Between Space & People - Ezri's Project
‘The concept of how the role of the body as the locus of perception, thoughts and consciousness, by articulating, storying and processing sensory response and thoughts’. -The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma (2005) In a fast-paced and routine-like society of Singapore, we go through our daily routine of transiting through our local community, losing our awareness of our surroundings. How do ‘spaces’ break free from mundanity and allow one to reconnect to the spaces around them? This project explores the transitory experience through their community, identifying opportunities for quality spaces within the ‘mundane’.
‘The concept of how the role of the body as the locus of perception, thoughts and consciousness, by articulating, storying and processing sensory response and thoughts’. -The Eyes of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma (2005)
In a fast-paced and routine-like society of Singapore, we go through our daily routine of transiting through our local community, losing our awareness of our surroundings. How do ‘spaces’ break free from mundanity and allow one to reconnect to the spaces around them? This project explores the transitory experience through their community, identifying opportunities for quality spaces within the ‘mundane’.
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between
SPACE&
PEOPLE
EZRI KWEK JUN YI
PORTFOLIO
Content Page
Introduction 3-9
The Park 11-45
The MRT 46-89
The MRT (part 2) 90-105
3
4 5
Sense of
materiality & empathy
over superficial imagery
Connecting to tacit wisdom of the body insteady of being visually &
conceptually dominated
peripheral
perception
Concept
Space - People ( Main reading : The Eyes of the Skin - J.Pallasma )
forceful
emotion
engagement
‘ the imbalance in our sensory system ‘ Merleau Ponty - My
perception is not a
sum of visual, tactile
and audible givens.
I perceive in a total
way with my whole
being.
‘ opportunities for quality spaces within the mundane ’
emotions
& associations
to space
From my readings on The Eyes
of the Skin by Juhani Pallasma,
I began to question the thought
of how space could create an
experiental medium to trigger
the thoughts and imagination of
people.
aura, entices &
emancipates
perception & thoughts
6 7
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474918723176539188/
a journey of triggering one imagination and consciousness, breaking free from the mundanity of spatial experience
core idea of concept story
8
9
Looking into the mundane, I chose
a typical local HDB neighbourhood
to work with. Setting off a boundary
of the site to research and look
into the context within a regular
local community. Understanding and
re-looking into the area. To identify
and show how the mundanity has
taken away the opportunity for
quality spatial experience between
space and people.
Tampines East
SIT E
10 11
E V E R Y D A Y N E S S
Looking into the everyday of transitional spaces within the community,
spaces are often repetitive. While there are things and spaces that
are unique to the community, the state of it is often run-down and old.
These transitional spaces depicts the liveliness of the space, it looks
boring and uninteresting to residents there. The mundanity of their
transitional spaces then becomes a stigma to how they perceive the
space despite efforts of greeneries, textures and the touch of locality.
Within the transitional spaces in the community, hints of inhabitations
can be found. Seatings, platforms, and many others are located
around the community but the usage of it is low. Because people
perceive those spaces as more of a passing through area than a area
of inhabitation. Despite its effort to allow comfort for the residents,
the mundanity of the area overwhelms its function. The pictures shows
the space as inhabitive, but why does it look dead and unused.
M U N D A N I T Y
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Overview Carparks Parks
Site Analysis
In understanding the everydayness and mundanity of the
site, I looked at the site context of area. I wanted to identify
things of importance to the community, and the transition
of the residents everyday life within that area as well. This
helped me spot different travelling patterns and gathering
areas that are mostly used.
Public Transport Residential Most frequented
Observation
What I found out was that people in that area mainly travel
back and forth from different areas to the public transport.
And despite the conventional and obvious walkways,
the people tend to have unconventional routes to their
destination. Mainly, the fastest and convenient way, possibly
sheltered areas as well.
Conclusion
While these unconventional routes creates convenience
for them, it takes away the essences of the space they are
passing through. Places like parks, benches, void decks,
and grass patches are often merely treated as a passing-by
place. Due to the mundanity and everydayness of the area,
these spaces are now seen without any spatial quality to it.
Even within the MRT.
Schools Main walkways Unconventional walkways
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U N D E R S T A N D I N G
T H E
M U N D A N E
Urban Acupuncture
The intention of using urban acupuncture to pin point
areas within the community that would benefit from having
a design to it. Mainly using the site analysis to identify
certain areas that would be best beneficial and effective
to design and treat on. As only within the mundane that
new-ness could be introduced, urban acupuncture relies
more on specific treatment than an entirety of design.
https://land8.com/pocket-parks-as-urban-acupuncture/
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project 1
project 1
PARK
From my site analysis and
understanding of the urban
acupuncture, I identified the best
possible location to begin my first
project. As the community transitions
revolves around getting to the MRT,
I chose the most frequented and
unconventional route as my site for
project 1, the park. This park has
main concern is, as a inhabitative
space, there is no inhabitation.
The space is then mainly used for
residents to cut across to get to the
MRT. I identified this opportunity to
recreate and break free from the
mundanity of the space through
its transition and inhabitation.
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Immersive Installation
Ryoji Ikeda - Code-Verse & Micro Macro (Identity, Experiential)
‘The Walk is an elevated walkway above the grass, helping humans realize
the importance of a small plant like grass, and pay attention to trivial
details around them that are usually neglected. ’ I feel that the initiation of
introducing a ‘ play ‘ transition brings life and curiousity to the environment.
The effect is clear on people walking the pathway moving to the installation.
Transitional Installation
Casa do Quarteiro - Neighbourhood (Sound, Light, Entertainment)
Reclaiming a physical space for convivial and collaborative use. In
this transitional urban walkway, the intervention seek to introduce a
design that could see inhabitation there. Introducing frameworks that
provides seating along the walkway, it seems like an extention of the
existing rundown site while creating new-ness to the spatial experience.
https://www.archdaily.com/953379/the-walk-bangkok-project-studio
https://divisare.com/projects/332350-orizzontale-rui-soares-casa-do-quarteirao
Light / Play Installation
Musical Seesaws - Place Des Festivals (Sound, Light, Entertainment)
Thirty giant seesaws and a series of video-projections on surrounding
building facades, all with accompanying music, transform the Place des
Festivals into an “illuminated playground.” I feel that the contrast and light
play creates a unique environment that stands out from the mundane on a
regular walkway.
Inhabitation Installation
Zighizaghi garden - Favara, Italy (Communal, Rest, Inhabitation)
A multi-sensory garden made of two levels, a horizontal level, the hexagonal
floor and seating area, and a vertical level, the lighting and sound systems.
By introducing a new platform that could be use as seating gives variety
to the space. Contrasting materials and consistent forms give the space
uniqueness.
https://www.archdaily.com/778680/impulse-installation-turns-montreal-into-a-musical-playground/566b26efe58ece9c1a0
https://www.contemporist.com/a-multi-sensorial-urban-garden-has-sprouted-up-in-italy/
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Micro Site Analysis
Upon choosing my site, I decided to do a micro site analysis
of the area. This was to identify what is unique to the space,
while understanding forms, shapes and context of the
existing site. By sketching over pictures I took from the site,
I outlined things that were consistent to the park. Physical
forms like contours, elevation, and canopies can all be seen
through the photos. These distinct features are true to the
site and allows a platform for me to furhter exaggerate on
what is there to break free from the mundanity of the space.
What intrigue me the most is materiality. The very clear cut
of materials between 2 areas/objects are very define. While
this park is filled with trees, the trees also creates a unique
looks to the space from its shadows, adding another layer of
texture-like material to the space.
In order to break free from the mundanity of the everyday
and of this site, my intention is to exaggerate the existing
rather than creating something entirely new. Making use of
what’s there to further push the site out of its comfort zone.
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1st mapping
2nd mapping
3rd mapping
Final Mapping
4th mapping
5th mapping
6th mapping
7th mapping
Combined mapping
Tree mapping
Descriptive Geometry
Using the methodology of descriptive geometry,
the aim is the exaggerate the existing site through
a unconventional method. Extending contour and
tangent lines of the site, overlapping, and creating
opportunities of exaggerating what is mundane to the site.
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Original mapping
1st iteration
2nd iteration
Final Mapping
3rd iteration
1st combined iteration
2nd combined iteration
3rd combined iteration
Fine tuning
Tree mapping
Transition Descriptive Geometry
The iterations looks to leverage off the geometries to create a
transition experience through the park. Mainly focusing on
the main paths that people use to transit through the park.
While exaggerating the existing, it looks to coexist as well.
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Original mapping
1st iteration
2nd iteration
Final Mapping
3rd iteration
4th iteration
5th iteration
6th iteration
combined iteration
Fine tuning
Transition Descriptive Geometry
The iterations looks to leverage off the geometries to create a
transition experience through the park. Mainly focusing on
the main paths that people use to transit through the park.
While exaggerating the existing, it looks to coexist as well.
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CITY THREAD
Precedent Study
This project looks to recreate a
transitional space into a inhabitative
space. The design is simple yet
examplary of creating the flow for
transition, highlighting spaces for
inhabitation. Using abstract forms and
graphics to define spaces, leaving
room for intepretation of how it could
be used.
Final Descriptive Geometry
The final geometry overlays everything, then extracting
it into 3D forms. This also helps with seeing the relation
between the transition and inhabitations. From here, I
decided to look into some case studies before ideating
to be further inspired. Ensuring my translation of ideation
would be the optimal experience I want to create.
https://www.archdaily.com/910948/city-thread-sports/5c5c555e284dd18a-
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1b00009a-city-thread-sports-axo?next_project=no
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Ideation & Translation
The idea revolve around a canopy
design which moderate light and
shadow, recreating the experience
of transition within the mundane.
Inspired by the existing site context
and texture.
The ideation revolves around the
concept of contour, height, gap,
depth and form to create a unique
light and shadow experience. The
possibility of using the ideas but
not over doing it is the challenge.
Height - Conceptually using the
trees around the site to work with,
the play with height then blends in
with the existing while the design
stands out.
Contour - The contours works with
the site context as seen. Elements
of contours and curves can be
seen throughout the site. Giving
an opportunity to blend in while
standing out as well.
Gap & Depth - The distance
between gaps and depths will
greatly affect the way shadow
and light are casted into the area.
The experience create should
be random like leaves but not
overwhelming, finding balance
between the two.
This application will be used for the
transitional experience, creating a
canopy that visually guides users
through the park. While the canopy
is to break the mundanity of the
space, the idea is to not overdoing
it which ends up overwhelming the
existing space. Creating a new but
familiar experience.
mapping
elevated transitional form
linear design
randomize size design
repetitive size design (bigger)
repetitive size design (smaller)
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MAT ERIAL ANALYSIS
MAT ERIAL T ESTING
depth (3 levels)
removing box-frame
translucency, color, materiality
deepen shadow effect
Precedent Study
This project was an installation in
the forest space by Oiwa Shrine,
a historical place of worship. The
design consist of super-thin films
that hangs between the trees. The
idea revolves around it swaying and
breathing with the space. Capturing
the essense and time that flows there.
MIRAGE IN THE FOREST
studio akane
frame, connecting
Originally, the idea was cubes forms to justify depth,
gap, and regularity that I was trying to create. However
inspired by the precedent study on ‘Mirage in the forest’,
I began looking at the possibility to introduce a new
form of materiality and texture to the canopy design.
Also going into detail of how the design would function
and look. While testing the materials, I tried to ideate
and play with the way each design connects. And by
removing the frame could remove the structure-like form
to the design. Looking into how night lighting could be
introduced. Maybe adding different colors and shade
that were inspired from the colors of trees leaves.
possibility for night light
After the testings, I decided to go with a porous fabric,
as it looks light to the eyes, while being able to cast
shadow effectively. Also, the light-ness allows it to sway
and mimic the trees, similar to the precedent studies
which have a very calming and natural experience to
it. While the form and structure of the canopy already
stands out from the existing, the choice of material helps
blend in a little rather than overwhelm the existing.
Overall, I will be using a porous material while
keeping the color to a single tone. As I feel multiple
colors of a artificial canopy would be very distracting.
http://akanemoriyama.com/works/16-4-mirage-in-the-forest.html
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Day/Normal Condition
In this collage, I tested the
materiality on the form of the
canopy and then adding it
to the site context. Visually
seeing how the canopy
would look like overall
within the site. Overall, I
believe the design works
well towards the intention of
breaking the mundanity by
exaggerating the existing,
rather than disrupting it.
Night/Light Condition
I also tested the possiblity of
introducing lighting design
to the canopy. In the context
where there is no sunlight,
could artificial light create a
different ambience through
the day or night? From
this test, I was pleasantly
surprised with the outcome
as before, it broke away
from the mundanity but not
disrupting the existing.
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IDEATION
FOR
INHABITATION
1 - Communal sharing
2 - Movie Night
3 - Platforms
4. Corner seats
As the residents tend to use this
park as merely a transition space
through the community to the public
transports, the park loses its purpose
of having inhabitative spaces. It is
a misopportunity for quality spaces
even if treated as a transitional space.
What I look to design for this space
is similar to how ‘City Thread’ treated
their forms to create unspoken spaces
for people to interprete and use.
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A SNEAK PEAK
The design intention of breaking the mundanity, starts from the
very point where people transit to and fro. The route towards
the MRT station and bus stop. This shows a sneak preview of the
inhabitation within the park, while the canopy bleeds into the
shelter of the walkway. Intruguing passerbys and residents to be
curious as the canopy visually leads the towards the park. There,
shadows casted by the canopy and trees casts unique texture
and shapes onto the surrounding, depending on the sun direction
throughout the day.
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INHABITATION
The reinvented inhabitations revitalizes the purpose of having
inhabitative spaces within parks. As the canopy envelopes the
park, the inhabitation seamlessly alights itself to the site and
canopy. Having multi-purpose inhabitations also allow more
forms of users to utilize the space. While the design also leaves
room for interpretation of how the space could be use, people
won’t have to be fixate on a certain way to use the space. Giving
them more freedom and choice within the area to inhabitate.
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INHABITATION
As the canopy design moderates light and shadow within the
space, blending in with the site context, it recreates the experience
of inhabitation and transition that people often use. The texture
and contrast each shadow cast gives is unique and changing
according to the time of the day. The enveloping shape of the
canopy also embraces the transitional paths that people use
so often to get across the park which changes their view and
experience of their transition. It not only visually guides people
through the park but almost physically as well.
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project 2
MRT
As a continuity of part 1, I decided
to look into the transition within the
MRT (mass rapid transit) train station.
The site studies shows from the
community, most are going towards
the MRT. This makes me look into the
mundanity of the train station. Similar
to neighbourhoods, train stations
have a standardize design to it. Then
replicating it through the regular
neighbourhoods. In all of Singapore,
there’s a ratio of 1 out of 20 stations
that are uniquely designed. Mainly
in the central areas of Singapore as
well. Is there a negligence towards
the MRT spatial experience in the
many other train stations?
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48
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Commuters
wants
to
shut themselves
out during such
Site Analysis
Through my site analysis, the three things I noticed was the
mundanity of the space, routine and pace.
Space
The space was designed to get people in and out of the
MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.
The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or to
the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period where
people walk through to get out.
Routine
Routine-like behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be
it standing on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry,
or waiting for the MRT. These routines became the norms
of how to use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become
influenced that these norms are how it’s supposed to be.
Pace
The most important factor in the transition of the MRT station
is pace. Not including peak hours, some people prefer to go
fast, some people prefer to go slow. While others follow the
flow of pace. There is a subconscious influence of how pacing
is set. When there’s a crowd moving fast, you subconsciously
move faster, not blocking others or the flow of space. While
it’s slow, you know that there’s no rush.
transitions.
alone
Being amidst the
faceless crowd.
Time
away
from
from reality.
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their
thoughts,
disconnecting
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jason_weemin/2948172761
Olafur Eliasson - Reality Projector
‘Eliasson has conceived of a seemingly simple, yet complex
installation that uses projected light and the existing
architecture of the space to create a dynamic shadow play.’
- Reality Projector. These shadows created by projected
light creates a artificial graphic wall that moves, it intrigues
passerbys to stop and look at such projection. The contrast
of the space darkness and composition enhance that effect
of immersiveness.
Ideating Phase 1
In line with my concept and research, I decided to go into
ideating phase with two main design strategy. Light/shadow
and spatial awareness/configurations.
Light/Shadow
The study of light and shadow is inspired by the precedent
study from olafur elliason and my strategy from project 1.
I realize a good method of creating a unique experience
would be from the use of light and shadow. With what I did
for project 1 and new insights on how play around with light,
I wanted to research on how people would react to certain
lighting and shadow effects.
https://www.artrabbit.com/events/olafur-eliasson-reality-projector
Spatial awareness/configurations
As people in the MRT wants to shut themselves out, I wanted
to investigate how much spatial changes I could do for the
immersive experience within the space, while not distracting
them. Understanding spatial configuration of how people
react will help me push my design further into creating the
atmosphere and spatial quality needed.
Combining research
My plan is to use my research on both above, combining
them to see what kind of design I could translate into a
transitional space. Doing out iterations from my ideations,
then picking out the best fit for my concept intentions.
Olafur Eliasson - Room for One Color
Featured on Netflix series, Abstract: The Art of design
features Olafur Eliasson. Monochromatic light where used
to create a ‘room for one color’, but when the bulb is turned
on, other colors began to become visible. Playing with how
people perceive space, using their primary sense of sight to
affect how one see the space. This helped me understand
how I could use different elements to create a immersive and
unique transition space.
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netflix/abstract:the art of design/12:13
Primary exploration (light & shadow)
This study will be on people’s reaction to different condition of lighting,
understanding their reaction and movement. How light and shadow forms affect
the perception of a space. A series of sketch that shows that understanding of
human to space.
This research method was inspired by my study on The Manhattan Transcript -
Bernard Tschumi. My translation was to abstract out reaction and the periphoral
perspective of a person towards different lighting condition.
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Primary exploration (spatial awareness & configuration)
medium
near
Moving into my exploration phase,
this study will be on how spatial
configuration affects a person’s
perception and awareness of space.
A series of sketch that shows that
understanding of human to space.
far
open
blocked
In a transitional space, I wanted to see the relation of people’s reaction to
width, height, depth, and size of the space. How people would transit between
these different transitional points.
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Further exploration between spatial configuration and light...
ceiling x light / shadow
From my primary explorations, I then wanted to merge it to
see the light/shadow effect from the different configurations.
Hence, I did out several iterations of design that curates
different lighting, shadow and perspective to a space. I did 3
iterations that varies from ceiling to walls to floors, deciding
that ceiling would be the best translation for my concept as
it does not overwhelm the space. It also ties in line with my
design strategy for project 1.
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Using vertical, horizontal, voids and planes for this research...
floor x light / shadow
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Identifying elements from the light and shadow forms that could be translated for transition...
wall x light / shadow
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Summary of Ideating Phase 1
In this ideation phase, it was focused on underrstanding
how people would react under the different condition I
was researching. However, my project started leaning
towards making the commuters being immerse into shutting
themselves out rather than getting their attention. With that
said, the research and ideation still helps with understanding
how much I could do without overdoing it. As well as the kind
of spatial configuration and lighting that would be needed.
While not everything I did will be used, it would be served
as an experiment of what did not work.
Moving on to Ideation Phase 2
I decided to then research on how immersive interiors are
created. What kind of atmosphere, condition, and lighting
would make a space immersive. How could I leverage off
the way people use the MRT transitional spaces to create a
distinct experience through the MRT. Enabling one to lose
themselves in the short transition.
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Immersive Installations
Ryoji Ikeda - Code-Verse & Micro Macro
The art installation by Ryoji Ikeda often feels like something outside of
normal phenomenological experience, with the flickering graphics, black
and white space, and sound. His art installation often feels like you are
holding your breath while looking at it, diving and looking into something
that is unknown. It creates an immersive experience and captivating sight
with the huge contrast and composition through the graphic and interior.
Using darkness and contrast
to create composition within the space.
https://www.grace.eu/work/ryoji-ikeda-code-verse-3/
Tamschick - Time Macine (2014)
This installation was to immerse the viewers into a 15 minute story of the
past. Bringing in a certain narrative to the graphic visuals which defers from
Ryoji Ikeda installation. These graphics having a narrative to it helps the
viewers immerse themselves in a different way. Whereby having to look and
understand what the story is about. From these 2 casestudy, is there a way
to narrate the story of the everyday mundane and pace?
https://www.cyclicdefrost.com/2016/05/watch-ryoji-ikedas-micro-macro/
Articulating the narrative of pace
to create an
immersive experience.
https://www.tamschick.com/en/projects/time-machine/
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reactive experiment of feelings - time
iterations
time in site
This exploration was to identify how feelings of ‘time’ could be
manifested visually. Manifesting graphically how pace would
be created through the use of paint. Inspired by the precedent
studies, I believed using a graphic wall would be impactful
into creating the atmosphere that I intended. The choice of
medium allows me to keep things conceptual yet able to test the
darkness and contrast. Similarly to the pace of the commuters
within the MRT, I identifying various visuals of how time would
be manifested when time is stopped, slowed and quickened.
medium - paint - strokes
time stopped, time slowed, time quickeneed
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Graphic on walls
Using paint as my medium as well, I tried to paint
a section view of how I would perceive the MRT.
With the hectic-ness portrayed, and the essense of
shadows and traces left behind due to the pace of
the place. I saw this experiment rather abstract and
artistic of a representation of pace. However, the
static image doesn’t allow me to feel the pace and
speed compared to if it was moving. Is it possible then
to create graphics that moves, that speeds up and
slows down according to the pace of the time/place.
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Graphic on floors
Inspired by Ryoji Ikeda’s Micro Macro installation,
this experiment was a take on the graphics of pace
from a plan view. I wanted to see the dynamics
and spread of pace are at, when people lean
towards walking on the sides or a particular side.
This abstraction of pace shows the density of crowd
and the shades represents the traffic. If the graphics
were screened on the floor, what kind of change
would it bring the the spatial quality? How would
people react to something indifferent yet unique?
Ideation for graphics
From here I wanted to do a series of painting for
my installative graphic walls. Further testing pace
in terms of intervals of the graphics, timing, and
speed of the graphics would greatly change the
perspective of the space. The upcoming iterations
would also verify if static graphics or moving
graphics would create a greater influence on a
immersive environment. Would it be shutters of static
graphics that moves? Or seamless graphics moving?
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Entrance Ideation
My first ideation process was to design for the entrances. As
a transitional change from the ‘outside’ to the ‘inside’ I was
looking to create a transitional change in atmosphere. As though
entering an ‘abyss’, I wanted that change to be drastic. I was
then contemplating regarding a seamless transition or a drastic
change. I ended up choosing with the drastical change as I feel
its impact in breaking free from the mundanity is more impactful.
Visually it also has a strong impact of entering an immerse space.
To create that change, I carved the ceiling to allow sunlight to
cast a shadow that naturally creates that drastic change.
Entrance Ideation
To create that immersive transition, I chose the graphic walls
to be on the sides of the escalators. As though while going
down, they are transiting into a completely different realm. The
distinct change in contrast and composition of the space allows
commuters to experience an impactful spatial quality of change.
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Walkway Ideation
In this explorations of iterations, I played around
with the use of contrast, darkness, composition and
the graphics. With the initial exploration on lighting
and spatial configuration to help create a believable
lighting environment and add to the hints of contrast.
I believe for an immersive atmosphere, the darkness
has to be more than light. Hence, most of the ideation
have a ratio of 65% darkness to 35% light. With that, I
went to sketch a series of possible design, focusing on
creating an immersive experience within a transitional
walkway. While other’s seem promising, some did
not. From here, I will take points from this and move on
into designing the site. Similar to urban acupuncture,
my next process is mapping out the areas.
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Mapping
With the methodology of urban acupuncture, I
mapped out the treatment needed for the transitional
spaces within the MRT. (part 2) For most parts, the
idea is similar, the graphics would be on the wall
while the ceiling creates minimal lighting. The reason
for this was keeping to the concept of not over-doing
the experience to become overwhelming. However,
on certain transitional areas that connects multiple
routes, I decided to tweak it up to do the graphic on
the floor. Visually it give a sense of break to the flow
for the decision to go different routes.
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Entrance
A transitional change from the ‘outside’ to
the ‘inside’, to create a transitional change
in atmosphere. As though entering an
‘abyss’, commuters enter a realm that shuts
themselves out of ‘the world’. More than just
a feeling, the spatial quality now provides
that experience of being able to do so.
Project 2 aims to reinvent the transitional
spaces within the MRT. Breaking the
mundanity of the space but focusing on
creating an immersive experience that
commuters could further immerse themselves
in. The intention of this experience not only
succeeds in creating an immersive transition
but breaking free from the mundanity of the
everyday transition within the MRT.
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Transition
While the graphics visually guides commuters through the
experience, the hints of ceiling light designs adds that extra
quality to the transition. Do people enjoy walking near the
middle where it’s dark and open? Or do people rather walk
near the graphic walls where its well lit and seeing their
shadows reflected onto the screens? While both creates that
immersive experience, it also creates two completely different
feeling to it.
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The space was designed to get people in and out of the
MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.
The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or
to the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period
where people walk through to get out. Routine-like behaviors
can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing on the left
of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting for the
MRT. These routines became the norms of how to use MRT
spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence. Routine-like
behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing
on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting
for the MRT. These routines became the norms of how to
use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence
Transition
In this connected transition, instead of the walls, the floor
becomes the graphic. It creates a visual sense of break to
the flow for the decision to go different routes. A change
in experience of the transition, change in dynamics. The
materiality of the floor would also be slightly glossy to reflect
light and shadows to lit the interior more. While it also gives
a sense of additional depth to the place instead of it being
pitch black.
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The space was designed to get people in and out of the
MRT station. There wasn’t much inhabitation or lingering.
The pathways were clearly either leading to the MRT or
to the exits. This transitional spaces are then just a period
where people walk through to get out. Routine-like behaviors
can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing on the left
of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting for the
MRT. These routines became the norms of how to use MRT
spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence. Routine-like
behaviors can be seen throughout the MRT. Be it standing
on the left of the escalator, waiting at the gantry, or waiting
for the MRT. These routines became the norms of how to
use MRT spaces. While it’s untold, one become influence
Transition
Right before entering into the gantry and platform of the
MRT, the entrance graphics serves as a point of destination.
A point of direction and a transitional change. This allow a
change into a ‘static’ transition at the platform. (project 3)
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project 3
MRT
As a continuity of project 2, this
project aims to tackle what I would call
a ‘static transition’. While transiting,
commuters reach the platform that is
standstill for five minutes of waiting.
The concept remains the same of
creating an immersive experience
where commuters can shut themselves
out. But the difference would be
between a ‘moving transition’ and
a ‘waiting transition’. As project 3 is
the platform of the MRT, what would
be best to create such an experience
in the moment of entering the space?
How would a static environment
capture the essense of an immersive
experience?
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Observation
Base on my site study and analysis in project 2,
people tend to have certain behaviors within the
MRT. That could be said when at the platform as
well. There are people who stands and wait by
the door, while people who are scavenging for
the little seat they have in the MRT to rest. Some
prefer going to the corners or leaning against the
wall while others dont really mind just standing
in the middle.
There I decided to split my zoning into 2, mainly
a zone nearer to the doors and the other towards
the middle. I decided not to do more because
I did not want to have definitive spaces. These
commuters chose those specific way of waiting
because that’s their way of shutting themselves
out. I rather leave an open ended of how a person
had to use the space to immerse themselves.
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Sketch ideation of bringing in skylight.
Olafur Eliasson - The Weather Project
The art installation by Ryoji Ikeda recreated the sun and the sky to occupy
the Turbine Hall. The artificial ‘sun’ created a mood-altering atmospherics
and unusual appeal to the space. The hierarchy of the light overwhelms the
users as it glares upon them. While people cannot help but look towards it
in awe. For the train station platform, I wanted the immersive experience to
be focal and large to the space.
The contrast and composition of darkness running through
https://publicdelivery.org/olafur-eliasson-the-weather-project/
SANAA - Teshima Art Museum
With the use of openings, it brings in nature. Natural lighting, heat,
ambience, and a view to the exterior. The interior seem as though its shaping
how the outside looks, while the sunlight is shaping the light source and
shadow in the interior. The simplicity of a simple cut out of the ceiling brings
so much more to the interior. While the materiality provides a contrast of
how concrete is always heavy yet it seems so light here.
The graphic creates an immersive static immerse experience
https://www.azuremagazine.com/events/sanaa-the-architecture-of-kazuyo-sejima-and-ryue-nishizawa/
With the concept of project 2
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Ideation
I decided to go with the rounded shape for the
ceiling opening as it has a better effect as a
spotlight. Something regular visual impact on the
space wouldn’t be as strong. This main ideation
creates a ‘grand’ gesture upon entering the
MRT platform. Where the immersiveness of the
space is greatly enhance with the surrounding
still covered with the same concept of darkness,
contrast, and composition. But rather than
something transitory in project 2, project 3 aims
to look at the experience of a ‘static’ transition.
WOHA - Bras basah MRT station
A very deep station where visual connectivity is
designed to the exterior. Using water covered glass
skylight, from the exterior it just looks like a reflection
pool. But from the interior, it creates an immense
skylight. This case study shows the the possibility of
my idea going through as it is a localize project that
is built. With that, it gives me some ideas of how the
exterior and interior could be better connected.
https://www.archdaily.com/40802/bras-basah-rapid-transit-stationwoha/5011ea9828ba0d5f4c000416-bras-basah-rapid-transit-station-wohaphoto?next_project=no
Bouroullec Brothers - Vitra Campus
A ring-like seat that runs around a tree, where the
tree is the hierarchy point and the seat where people
meet around it. Creating something pragmatic and
simple of a seat but somehow a poetic gesture.
Similarly to my project, I was thinking of how I could
reinvent the seatings within the MRT. And as I have
the main light coming in as a beacon, could I use
that to create something similar to this?
Photo: courtesy Kunsthal Aarhus : https://www.fastcompany.com/90127700/thiscircular-park-bench-is-the-most-scandinavian-thing-ever
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Ideation
A smaller gesture of my initial idea was to create that highlight
onto the MRT doors. Will it change the way people wait? Will it
change the way people perceive of themselves entering into the
train itself? As another transitonal change, as though entering
into a door thats highlighted. A series of sketch as I discover
the best way to curate the experience of immersiveness.
Final Ideation
For project 3, my intention is similar to project 2 as a
continuity of concept. However, the approach of the
transition changed from ‘moving’ to ‘static’. The MRT
platform is on a static point and is a waiting space,
but people are still in the midst of ‘transiting’.
In wanted to design that immersive experience of
allowing commuters to shut themselves out, I chose to
go with something grand. As though upon entering
the space, they are surrounded by visual tells. On the
grand scale and gesture, not only the initial graphic
walls, but also the natural light that enters into the
space that envelopes the interior. While on the smaller
scale within the space, the doors and seats creates
that immersive experience as well.
As a continuity of project 2, to show the difference of
immersion between the two type of transition.
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Section
This section view shows the placement of
lights, composition and overall ambience of
the space. How each area is articulated with
light and darkness. The placement of seatings
are also align to the door lightings on the
sides.
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Visually struck on the space upon entering through the gantry to the platform.
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The overview of the entire platform, as people inhabit the space.
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