EXPERIENCIUM
CONCEPTUAL DESIGN
INTERACTION
This time, I wanted to explore how light interacts with different objects, materials and forms. This model was cast using resin to allow light to pass through. Encased inside of each resin element are opaque, translucent and textured materials. Shining light through these models creates unique shadows and patters.
PROPERTIES OF LIGHT
I particularly liked how James Turrell wanted to make light into the subject of the exhibition, rather than having light illuminating other objects. Here I created a plaster model in which the use of light celebrated. Shining blue, green and red lights together creates white light, however placing an an object in front of the white light will cast three different shadows. The shadows created are cyan, pink and yellow.
SCALE
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With this plaster model I aimed to use light to show deceptive scale, similar to James Turrell's work. You may notice that the size of the holes on the top of the model do not correlate with the size of the light and shadow cast at the bottom.
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
Unlike every other design studio project which I have ever undertaken, this project started by choosing a piece of artwork rather than conducting site research. The artist I chose to study is James Turrell, an American artist who creates installations using light. Using the installation I had chosen (entitled Akhob), I selected 5 reasons why I liked the piece. I then used these reasons to put together my own architectural experience. The site wasn't introduced until near the end of the project, meaning this conceptual design is much more focused around the ideal than reality.
Using the five reasons I identified I cast five models, each as a physical representation one of those reasons. Along with each model came a 'taxonomic index' drawing (conceptual diagram) also representing the reason in a creative way.
You can download my project book below if you are interested in learning more about this project, and the processes it involved.
CONCEPT AND PROCESSES
DIRECTION
Sticking with the theme of deception, this model and diagram represent how light can travel in ways we may not be expecting. This plaster model has a hole cut through on an angle and so the light enters one face of the cube and reflects through and out of another.
This model and diagram represent Turrell's deceptive use of colour and tone, again showing how everything may not be as it appears. The diagram displays colours crossing over and perhaps not showing the colours we would expect to appear in the centre.
TONE
RECONCEPTUALISATION
After choosing a site, I conducted necessary site research before I would be able to adapt my ideas to work on site. I made collages, site plans, elevations and sections, a scale model and carried out sun studies amongst other research to achieve a final design. The site is relatively small and enclosed, and so I did not want my design to be too invasive and busy. I discovered hidden elements to the site which I wanted to reveal, such as a disused railway tunnel which runs below the site.
After working out the constraints and opportunities on site, I began translating my ideas into a series of sketch models.
The main elements of my final design are inspired by Turrell's work. I aimed to transform the courtyard into a playful experience which still functions as a cut through as well as a place to sit outside of the pub on site. The design includes a water feature which falls below ground and hits the floor of the disused railway tunnel underneath, as well as light shafts which carry light and shine onto the floor of the tunnel, to create that deception of scale. The design also includes colourful panels which, when the sun shines, creates an area which people will notice their multi-coloured shadow.
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Alongside a model showing these elements, I put together a composite drawing. This drawing combines all of the ideas and experiences generated by the project, using a similar method to the taxonomic index diagrams which are also included.
COMPOSITE DRAWING, FINAL MODEL
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