Precedent

Adaptable architecture_this has been a large inspiration in how I could achieve an adaptable space with a performance. More investigation need done in the construction of the mechanical parts however.

Precedent_Vertical_Spaces

A couple of images on vertical and temporary urban spaces that I have found interesting this week.

After further analysis of the lane and its function in relation to the city and performance I have found that the particular lane that I had selected does not create the correct environment for the audience. With this in mind I have changed the site to Buchanan St where access and audience can be easily utilised to its full potential in my design.

Precedent_Simone de Beauvoir footbridge_Paris

Footbridge by Simone de Beauvoir footbridge in Paris _ I find this particularly inspiring interms of how it connects the access routes and how the two interlocking shapes provide a central sheltered environment. I aim to take these elements into my own design to interlock two lane blocks in the western grid plan area of the city.

Site_2

Terrain wise the city slopes from west to east and north to south. The greatest slope can be found on Wellington St and this has lead to my site selection.

My design will use the steep gradient of the slope to gain access to the tall vertical spaces and still allow access to service vehicles, therefore not disturbing the main function of the lane.

Two interlocking bridges will allow for a constant circulation flow through the lane, it will also link the performance spaces with the access and lead to a constant movement within the lanes.

Site_1_Interim_ 26.03.10

The west side of the city centre is built up with lanes that (in grid plan) follow the city’s primary routs. The lanes stretch over a series of blocks in the city and my programme of performance spaces aims to link the lane into one uniform creation. A number of different performances could be used for the artist to establish their own identity within the programme.

The suspended bridge would create an "Urban Pier" concept.

Precedent_Rexx

LANE ANALYSIS

Function_Services_Access still required for the primary routes through the city to function normally.

This has lead to the concept of my design being suspended from the existing context within the lane. Access to these vertical performances spaces would be in the form of “clip-on” staircases, a good example of this is the classic New York fire escape.

To take advantage of the tall narrow context inside the lane, the performance would be reflected in the act, e.g. a circus ribbon performance The audience would have multiple suspended seats to make full use of the available space.

Lane_Analysis

Back to uni and out on site visits, spent most of my time this week hanging around in lanes making sketches and taking notes.

From my notes I have noticed that there are “blank spaces” within the lanes that could be utilised to house my design project.

Amsterdam_Trip

The four day university study trip to Amsterdam was inspirational, despite the terrible weather! I found it particularly interesting to look at the Borneo Sporenburg housing scheme by the canal front as it was an important precedent for my previous urban housing project.

The caravan style boats on the canal front caught my eye, the individual styles expressed on each boat, but their common dimensions give the scheme a regularity.

The_Act_Interim_Feedback

Site choice - Lanes within an urban context, the design will need to fit into the characteristics of the lane and be reflective of the performance act.

Scale and Relationship between performer and audience, the site choice of a narrow lane will result in a small intimate performance building

Programme of small scale buildings within a larger stretch of lane - connecting the performance spaces together.

Week_4

The_Act-Results

Had a mixed reaction with the act that took place at lunch time today (10th February). I managed to pull together a team of helpers to assist with the setting up, ticket “selling” etc. As expected stage one of the act received very little response from the public. The Ikea table and chairs I had prepared as the stage and audience area did not attract any awareness of the lane. Once the red curtain and carpet with queue barrier was put in place people’s reactions altered. The 6 meters of carpet that spilled out onto Buchanan St caught people’s eye but few were willing to examine the installation closer. It wasn't until my team of helpers went out on the streets and talked to people directly that they were willing to enter the performance space behind the curtain. From the people who did enter they seemed to come out of curiosity; my cheesy joke telling had the customers laughing more at me rather than with me!

Overall.....

I’m not completely satisfied that I chose the right performance act (comedy) to suit the location and although no actual queue formed on the red carpet on Buchanan Street, sufficient attention had been created from the props for me to be happy with the overall result.

The_Act-The_Test_Run

The test run on North Court Lane went better than I could have hoped. There are two external grates on either sides of the existing retail shops which was used to hold the tied string in place. From this string the red curtain could be clipped in place using bulldog clips. The site itself was completely derelict while I ran the test run, although it does look like there is some sort of building work taking place at the back of the lane. There is another abandoned access route into the lane from Royal Exchange Place which I'm hoping will not interfere with the performance...

The_Act-The_Test_Run

Before the props can be sourced a suitable site needs to be sourced. Its important to find a site in a busy city centre location to fully test out the act. North Court Lane (behind the shop Diesel on Buchanan St) seems like the most appropriate location, although Gordon Lane (between central station and Buchanan St) will be used as a back-up plan. Test runs with the equipment will be taking place tomorrow (9th February).

The_Act

My main aim of the act is to see if there is a demand for regenerating lost spaces in the city centre with the help of performance - To Play.

This act will help me to examine people’s views on performance and whether people will be willing to explore disused spaces if they are regenerated into a functioning space.

The act itself will take place in 3 stages..

1. The stage and audience seating area set up and the performer ready to act. No gimmicks or gadgets will be used at this stage to see if the performance stage and comedy act alone will attract an audience.

2. Set up the red carpet and curtain to hide the act and create some mystery around the installation/performance. It is hoped that at this stage people’s interest alone will be enough to form a queue along the red carpet.

3. Handing out tickets for the performance on Buchanan street. If the previous stages have been unsuccessful then it is hoped that by engaging directly with members of the public they will be more willing to explore the dormant space.

The bold statement I will be creating with the red carpet and curtain will help me examine the general public’s reaction to the installation. As the lane is currently disused any interest in the performance will reassure me that there is a need for regenerating “lost” areas of the city.

Deployable/Transformable_Structures

A video I find particularly inspiring in terms of performance within structures.

Week_2

After dividing the city of Glasgow into sub-categories I found the “lost” city to appeal most to my initial proposal. With the help of installations and deployable structures, my aim is to regenerate “lost” areas of the city. It is hoped that the performance element of the act will come from the use of moveable installation pieces.

Week_1

The initial stage of the project involved looking at the city of Glasgow as a city made up of a series of sub-categories. These groupings were then explored with the notion “To Play”.