Within Spaces: Interweaving Connections By Heleyde Villafañe B.A. in Business, May 2008, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón A Thesis submitted to The Faculty of The Colombian College of Art and Sciences (formerly the Corcoran College of Art + Design) of The George Washington University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts May 15, 2016 Thesis directed by Christy Schlesinger Associate Professor of Interior Design ©Copyright 2016 by Heleyde Villafañe All rights reserved ii ii Dedication The author wishes to thank family, partner, friends, and mentors who have made this journey possible. iii Table of Contents Dedication………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………iii Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..vi List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… v Thesis Statement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1 Thesis Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 Chapter 1: Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………………………4 Chapter 2: Theory - Historical Analysis of Weaves……….……………………………………………..7 Application – Case Studies……………………………………………………………………………… 11 Chapter 3: Site……….………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17 Chapter 4: Concept Figures – Massimo Bottura and Petra Blaisse..………………………….21 Chapter 5: Methodology – Supporting Experiences……………………………………………………26 Methodology – Human Connectivity.……………………………………………………………….32 Chapter 6: Process – Space Planning………………………………………………………………………….33 Chapter 7: Programming and Requirements …………………….…………………………………….. 37 Chapter 8: Materiality – Curtains…………………………………………………………………………………41 Chapter 9: More Materiality and Applications…………………………….…………………………….. 46 Chapter 10: Conclusions…………….……………………………………………………………………………… 50 Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….51 iv List of Figures Figure 1: Concept and Inspiration..………………………………………………………….…………………..6 Figure 2: Additional Concept and Inspiration Images.….……………………………………………. 6 Figure 3: Warp and Weft Illustration Textile Weaves Image.………………..…………………. 8 Figure 4: Types of Basic Textile Weaves…………………..………………………………………………… 9 Figure 5: Paleolithic Weaving Method Illustration.…………………………………………………… 10 Figure 6: Louisiana State Museum….………………………………………………………………………… 12 Figure 7: Portrait Gallery: The Kogod Courtyard in Washington, DC..…………………… 13 Figure 8: Kinney Court Store Venice Beach, CA..……………………………………………………… 14 Figure 9: Manhattan Laundry Building Façade Images……………………………………………. 17 Figure 10: Manhattan Laundry Building Interior Images…………..……………………………. 18 Figure 11: Manhattan Laundry Building Google Site Map………………………………………….19 Figure 12: Douglas Development Brochure Building Image………………………………………19 Figure 13: Manhattan Laundry Building First Floor Plan…………………………………………….19 Figure 14: CAD Site Plan Drawing……………………………………………….………………………………20 Figure 15: Massimo Bottura Plate Images………………………………………………………………….21 Figure 16: Petra Blaisse’s Work Images………….………………………………………………………….22 Figure 17: Petra Blaisse and Textile………………………………………………………………………….. 22 Figure 18: OMA Designs Pavilion by Petra Blaisse………………………………………………………24 Figure 19: Connections Diagram.………………………………………………………………………………. 25 Figure 20: Methodology Diagram..………………………………………………………………………………26 Figure 21: SAT Space Programming Images……………………………..…………………………….. 28 Figure 22: LABO at SAT Image…………………………………………………………………………………..28 Figure 23: W-120301.2012 Sculpture by Sarah Oppenheimer Image………………………30 v Figure 24: Gabriel Dawe’s Renwick Gallery, Plexus A1…………….……………………………….31 Figure 25: Connectivity Image – Unknown Source…………………………………………………….32 Figure 26: Spatial Relationship Diagram…………………………………………………………………….37 Figure 27: Petra Blaisse’s Curtain Flow Sketches……………………………………………………….43 Figure 28: Curtain Rod Mechanism Image………………………………………………………………….46 vi Thesis Statement Within Spaces: Interweaving Connections This thesis explores the design potential of fiber composites, i.e. textiles applications, to model a space on the basis of its interweaving and integral properties breaking down barriers and the limits of walls, ceilings, and floor to promote connectivity. 1 Thesis Abstract Within Spaces: Interweaving Connections This thesis explores the design potential of fiber composites, i.e. textiles applications, to model a space on the basis of its interweaving and integral properties breaking down barriers and the limits of walls, ceilings, and floor to promote connectivity. Applied to a given interior, in this case a large loft-style space in the first floor of the Manhattan Laundry Building in DC, we explore the interaction of surfaces within the space in reference to textile structures such as weaves in its interconnectedness. The built environment being created under the parameters of textile weaves structures is ideal for spaces, and here is why; Textiles create a feeling of connection, interlacing and interlinking relationships, and it is formidable in connecting spaces for a feeling of natural fluidity. This unconventional approach to interiors with textiles structure can be perceived as comforting, continuous, connecting, and shows how with a given parameter of weave-like principles a space evokes a statement while serving a purpose. Proportions, relationships, and methodology are to be dictated by the study of weaves interconnecting structures. Exploring weaves history and the relationship it has to people is essential for this thesis to see how spaces can adapt to the relationship of materials and elements 2 in a harmonious way. The aspect of continuity is visually ideal and aesthetically enticing, but more importantly, it upholds the purpose of this thesis to transform a space so it conveys an experience of connection by the weave-like structure parameters. Pre-established notions of interiors can now be questioned and re- structured; ceilings and floors are viewed as important as walls are in their relationship. Without one you may not have the other, like yarn in a weave. The practical can be elevated to the connected astonishment. Textiles structures have proven to be easily moldable applications allowing for better configuration of an interior structure and hence breaking down the barriers of a typical structure or space. The transparency, adaptability, and flexibility of textiles as structure make the perfect environment for spaces. 3 Chapter 1: Introduction The following thesis shows the relationship of food and textiles framed by connectivity notions in a food eatery concept space. Artist Petra Blaisse offers the inspiration to the development of the curtains concept and chef Massimo Bottura is the inspiration for the food served at the eatery. The elements defined by artist Blaisse and Chef Bottura fulfills the framework to create the environment. Food and textiles are undeniably enticing things by themselves. Separately, they satisfy our vision, food our hunger, and textiles our tact. The connecting aspect present in weaves or textiles, is the reason why it unifies the space with people and food; it brings them together and defines them just as the weaves do. A design admiration with textiles comes to be in many cases due to its play of colors, patterns, and its aesthetics in that they are very much visually stimulating. The notion of strength by connection reaches personal levels many surely may have experienced in their lifetime. As you all know life is full of struggles, adventures, ups, and downs, but when people feel connected they are strong and feel comforted, either by supporting family and friends, or by something held dear. Humans all live in moments, a moment to another, as we do from one breath to the next and only the connectedness of moments, things, and time structures our lives. As Josef Frank was quoted saying in 1958; “There is nothing wrong with mixing old and new, with combining different furniture styles, colours and patterns.1 Anything that is in your taste will automatically fuse to form an entire relaxing environment.2 A home does 1 Daniel Nelson, “Josef Frank and His Technicolour Designs for Svenskt Tenn,” Ateliertally, March 18, 2011, http://ateliertally.com/josef-franks-colourful-designs- for-svenskt-tenn/. 2 Daniel Nelson. 4 not need to be planned down to the smallest detail or contrived; it should be an amalgamation of the things that its owner loves and feels at home with.”3 This thesis explores the design potential of fiber composites, i.e. textiles applications, to model a space on the basis of its interweaving and integral properties breaking down barriers and the limits of walls, ceilings, and floor to promote connectivity. Textiles application allow for a better configuration of an interior structure where the environment and food complement each other. Textiles provide the environment and food provides the experience. As mentioned previously, we as humans need to feel connected to something. The Atlantic magazine looks into studies conducted by institutions such as Perdue University showing how human interaction changes perceptions and mood.4 Even lack of acknowledgements between individuals alters your mood in a negative light.5 If we create a space that celebrates these connections then people will find comfort in that. The tight web of people, food, and curtains reinforces connectivity. If people feel connected in a space and with the space itself they will frequent it. Following this page are images of concept elements and an inspirational textile art image by Gabriel Dawe that help frame this thesis. 3 Daniel Nelson. 4 Neil Wagner, “The Need to Feel Connected,”