Designer Presentation: Week 10 (Script)

A traversal space of life, death and the in between. The journey through a crack in Auckland ‘s CBD, revealing a floral arcade. Within TILL DEATH DO US PART there is a celebration of our transient lives which aims to diminish the fear of death. Through the layering of a multitude of temporal aspects, this project works to reveal the poetic of death in which life blooms.

The common relationship between Fort Lane’s existing material palette layering over older cracks and brick work highlights the element of time and aging. This has been the framework into the refurbishment of the public space as I highlight ‘the crack in the wall’ and the essence of time.

The journey to enter and exit the laneway is significant as it reflects how we come and go from our temporal lives. The circular component is a metaphor for the setting sun which will continuously rise again. ‘Walking towards the light’ is a visual representation of our path to inevitable death. Though daunting to some, this is an inspiring reminder of our limited time but unlimited possibilities.

Through hands on model making I explored the different atmospheres and tones  created through material testing and experimentation of light and shadow. With consideration of the linear journey and experience, I contemplated the best layout  which would unfold and create the most impact on the public.

The arcade is a long walk which represents the distance between us and death. The spatial sequence and flow forces users to climb and descend two sets of stairs to showcase the challenges we face from day to day. This further drives the metaphor of the day to night transitions and life cycles.

There is pure beauty in death as it is a return to nature from which new life will grow as our bodies decompose.

The materials are I am using are chosen to fit in to the site’s existing components with the addition of plants and lighting to enhance the spatial experience. I aim to source my materials as ethically as possible by recycling or repurposing such as the brick and timber.

There are fossils of the Magnolia  dating back to 20 million years.  The magnolia  is a symbol of endurance, adaptability, and long life  which marks the centre of the laneway. It represents the growth and mortality we shall endure.. The white magnolia is a symbol of purity and nobility.

White flowers are often given at funerals and symbolise death. Throughout the boardwalk, a moon garden grows which consists of fragrant night blooming flowers. They catch and reflect the lunar light in a cinematic dance of temporal transitions from dawn to dusk.

Memento Mori is a common Latin phrase said by ancient Romans meaning ‘Remember death’ or ‘remember you will die’. It’s a simple and powerful reminder to all and is engraved in the center of it all.

Presentation Slides

Session Notes

Feedback and Reflection

I was a little bit disappointed with the feedback I received from Melanie as it wasn’t very informative or helpful with how I could improve my concept or take it to the next level. I’m not sure where my project stood in terms of development and presentation.

Positive aspect: Lush green archway is very compelling and beautiful. The staircases are very interesting with how they change the way people move through and experience the space. The seasonal change of the space is cool – especially if this is an intervention lasting for years or permanently.

Some key take aways: I could reference heritage buildings in the area with the weathered design of my planter pots such as mimicking the molding. I should consider how the bushy jasmine star vines cover the moon garden, blocking the moonlight from shining on the flowers. Unless this is an intentional aspect which changes over time i.e. the moon garden shines at the early stages of the project when the vines haven’t grown much. What could make your project stronger and convey the concept better?