project 2
ME IN SPACE - self expression through architectural space
In this project of constructing a 1:1 installation , students are introduced and are expected to create an awareness of the scale and proportion of the human body, to explore how human anthropometry and ergonomics relate to and inform space.
Integrating the ideas of my three team members inclusive of me, we've chosen to develop a narrative based on the concept themed stress and confusion.
Journey of Our Space
Initial idea: a pyramid depicting death
A tomb designed with the shadow of a maze cast down into the dark enclosed space from a small opening on top
A maze with narrow passageway with horizontal planes projecting out from the walls at two sides at neck level to create a stifling impact. We also intended proportionally narrow pathways and low ceiling planes so that people would have to bend while passing through it in order to create a feeling of stress
Finally, disposing off the idea of mazes, we designed a space enclosed by rectangular vertical columns organized in a disorderly clustered manner. The repetitive rectangular columns of varying sizes are slotted into each other at different heights. Two huge bulks of interlocked columns forming uneven walls are hence formed at two sides, creating a linear space in between. The uneven boundary of the defined volume of space is visually reinforced by the overhead arch made up of columns stacked systematically onto each other to create a zigzag bottom edge that projects downward. These form the spatial and visual continuity that would orientate the manner in which people interact with the space enclosed. The feeling of stress is articulated by the disorderly rhythm of the columns in terms of both surface and height, just like how there are moments of rise and dip when we encounter pressure in life.
THE IRREGULARITIES
A narrow exit as compared to the wider opening
 Our presentation board |  |
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Ultimate stress point - the space under the low arch where people have to bend in order to pass through it. The zigzag pattern signifies the different stress levels in life. Standing under the low arch while looking directly up, the downward projection of the columns creates sense of weight onto people, and the contrast between the light from the narrow opening and the shadow within the column creates sense of mystery.
The Process
The end product of the installation did not turn out to be as what we expected. The spatial quality articulated by the installation was not substantial enough to create the kind of stress and confusion which we intended it to. Nevertheless, I've learnt alot from this project: from not knowing how to use a cutter in the proper way to being able to cut out sheets of cardboard deftly at accurate dimensions, from not knowing how to piece the different vertical columns together to finding out about the proper slotting mechanism to make the installation firm and sturdy and most of all, I've gained a better understanding of spatial configuration.
The Clearing Up Process of the Cardboard Installations - the Post-presentation Toil
