Overlap - Artistic Collaboration Studio
RSA Student Design Awards 2011/12 - Mid-Life Moment | Highly Commended
RSA Student Design Awards 2011/12 - Mid-Life Moment | Highly Commended
Middle-aged people today feel disconnected from the younger generation because we are unwilling to connect with them. When faced with someone who is in their 50s to 60s, 3 out of 5 young adults would not approach him or her. Here’s why:
“They’re like, old, what could we possibly have in common?”
Even though we may very well have a lot in common, our first impression of them – old - steers us away from initiating conversation.
What is the sole thing that gives away one’s age? It’s their physical appearance.
So, what if you don’t see the person when you make the first connection?
I decided to design an artsitic collaboration studio, where both age groups (50s to 60s, and 18-25) build artwork / sculptures / paintings / drawings over time, eventually creating masterpieces by many people and instigating interaction through there.
The catch?
You don't see who you're collaborating with.
By not meeting each other first,we won’t be judged by how we look, but rather by the connection made through art.
This was achieved by taking advantage of the different times of the week they are available, combined with design principles of progressive disclosure that only reveal areas one by one as you travel through the space.
In DanielPowter’s “Bad Day” music video, two people communicateanonymously through simple doodles on a billboard, and at the end of it we finda simple piece of art that tells a story.
Whatif we took this experience, and set a location for it to happen? When thoseinvolved finally meet up, they would have already had something incommon, and instantly, the age gap becomesnegligible.
Whatif we took this experience, and set a location for it to happen? When thoseinvolved finally meet up, they would have already had something incommon, and instantly, the age gap becomesnegligible.
Imaginea college boy drops by the studio after class, grab some tools and say, paintsor scribbles something in the studio and leaves.
Hecomes again a week later, and finds that someone had added something to it overthe weekend, so he ‘replies’ by drawing something else.
Thisinteresting ‘conversation’ goes on for a few weeks. Both parties can’t help butwonder what the other is like, until they arrange to meet up one day.
Itturns out, his ‘partner in crime’ is in fact a man in his 50s. They then have agreat conversation about the art they created together – a connectionestablished.
Hecomes again a week later, and finds that someone had added something to it overthe weekend, so he ‘replies’ by drawing something else.
Thisinteresting ‘conversation’ goes on for a few weeks. Both parties can’t help butwonder what the other is like, until they arrange to meet up one day.
Itturns out, his ‘partner in crime’ is in fact a man in his 50s. They then have agreat conversation about the art they created together – a connectionestablished.
Thisproject requires 3 key elements – studios, storage for art tools, and a way formembers to get in touch.
The areas in blue indicate the studios, which only 1member or group (up to 4) may use at a time.
The rest of the areas in greyconsist of main circulatory paths and tool storage areas. Small moveable wallpanels were added to most studios for privacy, and may be removed forexhibitions or showcases.
Thereception is where one may sign up to be a member, and a way to ensure onlymembers use the studios. 6 LCD screens on the left play time lapse videos ofmembers working in the studios, documenting the subtle transformations going oninside.
Allmembers are issued a mailbox, which they can choose to label with a pen name.Members may leave each other notes or even place small items into each others’boxes. Monthly members’ gatherings aside, this would be the easiest way tocontact a co-member that you’ve never met but would love to.
With allthe paints and markers you’ll be using, hands are bound to get dirty. A largesink is placed conveniently in between Studios 1 to 4. A table and 4 chairsprovide an area for conversation – whether it’s with someone you just met, orwith a group to discuss the next big thing to do in the studio.
Overlooking Victoria Square, the lengthy mural wall will give the publicwalking by outside a sneak peak at what this space is all about. Over time itwill become a ‘family heirloom’ as more and more members leave their mark onit.
Using afun play of forms, the 360° Studio gives members a paintable wall… that extendsto the ceiling… that extends to the floor… and back to the wall. That’s right –paint anywhere you like in here.
How Overlap will benefit middle-aged people:
- Creating first impressions of themselves that are unaffected by their appearance
- Feeling relevant and connected to a younger generation
- Cultivating a mind that is more open to ideas from a younger society
- Closing the generation gap
- Honing and expressing artistic side
- Encouraging spontaneity through impromptu art
