"The Game" Keepsake
CAD | Digital Fabrication | Design
In the wake of Michigan's victory over Ohio State in 2023, I collected a piece of turf as a memento and decided to create a distinctive keepsake to encapsulate it. I designed a miniature replica of 'The Big House' and printed it in clear PLA to encase the cherished turf. In a bid to personalize it further, I included a picture of myself on-field on the underside of the object. Aside from commemorating this cherished memory, this project significantly bolstered my CAD skills and explored the intersection of design and personal experiences.

Design Objective
The aim of this project was centered around the design and creation of an elegant and memorable container for the turf I collected. It needed to be obviously identifiable, but at the same time fit in with the home. The plan was to eventually integrate it into my shelf display, showcasing it with pride. Alongside these design aspirations, I wanted the cost of production to remain within a reasonable budget.
Ideation
Keeping my objectives in mind, I began with some basic sketches and eventually narrowed it down to three main concepts that shared a few common themes. For starters, these designs needed to have a monument-like feel to them. They also included opaque stands alongside a clear display element to effectively showcase the turf. Ultimately, I decided on a transparent model of the 'Big House', as it was the most clearly recognizable and seemed to have the most visual appeal.
CAD Modeling
Using reference images of the Big House, I created a detailed model within the Autodesk Fusion 360. Once the model was finalized and accurate, I adapted it to include a hollow base and designed a simple stand to support it. The modified design was then divided into two separate parts in preparation for 3D printing.
Fabrication
To have my design fabricated, I first transferred my model onto a flash drive as an STL file. After slicing the model, I proceeded to have it 3D printed. I used clear PLA to print the top half of the stadium, providing a view of the turf, and a vibrant yellow for the bottom part to create a contrasting look that makes the object stand out when placed on a shelf.
Final Direction
After the 3D printing of the parts was completed, I inserted the turf into the top portion and used super glue to securely fasten the two sections together. I was extremely pleased with the final result. Even though the clear PLA wasn't as transparent as I had hoped, the finished object still looks quite nice, adding a special touch to any shelf it's placed on.
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