CONCEPT:
This year’s major project was called “Perform”.
As a designer, the idea of creating a space which is used for performing arts is very exciting, this is because it provides lots of opportunities with the tones, textures, architectural formations, and installations which can be used within the space. We were given 3 different host buildings: The Boneyard, St Pauls church (Cardiff) and Stiwido Seligman. Initially, I was drawn to the church as the interior architecture had large arched formations which accentuated the stone textures used for the space; making it seem widely open and grand. However, after researching into all three host buildings I was incredibly excited about the Boneyards flexibility, sustainability, and creativity.
BONE YARD:
The performance I dedicated to this space came from a personal experience from when I was little. As a kid I went to see the Opera; Aida in the beautiful Aerona di verona. It was spectacular; my young mind was blown away by the bright, bold, and rich colours which accentuated and embraced the amphitheatre environment. I decided to use the flexibility and creativity of the shipping containers to create a modern amphitheatre which would act as a performance space for Aida. This concept has enabled me to develop as an interior designer as it has allowed me to explore further into amphitheatre design, forms, and textures as well as it’s interaction with the ancient Egyptian opera. Personally, I have always leaned towards the interior architecture side to this course, focusing on my ability to use the surrounding space and its architectural formations and blending them into the interior design of the environment. In this case I am incredibly interested in using the arched formations which are carved into the amphitheatre exterior as part of the main focal point within my final designs for this major project.
‘AIDA’ MOOD BOARD
This ‘PERFORM’ space must include a performance and bar space as well as a display space to showcase artefacts, designs etc. To continue with my ‘AIDA’ themed space, I intend to research further into the set design used within the performances and incorporate features, colours, textures, and tones into my own designs. Although the Boneyard provides me with great opportunities, their rectangular shape, materialistic properties, and hard exterior will mean I need to take into consideration the potential limitations/ problems I may face during this project. For example, the shipping containers are exposed to many insecticides and, therefore, their interior will need to be changed- thus meaning the original colour will have to be discarded.
The process of exploring the host site and developing a concept for my design was incredibly fun and exciting, however, if I was to do it again, I would investigate and survey the host site in more depth as this would have provided me with extended knowledge about the site. This would have provided me with more detailed opportunities and restrictions and analysis of the space. Due to Covid -19 it was hard to access the space and therefore, prevented me from doing this.
Charlotte's blog 