Module 1
Introduction:
The main goal of our project is to create a “white forest” made of string. Individuals will experience the art installation by walking among the strings hanging from the ceiling. While walking through the installation, each individual will be able to forge their own path and discover the “clearing” at the end of the exhibit.
In addition, the art installation is an optical illusion. The path may seem clear at first, but the strings create shadows on the walls causing the path to become unclear or cause confusion. Through the use of simple materials, we were able to create a complex and visually stimulating experience. Using only white string and white 1x1s, we were able to create an intricate installation that resembles a maze. Another goal of our project was to keep the installation simple and uniform, but in its simplicity, the materials highlight the beauty of the form.
The Design Process:
Step 1: Ideate
At the beginning of Module 1 project, the group was instructed to develop a list of locations where people gather. In addition, the group was also asked to develop a list of possible reasons why people gather together. Below are the ideas that the group ideated.
Links to Mural.ly
https://mural.ly/#/juliatabaczyk/1391018641744
Initial Diagrams:
In order to gain a better understanding of the way Architecture Hall functions and operates, the group was instructed to diagram the building. After creating multiple iterations of diagrams, each group in the class was asked to choose a location in the building that they wanted to use for their Module 1 project. After choosing a space, more diagrams were created. The diagrams were then used to persuade the teaching staff whether or not the group deserved to use that space for the LinkedIn Event.
The diagram below represents traffic flow in the Link. The floors become less crowded as an individual moves from the first floor to the fourth floor.
The diagram below represents the barn, corral and studio space located in Architecture Hall. The red lines represent the way people move through the space.
The diagram below how people move throughout the barn, the corral, and the design studio area.
As the group ideated and developed diagrams, we began to come up with a few event ideas. The strongest idea that we came up with was a "walk down memory lane." To do this, we would hang strings from the ceiling rafters in a grid system that we would create. Individuals would write down a memory they have had in Architecture Hall and attach it to the strings as they walk through. However, this idea was very similar to another group that was sharing the corral with us. As a result, we decided to move away from the memory idea and focus more on the positioning of the string and the experience that goes along with it.
The diagrams below show how strings would be strung from the ceiling and how a person would walk through the strings.
The diagram represents the grid and lighting found within the corral.
The diagram illustrates the grid system found in the corral.
The diagram below represents the idea the group had of changing the color and position of the lights found in the corral.
The diagram below represents an idea of how the color lights would change throughout the night. After long contemplation on the idea of color changing lights, the group came to the conclusion that adding color would be too distracting and having a monochromatic theme in the corral would highten the experience for the user.
After diagramming a variety of different locations in Architecture Hall, the group decided to focus our attention to the corral. The corral is a perfect location because it is secluded enough to create an intimate setting, but enough traffic moves near it to attract people.
We began diagramming the space and possibilites of using the existing grid on top of the corral to hang the strings. For our final idea, we decided to create a forest of string in a maze like pattern. To do this, we decided on all white materials to create the most interesting effect possible. We began gridding out the rafters in diagrams.
The diagram below shows the rafters in the corral.
The diagram below shows how the string will be hung from the rafters in the corral.
Refined Diagrams:
The diagram below shows the path most people take when moving through the corral.
The diagram below shows how people will move through the corral when our installation is in place.
The diagram below is of the corral with string hanging from the rafters.
The diagram below is of the the corral with string. The walking path is also marked on the ground.
Joiner Photographs
To gain a better understanding and appreciation of the corral, the group took pictures of the space from a variety of different angles. Afters the photographs were developed, the group collaged the pictures to create descriptive joiners.
Material Exploration
At the beginning of Module 1, the group experimented with a variety of different materials. Each material that was used in the final creation of the project was tested to ensure that the project would be of the highest quality.
List of Materials
Air Freshener
Tape (Blue & White)
White Paint
White Paper
White String
White Tacks (Flat)
White Tarp
White Velcro
Step 2: Empathy
Our project evokes strong emotions with its pure white elements that contrast to its dark surroundings. The other group in the corral used black for their project so it differed with our monochromatic white. Our project connected with the user because it encouraged feelings of happiness and joy. As one walked through the maze, they experienced a surreal effect of all white and the smell of fresh fields of lavender. Music played in the background to make the user feel elated.
Step 3: Define
POV Statement:
d.ONE students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln need to create an art installation for the LinkedIn Event at Architecture Hall that is both visually appealing and interactive with the user because a unique installation can promote conversation which in turn creates connections between people.
Step 4: Prototype
For our first prototype we experiemented with using tape to attach the strings to the floor. Tape did not hold the string to the floor very well and it was not very neat. Then the group experiemented with tacks. The tacks look better than the tape, but they popped up easily when the string moved. It would be unsafe if people were to walk through our installation and step on tacks. To make the project look neat we decided to drill holes in pieces of wood and weave string between them.
Creating the Art Installation:
Marking a Path on the Floor
The collage below shows members of the team marking a path on the floor with white tape. The grid system that was created on the ceiling was mimicked on the floor.
Cutting and Drilling Small Holes into the Wood
Weaving Strings
Pinning White Paper to the Blue Walls of the Corral
Preparing and Hanging the White Tarp
Photograph of Curtis spreading out the tarp.
Step 5: Test
The collages of photographs below show people interacting and experiencing the installation during LinkedIn Event at Architecture Hall. The photographs show how people meneuvered around the strings to get from one side to the other. Standing on one side of the corral looking through to the other, obstructed the users view. It was an optical illusion. Some people squeezed through small openings in the string weave and others chose the easier, wider opening to go through.
There is also a picture of someone walking in the opposite direction of all other people. As a result people reacted differently and had to choose a different path to avoid the person. The installation had a different effect on every user because of the path they chose and the speed at which the person moved through the maze.
The photograph below is of Hyde Lecturer, Martin Hogue, experiencing our installation.
Team photograph during the LinkedIn Event
All members of the group were very pleased with the way our final project turned out. In additon, we all had alot of fun at the LinkedIn Event. Presenting our installation to other students, professors, and member of the Lincoln community was an experience that all of us will remember for a long time.
