Kristen Weller Graduate Work
Beginning with Hand tools, whether it be a pencil, traditional woodwork, or photographs, each project is realized in a similar process. Intuition is relied upon initially which then grows into the basics for a design. Computer tools are then implemented in order to create a holistic, and comprehensible display of the work at hand.
Culmination of Commonality Chris Motely + Kristen Weller
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and the shadows will fall behind you.� - Walt Whitman Our task was to create an architecture that channels the spirit and fortitude of those who leave all they know behind them, yearning to reach the fullest human potential. To always strive for a better life, disrupt the given circumstances, and become a unique piece of the American Mosaic. Allowing the hope of the future to guide the way and the shadows of the past to fall behind. A place to facilitate an understanding of United States policies with regard to immigration and how these policies shape the past, present, and future. An interactive, democratic space where education and contribution can occur; a Living Museum. This museum is situated on two distinct areas, facing the sun to the south, while still visually connecting to the Washington National Monument to the Northeast. It serves as a hinge or transition between the city fabric and the National Mall. Upon approach from the Smithsonian Metro Station, the building acts as a threshold from the urban environment to the open environment. The program is driven by light and by policy. There is a dichotomy between the fullness of the underground space flooded with light to guide the way through the history of immigration with glimpses and hope for the future. This space holds galleries which address the policy, legislation, and how Washington D.C. effected our culture. The vision of the future becomes evident in the immensity of the glass tower as it peels away from its own shadow. The future of immigration is revealed; the reform to come.
Culmination of Commonality Chris Motely + Kristen Weller
Fashion House for Yohji Yamamoto Kristen Weller
“Perfection is ugly. Somewhere in the things humans make, I want to see scars, failure, disorder, distortion” - Yohji Yamamoto Taking Yohji Yamamoto’s four major themes of Time, Non-perfection, Sexuality, and Colour, this fashion institute becomes a stage for performace of the models as well as of the producers. From dark into light the viewers receive glimpses into what comes next. The light expresses time; the movement is its progression. The light creates the walkway in a stage full of people. The models are able to perform amongst the viewers and the producers are able to perform above. “I don’t think that we should make space our own. I believe that as modern people we should always be moving” -Yohji Yamamoto Irregularity of the building program brings about filtering people through certain spaces. The walls push through the space to serve structural purposes and to determine the program. The attitude of this building is in it’s layout of space between extreme openness in some spaces and darkness in others.
Fashion House for Yohji Yamamoto Kristen Weller