Connection and Closure - 'rubbings'

In this studio we documented a number of rubbings that we gathered from the site - these textures will later be used for laser cut engraving.  

Connection and Closure - Task 3

 In task 3 we experimented further with the concept of slotting as an alternative method of connection.  Through this process we produced manual and laser cut mock up's of our potential plant room structure.  

Card frame models 

Card frame models - slotted screens

Laser cut MDF frame models

Connection and Closure. Task 2 - Materials

Task 2 involved creating three 'atmospheric' structures that were inspired by our studies in task 1.  The structures we formed focused on the connection details of our chosen materials, without using conventional card and glue to form a space/ structure that evoked our chosen 'atmospheres'.


Elizabeth - Task 2

'Atmospheric' structure - Stark, cold, empty, harsh 

My first structure was influenced by a stark, cold atmosphere.  I created these solid dark forms that cantilever across one another to appear as exaggerated cast shadows.  The plexi-plate structure sits in  conjunction to the solid forms creating a cold ghost-like effect, enhancing the concept of  a stark atmosphere.  Through this model I experimented with pinning materials together as a different method of connection.

'Atmospheric' structure - Picturesque, luminous 

The second 'atmospheric' structure was inspired by the bright, picturesque image I took of a rainbow that appeared in the dystopia of down town Auckland.  It is essentially a perspex's box that relies on slotted sheets of clear film to connect/hold the structure together.  The concept of light reflecting off the multiply transparent surfaces is used to create rainbow and interesting luminous light effects that are encapsulated in this perfectly framed box (like a picture).    

'Atmospheric' structure - Chaotic 

The final 'atmosphere' I wanted to create in a structure was chaos.  Multiply slotted/sliding screens act as light filters into the interior space.  These screens not only connect the structure together (through slots) but aid the concept of chaos through creating chaotic internal lighting effects that constantly change.  

This structure is based on the idea of water reflecting the city that gives atmospheric sense of space. I have used foil as the structure material because it has reflective and shining surface. Also by twisting and bending it gives a nice interesting texture. The structure sits on a clear paper that gives a sense of water and almost no boundary between the structure and the base. Using wax as connection to fix the foil onto the clear paper because its transparency makes the connection looks smooth.

Connection and Closure. Task 1 - Atmospheric Study

Task 1 for our first workshop involved locating and documenting three unique 'atmospheres' on site.  These 'atmospheres' had to be documented in a way that describes the qualitative, sensory aspects of place.


Elizabeth - Task 1

Stark, cold, empty, harsh 

 Picturesque, luminous 

 Chaotic, fast, noisy (urban)

Gloria - Task 1

Reflection of water creates a “underwater city” , by mirroring the surrounding gives a sense of symmetry but slightly distorted shapes of buildings.

Urban sculpture-like architecture gives a sense of occupying the space.

Clean and artificial white frames incorporate with green plants gives a sense of all the trapped plants trying to escape the frames.

Review - JAM

The group, JAM became interested in this idea of perception. The perception one has of a utopia or dystopia. Their work created this conjunction between the two themes to emphasize their understanding of what a utopia truly is. 

Their use of a grey and almost monochromatic setting emphasizes this idea of a dystopic environment in a relatively chaotic and bleak era which relates to J. G Ballard's "The Ultimate City". Their integration of plants into the building site have created a means by which we can build our own understanding of a utopia/dystopia-like environment from their interpretation of what the 'ultimate city' represents.

There representation of the 'ultimate city' links in also with this idea of modernity, and that a 'Garden city' like environment does not need to be viewed as a form of utopia because this interpretation infers that even a congested metropolis can be seen as a utopia to some.

The group had created 3 functional stop animations of plants that had been installed in the studios which worked quite well and smoothly. Very well constructed stop animations created on Photoshop. No 123D Catch models.

Three Avatar molds were also made by the group and presented however the avatars came out quite poorly. This is probably due to the kind of medium used in the making of their avatars as it became very brittle and malleable when dry.

The teams material card gave description to a laminate wood composite that could be used for exterior purposes however their research showed that the laminate wood panels could not be used for the interior of a structure and so had very limited uses.

The groups intention was to create a means by which an audience can interpret their own idea of a utopia.                                                                        

The team, JAM had presented a fairly high quality presentation that conveyed well there understanding of the story, 'The Ultimate City'. There wasn't any general contrast between the three images and so as a result did not show a real distinction between the two themes, despite there being a relationship between the two of them and the way an audience interprets it. However their stop animation footage was well made and their avatars were made fairly well despite small problems with the delicate medium used.

Material Card 1 - ONE-WAY GLASS

One-way glass is a glass that has reflective and transparent properties.

Glass is coated in a thin layer of metal forming what is called a half-silvered surface.  This surface not only reflects light that strikes the surface but allows some light to pass through (half reflected/ half pass through).

One-way glass gains the appearance of a normal mirror when placed between a brightly lit and dark environment.  Light is reflected from the bright environment creating mirror reflections however is transparent from the dark environment as a result of light passing through the half-silvered surface.  This effect is ruined/less effective when both environments encapsulate bright light (When lights are switched on in dark room).

123D Catch

Stop Animations

Elizabeth's stop animation 

Gloria's stop animation 

Luke's stop animation

                                                              

Research - Hotels

Burj Al Arab is a luxury hotel that is located at the heart of Dubai city in United Arab Emirates. It was designed to imitate sail of the ship and is the second tallest hotel in the world. Standing on the artificial island Burj Al Arab is connected to mainland by private curving bridge.

The Marqués offers 43 uniquely shaped rooms in two sections connected by a spectacular suspended footbridge. The whole building is raised above the site on columns, which allows the space underneath to be used as an entry plaza.

The billowing titanium canopies that bedeck the hotel are functional as well as aesthetic. Located on a sunny hilltop, the colorful metal ribbons act as sustainable sunshades and temperature modulators.

 

Martello Towers were built to protect against potential Napoleonic attack. But now some of them serve as hotels after some restoration. Living with the wind, sea and rain in the echoing rooms it’s a truly unique historical experience. The features are a solid fuel stove, parking, roof terrace and showers. The dogs are allowed.

 

The Magic Mountain Hotel or Montaña Magica Lodge is located in Huilo Huilo nature reserve in Chile and it’s spectacular. The hotel was designed after volcano and has a water falling from the top sliding down the windows. The combination of nature and man-made facilities will give you both comfort and unique experience with the nature.

The Mirrorcube

A lightweight aluminum 4 x 4 x 4–meter box suspended around a tree trunk and covered in mirrors. Accommodates two people at a time, with a double bed, a small bathroom, a living room and a roof terrace. Access to the cabin is by a rope bridge connected to the next tree.

Camouflaged within the tree canopy, the one-way mirrors provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. To prevent birds from colliding with the reflective glass, an ultraviolet color visible only to birds is laminated onto the glass.