FLATNESS VS PROJECTION
Subject: Foundations of Design
Year: Year 1
Overall, this module explored the notable differences between axonometric representation and perspective methods in terms of what the spaces can be seen. It allowed me to create a complex world with many hidden elements than can be seen from multiple viewports. It also challenged my creativity in achieving my concept from only the front elevations that were given, and allowed for greater exploration and innovation on the inside.
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The 2D elevations given consisted of flat, contoured shapes that used colours of minimal contrast for each element, in which Le Corbusier describes as necessary to a sense of flatness. To turn these into a 3D world, the depth of the objects was emphasised with use of colour and darker tones to create shadows, especially for objects positioned at the bottom of the world.
Concept
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My concept for this world was to have it gradually crumbling away, similar to a sinkhole. Although the world looks intact from the front and back, the hidden space reveals the world collapsing from the inside down into the centre. As axonometric projection does not have a vanishing point, I was able to present a world that is continuously falling and disintegrating. I left large intact blocks at the top which would gradually get smaller and break into pieces towards the bottom of the world.
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Process
To first generate a general placement of objects I modeled the design in Rhino, where I experimented with pushing and pulling objects to create the falling effect. This also helped to get a better sense of where shadows would fall.
The set up involved laying a piece of 20cm grid underneath the trace in order to draw each block accurately. Due to the elevations having 2 levels, 2 sheets of trace were used.
Drawing the top level of the elevations. Use of a circle template to create the pipes.
Completion of the axonometric drawing for both levels. This was then traced in Illustrator where further additions were made.
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Taking on feedback, I added extra blocks and intersecting pipes to fill in the empty space. Additions such as a section pipe on the left as well as greater elements also made the world more balanced. To further help reinforce the theme, I undertook the suggestion of breaking up blocks into even smaller pieces, which are seen at the bottom of the world.
Studio Feedback
To refine my world, I added some texture on the center pyramid, similar to the rectangular sand blocks. I also added an extra water panel on the left to balance the composition.
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Textures were created using the Pen Tool to create small rectangles as well as zig zag lines.
Refinement
Before
After