The Black Box

< Master of Design (Distinction)

This thesis investigates the symbolism associated with the shadow in art, architecture and literature and uses it to design 5 conceptual spaces for 5 inhabitants that existed for 24 hours on the 22nd June (the longest night).

The investigation was conducted using drawing, both by hand and computer aided, as drawing is the language of the shadow.

Abstract

The black box attempts to re-draw shadows as a valuable inquiry tool for Interior architecture. It draws upon the historical and mythological associations of the shadow to architecture, art and narrative. It singles out but a few of the possible experiments and projects them into an interior architecture based in drawing.

The books of the black box are organised according to the projects. There are 5 projects, each investigating a specific aspect of the shadow. Each project ranges from the apparently abstract and conceptual to the primarily physical act of mark making. Each has a key series of guidelines that dictate aspects of the project and of that shadow narrative. Each is investigated through the development of drawing processes. The projects are neither 'perfect' nor 'complete', and exist the realm between the imagined and the constructed.

1. "The Shadow as Threshold" occupant:Deviant (real); time:sunset
2. "The Disconnected Shadow"
occupant: vampire (unreal); time; late evening
3. "The Shadow as Refuge"
occupant: paranoid schizophrenic (real); time:midnight
4. "The Shadow as Solid"
occupant: ghost (unreal); time: early morning
5. "the Shadow as Repetition"
occupant: artist (real); time: sunrise

The black box is concerned with speculative interpretations of both the shadow and interior architecture. It sets up the conditions for each project that promote subjectivities, where specific connections of shadow to Interior architecture have been previously overlooked.