A Perpetual Pride Finding the Form
The Development Process
1.
Exclusively Heterosexual
“It is a characteristic of the human mind that tries to dichotomize in its classification of phenomena….Sexual behavior is either normal or abnormal, socially acceptable or unacceptable, heterosexual or homosexual; and many persons do not want to believe that there are gradations in these matters from one to the other extreme.”
Exclusively Homosexual
The design process centred around recreating the spatial condition of both an individuals sexual awakening and the ‘coming out’ process. The concept of public and private space was made tangiable by applying varrying degrees of enclosure throughout the site. To spatially create the spation condition of being ‘out’ and ‘in’ the Kinsey Scale was used. The kinsey scale provides a model of sexuality which argues that few individuals sit within the commonly accepted heterosexual and homosexual subdivisions of sexuality but exist on a continuum of vary bisexual responses (The Kinsey Institute, 2013) . This continuum suggested a spectrum of sexxual identy that, whilst providing metophor for diversity, provided a spatial platform to guide the design process.
The Kinsey Scale
Varying Bisexual Responses
(Kinsey, 1953, cited by The Kinsey Institute, 2013)
Private
2.
Public
3.
Colour
Spectrum Rainbow
Ideas developing degrees of enclosure commenced the design process.
Distinctions between Heterosexualy assumed public space and LGBT private space were made.
Sexuality
Exploration of the spatial condition of being ‘in’ and ‘out’ of the closet.
Identity
Diversity
4.
6. Desirable circulation coupled with the applied spectrum created a central plaza space
Exploration of circulaation and degrees of enclosure were made, using the Kinsey ‘spectrum’ to dictate form
5.
Indentations to the four lawn areas were made. These exploraations investigated the idea of having both politically private and public spaces within the squaare
The Process Simplified
Public
Private
Enlarge the central garden.
Apply the public / private distinction.
Apply the ‘Spectrum’ of sexuality.
Insert the desired pedestrian circulation.
Spatially celebrate historic buildings and create ‘Public Plaza’.
Insert continuous seating.
Blur the boundaries between ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ the central garden.
Apply LGBT symbology inside and outside the central garden.