installation pieces on tv...

I was watching the TV last night when an advert for Bravia appeared, it features a piece of installation art within a town square...I thought it was very interesting and another innovative way of publicising an event.

Also there is a video of the making on the installation piece at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBX4P0Rkd2k&feature=channel

installation design...

So I have been looking at different types of installation and exhibition design in order to help me generate a design for my project...

I have become interested in the use of the shipping container as a method for installation design, I previously looked at container design during a project in my BA course however I felt that following the project I did not use the container to its full potential. I have come across several innovative uses for the container during my research...

This design by EER Architects was for Kreon for their trade show exhibitions. The purpose of the design was to provide a pre-assembled display that could be used anywhere. The internal structures are housed within the container, and when the outer shell is lifted up by the hydraulic cylinders the structures are pivoted out into the external space. I am really impressed by the innovative use of the container to create a spectacular architectural space whilst not being constrained by the size of the container.

This use of the container was for a temporary retail unit, which was transported to different ares in New York as publicity for a new store opening. The company Uniqlo wanted a structure that would enable the public to encounter the product whilst being easy to move. I like how there has been minimal structural changes to the container, maintaining its strength and integrity. Another advantage to this design is that it was built with little cost implications, which resulted in low energy consumption during construction, however the structure does rely on external power supplies which could be developed to make it self-sufficient.

Another structure that has impressed me is the Public Art Lab's Mobile Museums. These are a series of small pavilion-like structures that are constrained to specific sizes of parts but can be constructed in a variety of ways. Each structure is unique and while they can be juxtaposed different to suit the location they maintain a relationship between each other. I was really interested in how each structure offered a different experience for the public.In terms of my own design, I am looking to use the strength and durability of the container as easy transportation is an important element within my design rationale, however I want to experiment with how the container can be manipulated so when in located within a town square in longer resembles a container.

design rationale...

As my design is now starting to take shape, I thought it was about time to share it with you...The idea behind my design is to create a temporary space in which the public can come along and share their feelings and ideas regarding current environmental concerns.

You may remember that my project initially started with the notion of cars and how they have affected society and their environmental impact, however I feel my design brief has developed since then. I do not intend for cars and the issue of eco-cars to be the main focus of my installation, instead the focus for the installation will be how people can make changes to their life in order to help the current environmental situation. I have already established though my research into the car and its affects that change is needed, therefore I want to use the installation as a gateway to engaging people in the issues and how to change.

I chose the 'Act on CO2' initiative, which incorporates the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the Department for Transport and the Department for Communities and Local Government, as the client for my installation as they are committed to making people aware of climate change and how they can do their bit. They have several campaigns currently ongoing through the television and radio, and their website contains a lot of useful information however I feel that more can be done to bring the message to the general public.

The aim of my installation is to bring the 'Act on CO2' message out to the general public, into their domain so they can access the information in a specifically designed environment. I also want the installation to be a place where the public can share ideas, leave messages and communicate with each other. The installation will be situated within town squares, parks and other public spaces throughout the country, however the installation will only remain within each place for a week at a time.

The idea of the temporary 'pop-up exhibition' has been influenced by its use in retail where guerrilla marketing has become very popular.

"Guerrilla marketing is an unconventional system of promotions that relies on time, energy and imagination rather than a big marketing budget. Typically, guerrilla marketing tactics are unexpected and unconventional; consumers are targeted in unexpected places, which can make the idea that's being marketed memorable, generate buzz, and even spread virally. Guerrilla Marketing involves unusual approaches such as intercept encounters in public places, street giveaways of products, pr stunts, any unconventional marketing intended to get maximum results from minimal resources."

Many retail brands use the notion of pop-up retail to spark spontaneity within the customers and a sense of 'limited edition' is created. Companies such as Vacant use the idea open retail concept and exhibition stores that last for only one month in empty spaces within major cities. There is also evidence that mobile pop-up stores have been in use since 2003, the London Fashion Bus was a touring showroom constructed from a refitted double-decker bus that brought unique designer pieces to areas throughout Britain that don't have London's uber-trendy boutiques and outlets. Another company using the mobile approach is Oceanic, a Brazilian cosmetics firm, which used Fiat Doblo minivans to transport their goods to prime consumer locations. The company was also able to cater each venture with the mobile store's inventory being customized for different locations. A more comprehensive list of pop-up retail companies can be found at Trend Watching.

bradford media museum...

A few weeks ago, the spatial designers went on a case study trip to the Bradford National Media Museum. The purpose of the visit was to examine and analysise the techniques used within the exhibition and public spaces by the museum. It was an enjoyable trip and I took a lot of away from it...

The first place we went to was the Kodak gallery...It was a very interesting gallery with some well thoughtout exhibition techniqiues. I was slightly disappointed with the gallery as it lacked a sense of progression, despite starting with the birth of the camera and its early forms it suddenly jumps to the modern day before going back to cameras in the 50's-80's. I think the gallery could have been more affective if there was a clear progression of time as it would have enabled the development of camera to shine through. Despite this I did like how the different areas were designed around their era's as this added to the context of the camera's, however I did feel the decoration was perhaps a little too ornate and did slightly detract from the exhibition.

This was the exhibition area for the early years of the camera. It did fit with the style of the period however I felt that the combination of wallpaper and ornanmentation distracted the viewer from the artwork on show.

The 'modern' section of the exhibition was relatively small which was disappointing, but I did like the timeline wall which was created out of text and images. It was also very brightly lit in comparison to the other areas.

This part of the exhibition was within the 80's area...I really liked the subtle lighting used in the section and how the lighting strips were postioned vertically so the whole exhibitions pieces were equally lit. This is a technique that I may look to take forward within my installation design.

I was also very impressed with the Evolve exhibition, part of the Experience TV permenant gallery. Evolve is the temporary exhibition space which addresses significant current issues and events involving television. Exhibitions in this space are renewed approximately every 12 months. It was very bright and eye-catching, and liked how the displays integrated different types of media. The use of simple display techniques such as standard boards showing small sections of text combined with images, and various text sizes to distinguish between the different areas of information.

10 points for designers...

I have just come across an interesting post on Palojono regarding design thinking and its significance within how we design. The 10 important points to remember about design thinking are listed below:

1. Brand equity starts with the consumer
2. Designers are the storytellers
3. Desing Thinking starts with empathy and perception
4. Good design is good business
5. Design thinking starts at the very beginning
6. Designers need to manage cross-functional teams
7. Keep design assassins in the crosshairs
8. Be strategic and think big picture
9. Aim for biggest bang for your buck
10. Good enough is no longer good enough

thinking architecture...

I apologise for the delay in writing on here for a while...the last few weeks have been very busy in terms of my design project! I have started designing my installation piece and have been doing a great deal of research to accompany this.

During the last few weeks, I have also finally managed to read 'Thinking Architecture' by Peter Zumthor...it was a really interesting read and I am glad I decided to re-read it. The thoughts and idea raised within the book have caused me to contemplate some of my ideas. A interesting thought raised by Zumthor within the book was regarding the notion of space;

"I do not claim to know what space really is. The longer I think about it, the more mysterious it becomes. About one thing, however, I am sure: when we, as architects, are concerned with but a tiny part of the infinity that surrounds the earth, and yet each and every building marks a unique place in that infinity."

I was struck by Zumthor's honesty in his statement. I agree with what Zumthor said, I don't think anyone can define what space is only what you deem is important when designing for space. The definition of space is an area I will need to research further into during and leading up to my thesis.

Materials are important within every building, as is the composition of these materials. Zumthor discusses the use of materials within his book, identifying that tangibility, smell and acoustic qualities are also important but only when the materials are used to their strength.

"If we work towards this goal, we must constantly ask ourselves what the use of a particular material could mean in a specific architectural context. Good answers to these questions can throw new light on both the way in which the material is generally used and its own inherent sensuous qualities. If we succeed in this, materials in architecture can be made to shine and vibrate."

The choice of materials within my design is very important as they have to reflect the installations message whilst being practical and and affordable. I'll keep you informed about which materials I intend to use...

a little note...

It was my birthday the other day and I got some really interesting books to read that will hopefully help my design process and increase my motivation for my project which I will admit is lacking at the moment...The first was 'Design for the Real World' by Victor Papanek, and the other was 'Drawing out the Interior' by Ro Spankie. Ro was actually my tutor during my BA course at Oxford Brookes. I also found a book I received during my BA course that I intend to re-read 'Thinking Architecture' by Peter Zumthor.

I will keep you informed of any interesting revelations/insights I find from these books...

technologies and materials...

As part of the Creativity in Context module, I researched into new technologies that I may be able to utilise within my design project.

http://dornob.com/on-and-off-light-up-wallpaper-illuminates-interior-spaces/ features wallpaper that also doubles up as a light fitting. At the slightest touch the lighting scheme is ignited and the chosen design appears on what appears to be a blank wall. I chose this product because of its possibilities, especially as the light display be ignited through a variety of means. Within my visual statement, I created a visual road that separated the two arguments about the car, I may use the wallpaper to create that road within the installation piece; the road slowly appears as people enter the installation space.

The choice of materials within my design project will need be carefully thought out as I identified in my working brief that the construction will have minimal impact on the environment by providing its own energy requirements, being made of recyclable material and being able to be recycled once the exhibition programme is over.

Following this I have been looking at the use of cardboard within my installation piece; http://emma-thoughtsoncreativity.blogspot.com/2009/04/cardboard-creations.html. I would look to use the cardboard for the internal skin of the space as I identified in my working brief that it would need to be recycled once the exhibition programme is over and if cardboard was used for the exterior skin, it would need to be treated which would perhaps affect its ability to be recycled.

I will continue to look into the use of cardboard for interior spaces and evaluate its strengths and weaknesses when used for construction projects. I am also aiming to research into other recyclable product and products created from recycled materials...

back to the project - critical practice...

Well we had the first tutorial of this term on Friday to begin the new module...Critical Design Practice.

Within this module I will be using the working brief prepared as part of Creativity in Context and the research as part of Exploration in Practice to create a spatial design proposal. I am looking forward to this project and finally getting the chance to design my installation piece. In order to progress with my design and research thinking I will have to critically analyse what I have already discovered as well as establishing new directions. Some of the points, I have identified that I want to research into and define over the next few weeks are:

• The social and cultural context of my design
• Global market concerns
• The value of my design - identity and commercial
• Current technologies that could be incorporated within my design
• Current trends and developments within the design community

I have also been asked to research into possible case studies that can provide me with detailed information regarding different areas of design that are related to my project. Keep an eye out for further updates on my research...