<< Spatial Articulation >>
For my senior project, I am exploring the concept of creating an interactive space that can accommodate two completely different plays: "Carmen" and "Tuesday with Morrie." What intrigues me about this project is delving into the art of articulation in spaces, particularly in the context of stage design and theater plays. Articulation, in the realms of art and architecture, refers to the method of styling joints in the formal elements of architectural design. By employing an articulated theater space, I aim to create distinct settings for each act while ensuring smooth transitions between them.
Spatial Articulation - “Carmen” // 2023
- Concept Art & Production Designer
I delved into the script of "Carmen," immersing myself in its storyline and themes. One aspect that stood out to me was the strong background feeling of being in Spain, evoking imagery of its distinctive building structures and the passionate color palette of red and orange. These impressions became my foundational inspiration for the design, as I sought to authentically capture the essence of Spain and its rich cultural tapestry.
The characters' backgrounds and the story's narrative played a significant role in shaping my design approach. In "Carmen," the male lead, Jon, is a torero, a bullfighter, who falls in love with the female lead, Carmen. This dynamic relationship and Jon's profession provided me with an opportunity to infuse the design with symbolic elements and architectural references. Drawing from the layout of a colosseum, an iconic structure associated with bullfighting, I incorporated its grandeur and dramatic presence into the final design. The incorporation of colosseum-inspired elements serves as a homage to Jon's torero persona while immersing the audience in a vibrant and culturally significant setting.
Furthermore, I envisioned a combination of a rounded staircase and a wall with a design inspired by the form of a rose. This artistic amalgamation symbolizes the interplay between the characters, their emotions, and the physical space. As the stage rotates along with the music during different scenes, it adds a dynamic element to the space. This movement not only allows for seamless transitions but also serves as an invitation for the audience to enter the world of the play, actively engaging with the unfolding narrative.
In addition to the stage's movement, consider exploring other theatrical elements that can enhance the immersive experience. Dynamic lighting effects can set the mood and emphasize key moments, while transformative set pieces can transport the audience to various locations seamlessly. Interactive elements, such as projected visuals or synchronized soundscapes, can further deepen the connection between the audience and the play, making the experience truly multidimensional.
Spatial Articulation - “Tuesday with Morrie” // 2023
- Concept Art & Production Designer
Exploring the design concept for "Tuesday with Morrie" is an intriguing endeavor. This serious play delves into profound themes of life and death, and I have identified nature, specifically trees, as a central inspiration for your design. This connection to nature aligns well with the exploration of aging and the passage of time throughout the play.
Narrowing my focus to tree rings as a representation of aging is a poignant and symbolic choice. Tree rings not only visually communicate the passage of time but also evoke a sense of wisdom and resilience. Incorporating wooden materials throughout the design not only reinforces the natural element but also adds warmth and texture to the space. The presence of tree rings can serve as a visual motif, reminding the audience of the inevitability of aging and the finite nature of life.
In conceptualizing the design, the idea of the character walking through the tree rings in each scene is powerful. It serves as a physical representation of the character's journey and the stages of life and illness they experience. The use of see-through and transparent materials interspersed between the tree rings provides an opportunity to explore the duality of life and death, creating a sense of fragility and vulnerability.
The transparent elements can symbolize the dissepiment between life and death, acting as a visual reminder of the character's progression and the ephemeral nature of existence. Consider the play of light and shadow through these transparent materials, as it can further enhance the ethereal and introspective atmosphere of the play.
Additionally, the concept of transparency can be extended beyond the physical materials to the storytelling and performances themselves. The transparency of emotions, reflections, and the characters' internal struggles can be highlighted, allowing the audience to connect on a deeper level with the profound themes presented in the play.