Evoking Memories
For this final major project, I wanted to carry on from the previous project with the theme of memories. This time instead of encouraging people to leave memories behind to share with others, I wanted to create a space that evokes memories. I have researched into how memories are linked with sounds and scents and have discovered that these two are very influential in what we remember and how we recall things.
When it came to choosing the site, I decided to use an unvalued space in the heart of the city's cultural hub. It is surrounded by the city library, museum, the University and College of Art. The site has not changed since the 1900's when the house on the plot was demolished in order to make way for the new library and its potential has been overlooked.
What I propose for this space is a structure which looks ephemeral and dreamlike, a space that you would not expect to see in this part of the city. The space will become a walkthrough linking the residential area to the University, it would also be linked to the adjacent library, but most of all will be a space of intrigue and discovery.
The structure will be made up of five floors and an underground layer and will also make use of the garden already in place. Three of the floors will be made up of cubes representing memory cells which will be made out of three different materials. Some will be made of a highly reflective material which will reflect the light coming into the structure, others will be made of structural glass which will enable the light to come into the structure and the others will be made of frosted glass with coloured LED lights integrated into them to light the structure up at night.
The right hand wall of the structure will be covered by a bookcase which will be 17 meters high and filled with books, but these books will be what they seem, some will be actual books, others will have artefacts in them or screens showing random images or films. These unexpected insertions should unlock people's memories, the randomness of what is in them teamed up with the fact that the bookcase is in an unfamiliar context (library, home..) creates a strong combination allowing memories buried deep down to resurface.
Another hidden element are mirrored tubes placed around the structure which, using sensors, will release scents as people walk past. If they look closer they will notice that these tubes are covered in headphone sockets which you can plug into and hear either a noise, a song or an interview which will have the same effects as the books. The headphone sockets will light up at night enhancing the space and making them easy to see.
Also inserted into the design are two contemplation spaces, one is situated on the top floor of the structure. It is an open roof terrace allowing people to feel the natural elements (wind, rain) which can enhance people's memories. There are drink and snack facilities so that visitors can just sit back and relax and further their experience with the books. This space was created to allow people to share their experience and memories with others and create new bonds. Visitors will also be able to observe the changing city landscape as they have a panoramic view of Plymouth from this terrace therefore naturally reminiscing about the city.
Another contemplation space is situated in the existing garden which forms part of this site. This area enables visitors to relax amongst nature and to further their experience by being able to plug into the tubes which contain music and scents. Using a sensor system, when a visitor brings a book out into the garden and plugs into one of the tubes, they will be able to hear the corresponding sound and smell that particular scent which is linked to what they have discovered in the book. This setting therefore enables the visitor to combine all senses to create an even more powerful experience.
When it came to choosing the site, I decided to use an unvalued space in the heart of the city's cultural hub. It is surrounded by the city library, museum, the University and College of Art. The site has not changed since the 1900's when the house on the plot was demolished in order to make way for the new library and its potential has been overlooked.
What I propose for this space is a structure which looks ephemeral and dreamlike, a space that you would not expect to see in this part of the city. The space will become a walkthrough linking the residential area to the University, it would also be linked to the adjacent library, but most of all will be a space of intrigue and discovery.
The structure will be made up of five floors and an underground layer and will also make use of the garden already in place. Three of the floors will be made up of cubes representing memory cells which will be made out of three different materials. Some will be made of a highly reflective material which will reflect the light coming into the structure, others will be made of structural glass which will enable the light to come into the structure and the others will be made of frosted glass with coloured LED lights integrated into them to light the structure up at night.
The right hand wall of the structure will be covered by a bookcase which will be 17 meters high and filled with books, but these books will be what they seem, some will be actual books, others will have artefacts in them or screens showing random images or films. These unexpected insertions should unlock people's memories, the randomness of what is in them teamed up with the fact that the bookcase is in an unfamiliar context (library, home..) creates a strong combination allowing memories buried deep down to resurface.
Another hidden element are mirrored tubes placed around the structure which, using sensors, will release scents as people walk past. If they look closer they will notice that these tubes are covered in headphone sockets which you can plug into and hear either a noise, a song or an interview which will have the same effects as the books. The headphone sockets will light up at night enhancing the space and making them easy to see.
Also inserted into the design are two contemplation spaces, one is situated on the top floor of the structure. It is an open roof terrace allowing people to feel the natural elements (wind, rain) which can enhance people's memories. There are drink and snack facilities so that visitors can just sit back and relax and further their experience with the books. This space was created to allow people to share their experience and memories with others and create new bonds. Visitors will also be able to observe the changing city landscape as they have a panoramic view of Plymouth from this terrace therefore naturally reminiscing about the city.
Another contemplation space is situated in the existing garden which forms part of this site. This area enables visitors to relax amongst nature and to further their experience by being able to plug into the tubes which contain music and scents. Using a sensor system, when a visitor brings a book out into the garden and plugs into one of the tubes, they will be able to hear the corresponding sound and smell that particular scent which is linked to what they have discovered in the book. This setting therefore enables the visitor to combine all senses to create an even more powerful experience.
Kiosk of Forgotten Memories
Have you ever had something on your mind and felt that you had no one to confide in?
Ever worried about being remembered when you are no longer here?
Or simply wanted to share your personal experiences with people you don’t know?
The Kiosk of forgotten memories is a hidden secret that you stumble across in the middle of the city. It’s a safe haven, a place to escape the stresses of everyday life, where you can go and share your story or thoughts anonymously through the traditional medium of pen and paper. After writing down your thoughts, you then have a choice to either store them to share with others and maybe help others or to come back to at a later stage, or you can release them in order to heal and forget.
The kiosk is a glass structure floating in the middle of a pool of water and also has water cascading around it which not only aids its secrecy but also symbolises purification. When people exit the kiosk their soul is purified having released what was on their mind. To get to the kiosk you have to walk across frosted glass steps, softly lit, which have inspirational messages and quotes engraved into them. As you approach the kiosk, the water slowly stops, creating the illusion of a curtain opening, the user is then confronted with a mirrored wall. This wall allows the user to take in their reflection and this is a symbol of self reflection which is what they will be fulfilling in the kiosk. When the user’s hand approaches the mirror, the wall starts to move to create an entrance.
The first thing you notice on entering the kiosk, is a softly lit centre-piece with water and bubbles flowing through it and the dozens of translucent draws that occupy two walls of the structure. You then notice that each drawer is filled with notes of all different sizes and colours, some folded, others with writing that seems to be slowly fading away. When taking in the rest of the structure, you see the small desk and chair and all the different types of paper and pens arranged in the various parts of the desk.
You approach one of the drawers and slowly open it and pick a note, whilst you unfold it, you realise that what you about to read is not just letters and words, but someone’s personal story. You decide to sit down and read through the message, in a very mysterious way it seems to relate to you and what you are going through. You start wondering if it wasn’t fate that made you pick that note, that maybe you didn’t choose that letter but that that particular letter chose you in some way. After carefully folding the letter and placing it back in the drawer, you decide that it is time for you to put your thoughts on paper. You go back to the desk, sit down and choose paper and a pen which you feel is appropriate for the occasion. As soon as the pen touches the paper, you find that your thoughts don’t stop flowing and that you cannot stop writing. Once you have finished your letter, you have this strange feeling, a sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. You then carefully place your note in a drawer in the hope that what you have written may help someone else in some way. On your journey back up from the kiosk, you know that what you have just experienced was something very special and know that this will not be the last time that you will be visiting the kiosk of forgotten memories.
Ever worried about being remembered when you are no longer here?
Or simply wanted to share your personal experiences with people you don’t know?
The Kiosk of forgotten memories is a hidden secret that you stumble across in the middle of the city. It’s a safe haven, a place to escape the stresses of everyday life, where you can go and share your story or thoughts anonymously through the traditional medium of pen and paper. After writing down your thoughts, you then have a choice to either store them to share with others and maybe help others or to come back to at a later stage, or you can release them in order to heal and forget.
The kiosk is a glass structure floating in the middle of a pool of water and also has water cascading around it which not only aids its secrecy but also symbolises purification. When people exit the kiosk their soul is purified having released what was on their mind. To get to the kiosk you have to walk across frosted glass steps, softly lit, which have inspirational messages and quotes engraved into them. As you approach the kiosk, the water slowly stops, creating the illusion of a curtain opening, the user is then confronted with a mirrored wall. This wall allows the user to take in their reflection and this is a symbol of self reflection which is what they will be fulfilling in the kiosk. When the user’s hand approaches the mirror, the wall starts to move to create an entrance.
The first thing you notice on entering the kiosk, is a softly lit centre-piece with water and bubbles flowing through it and the dozens of translucent draws that occupy two walls of the structure. You then notice that each drawer is filled with notes of all different sizes and colours, some folded, others with writing that seems to be slowly fading away. When taking in the rest of the structure, you see the small desk and chair and all the different types of paper and pens arranged in the various parts of the desk.
You approach one of the drawers and slowly open it and pick a note, whilst you unfold it, you realise that what you about to read is not just letters and words, but someone’s personal story. You decide to sit down and read through the message, in a very mysterious way it seems to relate to you and what you are going through. You start wondering if it wasn’t fate that made you pick that note, that maybe you didn’t choose that letter but that that particular letter chose you in some way. After carefully folding the letter and placing it back in the drawer, you decide that it is time for you to put your thoughts on paper. You go back to the desk, sit down and choose paper and a pen which you feel is appropriate for the occasion. As soon as the pen touches the paper, you find that your thoughts don’t stop flowing and that you cannot stop writing. Once you have finished your letter, you have this strange feeling, a sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted from your shoulders. You then carefully place your note in a drawer in the hope that what you have written may help someone else in some way. On your journey back up from the kiosk, you know that what you have just experienced was something very special and know that this will not be the last time that you will be visiting the kiosk of forgotten memories.
West Hoe Regeneration Competition
Floating Community Pavilion
Appearing as if floating in mid air, this multi-functional pavilion is a communal hub where residents can go to relax and enjoy a drink whilst admiring the views of the bay. It will be a space where residents can get to know each other, where students have a quiet space to study and where tourists can learn about the history of the area and the activities it has to offer.
The hidden secret to this structure is an underground bunker which provides more practical facilities such as toilets and showers and changing rooms for divers. It also includes a shop space which hires out equipment for water- sports, gives one to one lessons for beginners and advertises other sporting activities in the area.
It can provide a link with local schools by teaching pupils various water-sports and making them aware of the local marine life.
Appearing as if floating in mid air, this multi-functional pavilion is a communal hub where residents can go to relax and enjoy a drink whilst admiring the views of the bay. It will be a space where residents can get to know each other, where students have a quiet space to study and where tourists can learn about the history of the area and the activities it has to offer.
The hidden secret to this structure is an underground bunker which provides more practical facilities such as toilets and showers and changing rooms for divers. It also includes a shop space which hires out equipment for water- sports, gives one to one lessons for beginners and advertises other sporting activities in the area.
It can provide a link with local schools by teaching pupils various water-sports and making them aware of the local marine life.
Open Air Community Pavilion
This open-air pavilion, situated on the green is an area where parents can gather for a drink whilst keeping an eye on their children who are playing in the park.
This space can be quickly transformed to host events such as small scale concerts and open-air cinema screenings. The residents will be able to share these experiences together, as a community.
They will also be the ones to choose which films are screened giving them the opportunity to view classic films on the big screen in an open-air setting.
This open-air pavilion, situated on the green is an area where parents can gather for a drink whilst keeping an eye on their children who are playing in the park.
This space can be quickly transformed to host events such as small scale concerts and open-air cinema screenings. The residents will be able to share these experiences together, as a community.
They will also be the ones to choose which films are screened giving them the opportunity to view classic films on the big screen in an open-air setting.
