These design precedents will inform, inspire and influence my project 2 work of my contemplation space.
My definition of contemplation
Originally this design was released at Salone Satellite until 2005 however they determined that self-producing these chairs were no longer sustainable. They are back with an updated version that lets you grow your own armchair in your outside space. The process of growing and setting it up builds up this sensitive connection and connects the belongings in a home with the person. An intimacy is formed with the object and its creator, which in turn encourages more use of the object. The natural seat allows for comfort that becomes part of the landscape and a place to rest. It. A contemplation spot is developed as the combination of the comforting curves of being seated in a reclined position and the texture of soft grass invites the creator to sit on their creation, ponder and be one with the environment.
Each stepping stone allows a second to contemplate, and take steps further into each thought. The suspended illusion and depth created by the use of levels and contrast of green hues and harsh concrete with plants growing underneath, concealing how the slabs are supported, creates a feeling of floating. This light feeling can evoke a powerful environment to contemplate as one can engage with themselves away from the heavy thoughts and interruptions of their surroundings.
The Matabe is a private residence next to the Naoshima Hall and is part of The Naoshima Plan. They were created with the natural environment of the island in mind. Here, the use of moss aids the transition from interior to exterior, with the use of double walls to control the level of nature inside the space as well as open it up to the outside. This space acts as a purgatory between the two sides and lets the user slow down when travelling to either side and perhaps contemplate. The embedded pebble stones act as a guide and manipulate the journey of the person, possibly delaying them in changing their long strides into smaller steps, simplifying their path.
The aim for the house was to ‘create a miniature park-like space in the middle of the city’ (Dezeen, 2021) where ‘all the primary activities of the house will be connected throughout empty zone between plants, water as well as natural light.’ (MIA Design Studio) The woody vines gradually will spread across the steel netting system and create a filtered greenery for the house instead of a cold concrete one. They create a zone to contemplate and block out noise and interruption from the outside world. As the steps descend and lead to a below floor level pit, this allows the user to feel fully immersed in nature. The contrasting materials of stone and concrete highlight and permit you to focus on the colour of vibrant green.
Precedent studies relevant to my project
Designed and built-in memory of Shiba Ryotaro, a writer on postwar Japan, the museum holds this giant window of glass. Ando’s work encompasses large concrete walls, combining wood and large windows whilst including natural elements such as sun, rain, and wind. The window overlooks and frames the garden where the author would walk and reflect. It is composed of various shaped and sized panels that filters the light through to fall into the space in many patterns. This was to symbolise humanity in all its forms and guises which Shiba expressed in his works. This is contrasting with the various sizes of panels frames that isolates different parts of the garden, giving focus to individual elements of nature outside. Overall, there is a theme of complex human behaviour with the playing of light patterns and the focus of nature.
The ‘Greenbox’ resides in Italy and was a project to renovate a disused garage into a weekend house. The metal structure becomes a ‘tridimensional support for the climbing vegetation’ (Divisare, 2011) and uses a ‘palette of man-made raw materials blends in with the natural ((Designboom, 2011). The house has an essence of growing the outside in the inside, and there is no definite boundary of the two. The green growth appears to be a part of the structure and fully take form of it, transforming the environment into its own entirety.
References
Dezeen (2021) Villa Tan Dinh: Longlists: Dezeen awards 2021, Dezeen. Dezeen. Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/awards/2021/longlists/villa-tan-dinh/ (Accessed: October 26, 2022).
Divisare (2011) Act_romegialli, Marcello Mariana · greenbox, Divisare. Available at: https://divisare.com/projects/180820-act_romegialli-marcello-mariana-greenbox (Accessed: October 26, 2022).
Hudson, D. (2013) ACT_ROMEGIALLI: Green box renovation in Italy, designboom. Available at: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/act_romegialli-green-box-renovation-in-italy/ (Accessed: October 26, 2022).