Thursday, July 24, 2008

MANUFACTURED NATURE navigation in a virtual environment

DESIGN CHALLENGE
The aim of this project was to create an interactive environment which navigates through and between 3 different environments; above, below and on.

RESPONSE
my approach to this design challenge was inspired by Klein Dytham's Leaf Chapel. I wanted to explore the tensions between built and natural environments and whether a manufactured natural environment does actually qualify as nature and also to challenge assumptions created by a strict chronology of environments and experiences.

Beginning in a utopian-style garden, appearing as an 'on' environment, you are lead to dive through a pool in the middle of the island by a rock arch rising triggered by a stepping stone.

This transports you through to the below environment, a labyrinthine architectural interpretation of the garden, which culminates in the whole front of the building raising to reveal the true 'on' environment outside.

Up until this point the whole navigation has been through crossing water but when you go outside you realise you are in the middle of a desert and everything you have previously known is completely manufactured.

WELLINGTON TOURISM at its best

One of New Zealand’s most significant pieces of architecture and heritage – a neo-gothic cathedral built entirely of native timbers – many tourists visit Old St Paul’s where I work as curator on Sundays.

MAPPING FOR DESIGN in the 21st century



A vlog showing the process of mapping of a specific urban area using multiple media available to us in the 21st century

ENTERING THE BLOGOSPHERE my fave blogs from the 112 community

Blogging was a completely new experience for me but once I got into it I ended up connecting with and getting to know a little about a whole lot of people that I wouldn't otherwise neccessarily have made contact with.

Throughout the week I have seen heaps of amazing blogs but my 3 favourites would have to be James Russell for his representation of sustainability issues and consumer awareness, Victoria Stringer for not taking herself too seriously and making me giggle and Max Aswanitchakorn for his awesome customisation of his blog, beautiful photography and great vlog.