IN S TA L L AT I O N S AND HAPPENINGS ABPL30069 semester 1, 2019
Eunju Kim 914834 Uni verist y of Melbour ne Tanja B e er
Contents 03
1.
Overview and Documentation of installation
04
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Design Context & Development
06
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Interim Design Outcome
09 - Construction Process 10
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Installation on Site
14 - Data Collection 16 2.
Critical Reflection of work
19 3.
Independent Design adaptation
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1 . O v e r v i e w a n d Documentation of installation
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Design Context Installation and Happening is a communication of a particular idea through participatory, multisensory, performative, and mood evoking aspects to create an ‘experience’ with the audience. As a part of ‘The Living Pavilion’ program on the 14th of May 2019, the task aim was to evoke an experience that explores the socio-ecological histories of the site as well as the urban modification of landscape that exists today. Furthermore the subject introduced bamboo as a sustainable alternative to construction material. Researching the context of our site, I’ve realised the significance of the Bouverie creek and its surrounding landscapes to the first nations of our land. Therefore, I really wanted the audience to realise the importance of the nature and the land we live on, as well as understanding the effect of cultural implications on the site. Through these objectives, our group members, Eunju Kim and Olivia Cunningham have developed the idea of using the installation to draw their attention to the key aspects of the site to reflect and re-explore.
focus to water feature in the center
framing the nature
The Living Pavilion Logo and Bouverie Creek mural designed by Dixon Patten
Incorporating water into the concept to enhance sensory experience, draw connection to Bouverie creek using water and paint to create mural
blocking view at eye level to direct gaze
This led to our key concept of using bamboo to frame the exisitng natural element of the site, which the viewer can reflect on. Consideration of construction method
Our initial concept was to draw attention to the element of river, to tie relationship to the Bouverie creek ground mural that was painted on the commencement of the event. This led us to incorporate water and the sound of the creek with the use of bamboo. However, we have decided to consider more direct approach to address the context.
bamboo xylophone to recreate the sound of flowing river
Building form-work for support rings connection method between supports Page. 4
Design Development Initial concept design sketches were further developed and refined whilst considering site constraints, scope of project and construction method.
Initial modelling of the design concept
Further refinement in dimension of the pavilion, considering human scale and anthropometry. These images were exchanged between the group members to communicate changes or confirmation of details in design.
Discussions on threshold and entranceway
Solution to problem suggested by eliminating middle element so the pavilion can be entered from any direction, as well as incorporating a shallow base ring that contains water.
Personal sketch of Development Design
Quick render to communicate the concept idea to the group member, featuring the view led towards the top of the pavilion.
Suggestion of incorporating blue fabric strips to cover the potential gaps between bamboo, and to symbolise the water element of bouverie creek
The movement of fabric also visualises the movement of the wind which is another natural element.
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Interim Design Outcome
1:20 Elevation
1:20 Section View
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Perspective View
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Construction Process 1. Bamboo were cut using pull saw into required lengths and 6 -way bamboo splitter to cut into strips. Form-work is made by hammering bamboo jigs onto the ground. The bamboo strips were then wrapped around the jigs then secured using a zip-tie to form a ring. Use of clamps were helpful in securing the strips in place.
4. The base rings were secured on to the support columns using nuts and bolts. Any extruding bolts were angle-grinded.
5. The pavilion was transported by a trolley to the site. It was then rotated upright, which required 2-3 people to safely conduct the job.
2. After all 3 inner and 3 outer rings are made, the bamboo pieces are then slotted in between the rings. Drill and driver was used to screw in the pieces together. Timber packers were used to ensure sufficient and consistent gap between the ring and the ground.
3. Packers were removed to slot in the supporting columns in place, which were connected using nuts and bolts
6. Finally the base bamboo pieces were fitted in-betwen the base rings.
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Installation on Site Isolation Wanting to reconnect with the original land use of this area, Isolation hopes to foster a relationship between the existing and pre-existing environment. By eliminating the urban environment from sight, we hope participants will acknowledge the imposing impact of human life. The decisions we make about our environment and what we do with it significantly influence our ecosystem – we are reminding our audience that considering the cultural implications of urbanisation is important when foreseeing land use development. Don’t forget what lay here before you.
Page. 10 Photo credit to Alison Fong
Participants were told about the site’s natural history while reflecting in the Isolation.
They were then invited to leave their responses on the pavilion which gradually dressed the bamboo in blue flowing strips, reminiscing the water and the wind
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Video of entering the pavilion: https://eunjuk.wixsite.com/mysite/installations-and-happenings-2019
Page. 13 Photo redit to Simran Dhillon
Data Collection Responses were made from the participants who were asked to leave their thoughts and feelings they experienced in the pavilion and on what nature means for them.
I love the tree & sky
Mother nature nourishes me
Nature is a par t of us ♥
I love nature ♥
Calm Secure Grounded Connected
Somewhere only we know
At peace in the circle
Sky, light, trees, echo, water, enclosed
Nur ture the soul
Nature makes me feel refreshed
Like putting a magnifying glass on this time & place – and that contrast between the natural and the built…
For me, nature is care, nature is nourishment
I ♡ trees & their natural shapes
Zen
A space for contemplation
Favourite moment of today – it’s impor tant to reflect!
Duality – am I a par ticle or wave ?
Nature is underrated ♥
You were miraculously corded together from billion of seeds gestated first in the primordial womb of the ear th, and that more familiar one of your mother; from that same texture we all glow.
Inspired
Tranquil, freshing
Nature is life! It has a voice and should be heard
Serenity Limitation and restriction to create a space for reflection and understanding…. The sky is so blue & pretty ♥♡ The sky and the grass was the only relief! Nature makes you feel your hear t ♥ ~to breathe into space~ Peace A lovely gentle way to really listen Connection I wish I could have experienced this space before white invasion/ industrialisation Page. 14
Second Life
Upon completion of the program, the installation was transported back to the workshop to be dismantled. The disassembled bamboo pieces were transported back by our senior tutor, Munir Vahanvati, to be used by Giant Grass organisation. Meanwhile the blue fabric pieces were donated to Brown Hill Kindergarten in Ballarat, VIC, for children to make craft. Page. 15
2 . C r i t i c a l Reflection of work
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As a third-year architecture student in University of Melbourne, Eunju Kim has decided to undertake ‘Installation and Happenings’ with an expectation to learn about sustainable material and to enhance her understanding of architectural interventions in public spaces. She consistently aims to build knowledge and experience that will broaden her perspective towards various cultures in the Australian society, and hopes to provide a positive impact to the environment which we live in. Here she reflects on the experiences she gained in the duration of the subject and how it has been an exciting journey for her personal education.
D esign Co ntex t
As our class were being introduced to The Living Pavilion, I have realised the significance of the proposed event site, and the existence of the Bouverie creek that still flows under the pavement of the 1888 building. The creek was as a vital resource for the Wurundjeri people during the wet season as well as providing water to the biodiversity, thus had both cultural and ecological significance to the people of first nation. However these values were ignored during the urban development by the European settlers, and since have been hidden and are waiting to be heard. Learning about the history of the site has opened our eyes to the effect of urbanisation without considering the cultural and ecological importance to the owners of this land. Urbanisation without careful consideration in cultural implication has covered up the values and cultures of the first people, as well as disfiguring the ecosystem. With these knowledge in hand, I felt that it is important to uncover the history and to communicate them to those who walk past the site without further thought. These discussions as a group developed the idea of revealing or drawing attention to the natural element of the site, as key theme of The Living Pavilion was about making the invisible
visible, by acknowledging the past and carrying the stories to the present and future. This idea eventually formed the concept of isolating the audience from the urban environment and to reflect on the natural elements they see within the pavilion. Furthermore, I have learnt the importance of conducting thorough research and acknowledging any implications of a site before proposing a design intervention. Only with further care and thought, a design can be developed for more effective result. It will also assist in providing a design that would respect the traditional owners of this land, as well as the audience, performer and the context of an event.
D esi g n D evel op m ent
Whilst learning about the context of the proposed site, we also learnt about using bamboo as a sustainable construction material. After being introduced to working with bamboo, our group played around with the materials prior to developing our concept. The cylindrical form and the nodes in between the stem of the bamboo was an interesting feature. Material Explorat ion The material was inviting to touch, and made interesting sounds when hit by an object. We were initially fascinated by the soft yet clear sound it made, although the sounds varied according to the bamboo type, size and thickness. Playing with the materials led us to consider sensory experience of our installation such as sound and texture. This prompted us to consider kinetic installation where the audiences could directly manipulate and play around, such as a water feature or a bamboo xylophone. The opportunity to play around and prototype with the material was interesting as it allowed us to practically observe its properties and have a better understanding of the sensory elements of bamboo.
M aki n g D e s ign D e cis io n s After exploration of several ideas, we found a time to sit down and gather all our ideas and come to a design decision. We enjoyed exploring the idea of incorporating a water feature and having instrumental elements, however we’ve quickly realised the time frame we were provided for construction and design refinement for a successful outcome. Therefore we decided to think back to the main idea of drawing connection to the site’s history and nature. Although we have researched and explored several design ideas, we realised that it would be more successful to focus on one key aspect to communicate the idea effectively. Research and exploration for design potential is integral, however learning what to focus is very important especially within a limited time period. C o m m u n icat io n an d Ref in e m e nt After confirming on our design concept, we struggled to find an adequate time and place meet together. Therefore we have decided to split the tasks and to constantly notify each other of the progress. When modelling and further refining our design idea, I approached few problems in the design such as including a comfortable entrance and figuring out the exact dimension of the pavilion. We used social media to communicate and resolve our design details and cross check the dimensions. This was done through messaging and sending screenshot of the 3d model on rhino with sketches done electronically. This was effective in delivering our ideas clearly but not directly. When the design was refined, we came together to build 1:100 model of the pavilion, which allowed us to consider the construction process more in depth. High level of engagement from the group member also a key factor in developing an effective design that deliver the desired design intentions. I, as an architecture major and Oliver as a graphic design major, it was difficult to find time together due to the difference in timetable and other commitments. However our ability to stay engaged to the project had
encouraged each other to work efficiently. Furthermore, clarity of communication of our personal situation and progress made it easier to understand and help each other throughout the project.
C o n st r u c t i o n P rocess
I was very excited when we came to physically construct our design in human scale as it was my first time to use the workshop in FabLab. As the design was simple in form and concept, I expected that the four 2hour workshop sessions were adequate to finish the pavilion in time. Also from our practice of making the 1:100 model, it seemed very clear on how the elements came together. However the reality was different when we confronted it, which required extra session to construct the installation. C o n st r u ct io n C h allen ges One of the most difficult part of constructing the installation was forming the support rings onto the jigs. A bamboo strip was bent around the jigs then another one was bent over the outer edge, to take advantage of its tensional stress to form a circular ring. However, a perfect circle could only be achieved by tightly securing the bamboo strips onto the jigs and making sure that the overlap of the outer ring was opposite to the one of the inner ring. Therefore good hand coordination with the group member was required to construct, as the rings would result in an oval shape otherwise. However as we made one after another the following became easier to build, which shows constant improvement of our hand coordination.
Round circle made with overlaps at opposite direction
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We also realised that the differences in thickness and width of the strips affected the workability of the construction. The thinner and narrower strip, the easier it was to form the ring. Here we learnt that carving the bamboo strips flat made it much easier to bend. The natural discrepancies in sizes of the bamboo were another challenge in construction of the installation, as it made it very difficult to maintain the perfect circular form of the pavilion when slotting in the bamboo pieces in between the rings. To resolve the issue, we had to slot in the bigger bamboo pieces first, then slot in the thinner bamboos after. It also required us to adjust the rings we made and connecting them with longer nails. We had to hand-pick the most appropriate sized bamboos adjusting it as we construct. This made me realised the differences between an ideal material and its real properties. Defects and discrepancies are often found in natural materials, thus required room for trial and error. Ex te n d i n g P ra c ti ca l Ski l l s Despite the struggles, the construction experiences allowed me a whole new set of practical skills which I will remember deeply for future projects. Other than the construction challenges outlined, other skills include working with the hand tools. During the construction of our pavilion, we grew comfortable using pull saw to cut bamboo into desired lengths, bamboo splitter to split bamboo into long flexible strips, drill and driver to screw in the pieces together. U n d erstan d i ng deta i l s a nd m ater ial p ro p e r t i e s . Finding out about the effect of small details were also important during the construction process. This includes finding out about the difference between flat deck screws and pan screws. The deck screws have counter sunk head with a flat top while the pan screw have a slightly rounded head with flat bottom side. For decking screws, the bamboo can split if screwed all the way till the top. So to avoid that, it must only be screwed
till the bottom of its head. Alternatively, flat pan screws were better option as it did not split the bamboo even though it was screwed all the way, while having the head flush with the surface. This also reminded us of bamboo’s material property, which consists of long strand of fibers. Therefore it has good elasticity, compressive and tensile strength however can be easily spilt along the fibers.
deck screw
pan screw
deck screw splits bamboo if drilled too tight
Our installation was actually the most difficult and time consuming to construct within the class. We realised that achieving simple form can sometime require more attention to detail and construction. Throughout the construction of this pavilion we required good hand coordination as a group, attention to detail and deal with the natural variance of the material form.
Person a l res p on se f ro m I n sta l l ati on on S i te
After the all the challenges and unexpected circumstances during the construction stage, I was very proud to see the completed installation onsite. Our design intention was to provide a space for people to realise the existing nature and re-explore its connection to the site and the person. This was successful in the threshold created through action of entering the installation and its minimalistic form of covering and uncovering.
The dimensions of the pavilion was also successful as it was constructed in appropriate height and width for the participants to enter effectively as we anticipated. Looking down at the earth as they duck down, standing up to the obstructed view by surrounding bamboo which led to looking up to the blue sky and the tree branches that reached over the pavilion. The fact that I was able to create a change of atmosphere within a space which affected the way people view things meant a lot for me as an architecture student. We have anticipated that by obstructing the usual view at eye level, the participants would also focus on their hearing of their surrounds. Furthermore I had imagined that the closed form and intimate scale of the pavilion would have some effect on the acoustic experience. However I did not anticipate it would bring such a big impact on the overall experience, as the participants often were surprised by the vibration of their voice reflected within the space. However this response did vary across different participants, which perhaps were influenced by the physical differences of the participants such as height.
M y Res p o n s e f ro m D ata Collection
During the happening of our installation, we introduced the design context and the natural history of the site as they observed the pavilion from inside. Here we received direct response of what they were seeing and the change of atmosphere they experienced. From this, we could see that our intention for the audiences to realise their space was achieved. We allowed the audience to draw personal connection and each dwelled in the pavilion for different amount of time. After experiencing the pavilion, the audiences picked up and questioned the intentions behind the details of the design such as the water included in the bottom bamboo pieces at the base. This opened up the discussions of the site
contexts and sharing our ideas about nature. Reading through the written responses on the blue fabrics provided me with a deeper reflection of the participant’s personal thoughts and relationship with the nature. Many responses expressed the calming effects they received from the natural elements they observed. They also expressed that realising the effect of nature on them drew closer connection to the importance of nature, while someone even left a short poem about the issue. Another re-imagined the untouched natural landscape before colonisation which was expressed through their wish to see. From this observation, I could prove the nature’s powerful effect it had on our emotions and our body, and the participants could draw personal connection through realisation. The responses show that each participants focused on different elements of the experience, which I believe is a result of personal reflection of the installation. However, all the response expressed positive responses to nature.
Summary
Overall, I was very glad of all the experiences I gained in the subject. Learning about the context of the event gave me better insight on the natural history of Melbourne and the importance of acknowledging past present and future. Meanwhile the ability to physically confront and resolve design issues allowed a better understanding of making expectation become reality. This full process from initial design stage to presentation and was a valuable experience which will be applied to my studies and projects in the future.
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3 . I n d e p e n d e n t Design adapation
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Design Adapation Directing views by obstructing eye level and the movement through threshold were key feature explored in the Isolation. These design ideas are further developed and adapted onto a new site and context. The concept of reconnecting with nature and space were also carried throughout the adaptation
extending threshold and directing movement with gradually lowering ceiling
Using movement to direct view and create awareness of space
Viewing and reflecting in nature Page. 20
Perspective View facing North
1:100 Section View showing threshold through movement
1:100 Elevation at Entrance Page. 21
Contemplation Gradually pulling with its form, the pavilion guides you to bow your head down as you enter. Looking down at the presence of water beneath the bamboo, you begin to hear the gentle voice of the lake echoed within the pavilion, followed by the beautiful landscape that opens up right in front. With guidance of movement through form, creates a threshold which directs the viewer’s gaze, unraveling the tactile and acoustic experience of bamboo and water. The pavilion allows audience to fully immerse and contemplate with nature, as they feel, smell, see, hear and touch.
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