The Inspiration Diaries: 2

Now you could say that I'm a traditionalist. I have certain views on how I want my life to be (white picket fence, 2 children, 1,000,000 animals) and that is no different when it comes to architecture and design.

If I was given the choice, I would much rather visit a converted barn, or a temple from the beginning of time. So when it came to starting Uni, I had to learn to start appreciating 'Modern' architecture. And I think that it is only now beginning to start working on me. I now give second glances to buildings which I normally wouldn't, I start to appreciate the construction elements of how they came to be, that's right...I now understand (and am maybe starting to like) contemporary architecture and design.

So let's begin shall we? Here are just a sample of my new likes and tastes. They're not groundbreaking just yet, but give me a chance. Baby steps.

Award Winning Architects SAOTA design FIRST CRESENT. A minimalist home, commanding a 270 degree view of Lions Head, Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the living spaces of this home are highly transparent to take full advantage of these views.

Who in their right mind wouldn't want to live here?

My next choice has a refreshing combination of old and new architecture. But it hasn't been through together in a slap dash way, and thankfully has been able to retain the original building integrity.

With all the converted spaces of today, this London residence, a former water tower, is a pretty exciting one to share!  In 2008,  Leigh Osbourne and Graham Voce bought this 99 foot tall crowned with a huge steel water tank tower for £395,000 and converted it into a luxury home.  The brick building itself is quite beautiful, and mixed with the modern and clean interiors, the cool quotient on this one definitely sets the bar for these types of projects.  Loving the choice of stripes everywhere as well.

So there you have it. My baby steps towards my eventual love of contemporary architecture. Stay tuned for more updates!

Winter Placement 2013: Seacourt Print Workshop

So...another reason for why I have been a very bad blogger recently...I have been lucky enough to find myself a paid placement in the Arts field to see me through until I find something a bit more suited to what I studied at University.

But until then, I have hit the ground running and been taught numerous traditional and modern printing techniques! So far I've been taught Dry Point, Collagraph, Salt Etch, Woodcut, CAD Etching, Cyanotype and Screen Printing. So definitely a crash course in all things print!

I've also had the opportunity to put what I've learnt into practice by being able to take part in educational courses in the various techniques.

Here are a few examples of what I've been getting up to!

Free Range 2013

As you will already know if you have read any of my previous posts, I was chosen to exhibit my final year's work in London during the Summer at Free Range. So here is just a little catch up of how the exhibition  went and some of the other students work which was completely out of this world!

If any of you have ever, or actually never, been to Free Range, the variations in the quality of the work/presentation and content was actually astounding. I was dubious before the show started that my work wouldn't in any way measure up to the other exhibitors, but I was happily surprised that my skills seemed to plonk me right in the middle. So for me, that was a win!

And here is some of the work which in some shape or form left me a little bit flabberghasted!

César Manrique: Jameos del Agua

Sooooo... over the summer my boyfriend and I took ourselves off on a little trip to a quiet little place in Lanzarote. It was our first holiday away together and we wanted to actually be able to say that we had seen things other than the beach etc.

So when we were told about César Manrique, and the resort which he designed within the natural volcanic landscape of the island. Within the 'jameos' or volcanic sink holes, he designed a resort to include an auditorium, restaurants and a natural lagoon.

The resort opened in the 1960's and soon became a sought after destination for the rich and famous. Sean Connery being one of the many who were lucky enough to experience the resort in its hey day. Due to this, we decided to make it our mission to sit in every possible place just so that we could say we had sat where the greats had once sat.

The resort has now been converted into a centre to house the scientific findings of the volcanic landscapes which surround it. But have kept all of the original features and now allow the public in to witness the place in all its glory.

I for one am jealous that I could not experience it in the same way that others have done in its history. But it is still an amazing place to visit and experience. Especially the underground lagoon and auditorium.

César understood his landscape which he wanted to work with, and with that understanding he was able to create unforgettable spaces, all with an eerie sense of magic that leave you wanting to explore every last inch!

The Inspiration Diaries: 1

I don't know whether it's just me. But I have always loved when a building in all its magnificence has the ability to just swallow you up. The type where you turn into a child again and have to touch everything and want to experience every inch of the space. 

The places in this post are places which I have never been. But they are now on my Bucketlist, because when an image of a building gives you that same feeling. You know it will be mind blowing when you finally get to experience it in person.

"The Cloisters" - Gloucester, England

 Medieval village of Dolceaqua, Italy

Unknown

Forgotten Temple of Lysistrata, Portugal

Thomas Heatherwick: Bleigiessen

Pinterest is a wonderful thing.

I discovered Thomas Heatherwick a few years ago by being introduced by my College tutor. This piece in particular has always stood out to me. Whether this is because it has more organic feminine shapes or simply because my mind goes 'OOOOOOH PRETTY!' but it is always one which inspires me to experiment within my own designs.

So here you have it. Bleigiessen. A truly beautiful installation which captivates the imagination.

Where on EARTH have I been?

Firstly... apologies for the lack of attention that this blog has been given (bad Hannah), I've been stuck in a whirlwind of moving house (TWICE) and trying to find suitable employment. So my thoughts have been otherwise engaged...until now. So what better time to update you all on everything that has been happening in the last 6 months!

So prepare yourselves. It's gonna get CRAZY!

Design Innovations

'A Private Space in a Public Place'

'The Shape-Shifting Shelter'

This project was designed to make us move out of our usual creative comfort zones. We were instructed to be as creative as possible, as to actually enjoy our designs, rather than placing emphasis on regulations and the constraints of 'normal' designs.

I proposed to design a 'shape-shifting shelter', which could be located in any of the many high pedestrianised areas of Leeds, which would offer some shelter from the elements for shoppers on a day to day basis.

My development for this project began by using the influences of origami and movement. I began by looking into the simple forms of folding and the mechanics of how the design would actually be able to move and flow. I soon discovered that the different types of folding allowed each shape to move in its own individual way.

I began by making basic sketch models which allowed me to experiment with what would and wouldn't work. I used a range of folding patterns and techniques ranging from simple horizontal and vertical extensions, to shapes which could bend and transform into different three dimensional forms.

The models themselves proved to be more difficult than first anticipated as the movement which was available from beginner origami patterns was limited and therefore limited the amount of experimentation.

Elements of the design such as the materials used, along with alternative shapes could prove beneficial in the final outcome to be produced. It was the repeated mistakes which made me become engrossed in achieving a working model which I could be proud of.

The Annabelle Evenson Memorial Award

Just a little update.

At the opening night of my Degree Show I was awarded the Annabelle Evenson Memorial Award for 'Most Outstanding Progress' in the Final Year. 

Without going into too much detail, I struggled a lot with my 2nd year of my Degree due to a build up of unforeseen circumstances and illnesses which in turn caused me to fail and or just scrape through my modules. In my Final year I have finally been able to put the time and effort into my work which it really deserved, and this award has been the proof and recognition of my transformation.

So, a big thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this stage (you know who you are), and I hope this confidence boost will help me in my future projects and job hunting quest!

Exhibition Update: Free Range

As of a couple of weeks ago, I have been entered into the Free Range London Exhibition this Summer. I cannot begin to describe what an honour this was to be one of the chosen 10 exhibiting from my degree course at Leeds College of Art.

This Exhibition will give me the opportunity to display my work and portfolio to potential clients and/or future employers from the whole of the South of England.

I am greatly looking forward to this opportunity and to gain some experience from the various seminars which will be scheduled for the event.

Updates on the exhibition will be coming soon!

Final Major Project

'The Cask' at Hopkins Brewery

For my Final Major Project, I decided to design a micro craft brewery and bar. This was mainly due to the fact that I thought that this would prove the most challenging yet enjoyable project. 

The project allowed me to experience the brewing process first hand, and to actually learn about what would be made at the new location in Brewery Wharf, Leeds, not just what was needed to design it.

I focused mainly on the bar area for this design, as it was this which would allow me to be my most creative. I decided from the start that I wanted the design aesthetic to reflect the robust industrial processes of the historical brewing methods.

This project was the first which required me to include everything which I had learnt to date. I had to use my skills to produce condition reports, feasibility studies, detailed plans and sections, detailed drawing as well as strong visual representation of my final design. 

Visual progression of the bar interior.

The materials and colours used were to reflect the tones of the beers and ales produced. Warm reds, golds and copper colours highlight key areas of the space, creating as overall warm atmosphere.