The session with Will Alsop was focused around three group models. The first group had taken an artistic approach using patterns and small sculptural elements such as seating and shelters, but they were criticised that the installation was all at ground level and they had not taken advantage of the vertical space in the courtyard.
My group was the second to present and we received a varied response. Initially he commented on the fact that we had chosen to combine a number of different ideas without focusing on one. The chaotic mix meant that the central theme of movement through the space was lost. Each of us explained our approach to the installation and his opinion swayed towards a more positive stance. He began to comment on the richness of ideas and said that we need to stretch our ideas to the maximum by almost turning the courtyard void into a formulated solid space. We were left with both his positive and negative thoughts and he told us that film would be a good media to present in. We have a lot of work to do to coordinate our very different approaches, create a model, drawings and a film!
The final group was the most successful as they had taken an extremely strong concept from one of the individuals previous Illusion task and applied this as their central theme. They had used cut tubes to create very sculptural forms that separated the courtyard spaces but these were also successful at penetrating the verticality of the space. Overall they received a positive feedback and have set sail towards their final review.
After an enjoyable weekend and an extremely busy start to the week I felt that our group has a lot to do before our final presentation. I had mixed feelings as to how well the session had gone and ended up staying with a few individuals to talk to Will Alsop. Initially we spoke about work and then as the conversation evolved, a number of other topics arose. We sat talking for an hour or so and I left feeling much happier and really appreciated the time and the conversation.
Presenting our models to Will Alsop
