This was by far my favourite project in terms of the outcome.
I started with an exterior which was slices of interior and exterior like utzons controlled spaces, but the interior I had envisioned was more like Villa Muller stretching between levels.
The site's shape was so unique I was instantly drawn to it and its subtle beauty. This was something I definately did not want to lose and in fact draw out.
By framing views within the building as well as on the video screens along the rear of the building allowed for very controlled views which either increased privacy or forced the viewer to discover what lays beyond. Again an idea taken from Utzon. My outcome, with the clarity of hindsight, seems to be almost Libeskind-esque but that could be due to it's shape more than its language and aesthetics.
The front facade is entirely closed but is made to engage the public. The awning has been retained to respect the continunity of the street and for the publics benefit as there is nothing worse than ducking quickly past a shop in the heat of the day or the wet of the evening. The street level contains maps and information about the gallery and the street art and murals around the site, community notice boards and other community focused iniatives.
The top of the building has been reinstated to replace what was lost and to respect the two buildings next to it. The front upper faced is a video screen which mimics the buildings next to it during the day creating a respectable and calm facade, whilst during the evening plays performance art, as well as webcams from around hotspots in the world with fresh young art as it happens.
The art the building displays is of Melbourne Street Art and Banksy, an unknown persona in the UK who does phenomenal work.
In many ways the rear of the building is infact the front of the building and so is treated as such with a welcoming entrance. The building uses ramps to allow for easy access through out the space as well as provide unique views and places for artworks.
The modification of the open/closed system was in reaction to the siting of the buildings around it which creates a much more interesting built form.
The workshop on the second floor has a large opening to promoteinteraction between the users and the public, with the office also looking on to it but private from the rest of the gallery.
The storage space on the ground floor again is open to allow for viewing and light with the kitchen leading off it to serve both the living quarters and the gallery.
The living space is layered behind this including large open windows which are again focussed and angled to include and preclude certain views, with plenty of room for the owners friends to stay.
The performance space is a bold, large area not seen from inside the gallery but instead from its roof terrace or from one of the video screens.
The video screens around the gallery are touch-screens which either play art works on a loop, a featured selection or a performance going on. This allows the gallery to show artworks it would never be able to otherwise due to location, size or cost. Due to the nature of graffiti artworks it is very site based and so these webcams would allow a viewer to experience the art happening in Melbourne, New York, London and beyond. They can even show an artwork in progress without the normal constrictions.
I saw this gallery as being for the community of Newtown, both the gerneral community and the younger section of the community interested in street art, clearly supported by the council in its wonderful murals and public art works.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Sentry - Carel Fabritius
A weary old soldier stands sentry in a broken landscape
Carel Fabritius (1622 - 1654)
The Sentry
1654
Oil on Canvas
68 x 58 cm
Staatliche Museum, Schwerin
Friday, May 9, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Monday, October 22, 2007
EXPERIMENT THREE: THE BRIDGE
WEEK 13: FINAL IMAGES
Ratan Tata's Office: His Background in steel inspired me to make a big steel box which has weathered and aged as exposed to the elements through the large window and the slits in the building. The high-backed corporate couch near the lift is more of a traditional Western office layout with a sitting area. The lift when present creates a wonderfully sculptural element protruding from the wall with no sign of supports. It is separated from the client not by partitions but by space and the large window allowing winds to dissipate any noise from the people waiting. He has a couch near his work space to allow for discussions with people who com to see him and his actual work space is hidden from the main chamber by breaking out and providing magnificent views.
Meeting Space: This space is to allow the two clients to come together as equals and eat or have a discussion. This is a simple space as even though these are two very powerful people there is a great deal of power in a simple, quite, calming space which allows you to escape from your job or other pressures. The space features recycled bamboo and along with the rough cut mountain stone this creates a natural and serene feeling to the space. The table is situated in the central area of the room but is still concealed and safe to discuss matters of the heart or secret business.
Zhang Yin's Office: This space like the Meeting Point is full of natural materials, mainly recycled bamboo and glass. The bamboo not only reflects her cultural background but also that of her business nature. By using recycled bamboo we reflect her passion for recycling which has made her a fortune beyond reasoning yet also create a calm, serene, open, natural space which I see as being very fitting with her personality.
Overall: A common set of materials has been used to not only link the spaces but to also denote that the status of the two clients, although both very powerful, is equal and that they are amongst company which will know their pressures and quest for achievements. This also creates a familiarity between the two spaces which makes the spaces feel more friendly to the clients when they visit each other.
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