Radial Waveform Specifications

Now that I've decided to pursue my radial waveform idea, I need to begin making decisions as to the specifications of the piece. 

Widths:

First, the width of the 'peaks' or 'sections'. 

The image above shows widths 1, 2, 3, and 4 (the leftmost/narrowest is 1, and the rightmost/widest is 4). 

I like how the narrower ones are able to show more detail with the variation in the heights of each 'bar', but I also like how the wider bars are more well-defined. Width 1 is too narrow; it shows quite a bit of detail but it almost looks too fuzzy. Width 4 is far too wide, so it is difficult to see the variation in the heights of each bar. I like widths 2 and 3 because they show interesting detail, but are also wide enough that they have clear, well-defined edges. Personally, I have a preference for width 3. 

Spacing:

Second, the amount of space between the bars.

The image above shows spacing 1, 2, and 3. Spacing 1 is on the far left, spacing 2 is in the middle, and spacing 3 is on the far right. 

The spacing also helps to define the edges of each of the bars, which I think would make the piece more clean looking. In addition, the marble wall behind where the piece would be placed is already very aesthetically attractive, so more spacing would allow that wall to show through  the piece and would help to integrate it into the space by incorporating preexisting features of the space.

I think spacing 1 is not enough space, because none of the background shows through. Spacing 3 is maybe too much space, so the background begins to dominate the piece. I think spacing 2 is the best option because it allows some space so they bars are each individually defined but it doesn't have so much space that it begins to takeover the piece. 

Inner Radius:

Third, the size of the inner radius of the piece. 

The image above shows radii 1, 2, 3, 4. and 5. Radius 1 is the leftmost on the top row (with no space in the center), radius 2 is the middle on the top row, and radius 3 is the rightmost on the top row. Radius 4 is the leftmost on the bottom row and radius 5 is the rightmost on the bottom row. 

Having a greater radius means that more of the marble wall will be seen through the piece, but it also results in a loss of variation and detail in the heights of the bars. 

Radii 4 and 5 are definitely my least favorite; the radius is too large and that makes bars too short and too similar in size. Radius 3 is also a little larger than I would like. Radius 2 is nice because it gives space in the center, but only a little bit so it doesn't take away from the heights of the bars significantly. Radius 1 has no space in the center so none of the marble wall would show through, but it has the greatest variation in bar heights which makes it interesting. Radius 2, however, communicates the idea of a 'radial' kind of art which  makes it cleaner and clearer. 

Radius 2 is the best radius and in the final piece because it preserved the idea of a radial waveform, allows the marble background to show through the piece in the center, and is small enough that there is still interesting variation and detail in the heights of the bars.  

Materials: 

As for materials I've decided that definitely want to use metal to get the appearance I'm looking for. In terms of color, I think that using a few different shades of bronze or copper (or both) would fit into the color scheme the space already has while also being interesting enough to draw attention. 

From here I need to keep looking into materials to  find the exact metal and finish so I can calculate the prospective cost and the necessary mounting hardware to install the piece.