Monday, June 16, 2008

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Finalised Model - Sketchup Images




















Sections











Overall model











Overall model in relation to site

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Sketches/Ideas

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Aim and New Working Narrative

At this stage, I would like to create a gallery that is a ‘simple box’ but which will attempt to reflect the emotions affiliated upon entering different spaces (reflective of the artworks). The focus is now on Aboriginal art, reminiscent of the culture and their history. One could say the program is a timeline of their history. Understanding and appreciating their art is a different experience each time.


NARRATIVE:

A solemn, reflective space, intended to heighten emotions and feelings developed through the interpretation of unique, miscellaneous Aboriginal art and its glorification.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Reconsideration of Artists

My initial focus on a number of different artists has been shifted to only Aboriginal artists. While the idea of exploring and expressing the gallery’s “capability” in exhibiting a range of art created in numerous media, the notion of Aboriginal culture has also been taken in consideration. I initially wanted to “glorify” the culture by also using the mural adjacent to my site however this glorification is rather limited and restricted and would most likely not be conveyed efficiently.

ABORIGINAL ARTISTS TO CONSIDER:

Gordon Bennett (Painting – social issues, issues regarding identity, the past):











Albert Namatjira (Traditional landscape paintings – depicts almost faithfully and beautifully the many landscapes of his native land):













Fiona Foley (Lithograph/Installation):











Tracey Moffatt (Video/photography):



















Michael Riley (Photography):



















Emily Kngwarray (Painting):












David Malangi (Sculpture/Bark Painting):

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Working Narrative

A solemn and non-conformist space that will provide a surreal and expressive stimulation through the glorification of a collection of meaningful art.

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Keywords

Some keywords picked up throughout the research and analysis:

Bohemian: A term signifying ‘artsy’, ‘arty’ or ‘non-conformist’. This reflects the intended project. Non-conformist – part of what has been talked about will be challenged and not be taken into account. For example, I am not considering of imitating the ‘Art Deco’ style, use materials other than aluminium and perhaps create an ‘autonomous’ structure that does not relate to its surroundings?

Expressive stimulation:
The art gallery should stimulate the individual’s mindset as well as create the perfect ambience that will allow one to experience emotional and mental stimulus.

Surrealism: The individual should be taken to “another dimension” once they walk into the space. This idea is parallel to the individual being able to experience ‘expressive stimulation’.

Purpose: “I have a dream” at the entrance reminds, not only the up-and-coming artists, but also us that there is always hope, to persevere, never give up. The art gallery acts as a 3D representation of that notion, inspiring the public to pursue their beliefs.

Solemn Monumentality: Although restricted to certain requirements, the notion of conveying monumentality will be explored. How can one create grandeur within a space with restricted requirements? In my eyes it reflects Minimalist architecture.

Glorification: Works of art should be preserved and recognised. They should be given the rightful merit and praise they deserve – a celebration. They will be treated as almost sacred. Artworks are entities that are very meaningful; this is why they cannot be disregarded and must be shown in the most exquisite manner.

Neutral: The building should not be overly exuberant, the spaces for the artworks should not be flamboyant or colourful but rather more subdued - light, creamy colours should be used. For darker tones, use black, grey etc.

Autonomous: Independent - the architecture will not conform to its surroundings but will focus on its intentions and purpose – the exhibition of ‘new’ art.

Minimalist: This style embodies what has been mentioned and so it will be in this manner that the art gallery will be constructed.

PROJECT 3: Art Gallery - Precedents/Interesting Architecture

The Giorgio Armani stores by Claudio Silvestrin struck me the most. They are very elegant, modern and neutral in their design. They exhibit grandeur – but within a confined interior space, which I thought was highly interesting as I usually relate the word ‘grandeur’ to the exterior of a building – perhaps should it be described as ‘solemn’ (it is a “celebration” of art, it is ‘ceremonious’). Other keywords that come to mind: impressive, awe, inspiring, ceremonial. Although the Giorgio Armani stores appear ‘neutral’ and ‘autonomous’, they are somewhat very expressive and can be subtly perceived as works of art themselves. The lighting used was also very appealing and set a definite transcendent mood. Materials used: limestone, ebony.















Another building that grabbed my attention was the ‘Y House’ by Japanese architect Kei ‘Ichi Irie. The main reason was due to the heavy use of concrete that he used throughout the house. This reflects the Japanese approach to architecture in terms of ‘lightness’, ‘simplicity’ and ‘precision’. These are relevant keywords to note. The interior is composed of slightly, angled walls which gives the entire house a whole new dimension. It is reminiscent of Minimalist architecture – a style I highly admire. The building is not big in size, but the Minimalist approach has given the illusion that the space is vast. Materials: concrete, steel (stairs).

















Stone Museum - Kengo Kuma: the layering of the stone turned into slats to enable small openings was astute in allowing the interesting passage of light as well as the elegant overall structure. This is actually slightly reflected in the current structure on my site (as mentioned before). He also focused on the idea of ‘lightness’ via two means: use of stone as slats of stone and hollowing portions of a solid wall.














Murcia Town Hall - Rafael Moneo: its façade is quite interesting, the window openings create this rhythmic pattern, providing dynamism to the overall composition, hence allowing the public to metaphysically interact with it.