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.