1:1 Model of Detail

For this model, I decided to concentrate on a particular section of the folds of rugs. I was about to do it the same way as I had for the 1:5 model (interior folds - structural beams - cloth to cover structural elements) when my tutors gave me an idea to use the folds/rolls of rugs as interior AND exterior cladding. 

Initially, I had tried to glue the cloth I had gotten for this model (it had longer threads and were extremely soft to feel, making it suitable for the 1:1 scale) directly to the wood. The effect wasn't as good as I had expected as the softness and bounciness on the folds that I had wished for ans were communicated through my 1:5 model was somewhat lost. It was too rigid and hard, not fulfuilling my purpose of comfort and warmth at all.

Finally, I worked out a method that worked perfectly.

I made the rolls out of thin wooden panel, which I covered with cotton pleats, over which I glued a layer of non-stick, rubber mat which I finally covered with the soft reddish cloth. This method made the rolls extremely soft and comforting. 

The rolls were arranged close to each other and I hammered 2 nails on either side of the roll into the wood to secure the rolls into place and to make them more durable. I really love the softness of this model and in my opinion, it fulfils my purpose of evoking a warm and comfortable feeling in my place of waking. 

1:5 Model of Detail

I wished to model the main feature of my design in this model - the folds of rugs making up the interior walls. Therefore I decided to model all 4 walls to get a good idea of my design as a whole as well as the details of the folds. I made this model out of thin strips of foamboard (shaping the folds), the thick cloth and a foamboard structure as well as a soft, synthetic material on the outer wall with the sole purpose of covering the structural elements of the model.

 I incorporated the details of the slits to further clarify my design. I went for a rich red coloured fabric with a smooth yet slightly rugged texture, suitable for the 1:5 context. 

Further development

After coming up with a basic idea, I tried to think about some details that could be included in the design. Then my tutors gave me the idea of somehow incorporating light through the window into the enclosure. I tried to develop on this feature and decided to include slits/gaps in some parts of the folded rows. I decided to have thin slits that were towards the top of the structure so that the privacy of the user is not interrupted too much and the sun will not be too strong in their eyes.

This is my final augmented drawing:

Development of initial idea

My tutors advised me on how my initial design, shown below was focused too much on the actual bed rather than the enclosure, which was the main focus. They also told me that i should further develop my idea so that it becomes more private, and further emphasise on the "lushness" and "warmth" which were the characteristics I needed in my design.

This was when I started playing around with the idea of rolls/folds of rugs that could make the walls more interesting with a warmer feel to it too. I leaned towards a basic cuboid shaped structure with a roof/cover, until i realised it would feel too much like sleeping in a coffin, triggering claustrophobia in most of us.

Early steps of the enclosure design

My initial idea for the enclosure.

It consisted of a stack of rugs cut out in an ergonomic shape vertically and further covered with a fitted rug. I wanted the encosure's walls to be cladded with the rich and warm texture of the rugs somehow. 

DESIGN 2 - AUGMENTED REALITY WORKSHOP

This workshop was based on "place of waking" like all the other workshops. But we were to design an enclosure that relates to the sort of environment we ideally would like to wake up in. 

My chosen landmark in our site, where I decided I would like to wake up most in was the Persian Rug Gallery (160 Beach Road). The reason being that I feel abnormally cold 24/7, and always have to have many layers of clothes on. Therefore the warmth and comfort with the rugs around the space, fitted my main preference. 

3 coloured lights=white