Title: Untitled
Size: 8 in x 12 in Medium: Paper mache and card-stock Completion: April 2024 This was my first time working with architecture, and it was a challenge for me because I do not feel comfortable working with three dimensional art. This model is a small representation of a shelter that is shaped like a flower. A person would be able to go under the petals and into a small, shaded, secluded area to feel a sense of privacy. |
Inspiration
Fresh Flower by Tonkin Liu
Tonkin Liu was founded din 2002 by Anna Liu and Mike Tonkin. These two architects are inspired by nature and base their designs off of the natural world, as well as the architecture found in the US, China, UK and Japan. Their designs are truly creative and resemble organic objects found in nature.
I was drawn to this particular structure because I loved the way the structure shelter people from the sunlight, creating an open and closed space at the same time. This structure was made to look like a flower and I found that very creative because it serves a purpose of shielding groups of people from the sunlight, but it can be a decorative architectural piece as well. I wanted to incorporate those aspects into my own architecture model after I had planned three of them.
I was drawn to this particular structure because I loved the way the structure shelter people from the sunlight, creating an open and closed space at the same time. This structure was made to look like a flower and I found that very creative because it serves a purpose of shielding groups of people from the sunlight, but it can be a decorative architectural piece as well. I wanted to incorporate those aspects into my own architecture model after I had planned three of them.
Planning
The model of this house attempts to present a homey feeling because of its bungalow style. Bungalows have limited space and have one floor. Their look resembles a cottage which can be accommodating for some people. I want this home to feel cozy and simple. To me a larger house can be overwhelming to maintain the cost and to decorate, this house would be adequate for people who slowly want to ease into the responsibility of owning a home.
This model offers a rejuvenating feeling. The model is supposed to be an enlarged tree house that lets someone feel closer to nature whilst maintaining the amusement of a regular tree house.
This was my original model but constructed with better quality. However, I was told to go for a more abstract idea of my project. To focus on one aspect that a house provides instead of the whole house.
The word that I chose to focus on was privacy, because that becomes more important as we age. To make a fun design out it inspired by Tonkin Liu, I drew a flower that bends downwards and provides a shelter for those seeking privacy.
Process
Experimentation
Process
After the armature was done, the last step was to add the petals. I looked up common petal shapes and chose one that was simple. I drew it out on the card stock and then cut it out. After one was cut out, I used it to draw more, until I had a total of 7 petals. Later I realized they were too small, and made longer versions of them. The last thing I made was a folded piece of paper with cuts in it to make the flower's receptacle. I glued the receptacle to the stem and then proceeded to add the petals to the receptacle. This proved to be the most difficult part of the process because I could not decide how to place the petals. When planning it out, they would fall, bend, and I could not figure out how to flue them in the right section. Sometimes the bottom would touch the table but then it would sway upwards and not touch the table anymore. Eventually I just glued each petal onto the stem one by one and that proved to be okay .
Critique
Similarities include the shelter created by the petals, use of lighting, and overall design.
Differences include how many people are supposed to use the shelter at a time, the added stem in my design, and how the petals are assembled.
Differences include how many people are supposed to use the shelter at a time, the added stem in my design, and how the petals are assembled.
Reflection
I think that I developed as an artist by again trying to improve my skills in 3 dimensional construction. This skill of mine is very weak an can use some improvement, but this project helped me to get a bit more experience in that area. I think that my final project is alright for my first time making a model like this, and I would say that it connects to my inspiration very well, as the designs are very similar in function and purpose. The biggest challenge I encountered during this process was adding the petals to the armature, because they were being very stubborn and I was getting desperate for any decent result. My favorite part was playing around with the lighting for the final photo, because it made my final piece look so much better. I also liked making the clay, working with it was not as fulfilling as making it but it was fun creating it nonetheless.. I hope that others can see that I was going for a theme of privacy with my final model.
Check list
ACT
Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause effect relationship between your inspiration and its effect on your artwork?
The beauty of the flower shape and the protective petals were the biggest inspiration
What is the overall approach the author has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Nature is a huge inspiration for architecture
What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, culture, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
Architecture can be temporary, functional, and simple
What is the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?.
Shelters that feel comforting and secluded
What kind of inferences did you make while reading your research?
-Architecture can be inspired by anything, especially overlooked natural wonders
Bibliography:
“Tonkin Liu.” Tonkin Liu, tonkinliu.co.uk/.