This was an good exploration into the concepts of space and understanding how to invoke emotion. I began this project with essentially a site with three objects, each doing a different job directing the reader's attention and emotion. I scrapped this idea after a material shortage and space shortage. The next idea was a large box with an opening in the roof at the end opposite the reader. This point of desire was strengthened by the juxtaposition of the light corner with its adjacent one. The shape of the structure helped to focus the reader on his desire. I forfeited this idea after it didn't meet diagonal restrictions and was too "boxy."

The idea I eventually went with uses almost every design idea to wrap the reader and force him to feel weak, small, and helpless. The heavy element is used to compress the area around the focal point and other planes to make them seem fragile. The side elements guide the gaze with out distracting. The entire structure is axial and balanced to also help focus. The stairs have a rise and run that makes the reader sit in a fetal position.

I suppose that my biggest downfall in this project was my use of light to create a focal point. I achieved the desired shape I wanted on the wall, but only at one time of day. I misunderstood my control over lighting to be total, as I would choose the exact time this poem would be read and this would only happen once. One point that confused me some was that I was unsure whether the reader would experience the entire structure, or just the point they were to read from. I would like to record more of my thoughts on the next project to sort out these kinds of issues as I create my structure.

Rough diagrams of basic location ideas, lighting strengths, circulation patterns, site orientation, beginning floor plans, heavy element placement, roof angle, and intention of symmetry. Also included is a photo of my first diagram, which was more about how and less about why.







Photos of the final model. The hole in the roof allows the light to be reflected onto the back wall, creating a point of desire. The side elements, symmetry, tilted roof, and entrance locations all direct the attention of the reader towards the focal point.