Jazz Space
Individual
Design
Jul 2023
Jazz, if you've experienced it, can move us from the core. Power, creativity, and culture are expressed in each and every note. I'm no musician, I wish I was, but I believe that jazz, unlike and alike other forms of art, has a lot to teach anyone and everyone.
Jazz Space is a social event pavilion that translates the jazz experience into physical space, after all, we are gifted with more than just the sense of hearing. The facade of the pavilion, featuring translated jazz concepts in its order and cultural elements in its forms, serves as the beating heart of the space. The pavilion as a whole, acts as a monument of culture as well as a stage for street performers.
Initial Development - Rhythm and Cultural Elements
Early Graphics - Facade Elements
To apply the language of jazz, it must first be translated. When broken down, jazz is composed of tempo, harmony, and improv; a timeless recipe that we just can't get enough of. These musical terms in architecture translate to order, depth, and freeform. These concepts are applied to individual layers of the pavilion facade, each expressing a unique element of jazz. Alongside drawing inspiration from jazz concepts, the formwork also reflects the diverse cultures embedded within the heart of jazz. Altogether, the collection of elements complements each other, synthesized into one emotional experience.
Facade Breakdown - Origins and Meaning
The innermost layer of the facade sets the tempo. It's what you tap your foot to, it's what makes your head nod; it's the foundation that supports everything to come. The form is composed of a pattern of abstracted human figures, after all, jazz is a people thing. The tempo provides order, a simple function that's sometimes invisible or ignored. However, without order, freeform cannot shine, without black and white, you cannot appreciate colour.
The second layer also features order, but more importantly, it acts as the roof for the physical pavilion. Inspired by jazz bar drapes, the roof is constructed of cloth suspended from rails, inspired by theatre drapes. The roof may expand and retract to reveal or cover the sky. If retracted, the roof forms into a cloth chandelier. Together, the first and second layers combine to deliver the effect of rhythm.
The third layer provides harmony, making notes more interesting by introducing depth and diversity. The form draws inspiration from American architectural ornamentation; after all, jazz was raised in America. Bold and detailed shapes extruding out introduce texture to the pavilion, offering organized, yet interesting beauty.
The fourth and outermost layer is the secret ingredient that ties it all together, it's what makes jazz, jazz. A composition fueled by creativity allowed to roam freely; it's improvisation. Constructed of a collection of panels, the formwork hints at African textile patterns to connect back with jazz's roots. All four layers together combined form a distinct character and language that aims to deliver the same emotional experience as felt in jazz.
Design Process - Clay Sculpting
The "Jazz Space" pavilion pays homage to jazz culture and heritage and provides a space for expression, but more importantly, "Jazz Space" turns experience into emotion.
Thank you Jazz
Thank you Sun Ra