Interior Architecture: Writing Across Scale

Interior Shaped By Levitation

Viewing the original Jenga 1.0 project from the exterior it was clear that the overall unit was floating in space. The unit was carefully balanced by an interior wall on one end and a column on the other, both protruding down through the floor plane to the ground level along a central axis. Floatation, as a manifestation of levitation, became the vehicle in expressing the conceptual framework of the unit including its relative kit of parts. Integrating architectural elements floating in space on the exterior set the tone for what was to come on the interior. After merging my individual unit into the group of six and twelve, the exterior floating elements have now disappeared. However the floating architectural essence remains. Drawing upon inspiration in images shown below, the spirit of mystery, illusion, and lightness is subtly expressed in the design layers of my space in terms of the architectural elements, furnishings, and finishes.

Precedents of floating architectural elements used as inspiration for the space.

www.johnpawson.com

www.flickr.com

http://kitkadesigntoronto.com/?p=12157

As you enter the unit you see to your left a floating wall that subtly hovers above the floor plane, positioned alongside a beautiful, contemporary kitchen with a generous center island. The floating wall of translucent glass creates a path that moves you along an axis path to a floating staircase ascending to the second floor or ahead to the private area that includes sleeping and bathing. A sculptural bathtub that floats above the floor defines the bathing area.

A perpendicular fixed, central wall serves as a divider between the kitchen and living areas from the private area beyond it. The height of this dividing wall is the same as the height of the windows allowing light to carry over the wall and making the space seem as one. It is an open, airy space filled with a generous amount of light from the surrounding windows. Continuing in the spirit of being a light filled space, the finishes are light in tone. The generous expanse of the living area showcases light Bamboo floors. The living area is anchored by a central column with an embedded horizontal fireplace. The furniture in the living area is defined by a contemporary sofa where the seat cushion appears to be floating supported by a metal base where the floor can be read below. It appears light, airy and comfortable.

In the spirit of mystery and illusion, floating elements are incorporated in different ways to transcend the space to a magical place, shaped carefully by thoughtful connections between floor and ceiling planes. Hovering walls, horizontal seat cushions and fireplace floating fireplace set a tone for the occupant to be touched in a inspirational way as driven by the architecture of levitation.