Physical model
I started by looking into inspiration from Pinterest and Designsperation. Both of which are useful websites where you see other peoples work for inspiration. I found a lot of these deconstructed approaches to spatial design and architecture, I thought this would be an interesting way to interpret the project because it means that each layer can hold meaning. As well as the separated aesthetic helped separate ideas of minimalism and maximalism whilst also embracing the idea of them being combined to form balance.
Furthermore, I started sketching up concept ideas. I started on the idea of doing three separate models, one for minimalism, one for maximalism and one for balance. Then I moved on to the idea that they should combine, I thought about separating the walls and details from each other. Through this sketching process however I did end up developing an ideal balanced workspace for myself, I then decided to think about it in parts, what made these things maximal, and what made them minimal. The minimal approach I decided should be the extreme, a completely stripped down version, the base floor on its own. Maximal I thought can then be any layers that are added until it forms a whole sculpture.
I then went on to developing physical prototypes and using Fusion 360 to develop these ideas further. It helped to visualise the concept in a 3D and tangible way. It allowed me to see function and movement which turned out would be essential. I seemed to fall on the idea of the separated layers and then I was thinking about how to give this illusion of perhaps floating to create that merging effect. I looked back on the physical scaffold I made and realised it would be a perfect literal deconstruction. Bringing ideas of construction sites which I feel links in perfectly with my approach with spatial design.
Through this process, there was a lot of iteration in the design. I started working with MDF laser cut prototypes. I decided that I wanted the end result to be laser cut acrylic because it is clear and it offers this idea of the unnoticeable noticeable. Practising the fit of the wall and floors using the same 3mm width for MDF as I would with acrylic helped me troubleshoot issues in the early stages. I made templates in Adobe Illustrator to create these models.
