Project Proposal:
During the Wonder Women residency I would like to build an architectural installation in the natural environment which heightens visitors’ awareness of the connection between nature, experience and memory. I have been studying neuroaesthetics of architecture and how our perception of spaces alters our emotions. Research has shown that ten minutes outdoors in the morning significantly improves our outlook for the day. Additionally, even paintings of landscapes have been shown to produce a calming effect, especially in healthcare settings where they help alleviate apprehension.
The schematic plan for my installation is based on a path that leads to a threshold upon which a built structure frames the landscape. Depending on the site and its specific features, I will refine the design and begin constructing the installation during the residency. The woodchip or wood plank path is shaped in exaggerated perspective to emphasize the journey. At the end of the path, the threshold connects the natural world and the built environment. It is where three-dimensional space transforms into a two-dimensional image in our minds. This image correlates to the painted landscape that has the power to evoke memories of the experience.
If time permits, I hope to expand the installation by adding a series of frames at different heights and angles, offering varied perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
