The LighthouseSize: 31 x 61cm
Medium: Cardboard Date of Completion: April 21, 2024 Exhibition Text: This project was a collaboration with UWM's Architecture department. Our goal was to create a 3-Dimensional model of a "shelter" themed installation art piece at half inch scale. I was inspired by the architecture of Santiago Calatrava, specifically our local Art Museum. This model was created using cardstock, cardboard, and transparent screen printing sheets. I focused on its interaction with light, both from an artificial light source and the sun. I used a light from my closet to project light out of the structure, and the sun creates bold shadows through the windows of the structure. |
Artistic Inspiration
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I used Photopea to edit my structure into its site location to visualize how I would locate it. I photographed the model and digitally removed the background, and placed it over the image of my site. The model is a half inch scale representation of the real concept, which would be about seven feet tall at its peak. I chose this size because it allows a viewer to comfortably nestle themselves inside standing, with little room for anyone else. This way they can also experience the way light interacts within the structure, and look out through the windows.
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As a part of this project we were able to present our projects and critique in UWM's architecture department. This was a very helpful experience because we were joined by two faculty members that brought their professional experience to our critiques. Our models were presented along with a printed bird's eye view of our chosen site. The bus ride to UWM took us right by the Art Museum, my inspiration for this project.
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Experimentation
While selecting my site location, I had to consider where in the square I wanted my work to go. The courthouse that held Joshua Glover no longer exists, and I could not find out where it originally stood. I also considered placing it directly in front of the Cathedral of St John, for which the square is named. However, I decided that it is too grand and took value away from my architecture by dwarfing it. I also considered putting it near a sculpture of a woman holding a child. I chose not to because my artwork is better unique from it, and forcing the two together takes away from both. I finally settled on the site pictured in the bottom right because the sidewalk frames the architecture in a symmetrical way.
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CritiqueFirstly, my architecture composition is similar to Calatrava's because of my use of line and form. In the Milwaukee Art Museum, the wings create diagonal lines that run along the triangular roof while they are lowered. Similarly, I created a triangular roof with windows that run diagonally. They are also similar in color. I chose to keep my structure white because Calatrava's architecture consistently uses white throughout.
My project differs from Calatrava's in its use of movement. Although both have triangular roofs, mine is a rotated version of his, causing the peak height of the triangle to be jutting forward rather than centered over the triangle. This causes his to have less movement than mine because the lines created by my windows also travel in the direction that the triangle moves. Reflection
Overall, I am very satisfied with the product of this project. It was very interesting to interact with the UWM partners, and I did not know what to expect at first but the end result was very satisfying. This project helped me develop my three-dimensional skills, which I first was exposed to in UWM's Relief project. My project connects to the inspiration in style and form, and I wanted to convey the elegant quality that comes with all Calatrava architecture. My favorite part of this project was its relationship with light, because I was able to add elements that were unique from the other students.
Bibliography
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ACT Questions
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