THE OASIS

Acting Academy And Hotel

YEAR: 2021

TYPE: University Project LOCATION: Shoreditch, London

This actors academy and boutique hotel draws inspiration from the work of Alfred Hitchcock, creating architectural interpretations of some of the ways he creates suspense and anticipation in his films. The academy is a luxury venue for film crews and actors to stay while shooting or training for films based in or around London. New green and open space will give back to the community.

Following a set of design principles the project creates a choreographed experience of anticipation and suspense. Finding subtle ways to give the design a cinematic twist. A cavernous hallway leads from the main entrance to the grand atrium/reception, with perforated metal panels partially concealing the drama of the street beyond.

Voyeurism - Blinds as an element of suspense

See without being seen. Blinds, in between space, border between two halves. Living skin.

Moebius Strip

You think there’s two characters but plot twist shows they’re one. Moebius strip cut in half is a plot twist.

Sight into a future space - Who’s looking, what is seen?

Manipulating without being seen.

Fragmentation

Gives the opportunity of exploring the matrix of light or material. A process. Events are separated but end up being in unity together.

Confrontation obstructed by architecture -

Relationship between central and periphery: Small objects placed in a metropolitan context can take on different connotations.

The dilemma of doubt or uncertainty

Modern Architecture, in order to free itself from the load bearing wall, places itself in continuous doubt.

Creating Suspense In Architecture

Inspired by Borromini’s forced perspective, the entrance narrows from 8m tall to 3m. The colour and material create a feeling of wetness along with the contrast of the dark narrow corridor going out into the light open atrium creating Suspense.

LOCATION PLAN

SCALE: 1:5000

SCALE: 1:500

HISTORICAL TIMELINE