EXP 3: The Links

Here's the link for the SketchUp model from the 3D warehouse.
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=8603763b927b4f3db4a5da6cdccfc93c


Here's the filefront link for the Unreal models.
http://hosted.filefront.com/napawgyi/

EXP 3: Apple for Jobs

Inspiration

Steve Jobs' office space was carved into the Bridge and its distinct feature, the pathway, was inspired by a motherboard of a computer, an element which is central to all operations. The main reason i created this pathway was because the brief requires us to design spaces in relation to a bridge. In creating the pathway, i have at least kept the idea or feel of a bridge in the top space of Jobs.

A motherboard

Pathway connecting the office (left) and elevator (right).

For Steve Jobs, apart from the power concept, the overall theme is about systems and networks, coming together to form overall functions or spaces. The constantly shifting slots at the pathway represent both the concept of networks and the rapidly changing nature of Jobs' profession. The concept of power is emphasised mainly by the verticality of the space and the pathway.

Elevator slots in to become part of the space itself.

Overall view of the 3 spaces

Interiors

The lounge is located just after the entry.

Jobs' conference room is inspired by the room of the Architect in the Matrix Trilogy.

Job's conference room is more advanced than that of Versace's as it allows distant wireless communication with his colleagues. A solitary chair in an otherwse empty room is created to explore the concept of power by experience.

This view portrays the feeling of power that may be experienced when sitting on the chair.

A logo which associates strongly with Jobs. This wall divides the lounge with Job's conference room.

The second floor holds his working desk

EXP 3: V for Versace

Inspiration (long story. can skip if preferred.)

Unlike Steve Jobs' space, I was lacking in inspiration for Donatella Versace's space. I ended up researchin info about her and found out her home town, Reggio Calabria. Then, I looked for famous architecture in this town and saw this Aragonese Castle (see below).

Because the brief requires us to design something which is floating up in the air or hanging from something, after looking at this castle an image flashed into my mind. Another castle which looks very similar to Aragonese but floating in the air... Laputa: Caste In the Sky (see below).

Since, there was 0% chance of me creating something as complex as these castles due to my limited expertise in both SketchUp and Unreal, i decided to focus on a particular aspect of Laputa, the dome.

The main reason I created this office as a dome was that it also related to the power concept of "Supremacy". This dome structure is incomparable to the office of Steve Jobs, which also has unique characteristics of its own. Both offices are supreme in their own rights and cannot be compared to each other because their features differ quite strongly.

Interiors

The letter "V" can be seen from the elevator hold of the office

The elevator hold of Versace's office on the second floor

The chair of Donatella Versace on the second floor. The furniture in this conference room is arranged in relation to the "V" on the floor, and this chair is situated accordingly to create a feeling of power.

First floor includes a toilet

Bottom level is for recreation and private space

EXP 3: Dining Table & Meeting Space

The Meeting Space

The meeting space is skeletal with not much structure. It doesn't have a characteristic of its own but rather the two clients' egos and characteristics are imposed onto it through the entrances. The dining table is located in the middle of the space, with the entrances on either end. Jobs' entrance is larger but Versace's entends further into the space with subtlety, hence creating a balance of powers. It is floating in the air between the two spaces of the clients, supported by a large fan (more on this below).

The meeting space in SketchUp

Meeting space in the Unreal environment

Meeting Space Entrances

During the process of designing both entrances, I tried to relate to my Article Mashup (the part "over the top entry") in consideratin to the concept of power.

The main inspiration for Steve Jobs' entrance was that of a plug, and though it is quite simple, it represents connectivity, which is appropriate for a meeting space. Again, the concept of power is portrayed through its size and physicality, similar to his elevator.

Versace's entrance to the space is closely related to her elevator. It is designed so that when the elevator comes up through the entrance, it alludes to the notion of a flower blossoming. This is the most important phase of a flower's life and I used this concept to relate to the notion of power as well as beauty.

The Dining Table

The meeting space is created by the need for the two clients to meet and discuss things, hence its primary role is to support the area where this happens, the dining table. Therefore, the dining table is designed so that it ultimately fuels the existence of the meeting space, via an enormous fan. This fan is connected to the dining table and holds the meeting space up in the air. The main concept behind this is there would be no meeting space without the dining table, and the table is of utmost importance and power to the meeting space.

The dining table without the fan

Dining table with the fan

The Dining Table in Unreal Environment

The design of the table was a combination of the elements drawn from the two spaces. The transparent features of Jobs' space is represented in the glass top of the table and the more organic shapes of Versace's is incorporated in the legs and bottom part of the table.

Dining table in the middle of the meeting space

The fan is under the space, holding it up

A full view of the meeting space with the table

EXP 3: Donatella Versace's Elevator

Versace's elevator is modelled after an exotic flower, portraying her characteristics of femininity and extravagance. The power concept is explored here by creating the space in the middle of the flower (pollen if you will), so that the experience that the person gets while on the elevator is emphasised. In this case, power is not portrayed physically like Jobs' elevator but rather as an experience or feel.

Donatella Versace's elevator

Another inspiration for the elevator, the curved shapes in this two point perspective served as a main design idea for the elevator

EXP 3: Steve Jobs' Elevator

Circuit-Inspired Elevator of Jobs

Steve Jobs' elevator represent power physically. The sheer size of it was created for 2 reasons, one to represent the concept of power and the other to make it as part of the top space. the design for it was inspired by the model and composition of a circuit, which relates to Jobs' profession.

A two point perspective which served as another inspiration to the design of the elvator

EXP 3: Draft

There's still a lot of work that needs to be done (especially the meeting space and the interiors) but I've got the overall concept and layout of the spaces pretty much sorted out. The overall "Power" concept associated with each space is Supremacy, the notion of being incomparable and ultimate.

The top transparent space (the bridge) is Steve Jobs' office and the meeting space is hanging from it. I may have to put this meeting space lower down since the effect of the elevator may not be fully experienced. The bottom dome structure is that of Donatella Versace's. I've found inspirations in designing each of the spaces for the clients and its features but more details on that in the coming posts.

I need to redesign the elevator for Versace.

Some Concept Sketches