Scenography is the study and practice of performative environments. The design of spaces is not limited to the long term alone. Temporality is an essential aspect of spatial design. This could range from understanding the pattern of sunlight in a space, to considering how long a space must sustain its inhabitants to transforming a space for a short dramatic period of time for maximum impact and value.
When we envisage exhibitions, pop-up restaurants, a temporary installation in public space or the sets of a film or play, the point then is not longevity, but a well-told story. Here the designer must understand how to tell this story through lighting, colour, composition and framing. An healthy relationship with the ever-present constraints of budget, location and need create excitement rather than limitation, allowing for synergistic environements that fulfill their purpose well, if for a short period of time.
EXAMPLES OF STUDIOS AT PDP
Design Process
An overview of the design process in Spatial Design, this studio facilitates a holistic understanding of the process of designing space with its diverse needs. The intention is for students to use this introductory course to develop an overarching context within which they can map their future learnings and experiences in the discipline. The format is a lecture-discussion interspersed with short class activities and assignments. Practitioner presentations will allow students to understand the fluid and unique nature of each individuals practice; how to choose which aspects are negotiable and which are not. Students will grasp how design engages different kinds of thinking and why it is challenging.
Students visualize their personal understanding of the design process in all its chaos.
Light and Space
Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it. ― Terry Pratchett, Reaper Man
Light impacts how human beings think, feel and behave often without our awareness. This studio is about observing and experiencing different aspects of light in space and experimenting with shaping light to develop a deeper understanding of how light works in our lives.
Iterations of the impact of light on form and space.
Workspace 2020 and Beyond
Unprecedented in the 20th century, we are experiencing dynamic and consistent changes in work culture. Whether it is company loyalty, the corner office, a fixed work week or fax machines, the validity of established processes is being challenged as never before. Amid all this change the question arises...where is the future of workspace heading and what are the catalysts for change? In this milieu, it is essential for designers to move beyond knee-jerk approaches to problem-solving towards a comprehensive view of change; this allows us to perceive the influence of diverse and seemingly unconnected factors. In this project students will study/observe/research the nature of work in order to speculate about workspace design of the future. Students will produce scenarios that reflect their vision for workspaces of the future.
A student’s model of a future workspace based on intensive research and future projection mapping.
Public Space Explorations
An exploration of the myriad aspects of urban public spaces, the intention of this course is for the students to develop their own holistic understanding of the complexity of public spaces.
We will examine the issues of gender, race, age, class and access and their relation to common spaces. Through these topics we will look at public space design and the use and value of art in public spaces.
Students conduct an experiment in activating public space.
Exhibition Design
This is a hands –on learning experience. Students spend a month brainstorming, conceptualizing and executing the Annual Srishti Collective, an exhibition of the final year projects and the work of the graduating students. Here students accomplish everything from developing wayfinding, to designing the aesthetics, to installing artworks, all towards creating a cohesive theme for the show.
Exhibition Design
Exploring Scenography – the Design of Performative Environments
The design of an exhibition or performance or 'pop-up' restaurant or store requires an understanding of the temporary and the dramatic as much as the technicalities of spatial design. Scenography is a holistic approach to designing these special environments that can involve space, structure, lighting, sound, graphics and sometimes even costumes. It is a collaborative way to tell a story well. This introductory studio explores aspects of modern scenography and design process and production. Students work on mini projects to expand their ability to think ‘out of the box’ about space and enter the realm of storytelling and fantasy.
A Maquette created by students for the set design of Marquez’s A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings
An experiment in transforming space through props and lighting for Poe’s A Tell Tale Heart.