Preferential aspect of design is utilized according either to the type of users occupying the space or the specific function of the space itself. The space on these images is a Puppet Theater that opens directly to the outdoor. Everything the audience sees in the puppet performances, such as the puppets, the props, and the stage itself is miniature in scale. Therefore, scale becomes an important element for the designer in designing this space. This theater assembles a smaller number of people since the interior space is purposely constructed in small-scale. If this space was larger in scale, audience who sat farther from the stage would not be able to see the puppet stage clearly since it is miniature in size. In addition, stepped seating for the audience is emulating the seating in typical amphitheaters, however, this seating is shorter and closer to the ground because the puppet stage is placed lower than a normal eye-level if a person is standing or sitting on a chair.
Meanwhile, slender, diamond-shaped panels on the walls and ceiling create rhythm through repetition, which widen and elongate the space while they lead and direct the audience's attention to the stage at the same time. The movement created by these panels is dynamic, which is crucial to keep audience enthusiastic and entertained throughout the performances. In addition, the color-scheme is kept achromatic with white dominating the entire space to emphasize the puppet stage even further. Glossy finishes on these diamond-shaped panels create distorted reflections of the performance stage on the walls and ceiling. This effect creates an impression of color on these panels and illusion of a larger space.
Do you think the intimate scale of the space is appropriate for the function of the space? Would you feel comfortable sitting closer to strangers while watching the puppet performances or would you feel rather cramped? Do you think the diamond-pattern on the panels is enhancing the puppet stage, or is it rather distracting? Explain.
Image Source:
Kaplan-Seem, Anya. Architectural Record. "MOS: Huyghe + Le Corbusier Puppet Theater, Cambridge, Mass." McGraw-Hill Construction, Dec 2008.
I feel that the design of the space and especially the scale of it is inappropriate.
ReplyDeleteTheaters are usually large in scale and are not meant to create intimacy among viewers.
Looking at the photograps, this space seems too small and when people are in it too crowded. I believe that can cause some uncomfortable feeling among the users of the space.
If I was in the space by myself, I would probably feel uncomfortable sitting next to people I don't know. However, if I went with other friends, I wouldn't feel that uncomfortable and the space may actually be fitting the shows.
As far as the pattern design on the ceiling, it looks distracting due the small scale of the space. If the ceiling was higher the diamond pattern may not look as distracting and would not interfere with the show.