Week 17- Pop-up references:

In thinking about how to symbolise my concept design sketches for my pop-up, I looked into toy-inspired buildings and analysed architects who used toys as an inspiration for their buildings.

For my pop-up structure, I wanted to create a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming as well as unique. Since my target audience is kids, I wanted a light feel to the area, something they can find fascinating while simultaneously engaging the parents and teachers as well.

Herzog & Meuron created this skyscraper in New York City that perfectly symbolises a more sturdy Jenga tower. With the qualities of protruding aspects of the building, this structure is very unique.

Another example of inspiration I used was this Rubix cube inspired building by Chester Osborn. It is a beautifully crafted building that leaves a lot of room for both respect and talk. With it being so unique it brings a lot of attraction towards it for people to go to and get inspired by the structure of it.

References:

Figure One.  Christian, B. (2017) The architectural twist that inspired New York’s Jenga Skyscraper, WIRED UK. Available at: https://www.wired.co.uk/gallery/jenga-apartment-building (Accessed: 25 March 2023).

Figure Two.  The d’arenberg cube: Five-storey puzzle in South Australia Vineyard (2019) South China Morning Post. Available at: https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3017995/darenberg-cube-australian-vineyard-grows-five-storey (Accessed: 25 March 2023).

Week 17- Precedent study analysis:

For my unit 2 project, I wanted to create an immersive space for kids and parents to explore the positive effect creative activities & play can have on a kid’s mental health. While it may seem unlikely, there are many kids who suffer early on from mental health disorders that sometimes are not recognized at all, and I believe having a creative outlet to express emotions can enhance one’s development.

I started my precedent studies by looking into toy-inspired buildings and seeing how different toy shapes can create a structure. From deconstructing and reconstructing toys to looking into the different shapes of a Rubix cube, Jenga tower, and blocks I was able to further enhance my research by incorporating symbolism into the structure of my pop-up and create a welcoming environment for kids to walk into.

My pop-up “A Toy’s Story” explores the beauty of imperfection in objects while simultaneously addressing the idea of consumerism in toys. I aim to create a toy repair shop to get kids’ creative minds working, socialising with other kids, and creating beautifully imperfect toys instead of buying new ones.

References:

Figure One.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Design Sketches [Drawings].

Week 18- Sensory design:

Sensory design is incorporating textures, smells, and sounds into an area to enhance a person’s experience within a space. It can alter the way someone interacts with their environment as well as how they are left in that experience. 

It is a very important aspect that I aimed to incorporate into “A Toy’s Story”. My pop-up is a creative space for kids as well as a toy shop. Through my idea, I am hoping to have multiple toys deconstructed throughout the pop-up, to enhance their experience and the place’s sensory design. With toy cars, legos, or building pieces throughout – all of them have different materials, colours, textures, and emotions linked with experience and can improve their likelihood of coming back.

Week 19- Mike Nelson:

The way Mike Nelson was able to completely transform the interior space into his work, making you forget where you are and the time of day was something that was leaving me speechless throughout the entire exhibition visit. The use of lighting is a powerful tool in Nelson’s installations. For example, the experience of walking into a pure red-lit room evoked various emotions and sensations, from intensity and discomfort to warmth and introspection. By manipulating the color and intensity of light, Nelson created an immersive atmosphere that intrigues the viewer, altering their perception of space and time.

Mike Nelson’s choice of materials, sourced from yards, junk shops, flea markets, and auctions, adds to the distinctive and eerie atmosphere of his installations. By incorporating found objects and repurposed items, Nelson imbues his work with a sense of history, nostalgia, and often a touch of the uncanny. These materials, often weathered or worn, contribute to the overall aesthetic and narrative of his installations.

I particularly liked the way he was able to achieve making the familiar, unfamiliar. The sand mountain I encountered during my visit is another example of his ability to transform a space to make it into the unknown. By introducing unexpected elements into the space, Mike Nelson disrupts the expectations we had and makes us question our surroundings.

References:

Figure One.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Mike Nelson Exhibition [Photograph].

Figure two.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Mike Nelson Exhibition [Photograph].

Figure three.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Mike Nelson Exhibition [Photograph].

Figure four.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Mike Nelson Exhibition [Photograph].

Figure five.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Mike Nelson Exhibition [Photograph].

Week 21- Design process:

Pictured above are three attempts I made at creating pop-ups that showcase my exploration of different angles, stages of the process, and display styles. Each attempt offers a unique story and shows the process of experimenting with various materials and techniques to capture my vision for the pop-up.

I attempted my models with two different materials: paper and white foam board. From this, I was able to see the development of my process and help see what worked, what did not, what I liked, and what I could carry into my next model.

References:

Figure One.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Process of models [Photograph].

Week 23- Design statement:

In the second part of my design “Life in Colour”, I have employed the principles of colour therapy and engaging creative activities to develop an immersive space that aims to enhance the mental health and well-being of children. By understanding the impact colours have on one’s emotions and mood, I have carefully selected a vibrant and soothing color palette that evokes positivity, calmness, and energy. These colors are strategically incorporated throughout the space, from wall treatments to the ceiling and floor, fully immersing oneself in the colour to feel the emotion to the fullest.

“Life in Colour” will feature four rooms, two energising, and two calm to take through a sensory journey. Each room and activity will link to a specific colour and emotion, and it will in turn help encourage children to express themselves, stimulate their imagination, and further develop their cognitive and emotional skills.

Pictured below is my sketch process, in an attempt to link the floor plan to symbolism, I decided to look into bubble geometry, unique circular spaces, and the spiritual side of colour therapy (any organic, flower, or artistic shape that I can link).

References:

Figure One.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Design Sketches [Drawings].

Figure two.  Guiffre, J. (2023). Design Sketches [Drawings].

The Royal Academy of Arts held an exhibition for William Kentridge and his marvelous pieces of work. Being one of South Africa’s most prominent artists, this exhibition held work spanning over the last 40 years of his career- with a multitude of different mediums and stories portrayed. Between etching, drawing, collage, films, sculptures, tapestry, theater, dance and music, he really executed all of his themes and shared a story for the audience to hold onto.

With themes like conflict, loss, and growth, you feel heavy emotions into each room you walk into and feel the message he wanted to share. With his work spanning over 40 years, some of the themes and work, even though many years ago can be applicable today personally to many. With his work leaning on a political standpoint, this exhibition provides a lot of “comfort” and relatable elements to the viewers that are appreciating his work. Drawing from his own life experiences, sharing what it was like growing up in the era he did in the place he did he is portraying an entire story for how much he overcame and sending messages with every stroke of the brush and every mark on a paper.

The first thing I noticed when entering every room was the thought provoking details he included in each of his pieces. Looking from a far, then looking closer and seeing how meticulous he was with everything he placed in the medium he was using shows how talented he was and how unique his techniques were.

What has to this day stuck with me from visiting his exhibition was how he made his art come to life. Not being a huge fan of films in exhibitions, he made what I do not particularly enjoy- enjoyable. Making one’s art come to life when you know the attachment the artist has with each and every single piece of work is really admirable. Looking through binoculars onto a flat sheet of paper and seeing that paper become 3D and imitate real life was something I had never seen before and something of extreme talent and praise.

Project 1

Project 1 consisted of creating a client, and designing a live-work studio for them and their collection. After observing many classrooms, ideas for collection items, and who my client would actually be, I settled on something that included my interests, as well as others that have inspired me throughout my life. My client is a 23 year old masters student getting her degree in Art, with her medium being painting.

When it came to designing the room that I had chose for my client, I chose a room that had a corner for privacy and two windows, both were very important in finding a room. With natural sunlight coming in and a corner in the back of the room where you can’t initially view from just stepping in the room seemed like a perfect place for Kate. Coming up with multifunctional furniture and how to incorporate it into her space without making it feel congested was a challenge due to the room I had chosen, but it looked neat in the end.

The concept I had used for this multiifunctional room came to me after looking at works from Olafur Eliasson‭, ‬Liz West‭, ‬and Daniel Buren‭. ‬How to use a space uniquely in a compact room while including the importance of color to separate sections of the room is what I aimed for‭.‬ Having furniture that looks like it has one use then opens up into multiple other one’s leaves this room neat, classy, and functional.

I started out by hand drawing my floor plans, sections, and elevations and ended up shifting to AutoCAD. In order to get my point across about having colors help uplift an environment I needed to come up with a system to get my points across, and for my future projects I decided to do physical models.

Project 2

Using the same client as project 1, we were asked to create a contemplation space for them, in a location of our choosing, with a window incorporated in it which was the main focus for their space.

In doing so, we needed to consider the privacy, views, comfort, and material. I interviewed Kate and asked about every aspect that she would want included in this. she wishes to have a place that is an “alternate reality” for her, a space just for her and her hobbies. 

Her key words for this space were “multifunctional, minimalistic, sustainable, and creative”. Researching Spencer Finch, Daveed Kapoor, Erskine Solar Art, and Olafur Eliasson, I fell in love with their use of colored panels to divide spaces. With her hobbies including art, writing, and yoga I took colors that she feels inspired, safe, calm, and welcoming in. 

I got my inspiration from Spencer Finch and wanted to create a “revolving door” effect within this space. This room will be used for contemplating, art, practicing yoga, and writing: 4 spaces. Within those four spaces – the emotions you want to evoke are all different, so being able to rotate the colors based on the position you are in, in the room seemed like an interactive idea that can enhance Kate’s creativity and relaxation.

My finished model reflected the idea I had, with colors reflecting on the wall and my collection being utilized in a unique way.

Project 3

(Under History & Theory week 7)

Project 4

When the prompt for project 4 was to build a 3-dimensional sculptural object, I was hesitant with what I wanted my design to be. As each week has progressed, so has our client, our capabilities, and our shift to what the main points of each project are. To have this object be correlated to the common theme of what my client, collection, and previous projects have consisted of dialed down my options to a few- and after a multitude of research I found my direction.

To make something that encompasses how mirrors and light can manipulate a view with the use of colors is something that has fascinated me since choosing that my client will collect mirrors. With the suggestion of making a light fixture/chandelier, I turned to Siemon+Salazar, Ning Wang, Olafur Eliasson, and Daniel Buren for inspiration. Creating a light fixture with two reflective colors, adjustable parts and a mirror top to manipulate downwards was the route I took.

Cutting the acrylic sheets into specific sized rectangles and drilling through them and the top piece to get the structure to look as best as possible was the hardest part, but once over was exciting to build and play with different styles to make. A rewarding part was when I finished, seeing the reflection my object made on the wall which was what my intention was all about.

In this exercise, we had to pick an element and design our interpretation of it in the cube. I chose soft, with the first picture being my initial design and the second being my final design cleaning it up and creating a more “soft” feeling.

This past week’s visit to the Sir John Soane’s Museum showed many different aspects on how light and placement of objects and furniture can skew a room to look alluring. With this museum consisting of 3 residential homes that united, it made the experience more “intimate” and you were face to face with these sculptures, taking in all of the beauty, talent, and story that came within.

Each room that was walked into gave off a different energy with endless knowledge to explore on the art pieces shown, the window light to room effect, and inspiration for creating a unique interior setting. The visual connection that was made seeing how different window designs and placement on the wall reflecting onto the objects made me re-interpret my project and shift the gears to make the contemplation space be more of an inspirational aura for my client as opposed to a reserved space. To have a space with multiple different sized and colored windows that manipulate the inside space positively and open up a whole creative side that was once not known.

Guiffre, J., 2022. Sir John Soane’s Museum. [image].

Palimpsest Drawing

A task we had to complete while visiting the museum was to draw a palimpsest style drawing. I have never done that type of artwork before, so I looked into artists and different techniques used. Layered works of art used through a variety of mediums is a new style that I found to be very interesting. You get to play with your subject and different textures in one’s art. Jane Couroussopulos and Julie Mehretu are two artists that excel in this type of art. Different styles but excellent executions, they use color and layers to make you feel embodied within the art.

With this being my first time doing so, I stuck to one type of material- and did it graphically. In the future, I would love to play with oil painting and manipulating space with different uses of materials. Drawing this style based on the Sir John Soane Museum was very interesting. With a range of art, colors, patterns, sculptures, and lighting that were presented to us through the museum- utilizing all of them to create one painting made this experience all of the more thought provoking.

Week 2:

Mandy Cheng Design

Mandy Cheng is a LA based interior designer that just had her house featured in Architectural Digest. When looking at photos I came across this innovative storage idea that I feel could be very useful for the room I picked out. “The side tables are on drawer glides so they can push in when you don’t need them, and the deep drawers below are to store the guest pillows when not in use. The tall cabinet doors on the left and right store towels and bed linens as well as offer additional closet space for guests.”

Multi Purpose Furniture

Utilizing the small space I have for my client, multi purpose furniture is crucial in fulfilling her wants and needs for her interior space. Working with the kitchen area, shelving with a fold-out table seems to be most convenient for storage/usage purposes.

Vintage Mirror display

Since my client is collecting vintage mirrors, my idea on how she is presenting them within her space is a collage orientation like the examples in this website. I think it gives good inspiration and shows different ways to present the collection pieces, as well as open her mind up on how to use the mirrors to manipulate her space and work.

Week 3:

My design achieves a multifunctional room that fits my clients needs. Being a masters student occupying a smaller space, the idea of flexible furniture to make the room feel as big as possible was a beneficial choice. 

Following a bed structure like this, with an option of a desk or a bed, is something that will make her space feel open during the day time. With her bed being in the private corner of the room, being able to do work looking out the window is also good motivation. The space is narrow, so a concept like this will work best for her situation.

Similar to that, her work station and kitchen area will follow a tall narrow structure that can fold out to multi use functions. As a painter, her work space can get chaotic, so having everything in one compact area including her easel will help for finding supplies as well as having privacy for non working hours.

Week 4:

My definition of “contemplation”

A contemplation space is a place to unwind, relax, and feel comforted in your own thoughts and ideas. Colors, objects, and shapes all play a factor in obtaining that sense of comfort for however you choose to contemplate. Pictured above, a Norwegian architecture and design firm has designed such a place for contemplating, working, and relaxing. They have obtained international acclaim for their building techniques in a highly collaborative approach to design. This specific design was for the “Mutant Architecture and Design” presentation at Milan’s 2011 design week. It features an open-air marble cube with a hollow interior with an uneven yet smooth “wave-like” floor which provides seating and lounge space for anyone. The architects were inspired by a hollowed-out room  at a marble quarry and took their interpretation into their own hands. Having the served floor seating with the white really makes one feel in their thoughts or “zone” to accomplish what they want to.

In one of Ellsworth Kelly’s last shows, he created a 2,715 square foot work in the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas. This structure consisted of an immersive space with 12 rectangular-paneled colored windows which resembles the loading symbol on a smartphone. The windows are all different colors and orientation, which reflect inside of the space uniquely against the wall. This being one of many photographs taken from the exhibition, you can see how this one photograph emulates all of the different colors and gives you a sense of hope and calmness. With everyone else being plain and minimal, you get to focus fully on the window panels and design and embody yourself in it.

This large-scale installation by Paul Cocksedge in the London Design Festival hopes to promote the city as a major design capital. This work encompases a multimedia of art containing art, design, and performance-based projects by designers all across the city. It is made from scaffolding planks where he re-imaged and reused wood and manipulated it to his liking. This installation is adapted to the environment it’s in and has curves that raise up to create a steady shape for people to sit. One of its more important functions is to occupy the square without blocking it. When contemplating, you don’t want a chaotic, hectic space, you want a minimal soothing feeling that you can do whatever you’re contemplating in. 

Precedent studies relevant to my project

The Zollverein Design School is a 35 meter cube independently standing in its unique style. The building volume might be seen as “too large” for the building’s program, yet the high ceilings were deemed as acceptable for the program offered. The undivided production floor is completely empty and a fully flexible space. Leaning the focus more towards the walls. They have multiple windows throughout all of the walls, where the light is filtered as well as the view surrounding the landscape. This softens the transition between the exterior and interior and creates shadows to the inside. The multi-window effect makes you see all of the views the outdoors has to offer, as well as letting in as much natural light as possible- having a feel of being outdoors but in the comfort of 4 walls.

Spencer Finch created this large-scale installation that was inspired by the Morgan’s collection of medieval Book of Hours. That collection is hand-painted works which served as personal prayer books for different times of the day and different times of the year. The Morgan consists of four stories of glass, and Spencer took it into his own interpretation.  He applied films of color to the windows to make his own version of a calendar that was based on the movements of the sun. To portray this type of creativity, he needed to take precise measurements required to create such a color scheme depicting the month of the year and time of the day. He in turn emphasized the importance of movement and change, as well as creating a “show” for the viewers with multiple beautiful colors and light reflections. 

Week 5:

(Sir John Soane’s Museum post)

Week 7:

My bathroom project was surrounding the idea of privacy within spaces. While originally having a completely different idea- I decided to shift gears into focusing on my concept: Color and its relation to emotions. Hou Se Sousa’s “ziggy” installation inspired me to create a unique space for my client.

In one’s relationship to color, we all experience color differently. What color might excite and make me happy can make you feel anxious or angry. Learning about the color wheel and color theory – these connections can be made. Interviewing my client and seeing what colors mean what for her helped me decide what two colors to incorporate into my design.

While using sustainable materials throughout the bathroom in addition to using water saving systems in her toilet, shower, and sink, I was able to explore the side of sustainability and its connection that it has to color. Making sure that the materials I use works well with my color reflective materials is what can increase my client’s mood – by the opacity of the color that embodies the room after the natural light and reflections hit off of each other. In doing so, I created my bathroom – with two arches of blue and purple that you engulf yourself in as you walk under the arches. Separating the room with these was a new style that I chose and found very interesting in exploring layout options.

Week 8:

Shown below will be the methods of making that I used in order to guide my sculptural object project to be successful. When thinking of what object to create, a chandelier/light fixture was a suggestion given to me that I was really keen on. Playing with mirrors, colors, and reflections was what motivated me to get working on creating what ended up being the final outcome of my project. 

The first obstacle was after buying 24.5 x 12 cm acrylic sheets, cutting them down to my desired size which was 2.5 x 12 cm and 2.5 x 6 cm. The reasoning behind buying colored acrylic sheets was based on my inspiration from Olafur Eliasson’s multiple works but “Full Dome” in particular. Seeing the reflection the object can make on the wall was really thought-provoking and inspiring for me. In order to cut glass that thick, either laser cutting or using a drill from the woodshop are only options, a meticulous procedure that requires time and patience. Once cut to perfection with 22 pieces, the next step is assembling. 

Attaching a mirror-like reflection to the top of the light fixture was an immediate design choice I had, because I wanted to see if it would be able to manipulate the space underneath it with a mirror reflecting downward. It evidently ended up being a big reason why the colors reflected on the wall in the end. After gluing it to the top of my object, the next obstacle was putting the whole thing together in a clean cohesive matter. After several attempts at fabrics that can hold the sheets without breaking the top piece, a clear fishing line was the final decision. In order to do so, I needed to drill 8 holes in the top of the object as well as drill all the colored acrylic sheets to connect.

Drilling in a specific way where I keep everything I drill in one straight line was definitely a challenge, but not having broken any of my pieces in the process was amazing for it being my first time using a drill. Trying to encompass the cleanliness and classiness of an abstract obscure object like Olafur Eliasson did was a great challenge, but doing it once is just a stepping stone for doing multiple other objects that can encompass his work with my meaning for my future projects. 

The last part to put this project into completion was light. Where I would place light, how to manipulate the object through light, and the background of where I would place my object. After buying a string of LED lights, round lights to place in the middle of my strings, and using a headlight that you can attach on your forehead, the last option created the best results. Using a powerful light that can perfectly encapsulate the theme of my object was what tied this entire project together and made it look the best it could be to show my classmates and professors. 

Week 9:

(William Kentridge post)

Week 9:

Bibliography list:

From The Forest, LLC. (n.d.). Why Engineered Wood Flooring Is a Sustainable Choice. [online] Available at: https://www.fromtheforest.com/blogs/fromtheforest/why-engineered-wood-flooring-is-a-sustainable-choice.

www.webexhibits.org. (n.d.). Simultaneous Contrast. [online] Available at: https://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/contrast.html#:~:text=Simultaneous%20contrast%20is%20most%20intense [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd. (n.d.). About sustainable recycled glass — Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd artisan sustainable fused recycled glass panels for interior and architectural installations. [online] Available at: https://www.osengreesreflection.com/about [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

London Wall. (n.d.). Glide. [online] Available at: https://londonwall.co.uk/glide [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Lyu, J. (2022). Analysis of the Effect of Different Types of Colors on Human Behavior and Emotion. [online] www.atlantis-press.com. doi:10.2991/assehr.k.220704.191.

https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial (2019). Everything You Should Know About Bamboo Flooring. [online] The Spruce. Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-bamboo-floors-1314694.

‌Junkwize. (n.d.). Mirror Removal & Disposal in London. [online] Available at: https://junkwize.com/mirror-removal-disposal/ [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Gage (1999). Color and meaning : art, science, and symbolism. Berkeley ; Los Angeles: University Of California Press.

publication/43216/HOW+CAN+LIGHT+ART+MANIPULATE+THE+VISUAL+PERCEPTION+OF+SPACE%3F [Accessed 8 Jan. 2023].

www.bloomsburydesignlibrary.com. (n.d.). Architectural Design. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomsburydesignlibrary.com/encyclopedia-chapter?docid=b-9781472596178&tocid=b-9781472596178-BED-A068 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2023].

Week 2:

Mandy Cheng Design

Mandy Cheng is a LA based interior designer that just had her house featured in Architectural Digest. When looking at photos I came across this innovative storage idea that I feel could be very useful for the room I picked out. “The side tables are on drawer glides so they can push in when you don’t need them, and the deep drawers below are to store the guest pillows when not in use. The tall cabinet doors on the left and right store towels and bed linens as well as offer additional closet space for guests.”

Multi Purpose Furniture

Utilizing the small space I have for my client, multi purpose furniture is crucial in fulfilling her wants and needs for her interior space. Working with the kitchen area, shelving with a fold-out table seems to be most convenient for storage/usage purposes.

Vintage Mirror display

Since my client is collecting vintage mirrors, my idea on how she is presenting them within her space is a collage orientation like the examples in this website. I think it gives good inspiration and shows different ways to present the collection pieces, as well as open her mind up on how to use the mirrors to manipulate her space and work.

Week 3:

My design achieves a multifunctional room that fits my clients needs. Being a masters student occupying a smaller space, the idea of flexible furniture to make the room feel as big as possible was a beneficial choice. 

Following a bed structure like this, with an option of a desk or a bed, is something that will make her space feel open during the day time. With her bed being in the private corner of the room, being able to do work looking out the window is also good motivation. The space is narrow, so a concept like this will work best for her situation.

Similar to that, her work station and kitchen area will follow a tall narrow structure that can fold out to multi use functions. As a painter, her work space can get chaotic, so having everything in one compact area including her easel will help for finding supplies as well as having privacy for non working hours.

Week 4:

My definition of “contemplation”

A contemplation space is a place to unwind, relax, and feel comforted in your own thoughts and ideas. Colors, objects, and shapes all play a factor in obtaining that sense of comfort for however you choose to contemplate. Pictured above, a Norwegian architecture and design firm has designed such a place for contemplating, working, and relaxing. They have obtained international acclaim for their building techniques in a highly collaborative approach to design. This specific design was for the “Mutant Architecture and Design” presentation at Milan’s 2011 design week. It features an open-air marble cube with a hollow interior with an uneven yet smooth “wave-like” floor which provides seating and lounge space for anyone. The architects were inspired by a hollowed-out room  at a marble quarry and took their interpretation into their own hands. Having the served floor seating with the white really makes one feel in their thoughts or “zone” to accomplish what they want to.

In one of Ellsworth Kelly’s last shows, he created a 2,715 square foot work in the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas. This structure consisted of an immersive space with 12 rectangular-paneled colored windows which resembles the loading symbol on a smartphone. The windows are all different colors and orientation, which reflect inside of the space uniquely against the wall. This being one of many photographs taken from the exhibition, you can see how this one photograph emulates all of the different colors and gives you a sense of hope and calmness. With everyone else being plain and minimal, you get to focus fully on the window panels and design and embody yourself in it.

This large-scale installation by Paul Cocksedge in the London Design Festival hopes to promote the city as a major design capital. This work encompases a multimedia of art containing art, design, and performance-based projects by designers all across the city. It is made from scaffolding planks where he re-imaged and reused wood and manipulated it to his liking. This installation is adapted to the environment it’s in and has curves that raise up to create a steady shape for people to sit. One of its more important functions is to occupy the square without blocking it. When contemplating, you don’t want a chaotic, hectic space, you want a minimal soothing feeling that you can do whatever you’re contemplating in. 

Precedent studies relevant to my project

The Zollverein Design School is a 35 meter cube independently standing in its unique style. The building volume might be seen as “too large” for the building’s program, yet the high ceilings were deemed as acceptable for the program offered. The undivided production floor is completely empty and a fully flexible space. Leaning the focus more towards the walls. They have multiple windows throughout all of the walls, where the light is filtered as well as the view surrounding the landscape. This softens the transition between the exterior and interior and creates shadows to the inside. The multi-window effect makes you see all of the views the outdoors has to offer, as well as letting in as much natural light as possible- having a feel of being outdoors but in the comfort of 4 walls.

Spencer Finch created this large-scale installation that was inspired by the Morgan’s collection of medieval Book of Hours. That collection is hand-painted works which served as personal prayer books for different times of the day and different times of the year. The Morgan consists of four stories of glass, and Spencer took it into his own interpretation.  He applied films of color to the windows to make his own version of a calendar that was based on the movements of the sun. To portray this type of creativity, he needed to take precise measurements required to create such a color scheme depicting the month of the year and time of the day. He in turn emphasized the importance of movement and change, as well as creating a “show” for the viewers with multiple beautiful colors and light reflections. 

Week 5:

(Sir John Soane’s Museum post)

Week 7:

My bathroom project was surrounding the idea of privacy within spaces. While originally having a completely different idea- I decided to shift gears into focusing on my concept: Color and its relation to emotions. Hou Se Sousa’s “ziggy” installation inspired me to create a unique space for my client.

In one’s relationship to color, we all experience color differently. What color might excite and make me happy can make you feel anxious or angry. Learning about the color wheel and color theory – these connections can be made. Interviewing my client and seeing what colors mean what for her helped me decide what two colors to incorporate into my design.

While using sustainable materials throughout the bathroom in addition to using water saving systems in her toilet, shower, and sink, I was able to explore the side of sustainability and its connection that it has to color. Making sure that the materials I use works well with my color reflective materials is what can increase my client’s mood – by the opacity of the color that embodies the room after the natural light and reflections hit off of each other. In doing so, I created my bathroom – with two arches of blue and purple that you engulf yourself in as you walk under the arches. Separating the room with these was a new style that I chose and found very interesting in exploring layout options.

Week 8:

Shown below will be the methods of making that I used in order to guide my sculptural object project to be successful. When thinking of what object to create, a chandelier/light fixture was a suggestion given to me that I was really keen on. Playing with mirrors, colors, and reflections was what motivated me to get working on creating what ended up being the final outcome of my project. 

The first obstacle was after buying 24.5 x 12 cm acrylic sheets, cutting them down to my desired size which was 2.5 x 12 cm and 2.5 x 6 cm. The reasoning behind buying colored acrylic sheets was based on my inspiration from Olafur Eliasson’s multiple works but “Full Dome” in particular. Seeing the reflection the object can make on the wall was really thought-provoking and inspiring for me. In order to cut glass that thick, either laser cutting or using a drill from the woodshop are only options, a meticulous procedure that requires time and patience. Once cut to perfection with 22 pieces, the next step is assembling. 

Attaching a mirror-like reflection to the top of the light fixture was an immediate design choice I had, because I wanted to see if it would be able to manipulate the space underneath it with a mirror reflecting downward. It evidently ended up being a big reason why the colors reflected on the wall in the end. After gluing it to the top of my object, the next obstacle was putting the whole thing together in a clean cohesive matter. After several attempts at fabrics that can hold the sheets without breaking the top piece, a clear fishing line was the final decision. In order to do so, I needed to drill 8 holes in the top of the object as well as drill all the colored acrylic sheets to connect.

Drilling in a specific way where I keep everything I drill in one straight line was definitely a challenge, but not having broken any of my pieces in the process was amazing for it being my first time using a drill. Trying to encompass the cleanliness and classiness of an abstract obscure object like Olafur Eliasson did was a great challenge, but doing it once is just a stepping stone for doing multiple other objects that can encompass his work with my meaning for my future projects. 

The last part to put this project into completion was light. Where I would place light, how to manipulate the object through light, and the background of where I would place my object. After buying a string of LED lights, round lights to place in the middle of my strings, and using a headlight that you can attach on your forehead, the last option created the best results. Using a powerful light that can perfectly encapsulate the theme of my object was what tied this entire project together and made it look the best it could be to show my classmates and professors. 

Week 9:

(William Kentridge post)

Week 9:

Bibliography list:

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www.webexhibits.org. (n.d.). Simultaneous Contrast. [online] Available at: https://www.webexhibits.org/colorart/contrast.html#:~:text=Simultaneous%20contrast%20is%20most%20intense [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd. (n.d.). About sustainable recycled glass — Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd artisan sustainable fused recycled glass panels for interior and architectural installations. [online] Available at: https://www.osengreesreflection.com/about [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

London Wall. (n.d.). Glide. [online] Available at: https://londonwall.co.uk/glide [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Lyu, J. (2022). Analysis of the Effect of Different Types of Colors on Human Behavior and Emotion. [online] www.atlantis-press.com. doi:10.2991/assehr.k.220704.191.

https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial (2019). Everything You Should Know About Bamboo Flooring. [online] The Spruce. Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/benefits-and-drawbacks-of-bamboo-floors-1314694.

‌Junkwize. (n.d.). Mirror Removal & Disposal in London. [online] Available at: https://junkwize.com/mirror-removal-disposal/ [Accessed 29 Jan. 2023].

Gage (1999). Color and meaning : art, science, and symbolism. Berkeley ; Los Angeles: University Of California Press.

publication/43216/HOW+CAN+LIGHT+ART+MANIPULATE+THE+VISUAL+PERCEPTION+OF+SPACE%3F [Accessed 8 Jan. 2023].

www.bloomsburydesignlibrary.com. (n.d.). Architectural Design. [online] Available at: https://www.bloomsburydesignlibrary.com/encyclopedia-chapter?docid=b-9781472596178&tocid=b-9781472596178-BED-A068 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2023].

The last four years I completed my undergraduate education at the University of Miami, Florida. In those four years, me and my friends explored all the city had to offer: restaurants, museums, parks, and other scenic areas. One of the places that stood out to me most was the Perez Art Museum, and more specifically their hanging gardens in their outdoor restaurant. When this project was presented I thought of this place and all of the fun ways I can recreate it. 

Baan, I., 2013. Perez Art Museum, Miami. [image].

As a result of moving here just two weeks ago from the United States, my roommate and I have accumulated a multitude of cardboard from our packages. I wanted to find a way to incorporate materials I had available to me before going out and buying new materials. Coming up with the structure was fairly easy as I wanted to mimic two holding pieces as the two white pillars on each side of the hanging garden. The rest was trial and error on what would be sturdy enough to hot glue gun as well as look clean and similar to the actual building while simultaneously adding my own take on it. I ended up buying wood sticks and did a mix of the cardboard and the wood to show different texture, color, and shape- and think if I had a chance to redo it I would stick to one material. Nonetheless, it was tedious yet fun to make as I got to interact with art and open my creative side.

Guiffre, J., 2022. Cardboard process. [image].

Guiffre, J., 2022. Cardboard process [drawing]

Cornelia Parker had an exhibition filled with different mediums of art which caught my attention from the very beginning. With work spanned out in about (approximately) nine rooms, each room brought a different theme, story, and use of technique to portray her story. What I loved seeing was her use of pre-existing material in her sculpture-esque works, looking closely and seeing very familiar looking objects that she distorted in some way. She had some of her pieces ranging from being framed, or in a small box, to the entire piece filling up an entire room and all were intriguing and thought provoking. 

Reading about who Cornelia is, the process behind her art and all of the people she encountered during creating them is definitely eye opening to another “artist”. With her work spanning the last 35 years means that she met a lot of different people and lived through different stories to make her art as diverse and storytelling as possible. To read that she collaborated with such inspiring people that she did really makes you think about all of the research and specificity she underwent to create her work and how getting advice, help, and support from others can as well enhance your design or your works of art.

 I liked the rooms that had just one of her installations in, because it was easy to feel engulfed in the piece as well as focus on the talent and patience a work that large took. Seeing how she utilized the lighting within her pieces to reflect an image onto the wall was one of my favorite parts about her work. 

 Her “Thirty Pieces of Silver”, “Cold Dark Matter: An Exploded View”, “Perpetual Canon”,  “War Room”, and “Island” are all examples, with “Perpetual Canon” being my favorite. Seeing how she took such a heavy, thick instrument and flattened it to deflation with reflections of the piece on the wall was so cool to walk in and just surround yourself in. It was a dark room, with light hitting the instruments that were in a circle perfectly to create a silhouette and capture the beauty of the shape, and the description behind her piece of work was so beautifully written. 

I really liked her pieces of art and loved learning about who she is as a person, artist, and seeing her talent in person. Seeing how other artists use her techniques and implement them into their own work will definitely expand and open the idea up of what art truly is.