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.
A challenge of architecture always is managing the experience. One great and unique aspect of architecture is our atemporal experience of it, or its potential non-linearity. This distinguishes it from music, or poetry even, that has a specific order or sequence in which it is experienced. Perhaps its better to avoid asserting so much force and control over the visitor/viewer, and instead assert control over the space and materials in a way that might rouse the same mysteriousness which Cummings expresses in his poem. Accepting and designing to celebrate the changing play of light could lead to a very unique and mysterious experience for the viewer.
ReplyDeleteOne could argue that it is easier for architects to propose spaces that make the viewer feel small and weak than to create spaces that inspire. A true mystery will lead to fascination, wonder, motivation and re-examination, all of which are expressed in the poem and would all be wonderful aspirations for an architectural work.