STRUCTURE AND SURFACE
Please note, this research project contains photos which may trigger trypophobia (the fear of holes).
PRIMARY RESEARCH
I began my primary research by creating a mind map of keywords I thought of revolving around the project title; Structure and Surface. This then lead to more specific keywords which I could use as another aspect of my design. From this mind map, I found a handful of words related to circular structure, odd patterns (bacteria, bubbles) which lead me to trypophobia. I decided I wanted to incorporate circular shape and the issue of trypophobia somewhere into my design.
I then decided to collect items considered 'waste' and use them to present various surface textures and their form. I collected old aluminium foil, woven material, cloth, aluminium can, green opaque plastic bag, cardboard, bristle etc. This was useful in analysing materials and their properties as well as which materials would best fit my design. This exercise enabled me to understand the contrast in qualities between the different items. I felt this was again another starting point for my project and becoming familiar with.
Varying Perceptions - documenting a talk with friends about their views on Trypophobia
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Trypophobia - warning if you are triggered by odd patterns/small holes.
After experimenting with initial circular designs, I thought Trypophobia would be an interesting concept to explore within my own design. I, myself am deeply disturbed by small holes in a certain environment and therefore, have Trypophobia. It makes me feel extremely nauseous after a short period of time. It is said that people are either disgusted or are frightened by the weird phenomenon. As I aim to work with architecture impacting community/green/urban design and planning in the future, I thought to create a piece that would have a significant social impact. It is likely the structure would receive a mixed response due to its unaesthetically pleasing, provocative appearance- similar to the response to Brutalist architecture- some find it fascinating and revolutionary compared to others who believe it to be an eyesore.
I happened to read an article on Edgy about the several cameras on the iPhone 11Pro triggering people with trypophobia. This I thought showed the impact design can have on a person. My work aims to purposefully provoke the same kind of response, possibly to encourage people get over their fear- see EXPOSURE THERAPY - referenced in my Reflection. It makes people feel uncomfortable, yet its so mesmerising to look at.
House Cylinder
I chose to investigate this piece as part of my research due to its intriguing cylinder structure not typically used for houses. I plan to include circular shape in my 'Structure and surface' design. I aim to research into trypophobia also (the fear of holes). I thought a good starting point would be to research into circular structures. The House Cylinder was designed by lead architect, Cyril Lancelin and is located in Lyon, France. I am interested by the fact you cannot see a straight wall in sight, the property stays consistent with this same curvature throughout. I also quite like how the cylinders are placed on different levels and platforms which again, contribute to the unusual house arrangement. The exterior almost resembles a maze or game of some kind which demonstrates the fun, child-like and exuberant personality of the building. In my opinion, it suggests an exciting and warm environment. The House Cylinder was designed to fit within its surroundings. This I find particularly interesting as in this case, the architecture is built to work around the already existing environment as opposed to chopping down trees or rearranging the landscape in order to construct. I also appreciate the large windows, allowing a lot of natural light to enter the house which must be especially beautiful in a woodland setting.
MHOX Studios
Alessandro Zomparelli of Italian design studio MHOX uses 3D printing to create these perforated wearable pieces. He says designing with computer algorithms is like "sculpting with a new material". A movie was also made which documents the design process. In my opinion, the accessories look as if they have been moulded to fit the model's body part which cause these irregular indentations in the design. "Using the computer is is possible to simulate natural phenomena in a digital environment" - this is something I would also like to do throughout my own work.
Room Acoustics Solutions
Bruag is a company designing innovative architecture. They use their deep knowledge of laser technology, the wood industry and industrial painting to create their ideas for both interior and exterior architecture. Open plan offices are a trend, seen in the most popular office layout nowadays. Due to this uprising, there has been high demand for products which enable employees to keep a certain degree of privacy and peace. Braug provides a range of products such as wall claddings, balcony claddings, back ventilated facades and more importantly, customer acoustics elements and room dividers to combat this issue. Using laser technology, Braug have created these perforated panels to create more enclosed, private areas within an open space. Again, these dividers may trigger Trypophobia due to the unusual patterns and frequency of holes. I would like to incorporate this style of pattern into my own work. Perhaps by covering an entire structure to create an overwhelming perforated surface.
American Horror Story
American Horror Story is a popular TV series aired across the world. Their promotional poster caused controversy when the public began to comment on their graphical choice. In my opinion, I am not necessarily offended by their poster. I don't like the graphics but I know this fits with the nature of the TV show so I wouldn't complain. This caused people to voice their opinions on Trypophobia with one person saying "I feel personally victimised by AHS (American Horror Story Cult". Coulrophobia and trypophobia, really?!" This was an interesting as it displayed just how design choice can affect a community. In this case, due to its large following, their promotional poster received major backlash.
Jussieu University
Hyperbolic Paraboloid Structure - upload image of mine next to it
I have seen images of buildings constructed with hyperbolic paraboloid structures and have always wanted to design one myself. Hyperbolic paraboloids are doubly-ruled, meaning they are easy to contruct using a series of straight lines. They are often used to create thin 'shell' roofs which will be useful for my pavilion design. I used this image to design my structure by drawing a cuboid and connecting lines to each corner. Above I have inserted a sketch of my structure.
Sources:
https://www.archdaily.com/876688/house-cylinder-town-and-concrete- House Cylinder/ Town and Concrete, Archdaily article, posted July31 2017, Architect: Cyril Lancelin
https://edgy.app/new-apple-iphone-11-pro-design-triggers-trypophobia?order=asc - ‘New Apple iPhone 11 Pro Design Triggers Trypophobia’, Edgy article, written by Sumbo Bello, posted September 12th 2019.
https://www.dezeen.com/2015/12/09/video-interview-alessandro-zomparelli-mhox-generative-design-sculpting-new-material-movie/ - Using Computer Algorithms in Design, Dezeen article, written by Benedict Hobson, posted 9th December 2015.
https://www.archdaily.com/catalog/us/products/8496/room-acoustics-solutions-dividers-for-offices-bruag?ad_source=neufert&ad_medium=gallery&ad_name=close-gallery - Room Acoustics Solutions, Archdaily article, date unknown.
Design Document Series book- Happy Architecture in a Real World- Peripheriques Architectes
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/4381860/phobia-holes-horrified-new-american-horror-story-ads/ - American Horror Story Promotional Poster Backlash, The Sun newspaper article, posted 10th October 2017.
WEAR IT
"Suspend",
"Support",
"Surround"
Iris Van Herpen's 'Crystallisation' and 3D printing.
"it wraps around the wearer, resting on their shoulders to allow their back to be fully exposed. computer modelling isn’t something typically used in fashion, but the possibilities could be very interesting". I like this piece due to its unusual shell-like pattern. Van Herpen consistently uses new techniques throughout her work which produces some incredible results.
Ewa Nowak's Anti- Ai Mask
Wired face piece made as a protest against facial recognition and the exploitation of personal data within today's society. The copper plates under the model's eyes and t-zone are used as protection against data scanning. I appreciate the technological purpose and innovation of this design although, I don't necessarily find it aesthetically pleasing. Personally, I wouldn't wear this in public, it's not covert despite its neat design. I would like to incorporate technology into my work in the near future.
Sources:
https://www.irisvanherpen.com/haute-couture/crystallization - Iris Van Herpen Official Website, Crystallization Project
https://www.dezeen.com/2019/07/30/ewa-nowak-anti-ai-mask-protects-wearers-from-mass-surveillance/ - Ewa Nowak's Anti- AI Mask, Dezeen Article, written by Natashah Hitti, 30th July 2019.
EXTENSION PROJECT: STRUCTURE AND SURFACE
Please note, this research project contains photos which may trigger trypophobia (the fear of holes).
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Antony Gormley Exhibition
Recently, I visited the Antony Gormley exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. This was a brilliant exhibition, very interactive with tunnels to crawl through, a wired, spider-like installation to walk through as well as, human statues on all four walls. I thoroughly enjoyed viewing Gormley's work and noticed some of his unusual pieces could be used as research for my Extension Project seeing as I am choosing to develop the Structure and Surface project. Gormley has worked with a variety of materials throughout his pieces which enabled me to analyse the contrast in textures - ie. soft, spongy bread vs. the rugged metal rods.
Photos from a Music Concert
Whilst attending a music concert at Omeara London, I noticed the stage lighting projecting around the room resembled bacteria of some kind with its worm-like shapes and green tones. It reminded me of my Structure and Surface project which I aim to develop further for this current project. I thought to photograph the strange pattern in which I found similarities to my rendering of a bacteria cell I made in Photoshop for use in Structure and Surface. Please see below.
I aimed to use this design somewhere within my previous design. After some thought, I decided to keep this design for another time and used it for the background of a research poster. Perhaps I will incorporate this into my current project as I would like to see this on a design.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
I thought to do some research using the CSM library. I wanted to find some text on architecture and its affect on human psychology. This ties in well with both my Extension and Structure & Surface projects as both provoke some kind of reaction out of the audience.
'Environmental Psychology for Design' by Dak Kopec
What I found interesting from this page of the book was where Kopec mentions how the human mind 'focuses on urgent issues deriving from a dangerous and uncertain world. For this reason, we are automatically fascinated by fires, loud sounds and many other specific and important patterns of stimuli" and continues to say, 'such patterns of stimuli have held our attention since evolutionary times". This would support my thesis that my final piece, (Trypavilion) from the Structure & Surface project as well as the piece I will develop for this project would most likely capture the eye of the public due to its provocative design.
'Visionary Architecture, From Babylon to Virtual Reality' by Christian W. Thomsen
This book speaks on science fiction and the futuristic architecture of deconstructionists such as Zaha Hadid and Coop Himmelblau Studios. Both create(d) enticing structures, which stand out within their environment. Personally, I believe Zaha Hadid was a revolutionist within modern architecture. She designed structures that are recognised by many all across the world. I find her exploration of building shape and form fascinating. The above photograph displays Phillip Johnson's PPG building in New York. I find the blend between gothic and modern architecture quite unusual looking with its gothic turrets. It appears slightly dark and intimidating but has such a mesmerising exterior overall. It's this kind of architecture which I would like to incorporate in my own work, thought-provoking, with a very permanent and strong presence.
Eleven (character) from Netflix Original Series, Stranger Things and Ex Machina
Blurring between science technology and design.
Headpieces
Bjork's 3D Printed mask
The piece was printed as a set of "muscle textiles" that still allow Bjork to move her face and neck in the mask as she performs. This comes as quite a surprise seeing as, at a first glance the mask appears a little restrictive. The headpiece was manufactured by Stratasys using a flexible, acrylic-based polymer.
Casa Milá, Barcelona
Styrene Profiles (Making Models) - from 'Making Models' by Megan Werner
This was used as an influence for one of my initial design ideas.
Organic architecture
Sources:
Antony Gormley Exhibition, Royal Academy of Arts
'Environmental Psychology for Design' by Dak Kopec, Fairchild Publications New York, ISBN1-56367-424-6
'Visionary Architecture, From Babylon to Virtual Reality' by Christian W. Thomsen, ISBN3-7913-1425-4
https://www.dezeen.com/2016/06/30/bjork-3d-printed-rottlace-mask-musculoskeletal-system-neri-oxman-stratasys/ - Bjork unveils 3D- printed mask, Dezeen article, written by Emma Tucker, 30th June 2016
'Model Making' by Megan Werner, Princeton Architectural Press, New York, ISBN 978-1-56898-870-2
ILLUMINATE RESEARCH VIDEO SLIDESHOW
ILLUMINATE
PRIMARY RESEARCH
ILLUMINATE RESEARCH VIDEO SLIDESHOW: as seen above
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr5r3vyzk8s&feature=youtu.be
The video above displays a slideshow I made to present my research into: Kagan Taylor and Justin Rice, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, AMO, Gustavo Carmona and Lisa Beltran.
Taking photos of light around King's Cross:
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin
Whilst researching, I became intrigued by the works of Italian artists, Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin of Formafantasma Studios based in Amsterdam. Their collaboration project, 'The Wirering' involved designing unconventional lighting which also serves as an architectural sculpture. The LED is surrounded by an aluminium ring available in several colours such as; white, grey, pink, polished black nickel, and polished gold. This would allow the consumers to create their custom look. The light is held in place against a wall with a custom-made, rubber electric cable. I find its modern, almost futuristic, very neat design interesting despite its minimalistic style. As opposed to keeping the lamp's cable hidden, 'The Wirering' incorporates it into the design as well as to deliver power to the LED.
Source:
https://design-milk.com/wirering-is-a-sculptural-light-that-hovers-between-a-wall-and-a-floor-lamp/ - Wireing is a Sculptural Light That Hovers..., Design Milk article, posted by Caroline Williamson, 25th October 2018.
BUILD IT:
The 'Hideout' project designed by architects, Jarmil Lhotak and Alena Fibichova focuses on eco-living. The house is made predominantly of bamboo and is located in Bali, Indonesia. According to 'ArchDaily', in 2014 Bali saw a surge in the growing of bamboo throughout the country, therefore making it an easily accessible material. Nevertheless, the bamboo was only used for the low quality material for cow sheds or as luxurious material at few expensive accommodations. It is said that the Hideout project presents uniqueness and is 'accessible for all who want to experience a night in a bamboo house'.
I understand how this relates to my 'Build It' triangular structure. Initially, I felt rather restricted in terms of materials for the project and thought bamboo was an unusual material to work with. Nevertheless, after experimenting throughout the lesson and evidently through the above research, I now recognise the unlimited nature of bamboo.
Sources:
https://www.archdaily.com/880118/hideout-jarmil-lhotak-plus-alena-fibichova - Hideout Project, Archdaily article, July 2019.
EXPLORE IT
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Primary research photos from the supermarket analysing the various ways in which fruit and vegetables are stored.
As well as the final outcomes of the lemon and tomato designs.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
Jordi Iranzo
Iranzo creates simple storage designs for the home. I appreciate his designs as I am interested in miniature living/lifestyle where interior designers are forced to work in confined conditions such as, very small apartments. This piece allows the homeowner to have more space to place what would've been, fruit and veg. Its an effective and convenient way of maximising space in the home.
Mischer' Traxler Studio
Food Huggers
Source:
https://design-milk.com/dalt-lets-use-ceilings-storage/ - Dalt lets you lose your Ceilings for Storage, Design Milk article, written by Caroline Williamson, 27th October 2015.
IDEAS FACTORY
"Individualism"
"Wood"
"To Assemble"
PRIMARY RESEARCH
To begin my research, I created a mind map as a starting point around my selected words. This I feel was an effective style of research as I wrote whatever came to mind when I thought of these words which essentially helped me to create a range of ideas tackling different principles or meanings. I find mind maps are always useful methods to get initial ideas flowing and understand the links between several words. As seen below, I researched into types of wood I would use, the characteristics of wood, texture, ideologies linked to individualism as well as ways I could assemble my piece.
I then created a mood board of various designers concerned with wood:
I found Crafts Council, Arch Daily and Design Milk websites most helpful when collating my research. I used the filters to find specific articles and designers relevant to my study.
SECONDARY RESEARCH
John Eadon- MIMA Collection- furniture, wood, design
Richard Kennedy - contemporary, sculptural, non- functional
“Functionality is not my thing, I want to make objects of beauty that interact with light and shade”
Angus Ross- Research based design, sustainability, private and public commissions. Furniture designer and maker.
“He combines ancient, traditional and modern woodwork techniques and is particularly known for steam-bending”
TORTUGA and Oliver Haslegrave of Home Studios- The Wave Shelf- A collaboration project.
“Hopefully you feel more like you’re playing than working when you put together The Wave Shelf!”
Tal Weinreb- 'Hang It'
“Looking into storage methods, the Hang it Wooden shoes project was born. When not in use, the wooden shoes hang on the wall in segments. When you need shoes, remove the pieces and assemble them into a wearable pair.”
Snohetta Architects- Charles Library, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.A for the students of Temple University.
Soar Design Studio- 'Life in a Tree House' located in Taiwan.
It was recommended to research into the Japanese art form, Wabi Sabi by my tutor. I had never heard of this style before and was fascinated by the results. I appreciate interior spaces predominantly made of wood, I feel it adds a very comforting, homely feel to the environment along with the naturally warm, brown/red tones of the material.
Sergey Makhno is a Ukranian architect who created the Wabi Sabi Apartment by merging elements of Ukrainian design with Japanese minimalism.