final design narrative

Design Narrative The intent of my design is to explore the relationship of my internal and external self to my notion of existence. My internal self is characterized by a complicated rigid logic that may be perceived as chaotic but has an underlying order. My external self is expressed as free spirited, dynamic and playful. My philosophical notion of existence, both secular and spiritual, is constant yet changing, linear yet simultaneously cyclical, ageless and seemingly infinite.

The primary structure is built off of three posts that form a curvilinear structure that flow into the tree atop the hill outside of the Batmale courtyard. The three posts and forms they create are symbolic of my mental, emotional, and physical life. The use of the number three will be expressed throughout the design. There are three horizontal linear elements radiating out of each vertical post and three pairs of orthogonal shapes which represent characteristics of the internal self, as well as three distinct symbolic representations of the external self.

The composition of the internal self is comprised of three pairs of orthogonal shapes and a network of horizontal linear elements that pierce the internal space of the design. The use of orthogonal shapes is intended to represent logic. The plastic sails mirror the form and design language of the wooden orthogonal elements. Each pair of orthogonal shapes is intended to move via wind power. The kinetic path of each individual orthogonal shape will move perpendicular to its counterparts (and other orthogonal elements) paths of motion. These perpendicular paths of motion symbolize the duality of all logic and its intersection and connection with layered rationale. The radiating linear elements and grouping of the orthogonal elements help to build the perception of chaos in the internal structure. The slow elegant pendulum swing of each orthogonal form demonstrates the fundamental order of the internal self.

With increasing wind speed there is the opportunity for collisions and conflict of the perpendicular swing paths and the horizontal linear elements that penetrate the interior space. This is a symbolic representation of the internal self and the noise these collisions may cause are an interior alarm to the self.

The external self is represented by an array of metal orthogonal forms that are attached to the the structure via a grid of wire. Each form moves independently in reaction to the wind. The slightest of wind will create beautiful kinetic movement. This effect represents the free spirited nature of the external self. The metal shimmering in the sunlight, the individual kinetic path of each form and the motion of many repetitive elements create the perception of dynamic and playful representation of the external self. The grid of wire can be thought of as the fabric of time.

This site was chosen due to the access to the tree as well as increasing the chances of wind power and sunlight throughout the day. The conversation between my design and the tree is an expression of my connection to existence. The tree is symbolic of life and the design's primary curvilinear visual path reaches out to the tree and grabs at it branches. This is a metaphor for the self reaching out and participating in life.

The wind is symbolic of the avoidable and unavoidable forces that drive our lives. Some times those forces create order and sometimes chaos.

The sunlight provides the playful shimmering effect of the external self and also creates beautiful shadows. Think of shadows as a fleeting exposure of memories.

Just as in life, expectations fall short and circumstances change. If there is no wind, and the sunlight is snuffed out by San Francisco's unpredictable micro-climates, my design will be silent and still yet always reaching and holding onto life.