Layers of memory

According to my previous research, the memory has complex layers, in addition, it can also be affected by many other elements. Under such a discovery, how to use these research results? And how can it be applied to the situation of moving to create a sense of belonging?

3-1. Moving from Taiwan

As an international student, moving from Taiwan to the Netherlands was a new experience. From the size of the room to the equipment of the room, etc., different cultures also affect those detail I get used to having.

When I first came here, the feeling of being alone in a foreign land in the room makes me seek to find a sense of belonging in my private space. And a room with a familiar feeling can make me truly relax and rest in it.

Taiwan Netherlands Taiwan Netherlands

So I started to analyze the difference between my room in Taiwan and the Netherlands. And make a comparison based on the configuration of the space. After comparison, I found that even under different spatial conditions, I still have generally fixed room rules in the room.

In shaping my room, there are two cores, the desk and the bed, which in turn extend and determine the development of the rest of the space

Taiwan Netherlands

3-3. Materials with Projector

In the process of reviewing the photos, I found that my memory of the room began to mix with the current room. So I started thinking about what was missing from my previous research to explore elements of my room. To improve the missing parts such as space configuration, color, etc.

Then to present the two overlapping rooms in my memory, I tried to use a projector and a wooden structure, fabric, and light to create an overlapping and overlapping image.

To ensure that the method can be used by others, I started to set up a set of procedures and experimented in my housemate's room. During this process, I also found that simply moving the original room elements was not suitable. Cause the elements might work on the previous space, but not the new one. Putting things that are not suitable for a space into the room will only cause trouble to the user, so it needs to be properly adapted to the existing space.

3-3. Moved to ArtEZ

During the two experiments, I gradually learned how to recreate the sense of belonging through the combination of structure and projection. And through another simulated moving, the overall detailed arrangement was re-arranged, and a set of processes was explored from it.

Taiwan Netherlands ArtEZ

Sometimes when we look around our room, and just a glance of that corner, and you found some familiarilty from it. That shows our memory scenes of old place could be mix up with the new. And for me that is the starting point for creating a sense of belonging.

Therefore through the analysis and overlapping of photos, we can find this point of balance. And that is the starting point for creating a sense of belonging.

The Materials

When creating such an abstract sense of belonging space, the most important thing is the place that can be associated with people, no matter it is the shape, the arrangement of the space, the color, etc. When these hints can be related to the memory in our brain, then it can bring a sense of belonging.

Therefore, the choice of materials is crucial. When the personality of the material itself will give people extra imagination, it is not an ideal material here.

At the end, I chose white as the base and apply to the materials that I work with before like paper, cloth, and foam board. And it can better enable people to project their memories on it.

The Abstraction

In the process of creating space, I realized that imagining is a very important and non-negligible process in recalling our memories. If there are hints to guide us along the way of imagining, it will be easier when we need to recall a specific memory. Hence hints with only a little information such as frames and blanks become the best medium.

The Pattern

The configuration and experience of the space are very important for a space. And when this concept extends to the room, it is the same for how we place our furniture. So when we use the projector to project the image, we must recognize what elements need to adjust, and making changes is critical.

Tool Box and Rules

After my research, now I need to establish a complete set of rules and toolbox for people to use, starting from the most basic toolbox. Considering the size of the toolbox itself, and the tools that is essential, the following is the content of the tools and materials.

Projector Glue Gun Duct Tape Ruler Acrylic Foam Board (70*100 , 100*140) Fabric (300*300) Paper (A3*10, A1*3)

1. Start by picking out photos of old rooms that contain elements that you miss but don’t have in your current room. Then project it into the space that you think is suitable for it and take a photo.

Physical object: The selected photo is a cabinet, then project the image of the cabinet to a place that can fit the cabinet reasonably. Photos and posters: Choose a suitable space for projection. If the previous location was a door, but the current room space is not suitable, you can find other flat spaces for projection based on the orientation of the original poster.

2. Measure the space you need, and record the size you need to cut according to your original impression. If it is too different from the existing space, then you need to adjust it.

For example, if the size of the cabinet is 120*180, and the existing space is 100*200, it is recommended to adjust the size of the cabinet to 72*108. 3. Cut and assemble the parts you need, and choose different tools to assemble according to different materials.

Foam Board: Use Glue Gun to bond. If the Foam Board structure is required to carry the weight, additional structures need to be installed. Add another piece of FoamBoard installed horizontally under the weight-bearing board to support it. Paper, Fabric: If you need a complete and long straight line, you need to use a utility knife and a long ruler to cut.

4. When you need to wrap and whiten your decorations and books.

Books: Put the paper under the open book, try to open the book and keep it in a flat state, measure the required paper size, cut it, fold the two sides into the two sides of the book, and fix it with tape. Decorations: Pick out decorations of a similar type that you miss and paint them with the acrylic paints in the toolbox.

5. Place all finished items in your desired location and secure them with duct tape from the toolbox if needed.

6. After a week or two, after experiencing the changes in space and position, you can replace or adapt them. For example, photos can be replaced with new memories, and cabinets or shelf structures can be reused to put the things you need.

4. Conclusion

Belonging space

In my hometown Taiwan, there is a folk proverb, that a golden den and a silver den are not as good as your dog kennel. It means that even luxury accommodation can not be as comfortable as my home, and this is the space I want to create.

When we work hard and learn the whole day, and return to our room, a space full of our memories and comfort is what everyone needs, and when we move to a new space if we quickly grasp such characteristics, that is my design goal.

Through my design, people can be more aware of themselves and their space when they build it, and in the process, they can also invisibly connect and resonate with such a space. In this way, the memories of the building also become the nourishment of belonging and grow and thrive. And such memory space is unique to each person, and it is irreplaceable.

As interior designers, it will be helpful if we can know what our clients miss from the previous space. So that the space we design will naturally come with a sense of belonging.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Ruskin, John. The Works of John Ruskin. the Seven Lamps of Architecture. - 1903. - (Ruidnr.: M102412516). London: George Allen, 1903.