Spatial Experiences
Lab Spring 2021: Project 1
SPACE MAKING / HUMAN EXPERIENCE
Just as we shape the environments around us, they also shape our experiences and engage our senses. Designers have an integral role to play in the design of physical environments where people live, work, learn, and play. Through an understanding of users and interactions, designers are able to craft experiences that tell stories, aid usability, evoke emotions, entertain, etc.
Material: thin cardboard / chipboard / thick paper
Method: cutting and interlocking joints
2/3 — Exploring Modules
The assignment:
- Design 3 different modules, each approx. 1 in. x 1 in. and make 10–15 of each.
- For each module, make two 3-D structures (total of 6 configurations)
I started off by brainstorming and sketching module shapes. At the top of the page I drew the three most basic shapes I might build from/ reference — a triangle, circle, and square. I also considered the possibility of organic vs. angular shapes.
I decided I wanted to explore all three of the “building-block shapes” I’d listed, just to start off with the basics. However, instead of doing just regular old squares, triangles, and circles, I also wanted to add a little variation.
Module 1: Rectangular
For my rectangular module, I decided to change it up a little by giving it a fold and slits on opposite ends —
I played around with different ways of connecting the modules, and ended up with this —
Configuration 1.1: Gateway / Arch / Open Tunnel
- I thought something to note from this exploration was shadow. In the right photo directly above, you can see that the structure is almost straight from a bird’s eye view, and yet casts a very different, dynamic shadow.
Configuration 1.2: Geometric / Patterned
I also realized after the last configuration, that there were few other ways to connect the modules, as each only had two slits in all the same places. So, I went back and increased the number of slits from two to four.
For this configuration, I used a “stairs”/up+down rule to connect the pieces and ended up with this structure. I enjoy the way it looks so uniform from the top view, and yet is completely more dynamic from a lower angle.
… and a variation:
Module 2: Triangular
For my triangles, I cut the slits at an angle. I tried connecting one to another with no rule in particular —
and then for my other structure, used more of a pattern —
Module 3: Organic/curvy
Instead of doing perfect circles, I decided to play around with some curvy, organic, almost bean-like shapes.
With the modules, I first created this bridge/arch —
and then tried closing the loop, ending up with this pretty dynamic structure —
2/4 — Class Discussion + Feedback
2/7 — Creating a Space
The assignment: create a structure / choose a verb to describe human interaction with the structure / create a drawing of the structure+multiple people interacting with it using the verb.
I had enjoyed the module explorations I’d done, but none of them quite intrigued me enough for me to want to build a whole structure out of them. So, I went back to Pinterest for some inspiration! While browsing, something that I had in mind was that I wanted the modules themselves to be more sophisticated and intriguing, so not too flat or one-dimensional.
I stumbled upon this cool interior wall/partition, and really liked how there was an added layer of interlocking + overlap, so simplified the shape and tried it out (right). It worked, so I went forward with creating the structure! —
While interlocking, I realized that because the slits are all in one direction/ orientation, the number of ways I could connect the modules was very limited — I could only really build straight up/ horizontally across. So, I tried adding slits in the middle of the module (left), but felt that it made it a little too chaotic and more random than intentional. Then, I tried leaning one of the pieces on its side, creating a little bench (right), and went forward with the idea of creating a structure where people could gather, sit, talk.
I actually didn’t end up using the interlocking method I’d originally made the modules for, because I thought it might make it too busy/crowded. I honestly felt like I could have done more with the structure, but at this point it was 4 am and I just wanted to go to sleep:((
2.9 — Individual feedback
Breakout Rooms:
- Nice craftsmanship, structure feels delicate
- Reminds of a jungle gym is a lounge spot — concept is playful and fun
- Arch makes it feel like one cohesive structure even though there’s only one bench.
Suggestions:
- Give more purpose to the arch: it doesn’t exactly “shepherd” people to gather and sit together.
- For example, maybe try turning the left side of the arch into stairs that could be seating space?
From Q:
- Module shape is sophisticated but very very simple. The shape and slit positions limit the possibilities of structure building. Because it’s flat (no scoring/folding), there’s also no variation out of a single module.
- Too widely open, doesn’t feel like a single space.
- Try adding scoring/folding to add more flexibility and variation!
- Block out spaces to communicate the “inside”/”outside” of the structure.
Other Notes from Class Discussion
- Communicate the interaction you intend without having to tell/instruct.
- Is it practical? Is it actually climb-able, sit-able, etc.
- Consider light and shadows!
- Space =/= object
- Emotion — “what does this structure make me feel?”
- How do we perceive spaces through our senses? (sight, touch, smell, etc.)
- What changes our perspective of space? (color, pattern, texture, visual rhythm, scale, lighting, time, motion, memory,,,)
- Encouraging uncommon interactions and engagement (directing people to look up at the ceiling, interact with the floor, walls, etc.)
2.11 — Back to the drawing board
Although I received really helpful feedback on my last structure, I honestly felt like there was more I wanted to change about it than keep. Plus, I sadly didn’t feel much attachment to it. So, I decided to clear the board and start from square 1.
Although, I still really enjoyed the idea of creating a space for people to sit — sitting implies intimacy, rest, togetherness, somewhere to stay a while and connect and commune. Like I wrote in my drawing for the last iteration — “sharing space = sharing life.”
So, I started out by playing with “bench” shapes (left and middle below). I also sort of returned to the first module I’d ever explored — the scored rectangles. I realized that to create a curve out of multiples of these scored rectangular- modules, some of the slits would have to be diagonal (middle below). This led me to cutting the sides at an angle to create some extra variation (aka not have regular ole rectangles), which led to the structure left below!
Things I think it does well:
- The shape the structure forms from the birds’ eye view is natural and pleasing.
- The structure utilizes both its “inside” and “outside” sides. The outside is an interactive, “sit-able” wall, while the inside creates little “rooms” for people to come into.
- If it were to be life-size, I think it would naturally communicate the interaction of sitting — the benches automatically imply somewhere to sit on, and people could climb up the different levels of the benches, almost like stairs.
Concerns:
- I LIKE THE COLOR BUT IT MAKES IT LOOK LIKE STICKS OF GUM😭
- I’d say the shape is pretty dynamic, but far more width-wise then height-wise — it doesn’t have much height.
2.11 — Class Discussion and Feedback
2.12 — Starting Over (again)
I enjoyed my last structure — but, still wasn’t quite satisfied. Again, I felt like there was only so much I could do with these long, rectangular pieces. So, I decided to start from scratch one more time.
Going into this structure, there were a couple things I had in mind that I wanted:
- Repetition of the same shape, with its position being altered slightly one after the other to create a rhythm and movement over time. (examples, see below!) I think building/expanding more intuitively with no particular rule in mind can work well with some modules to create really dynamic and impactful structures, but from my own research and explorations, I found that I personally found ones with a distinct pattern and rhythm more engaging to look at and interact with over a longer period of time.
- I also wanted to explore the idea of alluding to backyard pagodas —
so that my structure, when placed in a park, would be like making the park kind of like the “public’s backyard,” and be a pagoda for the people:) If the city is the house, the public park is the backyard — a place for people to step outside, enjoy the fresh air, sit and engage and unwind and connect.
One feedback I received from a friend was concern that the long connecting piece was a little in-cohesive, and that the structure didn’t quite address the goal of having the pieces interlock with each other, instead being connected solely through a completely different shape.
With the structure in the upper right photo, I began to think about what it might look like if the squares were empty in the middle. From there, I began to brainstorm about a tunnel/shelter-esque configuration of sorts.
As I played around with lining up those rectangles next to each other, I realized I could line them up by leaning them on each other diagonally — example:
From there, I realized I could modulate these by folding over longer rectangles and connecting them at the “base” of those triangles!
I also realized I could cut the top part at an angle to create more visual pattern and intrigue — following the earlier consideration to foster uncommon interaction by drawing eyes upward at the ceiling. (although, they’re not quite visible in these pictures because I mocked-this up very quickly and without actual measurements)
2.14 — More developments
After creating this iteration out of chipboard, I talked with Daphne, who suggested removing or changing the seating, as it seems a little out of place and takes away from the delicate-ness and beauty of the rest of the structure.
After that, I considered removing the seating entirely and actually turning my structure into a walkway — something to go through, not stay inside. I also figured that if I wanted to play off the idea of repetition and pattern, I should have at least 8 modules or so, because the current 4 didn’t give off much of a sense of pattern.
However, I realized that then my structure would completely consist of the same module connected the same exact way in one direction — so I figured it needed some variation. My solution was to cut out multiple slits on the leg, so that I could vary where/how high the legs were connected. I settled on the idea to heighten the inter-locking by one slit each time, and then lower after getting to the highest point (see bottom of left picture above for ref).
I also went home this day to work on my module with yellow and green paint thinking that I could go with a natural, green color, but decided after finishing my structure that I wanted to paint it red to pop out in a green setting instead. However, it was 1 am at this point and I had no means of obtaining red paint. sadness
Considerations
- more in-place, pavilion structure (4–6 modules) with seating vs.
- longer, “traveling” structure (6–10 modules) intended for walking through?
- the perfect length for a conversation. A pair walks into the structure, converse as they journey through, and as they exit, leave as different people than as they entered — wiser, more connected, more human.
- Earthy colors in an urban space vs. bright red in the forest
- uncommon interaction as eyes are drawn upward to look at the alternating “ceiling” pattern
- increasingly heightened slit connection pattern — scratch (slits are too distracting) vs. keep (may be too simple without)
- possible seating: singular flat rectangle running across the side of the “legs,” keep it delicate and conceptual
Adjectives:
- bright, engaging, inviting
Feedback
- Chris: “playful and surreal — pops out”
- Angela: “historical, yet also modern. Monumental. Reminds of a tent. Arches above compliment forest setting well”
- Noah: “inviting, piques my curiosity. Dizzy, but the cool kind”
2.16 — so many things happened this day;-;;
Feedback from Q:
- Structure is elegant and interesting from human perspective but lacks in form from different angles. Consider adding another module to create more volume, although there’s a possibility it may take away from the focused tunnel-vision view.
- 5 slits is too many! Two may be better
- Color inside/outside different colors to create a sense of rhythm, contrast, and harmony
Feedback from TA’s
- Dani mentioned that the modules being slid closer to each other toward the middle of the structure is a nice idea to give the structure some variation (as without it, there would basically be no variation throughout the structure), but that the communication is a little unclear — someone may misperceive that the structure was accidentally scrunched-up in the middle.
= MY PLAN
- cut out new modules with three slits instead of 5, more spaced out so that the variation in interlocking will be more obvious and therefore look more intentional.
- Figure out colors — choose the two to go on the outside/inside — and PAINT
COLORS
I began to play around with different color combinations, as well as had the idea to do a gradient. I knew I wanted to keep the true red color, so I ended up choosing a yellow-orange to compliment the vibrant, bright warm theme to pop out in my intended forest setting. As I played around with colored pencil in my sketchbook, I realized that if I had the outside color go from red to yellow and the inside from yellow to red, the two would meet to form the same orange in the middle! My eureka moment. The color would then serve as its own narrative: two different, unique people walk into the structure, which is the perfect length for a short but meaningful conversation. As they walk and converse, they reach the middle where their different colors blend into one: they find common ground, connect. When they walk out, they’re not the same people as they walked in as: they’re a little wiser, a little more connected, a little more human. They’ve made their mark on each other and they leave changed.
However, as I cut out my new modules, I also realized that if I made one side shorter than the other, I could actually curve my structure. But!!! after hopping into office hours with Q and a solid hour or so of contemplating whether I should change my module shape again, I realized while fidgeting with my modules again that if I just connected them higher up on one side, this would also create a curved structure!
2.17 — Painting and Assembly
Note: my new adjectives at this point were: grand, engaging, memorable
Picture time!
FINAL
Things I learned
- Colors and shape and form can tell a story! Translating a narrative and intended user experience into 3D form/space requires a lot of thought and consideration.
- Not to second guess myself so much!!!! I honestly appreciated this project a lot but I know I would have enjoyed it a lot more had I not over-thought it so much. I think I was really overwhelmed by the fact that I could make literally any shape in the world, and on top of that, there was no way to know what kind of structure those shapes might end up forming — the uncertainty and broad-ness I think kind of paralyzed me in the beginning, which led to me second-guessing a lot of my decisions throughout the project.
- Thankfully, I ended up with a final product I’m pretty proud of, and I’m especially fond of the concept for the “perfect length for a conversation” and leaving the space changed and more connected, but I do wish I’d been able to narrow in earlier on so that I could have developed it more concretely and with more peace of mind.
