week three - surface design

Surface Analysis of the Site:

I visited the site to explore and analyse all of the different surface textures that stood out to me. I observed that a lot of the surface materials within Imperial Lane are imperfect and dilapidated in some way. Although these qualities can be beautiful as it reveals the sites' histories and stories, I think that this element adds to the unsafe and almost fear-provoking atmosphere of the area that I am wanting to contrast in my design. Perhaps I could further explore and challenge this idea of the connection between weathered materials and how safe they make a space feel.

Surface Design Case Studies:

1. The Lips - Sandra Keja Planken

https://www.dezeen.com/2020/05/14/the-lips-sandra-keja-planken-noun-amsterdam-vdf-products-fair/

I found this surface design project interesting and relevant to the direction my project is going in because the soft materials used in this design create a comforting feeling. Perhaps I could incorporate soft fabrics into my design to create a safer-feeling atmosphere? Applying these materials to other surfaces besides the floor could also exaggerate this safe feeling I am seeking to achieve, so I really like how Planken designed these rugs to be fitted onto walls.

2. RGB Fabulous Landscapes - Carnovsky

https://www.dezeen.com/2013/04/24/rgb-fabulous-landscapes-wallpaper-screens-by-carnovsky/

I really liked how this project created a unique and complex type of 'moving image'. By layering different monochromatic images atop each other, Carnovsky could completely transform the design of a singular surface just by adjusting the hue of the light in the space. I thought this could be an interesting concept to play with if I want to consider how my design could shift throughout a 24 hour period by simply changing the hue of the light. I feel inspired to experiment with bold-coloured lights since these kinds of lights tastefully cover parts of Fort Lane and Imperial Lane.

3. Louis Vuitton Miami Store Facade - Marcel Wanders

https://www.dezeen.com/2022/01/29/marcel-wanders-louis-vuitton-store-miami-design-district-diamond-facade/

I wanted to include this design as I am interested in potentially designing a screen pattern that would let light through it. Perhaps my surface design could be incorporated onto a facade or even holistically within the interior of the design. I like how this design feels elegant and brightens up the exterior of the building. I feel this could be effective on Fort Lane to brighten up the unsafe, narrow street.

Surface Experiments - Molding Clay and Hot Glue

An in-class workshop challenged us to quickly design 3 different surfaces. I decided to experiment with clay as the malleability and softness of this material allowed me to manipulate it more freely and more intentionally. I also decided to experiment with creating a surface out of hot glue. I did this by detailing a pattern onto a glass surface and peeling the glue layer off once it had cooled.

My favourite surface design that I decided to develop further into my final surface design is the hot glue 'screen'. I feel that there is a lot of potential in creating an interesting relationship between light and how it interacts with a this material and all of the negative space. To further explore this, I used a projector to cast a large shadow on the wall to better examine the surfaces' organic lines and how it would impact the space when at a larger scale. I feel that it felt too messy and chaotic when viewing it at a larger scale and reminded me of a spider web. I don't think that it connects very directly to the direction of my design concept, and, rather, would add to the chaos of the site rather than contrast it.

Final Surface Design - Hot Glue, 210mm x 390mm

I created a larger and more consistent pattern for my final surface design. I realised that this design resembles chainmail. I feel that this has a lot of potential in making my design concept revolving around safety a lot stronger, as there is a clear link between chainmail and safety/protection/strength. I am also interested in exploring the tension between the flexibility and toughness of this material, and it's kinetic textural qualities.

I am thinking of continuing with the idea of using this surface as a screen and to have light interact and emphasis the textures and patterns of this surface.

I have also been experimenting with using beads as a form of 'chainmail' and potentially designing a facade screen using different densities and sizes. I went to the wet labs and used white clay to form around 40 beads. I plan to further play with different glazes and chemical reactions to create interesting surfaces on these beads.

I had a productive conversation with Sue about the direction my project is going in and how I am wanting to design a safe space for at-risk groups (such as women and LGBTQIA+), and she suggested that I could create a sense of safety in my space by designing it in a way that prioritises building a supportive and safe community, rather than incorporating obvious, security-monitered facilities that may feel a bit too intimidating and intense for those who I am intending on designing the space for. i now need to consider what activities I could design my space for in order to build a greater sense of community.

Random Inspiration:

I saw this visually-compelling facade on a building near Newmarket train station and thought it brought a lot of light and life to the surrounding urban atmosphere. I feel it relates strongly to the 'moving image' component to this brief and I wonder if I may want to incorporate a digital element into my design?