I was kind stuck in my experimentations with deployable structures and could not come up with more creative or artistic designs. Also I just don’t know if they will work structurally. So I decided to take a step back and just think about structures that are transformable. I immediately thought about modular structures because of the versatility they have in reconfiguration. In terms of shapes for the modules, I decided geometric shapes are the best to simplify the process of reconfiguration as they are very easy to play with and you can’t really go wrong with it. With all that in mind, my first reactions are-Memphis Designs. I laser cut some MDF dics of simple geometric shapes and created slits in some of them so I can assemble them to create prototype. I had so much fun with them. The options are limitless!! I was so surprised how many configurations that I came up with in just 20 minutes.
I also referenced the use of color in Memphis design, mostly, vibrant primary colors with some black and white polkadots or stripes to break up the solid color blocks.I
As I was playing with my prototype, I kept thinking about what is the relationship between human and object, whether it is functional or decorative, in domestic space or public space? How does a public structure change/enhance /impact human behavior in the public space? How will my audience engage with this adult playground I want to create? If I can create so many structures in 20 minutes, think about how many other configuration people can create?
I want my audience to create their own seating/resting/playing area with the blocks I provided. Let it be a bench, a bed, a sofa, a conference space, a playground, a slide, a rocking horse… The sculpture is co-created by my users and the outcome is unpredictable. I want the users to be able to engage with the structure with their own need and creativity.
RCA Graduate diploma 2019 