Final Year: Project 1
My project evolved from looking back at the isolation of the coronavirus pandemic, and the journey from restrictions to freedom, and how it has enabled us to have a greater appreciation of the world around us, in our hometowns and within nature.
The post coronavirus world is working towards a newfound freedom and, from photographing buildings within my hometown, one in particular being art deco style, I began to see parallels with the post-World War One era known as the Roaring Twenties. It was a period of major developments culturally, socially, and politically despite the tragedies of War, and the outbreak of influenza in 1918, which has strong similarities with our current climate and the normalcy we are striving to achieve again.
This project aims to signify the parallels between these times. It features original photography from my hometown; focusing on homes, store closures, restaurants, and entertainment venues, to represent the impacts from the pandemic, whilst bringing in elements of the positivity and prosperity during the Roaring Twenties, using the art deco movement with a modern perspective.
Additionally, as this is a project exploring the sense of wellbeing the isolation has renewed or hindered for some, my research will focus on creating an immersive space influenced by factors such as colour, texture, sound, and projection to create a calming environment to reflect within. As it is designed for the public, it was important to make it accessible for everyone, so considering how I could incorporate all senses was a key element of my research, so that those with disabilities, such as blindness, could still benefit from and enjoy the space.
Inspiration and Colour Moodboard
Materials, Context and Processes Moodboard
INITIAL DRAWINGS - Inspired by original photography from my hometown combined with Art Deco influences. These initial designs were created using a range of materials, including acrylic paint, pen and coloured card
DEVELOPMENTAL DESIGNS - Below are a selection of digital developments, focusing on repeat prints and colourways
FABRIC DEVELOPMENTS - A collection of samples and fabric tests experimenting with digital embroidery, laser etching and jacquard weaving. These samples tested a range of different fabrics such as velvets, silk satin and holographic fabric.
Digital Embroidery onto Holographic Fabric
Laser Etched Velvet with added Digital Embroidery
Digital Embroidery onto Holographic Fabric
Laser Etched Velvet with added Digital Embroidery
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Silk Satin
Digital Embroidery on Silk Satin
Digital Embroidery on Silk Satin
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Digital Embroidery on Silk Satin
Digital Embroidery on Silk Satin
Digital Embroidery on Velvet
Laser Etched Velvet
Laser Etched Velvet
Laser Etched Velvet
Jacquard Weave
Jacquard Weave
Fabric Test Print
Fabric Test Print
Fabric Test Print with Digital Embroidery
Fabric Test Print with Digital Embroidery
Fabric Test Print with Digital Embroidery and Holographic Fabric
Fabric Test Print with Digital Embroidery
DIGITAL PROJECT DEVELOPMENTS - Below are a selection of animated design experiments, created on Adobe After Effects
FINAL DESIGNS - The designs below show my 6 final designs for this project for an immersive space. These were created using a range of materials and processes including Velvet, Silk Satin and Silk Georgette as well as Digital Embroidery, Laser Etching and Digital Projections using Adobe After Effects.
Digital Repeat Collage printed onto Velvet with added Digital Embroidery
Digital Print on Velvet with added laser etching
Digitally printed Silk Georgette on top of Silk Satin with added Digital Embroidery
Digital Repeat Print onto Silk Satin with added Digital Embroidery
FINAL VISUALISATIONS - The designs below show some ideas for an immersive space aligning to my concept. For example, the first visualisation shows all the designs in one immersive space, designed to be situated in a bustling city where members of the public may feel the need to escape from everyday stresses and anxieties following the coronavirus pandemic.
Immersive Space with all designs
Exterior of Immersive Space
Velvet Seating Design
Digital Projection Wall Design
Merged Digital Wall Projection with Silk Satin and Georgette Wall hanging
Digitally Embroidered Silk Satin Wall Hanging
