KASET-5400
KASET INSPIRED BOOMBOX
By defying convention, the boombox becomes a captivating centerpiece that seamlessly merges modern aesthetics with the essence of a bygone era. The integration of pipes serves a dual purpose as a wire-hiding solution and a handle, adding both simplicity and an architectural touch to the overall design. The Kaset5400 stands as a testament to the perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity. By combining the iconic cassette tape form with contemporary functionality, this boombox offers a unique and captivating audio experience, celebrating the past while embracing the advancements of the present. With the Kaset5400, I aimed to capture the essence of the boombox subculture and its enduring influence, representing a fusion of the cherished past and cutting-edge design principles.
CONCEPT
The nostalgia for boomboxes isn't just about a simple trend in stereo equipment; it embodies a deeper connection to shared experiences. When the music was loud and unavoidable, we were compelled to listen to each other, forging bonds through the melodies and rhythms that filled our surroundings. Maybe we miss boomboxes because when we're wearing headphones, cocooned in our personal audio worlds, we can't effectively talk to or engage with anyone else around us.
SKETCHES + PROTOTYPES
The initial iterations were directly inspired by the iconic and beloved cassette tape. Historically, boomboxes in the 1980’s would be a device to play cassettes. I had the idea of turning the cassette into a device that played music instead of being the source. This retrofitting of the design profile not only allows for a modern interpretation but also ensures that it pays homage to the nostalgic elements that many people recognize and truly appreciate from earlier times.
RENDERS
A seamless design intention was thoughtfully implemented into the overall architecture of the boombox. By cleverly hiding all the exposed wires through the elegant piping that intersects the subwoofer enclosure, the system is able to create an aesthetic that gives the impression of floating. This innovative open enclosure system draws inspiration from the nostalgic retro transparent cassette tapes, yet it simplifies the concept in an abstract manner, representing the tape strips as the structural piping that holds the various architectural elements together in a harmonious way..
TECHNICAL DETAILS
The system of parts including electronics, structural elements, and a way to achieve a seamless design all come together to create the KASET5400. Ensuring smooth surfaces and corners is essential to achieve a modernized quality to the nostalgic artifact.
PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
When developing the prototype, weight became an issue. Resourcing lighter materials for the framing of the speakers and frame was necessary to further my development.
Due to how large the subwoofers were, it suggested my next steps to use smaller diameter subwoofers, this will allow a comfortable weight to be picked up and carried around if deemed by the user.,
