The image below is of the painting studio of artist Stefan Dunlop. The studio is part of he and his wife’s newly built dream home located on a seaside hill in Noosa, Australia. The home and studio were built by their neighbors, Bark Design Architects, and the couple was fully involved in the process.
When thinking about designing a space meant specifically for creativity we must keep in mind that in this state of creativity, we make ourselves most vulnerable. This means that our behavior is strongly influenced by our surroundings, taking notice to the smallest of details.
When thinking about designing a space meant specifically for creativity we must keep in mind that in this state of creativity, we make ourselves most vulnerable. This means that our behavior is strongly influenced by our surroundings, taking notice to the smallest of details.
When you initially look at the image of this studio it doesn’t appear to have any great architectural value or order for that matter. But the architects and artists took great care to design and build a space which would affectively accommodate the behavior specific to Dunlop. For example, Dunlop’s paintings are often on a very large scale so it was necessary to create an extra large entrance with a very tall angled ceiling. In addition to this tall ceiling, it was also necessary to create a space which was long and narrow so that Dunlop would have plenty of room to step back and get a good view of his large works. The giant wall of glass creates plenty of natural light, not to mention an inspiring view and the building’s orientation from east to west avoids direct sunlight which would obscure sight of the paintings. The walls and floors are made of plywood, having the ability to withstand strong wear and tear including paint splatters. This enables the artist to feel comfortable to create rather than having to worry about creating damage to the space. And finally, the exterior was clad in corrugated tin so as to echo the adjacent water-storage tanks.
If asked to design your “perfect studio” what would be some of the architectural features necessary in order for you to feel most comfortable to create?
If asked to design your “perfect studio” what would be some of the architectural features necessary in order for you to feel most comfortable to create?
The “perfect studio” is something every artist/designer yearns for. It is a want and a need at the same time. The perfect studio for me would be along the same lines as Stefan Dunlop studio. In my future home I would really like my studio to be far apart from the rest of the main living. Studio for me would be a chance to get away from the world. I also would want big windows for views of nature, maybe of a forest or a river, to get inspirations. I also would need a big and tall workspace so I can stand over my work and have lots of space to throw things around. I would also have to have lots of storage space and everything very organized. The materials of the space would have to have the ability to withstand strong wear and tear, and not matter too much if it gets damaged. The “perfect studio” would also have to have a full bathroom and a lounge area to rest and reflect my work and life. This is my “perfect studio”.
ReplyDeleteIf I were to design my perfect studio, I would need to have a full wall of windows overlooking something majestic. I would want the studio to be located above the first floor, so that I would be totally surrounded by nature. I would not want my view to be obstructed by anything man-made. I also would want a ledge/ window seat about two feet off the ground that is deep enough to be my workspace. I want to be able to sit on that ledge and spread all of my papers out in front of me and be able to draw on its smooth surface. Next, I would want a bathroom located immediately off of the studio, for obvious reasons. I would also prefer a small kitchenette in the studio so I can snack without having to leave the studio. If I had to leave, I would be easily distracted and might not return to work. The space should be filled with lots of natural light, and soundproof. If I want to play music, I can play it as loud as I want without complaints, or if I need quiet, I can have it. I want white surfaces throughout, so that the color in the space is the nature that surrounds the building. This is just the start to my perfect studio surroundings.
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