THE ARCHITECTURE OF UNNATURAL BEAUTY PATTERN SWATCH BOOK
Contents Introduction Process Conceptual Colour tryouts Ronald Lim The Architecture of Unnatural Beauty Pattern Swatch Book Š 2013, Ronald Lim Self publishing ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author / publisher.
Explorations Reflective patterns Finalised patterns Pattern print in a space Pattern motif Previews of motifs
Introduction Titled ‘The Architecture of Unnatural Beauty’, this project aims to bring a new perspective into the viewing of the natural beauty that constantly surrounds us. Throwing aside the stereotypical notions of how we normally view the local flora and geological structures that co-exist with us, this pattern project would shed light onto the beauty that lies hidden within the architectures of nature that remain ever so elusive to the eye. With the use of false colours and provoking compositions, nature unveils itself as a commanding figure in the realm of what is bold and beautiful.
Process The process begins by identifying possible photos
ing elements that are present so as to obtain a
with strong structural elements to be used for
harmounious balance of form, value, rhythm and
layering. These images are then overlayed through
asymmetry. From there, the image is then converted
the use of different transparencies and filters to
to a state where false colour is applied to reinterpret
produce an overarching composition that brings out
any existing colour as well as to unify the image as
the strength of the structures in each of the photos
a whole composition.
chosen. Much sensitivity is needed to achieve the correct correlation between the different compet-
Concept This inital draft serves as the conceptual artistic direction that guides the entire project. The bizarre amalgamation of leaves, rock surface and flowers would form the cornerstone elements that grounds the various pattern explorations that follow. The colour palate gives a strange and rather sci-fi feel to the whole image providing a fitting divorce between the colour and architectural structure.
Colour tryouts Different combinations of colours were used to bring about detachment from the familiar colour tones of nature into something more alien and uncommon. Here, pine is layered with flat rock surface covered with moss and experimented with strong and imposing colours from the negative of the original image.
Exploration The use of leaves as a base structure to the pattern work gives an immense visual element that creates an ordered chaos. It serves as a strong background for the pattern. The leaves themselves however cannot be the main focus and their imposing colouration would need to be toned down.
Exploration Applying the leaves in a smaller scale could also help tone down the focus on the leaves to give the primary element of the pattern work more priority. As such pattern exploration is down to find out which types of composition would best accomodate a large primary floral element.
Reflective pattern Ultimately, a reflective pattern gave the best visuals both in the form of aesthetics and composition. This is done with an image reflected once and its subsequent composition reflected again.
Reflective pattern The reflective patterns too gave a new level of structural beauty to the images as they not only bring about the mentioned chaos in the randomness of the placement and growth of leaves but grounds it with impeccable structure in the midst of the ongoing pandemonium.
Finalised pattern The centerpiece of the main pattern design, this pattern incorporates the very essence of what this project is about. Both imposing in structure and unforgiving in detail, it highlights the beauty of the natural flora by giving viewers a new perspective into the beauty that goes unnoticed of the everyday.
Finalised pattern Serving as the vanguard and rear pattern pieces, this pattern design provides a slightly more subtle side to the project though it is no less complex and intricate in the state of its design. The pattern design here embodies a greater number of hidden repeats and motifs that would be fully explored in the pattern application later.
Pattern print in a space The fully printed pattern is shown here in an indoor exhibition alongside with other pattern designs. Its long length lets it stand tall when suspended from a bridge. Part of a larger exhibition of pattern works, The Architecture of Unnatural Beauty forms a piece of the colour fabric of brilliant pattern designs.
Pattern Motif The pattern motif is derived from the structures of the leaves and the negative spaces in which has been created from the pattern design. Seen here are two variations of the motif which can be applied. The application will occur as a structure or projection in a three-dimensional space.
Preview of Motif This preview here shows the holographic projection of the pattern motif at the entrance of ion orchard shopping centre. Its larger than life size is set against the cutting edge architecture and glass panels of the building to juxtapose between the architecture of nature and that of man. This would serve as the running theme through all the three different applications.
Preview of Motif Covering the whole side facade of the Madarin Orchard Singapore, the repeat motif would be a sculptural piece done in metal work and set against the plain facade of the hotel.
Preview of Motif
Credits
As part of the series of works, this would occur in a
Layout, photos, design and
smaller scale installation against the Clear Channel
original art work by Ronald Lim.
busstop advertisment stands that are present along almost every busstop at the Orchard Road stretch.
Special thanks to Assistant Professor Ina Conradi for her
With all three installation works lining the whole
guidance and advice throughout
shopping district, the pattern application would
the whole project.
have a strong presence in the area. To God, my friends and family, for without them, this would not have been made possible.