wi3 [linking writing + reviewing]...

From the moment I noticed Nikki’s concept word was leap my center of attention was immediately grasped. Me being a lover of frogs I was envious that I had not chosen the word. I was fascinated by what designs for her spaces she had come up with focusing around this word. Her first space caught me by surprise. She didn’t proceed with a literal meaning of the concept word, but instead dug deeper. In her first and second spaces she explained how the word leap made her imagine the actions of a frog as it dropped, or leaped, into a small puddle of water and the ripple effects it caused. The outstretch of the water was represented by curves cut into the ceiling, as well as, curved walls for easy navigation and a light bearing column. The curves fell closer to the floor in the more intimate areas to signify the hopping path of the frog. The column and two walls were used for division of spaces. Her third space paid attention around the big finish, the splash. Utilizing her two solids she portrayed the distribution of water. Nikki’s attention to detail within her axonometric drawings and sections were breathtaking. I’m eager to see what come next from this amazing designer.

check out Nikki Ware; Je suis de plus en plus

As a huge fan of Corry Mears I was excited to discover I would be one of his classmates critiquing him. With a concept word like glide, I knew Corry would fabricate extraordinary design ideas. For his first space he focused on materials to portray his concept word. He incorporated an emphasis on sleek and smooth materials within this open floor planned space. Glide was expressed in the movement, or circulation throughout the space. It revealed a clean, fresh environment with minimal focus on his kit of parts. These were used for division purposes mostly. Within his second space, Corry considered a feeling of floating or hovering. The idea of levitation was apparent within this area using his two solids to further imply the illusions. With these hovering masses above your head you can’t help but wonder how they’re floating in the first place. His final space was an exploration on the act of airplanes gliding and aviation. He incorporated rich materials from throughout history like metals, woods and steel cables. His kit of parts was also used to help depict literal aviation with the visual of an airplane in his technical drawing of the plan. I really enjoyed flying with Corry during his exploration of his concept word glide.

Check out Corry Mears at Corry Mears Presents