Illusion of Light, Art Gallery
Studio III. Spring 2020. Lead by Prof. Zahra Namavar
The "Illusion of Light" art gallery is a dedicated space honoring the renowned artist Olefur Elliason, celebrated for his expansive artworks that emulate natural elements like light, water, and air temperature. In my design, I drew inspiration from his characteristic use of circular forms and the play of light.
​
To bring this concept to life, I used Boolean operations to combine three spheres with a cube, which formed the basis for my building envelope. The exterior of the building was designed to convey the idea of illusion, achieved through sheets of colored glass intersecting with the structure. This design allows for the utilization of both dark and well-lit spaces, mirroring the artist's preference.
​
This infill project is not only an homage to Olefur Elliason's artistic work but also respects its contextual relationship with the site.
Design Development & Concept
Story Board 1
The site is situated within a high-income community. To foster inclusivity and engage a broader demographic, I proposed the addition of several studio apartments above the art gallery. This strategic move aims to attract individuals from different economic backgrounds, ultimately enhancing both the site's vibrancy and the gallery's outreach. Additionally, this proximity to the park offers the potential for an increased local population to interact with the art gallery and its adjacent residences.
​
To maximize space versatility, the walls in the design are designed to be movable. They have the capability to slide and rotate by 90 degrees in any direction, allowing for adaptable and customizable configurations within the gallery and apartments.
Organizational System & Circulation
Story Board 2
The underground floor, which is the darkest level, is designated for artwork that requires minimal exposure to light. On the ground floor, I incorporated movable walls to provide greater flexibility and enable precise control over the amount of light that reaches the artworks.
Story Line
Story Board 3
The 'Illusion of Light' art gallery features a captivating exterior with colored glass sheets, offering a hint of the immersive experience within. Inside, adaptable walls allow for precise exhibit curation.
​
The underground floor is designed for low-light artworks, while the ground floor's movable walls provide flexibility for controlling natural light.
​
Above the gallery, studio apartments aim to diversify the community. This space honors Olefur Elliason's art while enriching the local culture and inclusivity.