Peter Eisenman. - must finish

I just bought a new book about 'blurring' - he describes this as a technique to 'alter the conditions of the traditional' by recalibrating history to create new forms.

He talks about the 'expected experience of space' this is something I am trying to explore within my project, both thorough the idea of memory in reference to Ecobuild but also in terms of creating an obstruction which questions this. This is one of my main interests within design,

PECKHAM - self initiated project

Myself and April are working in collaboration with Rosie who has agreed to sponsor our project (providing funding and expertise). We are applying for planning permission and imminently having a meeting with the council about building this project in Peckham. 

Following on from the summer when we had hoped to get an installation built and after approaching the council they relocated us. Peckham was where they suggested - an area where they are focusing on a long term plan and looking for a series of small improvements in the short term. We chose this long alleyway behind the cinema, as it is very hostile to the pedestrian, we want to provide an installation which will help to make people feel more comfortable in the area. The lady at the council has one overriding concern that whatever we do will be hard to vandalise. Therefore we are proposing 2 elements:

1. Subtle lighting built into the wall which responds to movement, therefore illuminating your path but also notifying you if someone else is further down the path. 

2. A structure made from concave mirrors which sits on the corner; showing you if someone is around the corner and therefore eliminating that scary feeling of suspense as you approach the corner. This would sit above the wall, therefore making it harder to reach and vandalise. 

Good Reads

 

These are some good books I've read recently - I particularly recommend Michael de Certeau.

Trip to the top of the Gherkin

Today I was lucky enough to attend a breakfast at the top of the Gherkin, and I took a little detour to the very top and it was completely empty - perfect, maybe this had something to do with the fact it was 7.30 am.  The structure is so powerful up close and the finish and use of materials is very crisp, the structure was reflected on the floor surface which I loved.

 Unfortunately it was quite foggy, although as the sun began to break through I got some great photos that look almost  post apocalyptic. The structure provides an excellent frame for the surroundings also.

Another thing I enjoyed was being opposite the 'half built' shard, I love watching buildings as they are being constructed and I could get an excellent view. 

When I was looking out over the city I couldn't help but think about the great timing and the relationship this building has to my project. The way the structure of the Gherkin can be seen to both frame and interrupt your view is something I have been trying to explore albeit with more malleable materials. This use of a simple pattern has worked fantastically both for the interior views and the exterior structure of the strangely shaped London landmark.

......

new direction

Since receiving the brief for this project about designing a pavilion I have been struggling to come up with a design, proving to me that most commonly form derives from function. To design a functionless 'thing' is incredibly hard - I started to think about installation design but then realised these have functions too - much like interventions.  After struggling with this obstacle for months and finally discussing it with Joy I realised I need to think of a function for the space - exactly what I have been trying not to do all project.

Joy suggested trying to combine a new idea or interest with my research into forms and materials. Pretty much immediately I had a direction - I only wish I had this conversation months ago. I  am interested in interventions and reinventing spaces to heighten the experience of the modern day flanneur  (my thesis in a nutshell). Through my site research and observations I have noticed a lot of creative people passing my site and also many children. So this led me to think about some type of exhibition space. It's strange as one of the first things I thought when I jumped over the fence is that it would be a great place for skateboarders - it's already noisy so they wouldn't be disturbing anyone.

I like the idea of creating hanging screens which could be used to show work or direct people. I think the manipulation of routes through the space could be interesting to investigate

quick concept sketch. 

screens

Drawing exploring layers and screens, I chose to use a map - thinking about an information point or similar, it would also provide great shadows.

cutting out even just a small section of this took me ages. 

This installation by Tord Boontje is very delicate and hangs beautifully in the natural environment, but what if this organic structure were to be juxtaposed against a man made geometric landscape? This could be something interesting to investigate within my site, especially due to the flower market being next door.