Case Study #2

When I stand on the bottom level of the atrium space inside Paddington Central Shopping Centre, and look back at the escaltors, stairs and vertical connections inherent to the space, I am reminded of M.C. Escher's work titled 'Relativity' (1953). It is the connection of levels and vertical and horizontal relationships portrayed in Escher's works that I think are integral to emmulate in my design for Project Two.

Relativity - Waterfall - Convex and Concave

I think it would be an excellent physical manifestation of the interaction between different and all age groups that I am proposing takes place in the cross-generational learning centre, as well as the various and highly important levels of learning one undergoes and experiences throughout their whole life.

M.C. Escher is widely known for his graphic works conveying impossible realities. People ascending and descending stairs in an infinite loop and constructions that are impossible to build and are ony possible to draw through the manipulation of perspective and perception. It is these constructions that I am focussing on in this case study, as although they are impossible to build as they use Impossible Figures (IF) such as Necker Cubes and Tribars - the vertical and horizontal relationships generated through circulatory paths, stairs and entryways are of particular importance to my design.

Impossible Figures - Tribar - Necker Cube

Although Escher's works can be confusing, if the underlying essence of interaction on all  levels is extracted, they become very valuable for informing and application into built forms.

Image Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Escher%27s_Relativity.jpg