Form Development, Interactive Detail
Overview
This project explores the design and development of a trophy for the People of CAHSS Awards 2025.
The final outcome brings together circular form, terrazzo-like material expression, and a rotating engraved metal ring to reflect unity, recognition, and the collective identity of CAHSS.
Context
The project began by examining how an award object could represent the values of CAHSS through form, material, and interaction. Rather than creating a purely symbolic trophy, the aim was to develop an object that could communicate connection, value, and recognition in a more tactile and memorable way.
Form Direction
Building on the circle as the core design language, the form development stage explored how unity and interconnectedness could be expressed through a more sculptural structure.
Multiple sketch iterations and early models helped refine the trophy into a clearer and more cohesive composition.Material Strategy
Material development was central to the project.
The team explored resin, clay, plaster, and terrazzo-like composite approaches in order to create a finish that could express diversity, togetherness, and strength through aggregation.
Gypsum mixed with ceramic fragments proved to be the most effective solution, allowing the surface to reveal embedded pieces after sanding while maintaining structural feasibility.
Interactive Detail
An interactive detail was introduced through the central metal ring.
Rather than making the entire ring from metal, a thinner mild steel band was wrapped around the form to reduce weight and simplify production.
The ring was laser engraved with each winner’s name, allowing it to rotate and add a personalised moment of interaction to the trophy.
Prototyping
During production, further refinements were made to improve both durability and user experience.
A magnet was embedded into the base to secure the metal ring, while a textile layer was added to reduce wear and ensure smoother rotation over time.
This stage highlighted how small construction details could significantly affect the longevity and quality of the final object.
Final Outcome
The final trophy combines circular form, terrazzo-like material expression, and a rotating engraved steel ring into one coherent object.
It reflects the themes of unity, recognition, and collective identity while offering a tactile and personalised interaction.
The project demonstrates how form, material, and detail can work together to give symbolic meaning physical presence.
