shaped apertures

shaped apertures is a multi-functional performance and display space designed in an intense participatory design process with gotham arts academy in prospect heights. the space was designed though the co-design studio at pratt institute, an interdisciplinary studio of students, with my role as the sole industrial designer.

CO-DESIGN PROCESS

the project was completed through three main phases, and various engagement methods were used in each phase to build relationships and ideate design schemes:

phase one: community visioning

  • building relationships

  • moodboarding

  • setting constraints

phase two: co-creation

  • modelmaking

  • layout exploration

  • design ideation, synthesis, refinement

  • share-back and critique

phase three: public review

  • fabrication

  • implementation

  • presentation

  • programming

our design process used a participatory framework, where gotham students and staff collaborated with us throughout every step of the process from ideation to completion.

MODULAR STAGE

with gotham students, we designed stage modules that connect with each other both horizontally and vertically for multifunctional use as performance stage pieces, art display stands, seating, and book storage. 

the components are cut using cnc milling and are assembled without using hardware, allowing for easy repair and adaptability.

ART DISPLAY PANELS

movable art panels can be used in the redesigned space for art display, room partitioning, and stage framing.

they feature imbedded foam panels for sound dampening, and various attachments that allow for varying degrees of visibility.

also assembled with little to no hardware, its simplicity allows for displayed artwork to shine.

with the use of cnc milling, we were able to iterate and test the effectiveness of our design solutions.

FABRICATION

the final product was made with cabinet-grade birch plywood, and rubber sheeting, allowing for affordable replacement if needed.


USAGE CONFIGURATIONS

the modularity of the design elements allow for flexible configurations of programming, including varied seating, gathering spaces, methods of art display, and different types of performance.

configuration one: art display and gathering

configuration two: performance