NG WEI LIANG
Project One: Dwelling [ Place ]
The artist that I have chosen is Mikhail Baryshnikov, a ballet dancer. After analyzing his dance moves, I have derived two keywords that describe his way of dancing, seamlessness and weightlessness. Seamless as in how he transitions from one dance move to another, without any interruptions and weightless due to his precise and elegant posture when he dances.
For the basis of the design, I have used the idea of dance strokes. I have interpreted strokes from his dance as when he dances, he executes a few dance moves in a straight line, then, executing another few dance moves in a straight line in a different direction.
Using the idea of strokes from Mikhail Baryshnikov’s dance moves and the seamless transition of spaces following how he transitions from one move to another perfectly without any interruptions, I have then started off with the design process.
Firstly, I have started off with long volumes that represent the strokes. These strokes interlock each other so that the internal spaces can flow seamlessly. Then I played around with the different placements of the strokes. However along the process, I found placement of the strokes to be too simplistic. So I looked back at Baryshnikov’s dance strokes and realized that at the end of each stroke, he would end off with a jump. So I interpreted this into the form of a c-shape, with a longer roof overhang that signifies the jump, however, still keeping in with the idea of the strokes. I then experimented with the different placement of the strokes until I reached the final design.
For the first storey plan, when entering into the house from the car porch, the user would feel a sense of calmness as there is the presence of a double volume space and the natural element of water. I have added the water feature at the entrance foyer to enhance the idea of strokes when entering the house.
Additionally, the entrance foyer serves as a connection between the two spaces, enhancing the seamlessness of the spaces between the two strokes.
I have also used the difference in lighting quality to differentiate the spaces. Adding full height glass panels to brighten the living and dining spaces. The placement of the patio is also intended as an extension of the strokes.
Next, I have placed the painting studio space at the second floor as it is more of a semi-public space. Then I made use of the roof of the first storey as a roof garden and placed next to the studio as the client prefers to paint in the open. Moving on to the private space which is the bedroom. There is a difference in level between the two spaces to emphasis on the strokes.
Painting Studio
Living and Dining