Deciding on my course was no small feat – before jumping into the world of architecture, I had plans to be a pilot, an illustrator, a writer.
However, I knew that carpentry and spatial design ran in my blood, and looking back on everything I wanted to be, I know that the motive behind all of it was how each environment made me feel – the energy of the cockpit, the cosiness of an artist’s studio – and this is part of the underlying reason I now study BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design. Most of it is to pay a fond tribute to my late grandfather, who we lost a month into my new life at university. His teachings and love for his craft helped me to discover my own passions for design, and will continue to be the toolkit for all my projects.
The first project I was tasked with was to design a hypothetical stage set for the Palace Court Theatre in Bournemouth, owned by the University. The theme was a ‘reinvention’ of Alice in Wonderland that would appeal to the likely audience and attract visitors to the theatre, which is currently being renovated. At first, it felt puzzling to be designing a set, rather than a room or building interior, but by the end of the project, my perspective on this approach changed greatly. As a designer, you must be able to think from the beginning about every approach other than your own biases. It is in understanding different forms and perspectives of design that we can create lasting, dynamic, and inspiring places. Where I once thought set design was not my forte or chosen design identity, throughout the project I developed a respect for the complexities of set design and the need for it to be kinetic and modular, to fit a constantly changing space and mood.
In order to carry out the project to a ‘pass’ level, I had to learn software such as Adobe InDesign for my portfolio to display the work, and Photoshop for the collaging of our ideas. They were a challenge to grasp at first, but it didn't take long for them to start making sense – I tried experimenting with them in my own time alongside our IT sessions on Thursdays. My aim was not just to pass, but to excel, and showcase as much of my design techniques as possible to my lecturers to start strong in my first year. Though grappling with bereavement in my first term did cause a stutter in my progress, I still managed to pass the project, which was a relief considering the attention and effort I expended on it, and how much the developing design intrigued me.
My take on the project brief was inspired by the futuristic and technologically advanced Star Trek: Discovery. I wanted to create a space that would be a visualisation of the clash of Wonderland and the Star Trek universe. Fusing the shared elements of natural beauty in Discovery (the flora of the planets Kweijan and Kaminar) with the whimsy of the trees in Wonderland for my final set design model was perhaps my favourite part of the whole project. It brought the set to life in a way that superseded my expectations, and it gave it the pop of colour it desperately needed, as the set was based off of the Discovery ship, which is full of grey panelling and artificially lit walkways and rooms. This would allow for continued audience attention as, if the set looks attractive, the focus can be sustained on the show.
Overall, the project was an interesting and thought-provoking beginning to what I am sure will be an exciting course. The multiple skills I was able to utilise and learn during my first term, such as modelmaking, learning how to make an animation, being introduced to InDesign and understanding where my weak spots are with certain aspects of the course, will be invaluable in the future in developing my skill set and identity as a designer.
I am optimistic about the possibilities for myself that lie ahead – the Graduate Futures talks and workshops are a great way to develop experience in your chosen field as an AUB student, and I’ve been undertaking as many as possible to fully appreciate every aspect of the world of an interior architect/designer – an identity I am beginning to own. My advice to fellow and prospective students: stick through it, find your flow, and eventually you’ll begin to take charge of your own design approach, and tackle difficult projects with ease. It’s worth it.
