My final design is centered around circulation. The dynamic main circulation ramp allows the visitor to reach the upper floor whilst still being able to examine and view the works hanging on the walls. It is designed to be a sculptural piece in itself, I previously examined the Kiasma art gallery in Finland and it has utilsied the central ramp as a means of circulation and a focal point that shapes the rooms either side of it. (see image below)
A key design aspect of the uniquely scuplutresque ramp, which acts as an artistic centerpiece of the design. Not only is it for circulation but it is a place for viewing artworks hung on the walls and also to view King St. Similarly to Kiasma By Steven Holl I have used the circulation ramp to shape the galleries either side of the ramp to gain maximum exhibition space in quite narrow site.
Once upstairs the viewer is treated to a double height gallery of a combination of painting and photographed works.
As you enter the lower floor you are greeted with a double hight atrium space with an overlooking platform forming a mezzanine space above where people will gather on opening night or for other functions to talk and discuss the art works. On the left there is a working gallery where the artist will work on his art and the public are welcome to watch and take some advice or ask questions about his thought processes or just watch his creativity explode. (Note there is also a space on upper floor where people are able to look down into the workspace from above adding an unusual dimension to the work i.e. ariel perspective)
To the right there is the double height galleries washed with subtle light splashed in through the skylights. The double height gallery is complemented with the incorporation of parallelogram shaped skylights, which enable the light to wash off the walls and illuminate the the vaulted roof and create to create a sculpturesque masterpiece.
The vaulted roof is used to create a 'washing' of light form the openings either on the roof or the walls spread around the semi-circular shape evoke its sculpturesque qualities and allow light natural into the lower floors.
Also situated on the on the upper floor is the painting gallery. This gallery is a long space that utilises a unique natural light diffuser integrated into the top of the wall separating the room into 2 sections. Behind this the apartment or 'living space' is located. It houses the bed, private bathroom and kitchen for the artist, also there is a set of stairs leading into his workshop and storage space downstairs. With a retractable wall this then enables easy access to the painting gallery.
I have addressed the blank wall of the car-park with movable lovers that can be opened during the day to provide light into the workspace and evoke a sense of public involvement in the gallery and closed at night to secure the works.
As an overview of the project I believe I have been able to create a gallery and living space where an artist can work and display his works of art in an efficient yet uniquely different way.
In relation to the Second Project:
Similarly to the Second project this is an interior based scheme. In other words it is focused on the openings and how light is treated i.e. if it is distorted, diffused etc... I have utilised some of the methods and techniques discussed in project 2. I have integrated glass into the courtyard which will sit slightly hight than the mesh to catch the light on the edge of the glass and diffuse it down into the courtyard. Also illuminating the lower ground level spaces in close vicinity. Also the emotive properties that various degrees of enclosure evokes i.e. if it is dark it could evoke coldness or create a slightly depressive space.
