Spatial Experiences
Space Making + Human Experience
Part 1: Parts that Create a Whole
Prompt: Design 3 different modules, each approximately 1 X 1", make 10–15 for each of them; make two 3D structures out of each module; only use one module per structure
Module 1
Structure 1: All slots filled
Number of Modules: 11; Method of Assemblage: interlocking all the slots; expanding through original diamond shape
Structure 2: 2 or 3 slots filled
Number of Modules: 12; Method of Assemblage: interlocking 2 or 3 slots out of 4; connecting two parallel “walls” made up of 5 modules each
Module 2
There are three ways to interlock the slots: diagonal to diagonal, diagonal to center, or center to center
Structure 1: Diagonal to Diagonal
Number of modules: 12; Method of Assemblage: interlocking only diagonal to diagonal, switching sides while doing so (making sure each sub-structure of 3 is asymmetric).
Structure 2: Diagonal to Center
Number of modules: 11; Method of Assemblage: stemming from one module to create a triangular form, interlocking only diagonal to center slots
Insight: asymmetric modules can produce more dynamic forms while symmetric modules produce more static forms
Module 3
Again, there are three ways to interlock the slots: straight edge to straight edge, curved edge to curved edge, or straight edge to curved edge
Structure 1: Straight edge to curved edge
Number of modules: 11; Method of Assemblage: straight edge to curved edge, filling every slot, trying to keep the intersection at 90 degrees
Structure 2: Straight edge to straight edge + curved edge to curved edge
Number of modules: 10; Method of Assemblage: straight edge to straight edge, curved edge to curved edge; filling every slot. It’s impossible to keep the intersection at 90 degrees, which is why there’s a curve in the overall form
“Sacred geometry was our pride, our downfall.
But forever will our monuments stand in this valley.”—Monument Valley
4.20.20
Step 1: Develop up to 3 modules for one structure that are 2in x 2in and make a minimum of 25 individual modules.
I decided to go with this structure because I like the visual complexity, and the half-sheltered, half-open space it creates.
I made a minor change: getting rid of the slit in the mid-line, because in this structure it doesn’t serve any function. Scaling it up 2X, I made 25 of these 1 by 2" modules.
Step 2: Choose a verb, such as sit, climb, crawl, or jump, to derive the form of 1 occupiable space/structure with this larger module(s). Add a scale model of a person into the space (think about how large your person should be).
The verb I chose was wander. Because my structure does not provide a clear pathway through at first glance, visitors need to find their own way by wandering through the structure.
Due to most likely human error in cutting, a curve to the overall structure appeared, making it more natural.
Step 3: Draw the form with multiple people interacting with it using your verb.
It was super hard to simplify and draw my structure due to its multiple axis and asymmetrical interlocking system.
The interaction I focused on is people wandering through the structure, whether alone or with a friend/family member. The pathway of the people would most likely end up being a zig-zag of S curves. I was going to show that through a plan view sketch, but couldn’t figure out how to sketch my structure from the top.
4.22.20
Step1: Decide on a physical context to use as inspiration for the vibe of the structure
My physical context: book store
Step2: Choose 3 adjectives that describe the mood/characteristics of the place chosen
My three adjectives: Nostalgic , Comforting, Private
Step3: Add color and lighting to the structure to create the atmosphere described by the three adjectives
I chose bookstore because my structure reminds of a flipping book. I decided to play more into this theme by collaging my structure with book pages. I don’t know if I took the prompt too literally or not.
I also took inspiration from a video game I love called “Journey”. It does a good job of creating atmosphere through light. This one scene evokes nostalgia with really warm light cast at a low angle, which creates long brooding shadows.
I used the warm light from my lamp and positioned it at a low angle in relation to my structure. The lighting helped a lot in creating a nostalgic and comforting mood. However, my structure has a lot of open spaces, which kind of contradicts my adjective “private”. The way a bookstore creates privacy is through its many bookshelves behind which a reader can hide. I wonder if my structure has the potential to become more private without me radically changing it.
4.27.20
The feedback I got from last class was that my structure is too monotonous; it’s not visually complex enough. I need to put in some variation and unexpectedness to allow people to linger or stay.
Another thing I learned is that we don’t have to restrict our structure to only one interaction. There can be several interactions that can be categorized into dominant and subordinate, much like forms within a structure.
Q gave me some good advice on adding formal complexity. I scored some but not all of the corners of my module to break the pattern. Some of these scored modules can act as seats for people who want to rest in the shade of my structure.
I also tried to paint the edge of my modules white so the distracting cardboard color doesn’t show through. The result isn’t very good however, because of the pattern of the cut cardboard, my paint keep dripping through.
I also did some more collage on my modules, adding different size letters and words to give my structure more visual complexity. I also thought of varying the size of the letters adds another dimension to the interaction—people from far away can read the big letters, but have to get closer to read the small ones. So distance can play a role in how people interact with my structure.
Final:
My dominant interaction is still wander. I added in the subordinate interaction of sit and read.
How people responded to my question: “How would you interact with this structure?”
Person 1: sit and read a book or drink coffee; roller skate through; bring a date here; walk dog
Person 2: Walk through; study the structure to see how it’s made; take a photo with it; marvel at how the bench is done (this person is an engineer)
Person 3: feels like a church or museum; visit; tour; explore
4.29.20
During class critique yesterday, I was told that even though I added variation within my structure (scoring the corners), it’s still not visually interesting enough. My structure is still too linear.
So this time I decided to really change it up. From playing with my smaller scale modules, I learned that if I create a different cut (a different way of interlocking), the change on the whole structure is super big even if I only change one module.
I “revived” the cut along the midline, but only on one module in the entire structure.
The change it made to the whole structure was huge.
My final:
It’s literally a “book worm” now. The change in the interlocking rule of one of the modules created a twist in the middle of my structure, getting rid of the linearity problem. Because of this twist, my structure is now more suited for people to wander and not just walking through.
It’s funny because this new structure is actually closer to what I wanted originally—a monumental structure. It now kind of resembles a ruined castle due to its randomness. It still evokes the words of “nostalgic” and “comforting”, I think. But I’ll change my last adjective from “private” to “timeworn”.
Takeaways:
I learned to apply “vibes” to things through color and lighting. I also learned about different ways of creating structure—both from a top-down method (having a certain structure in mind and manipulating the modules to achieve that goal) or a bottom-up method (creating interesting interlocking modules and see where it leads). I also learned that interactions can have hierarchy just like forms. Lastly, I learned that taking good photos are super important. I’m glad I actually took the time to make a light box. Good photos make my structure look much better.
