Every piece tells a story and every arrangement opens a door to new interpretations and possibilities.
In Action 3 of Spatial Design Practices: Situated Ecology module, we embarked on a journey to understand how various materials and discarded objects—such as wood debris, flowers, and pine cones—could be reimagined to challenge conventional design ideas.
This action took us deep into the theory of connection points, revealing the possibilities inherent in diverse material interactions on a physical level.
I collected multiple objects from Victoria Park, Gunwharf Quays and Hot Walls, Portsmouth.
The First Attempt: Unleashing Creativity
The initial foray into this exploration was about creating an aesthetically pleasing assemblage. It was the beginning, like clearing one’s throat before a speech, assembling materials in an attractive way was a method to release and refine our preliminary creative impulses.
Connection methods: Jamming and wiring
The Second Attempt: Playing with Structural Integrity
With a bit more daring, the second attempt focused on having fun while testing the structural limits of my design. By rearranging the elements and relying on the weight of certain parts, such as a wet log of wood and pine cone string, I experimented with balance and tension. This approach challenged my understanding of stability and opened up new avenues for creative construction.
Connection methods: Jamming, wiring, balancing, stacking, strapping, threading, and tension
The Third Attempt: Defining the Action Line
My third iteration brought about the concept of the 'action line'—an invisible trajectory that draws the viewer’s eye to a specific area, enhancing the narrative conveyed by the assembly. This attempt played with the notion of negative space, not just in two dimensions but within our three-dimensional setup, inviting onlookers to complete the image in their minds.
Connection methods: Jamming, wiring, balancing, stacking, strapping, threading, tension, piercing, hanging, and ACTION LINE.
The Final Product: A Harmonious Balance
Building on the precarious setups of the second attempt, the final design featured a pine cone delicately balanced on a string, keeping the wooden log upright. This recreated the visual action line from the third attempt, this time directing the gaze towards a beautifully arranged cluster of flowers, positioned to complete the visual journey.
This exploration not only tested my design capabilities but also pushed the boundaries of how we perceive and interact with materials. By challenging the norms of material use and structural integrity, I found harmony and beauty in unexpected combinations, reflecting a deeper understanding of the potential that lies in everyday objects.
Connection methods: Jamming, gluing, tying, hanging, wiring, balancing, stacking, strapping, threading, tension, piercing, hanging, and ACTION LINE.
Section, Connection methods, and annotated Elevation of Theorial Thing by author.
All figures are taken and owned by the author.
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