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.

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 each Sunday.

REAL LIFE network

On Sundays I work as the curator at Old St Paul’s in Thorndon. Built in 1866, Old St Paul’s is one of New Zealand’s most significant pieces of architecture and heritage – a neo-gothic cathedral built entirely of native timbers.

Although still consecrated, it ceased to be an Anglican Church in 1964 when it was replaced by the Cathedral of St Paul on adjacent Molesworth Street. The government purchased the dilapidated church, restored it and reopened it in1971 to be managed by the Historic Places Trust .

NAVIGATION above.below.on

SOFTWARE
environment - Unreal Tournament 2004 Editor, Solidworks, 3D Studio Max
website - Photoshop, dreamweaver

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 [http://www.klein-dytham.com/project/architecture/leaf-chapel/1] where the front 'leaf' of the chapel opens up to reveal the pond and naturalistic environment beyond.

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.