THE FOLIE NARRATIVE...
The invisible energy sweeps around the
sleeping object, nudging and provoking it to stir. It speaks of hidden motives
to commence. The energy embraces the object as it gathers enthusiasm and they
swing intertwined. Curving together to and fro in a lulling, serene sense of
motion. Nothing could rob the duo of such peace….but for the shattering
disturbance that lies ahead.
The folie that can be found at Howard Smith
Wharves, is based on a sensory experience that relies on the invisible forces
of wind and sound. It is designed to imitate the sensory aspects of a war
bunker which brings to light the heritage of the site. Thus the folie teaches
the users to heighten and better utilise the senses. While the folie is a
metaphor of a war bunker, the sensory aspects one can learn from it, are
entirely abstract. One of the most important features of the folie is the
pendulum, which hangs in the middle amongst an array of steel columns. As the
narrative suggests, the pendulum brings to life the invisible forces of the
site such as wind and sound. As it is carried by the wind it collides with the
columns creating sound that is bounced strategically back and forth throughout
the folie. The emphasis placed on sound and the way sound is carried, relates
directly back to the sporadic and heightened emotions brought about by the
times of war originally experienced at the site.
The folie allows the user to establish a
strong connection with the surrounding
site through its strategic use of materials and orientation. The cement used in
the smaller curved walls represents the heritage listed war bunkers that exist
on the site. The rusted iron shelter imitates the rugged, yet protective nature
of the cliffs behind, and the steel poles relate directly to the implementation
of the story bridge which protrudes into the site. Rugged rocks have been
placed into the area where one steps down into the folie to heighten the senses
of the user, as they not only create noise but a new sense of awareness as one
regains their balance.
From this folie design I have taken the
following core concepts for the design of the environmental education center:
-
Heighten the sensory experience
-
The forces of nature…
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