In Retrospect.... Don Wall's Studio (2012) Project: A studio for Tim Burton In this studio, we were instructed to pursue and solidify a concept; no matter how ridiculous it would seem. (To design a studio for Tim Burton was strange enough) The professor, a man late in his 70s, would wander and sit beside each of us and discuss what we were investigating. When he sat by me, we would have discussions that would branch off into completely unrelated topics; it ranged from his extensive art collection to vulgar/dark humor. One day, he sat by me and I showed him what I'd done in the past week. Being a workspace for an artist, I showed him concepts for adjustable lighting systems. He saw this and completely rejected everything I had done. He said to start over with a concept that would continuously evolve. It is then, he revealed to me the method of Associative Thinking. The method of Associative Thinking requires an origin. From this origin, whether through visualization, auditory stimuli, memory, sensation, or initial thought: a concept or 'node' is realized. Each realization/node is proceeded by another until one decides to 'stop thinking.' (There can be multiple nodes born from one.) The result, visually, is a tree-like figure in which the origin can be identified. I utilized this method for a period of a week. I analyzed my thought process and tried to depict Tim Burton's studio. In the simplest of descriptions:
A mechanical organism is suspended above Astor Place. How high it is suspended depends upon the 'safety of the neighborhood.' Its height also controls the amount of exposure as well as the interior. The skin acts as a canvas for Tim Burton's imagination.
Final Thoughts: A project which utilizes the associative thinking method cannot be deemed complete. The method allows for infinite possibility and outcomes. In this case, the project was only a solidified instance in an endless train of thought.
A concept should be pursued, no matter how ridiculous.
Concept
Associative Thinking Diagram
Idea Town
Manifest Building
City Sleep
Village Bulldozer
Home Live People
Dock Port
Party
Ships
Fair Points
Metal
Festival
Rigor
Discipline
Life
Vector
Unfair
Advantage
Stone Conventional
Even
Fantasy
Integer Dark Hunter
Male
Father Children Family
Female Gatherer
Mother
Kin
Heavy Light
Skin Enclosure
Tim Burton
Closure Conclusion
Finale Climax Maximum MInimum Dirt
Suction Setting Place Object Disagree Arguement Conflict Armed
Attempt
Young Work
Dust Try In
Out
Industry Profit
Age
Energy
Dirty
Vacuum At
Freeze
Earth
Vortex
Production Product
Facts
Advertise
Language
Act Part
Tone
Articulation
Voice Speech Conversation Information
Movie Liquid Water
Fluid Flu
Audio
Sound
Disease
MIcrophone Record CD Speakers
Music
Lens Camera
Exchange
Dozer
Associative Thinking and Questions
Site Plan
Using Associative Thinking as a tool, a network of inter-related words is generated from a source. With a specific program in mind to be developed, one can link these words to generate a basic form and function. 3rd Ave
To imbue a basic object, the power of inquiry can be utilized to address certain stimuli. A single question can result in numerous modifications to the original form and functions. "So, What if the crime rate goes up?" -Nid (Guest Critic) Responding to such a question involves the element of security to the individual as well as impacts on the local community. Answer: If the crime rate goes up, the architecture can transform into an unharmable object. This withdrawl from harm becomes an indicator of rising crime rates to the local community; the composition becomes an INDEX OF CRIME.
St. Mark's Pl E 8th St
Crime Rate as Stimulus
The Architecture under observation responds to the flow of local crime. Crimes under scrutiny are property, sex, and violent crimes. Low crime rates allows the architecture to be vulnerable and open. Rising crime rates transforms the architecture into a reclusive fortress, inaccessable to anyone, unless invited.
Plan (Top)
Plan (Bottom)
80’
0
15'
30'
Section
0
15'
30'
0
7.5'
15'
Top View
Bottom View