Google Sketch-up Model 

My model file was too large for the Google Sketch-up Warehouse so I have uploaded it the the address below:

http://www.mediafire.com/?d8vgn6d9mm2xyfs (kmz file)

http://www.mediafire.com/?dtmq9bv9v3f2d80 (google sketch-up file)

Animations of Google Sketch-up Model

Animation 1 - External and sections of model

Animation 2 - Internal of above, perpetual

Animation 3 - Internal of below, gilt

The model of perpetual explores how shapes and spaces can lend themselves to ideas of continuity and endlessness. The model blow, gilt, explores how layers and finishes are used to hide a simple or unattractive structure. This idea is also shown in the stairs of the above model (right), where a surface of wood covers half the concrete staircase. The balustrade in this model also reflects this core idea. The handrail is detailed in wood while the supports are simple and purely functional. 

Above - Perpetual, Ai Weiwei

The model based on the word perpetual explores the idea of continuity through the staircase, textures and building form. The staircase is designed such that it warps the traditional idea of perspective for the user. At the bottom the staircase narrows as the artist ascends so that it appears longer than expected. This plays with the idea of continuity and endless motion without making the staircase impractical for the artist. The texture uses its linearity to enhance this warped perspective. The building space consists of three identical rooms (apart from the height) arrayed in a circle. The cylinder in the centre allows for connection through the spaces but separates each so that each space could be housing the creation of different ideas or projects. The spherical shape of the rooms creates a seamless wall space, which lends itself to ideas of continuity. One particular arc of the wall is designed so that when the artist stands at the base, at floor level, they cannot see where the arc wall meets the ceiling, creating an ‘endless’ wall. The large spaces and ceiling heights allows for Ai Weiwei to create his larger sculptures. Note the “Forever Bicycles” sculpture needs to be taken down the stairs in pieces due to sheer size.

Below - Gilt, Louise Bourgeois

This studio, based on the word gilt explores the idea of superficiality and how ornate finishes can be used to hide unattractive structure. Gilt is also explored in this model through the idea of grandness that is often associated with the word. The entrance staircase is grand and extravagant with many layers of different style stairs. The treads differ throughout the complex staircase creating a path through which the artist would follow (where the treads are not too narrow or wide). The lattice pattern on the rises emphasises the idea of layers and ornate finishes, while the concrete treads juxtapose this. The studio space is similar in proportion and shape to a theatre hall which usually employ the idea of gilt finishes excessively. The larger staircase is a simplified version of the layered seating hall found in theatres. Both the small accessible stairs and larger staircase are angled so that the artist is orientated towards the centre of the room giving a connection to the space. The larger staircase has a landing space where the artist can work if she needs a larger space. The curved, organic surface on the roof and stair show a unique and complex surface detail, which contrasts starkly with the concrete floor of the rest of the studio. The organic texture has been applied to give movement and fluidity, contrasting its surface with the linear lines of the structure and staircase.  

Lattice used on rises of stairs in gilt

Linear used on balustrade on stairs in perpetual

Organic used on curved layered surface in gilt

Google sketch up images of perpetual and gilt. 

Video
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

Section of stair, exist. Left and right side views. 

Section for stair, gilt. Top view and left side view. 

Draft for exist. This model explores the notion of existing in a separate or parallel space. The underground studio is separated from the world above by its location underground and a winding staircase. The stair towards the door is angled to further emphasise this idea of seclusion. The inside glass walls allow the solid stone to be viewed creating a unique idea of existence within the space. The outside shell is stone while the inside is glass. The floor is timber and the staircase is metal. 

Draft for gilt. This model explores ideas of layers and how gilt surfaces are coverings of a rough structure beneath. This is explored in the stair, where a curved wooden surface reveals a solid concrete structure beneath. The handrail is very detailed but its supports are simplistic in comparison. The outer walls are stone, roof is roof tiles. The stair is concrete with curved overlay of timber, same as timber on handrails and floor of studio. 

Google sketch-up draft of gilt, exist. 

Section drawing of gilt, exist.

Sections of staircase, gilt. Top view and left side view. 

Draft of gilt. This model explores notions of layers and how the idea of 'gilt' is used to hide a rough surface with something more aesthetically appealing. Gilt is also associated with grand, hence the studio is spacious with a principle staircase. Roof tiles are used for the roof, cladding for the inner walls. The outer staircase is created from stone while the inner is from concrete. A timber curved overlay is used inside with the same timber used for the inner stairs. 

Section of stair for perpetual. Top view and left side view. 

Draft model, perpetual. This model explores ideas of vanishing points to create a space that evokes ideas of continuity. The staircase plays with ideas of perspectives to create a seemingly longer path. The stair is created from concrete, the outer walls are created form stone while the inner walls from a concrete cladding. The end flat walls are translucent glass to give building a lighter and continuous feel. 

Google sketch-up draft of perpetual, gilt. 

Section drawing of perpetual, gilt

wheel, spirit

exist, spirit

perpetual, spirit

wheel, dance

exist, dance

perpetual, dance

wheel, gilt

perpetual, gilt

exist, gilt

spirit, wheel

spirit, exist

spirit, perpetual

dance, wheel

dance, exist

dance, perpetual

gilt, wheel

gilt, exist

gilt, perpetual

perpetual, gilt

Google Sketch-up was used to create the sections in three dimensional space. The two words I modelled were perpetual and gilt. The perpetual (top building) is created from stone, with a plastered interior. The gilt (bottom building) has a concrete exterior and wooden interior.