ELECTRIC PICNIC TRAILER PARK DESIGN 2015 Andrew Mc Allister, Kevin Moran & Sean Barrett
The Groove Shack The idea for this installation is to create a flexible, fun and interactive space for all festival goers. The form is created by cladding the caravan structure with lightweight reflective segments. This will in turn represent an inverted Disco Ball which is placed within the Trailer Park, drawing people to its location. External reflective units face towards the sky, and the ground. Units which are facing upwards reflect the sky, and those which face down reflect the ground. This enhances the area surrounding the object as the varying sizes and shapes of the reflective segments distort the view of the horizon on approach similar to a mirage. By manipulating the object in this way, the interior becomes a destination which people wish to reach. If passing by, it becomes a piece which evokes suspicion and exploration. The Groove Shack may be occupied at all times throughout the festival. Daytime and night-time both create a specific atmosphere for each user. The physical reflection of the unit’s exterior is reiterated by the occupation on the interior. An activity in The Groove Shack during the day reflects the relaxed and chilled atmosphere which exists in the festival. Whereas at night time light creeps out through the dis-jointed exterior, as if exploding from a disco ball which is erupting with life. The external material of The Groove Shack is created from a lightweight reflective aluminium foil placed over individual custom made panels. Each panel or segment is shaped individually, representing the pieces which have come from the disco ball ‘explosion’. The voids between each segment allow for light to exit from the activities inside, but also allows for the passing festival goer to glimpse inside. This aspect lends to an interactive and usable space for all. The internal materials are an eclectic mix of vinyl covers, various light fittings, and voids which connect the internal and external
The idea for the materials change and use came from a recent lecture which the three of us organised through running an Architecture society in College. We saw an installation placed in a curved void beneath a bridge in rural Spain. The title was ‘Reflected passage’ and was completed by a young firm of architects named ‘VAV Architects’. Similar to this simple placement of an object which reflects and captures the surrounding landscape, we believe that The Groove Shack can do this also. When placed, it will settle in and engage with the festival by which it is surrounded, rather than being another ‘amusement’.
Daytime The Groove Shack is an interactive space which can be occupied at all times during the day, or night. At both times, both the interior and exterior spaces are transformed. During the day the oncoming view of the object interacts with its environment to draw the user to it. The reflective and unique pattern plays with the image of the ground and sky to distort the horizon. This gives a welcoming effect and allows for exploration. On the interior, a relaxed and chilled out vibe is created. The Groove Shack is to be used as a breakaway space which festival goers may venture and withdraw. Comfortable and simple seating will allow for a multitude of activities to take place. A reading corner, small spaces for meeting friends and conversation, or a relaxed place to listen to music is what happens inside. The decor will reflect this with some atmospheric lighting, oversized cousins, and vintage vinyl covers to fill the walls within. Spaces will be divided softly, enhancing the welcoming and relaxed feel which welcomes teens, families, or groups of friends, and anyone else who wish to occupy Groove Shack.
Nightime The night time element mirrors what happens to Groove Shack during the day. Again, the object itself will interact with its immediate environment, but in a more bold and striking way. This is echoed on the exterior by the fragmented segments allowing light to beam out and grab the passing party goers. The fragmented and reflective exterior allows for neighbouring lights to bounce and enter into the surrounding space. The idea of the piece replicating an inverted disco ball is explored further on the interior. Strong lights are fitted which transform the space into a fun, funky, mini Disco feel. These lights also shoot through the various voids in the broken disco ball surround, to relate back to the ongoing festival which is still happening outside. An array of music plays to suit all those who wish to jump in and have a quick boogie. This reinforces the idea of the space at night and day time being flexible as it recreates itself. There will be something for all to enjoy.