Review 2 - VJ

VJ have formed two distinctively unique and exciting designs through workshop four, movement between two floors.  The work as a whole draws great links to the writing of J.G. Ballard and his ‘Ultimate City’.  Their means of movement between two floors have clear parallels to idea’s explored in Ballard’s ‘Ultimate City’ yet show two differing interpretations of his writing. With one staircase immersed in the concept of Utopia and the other Dystopia. 

Their dystopian movement between two floors is designed for the Waiheke site.  Made up of multiple frames and layering this stair case plays on the idea of confinement.  As the occupant ‘moves between two floors’ the staircase becomes smaller, dangerous with no barriers.  This concept of dystopia is challenged through materiality with the use of timber, adding an organic more Utopian style to the otherwise very dystopian design.           

In contrast to the Waiheke site the staircase design for the city site encapsulated a more organic Utopian style.  The design is based off a self-contained pinecone. Varying steps appear as the needles of a pinecone, creating a unique form of movement between two floors in the hotel.  A more industrial approach to materiality (metal, steel etc) contrasts its organic form yet helps to create a more evident link to their work on Waiheke. 

   

VJ have clearly developed a comprehensive vision for their hotels through workshop four and their explorations of movement between floors.  J.G. Ballard is a clear precedent for their body of work, with designs that greatly contrast and complement one another through the incorporation of Utopian and Dystopian notions.