In my previous post, I talked about having my sleeping hammock encroach on the dining and bathroom space although I don’t want the bathroom and kitchen override and take focal point of the space. I decided that having them in hidden away cupboards allowed me to ensure that the space, sleeping hammock and entrance design weren’t compromised. This idea also allowed me to change the space was used. the cupboards are opened and entered through doors which become difficult to open when someone is sleeping.
In the dining cupboard there is a fridge and a table and stools which can be moved into the space. I decided to open the cupboard with one large door because having two would mean that when they are open, the left-hand door would divide the gallery into two spaces. This didn’t work because I wanted to enhance the vulnerability felt by the students as the space is very exposed to the public. There is only a thin, sheer curtain between where the students sleep and the outside world and this almost makes them dependent on the other to feel safe. Dividing these two would take away from this effect.
The bathroom cupboard is more exposed. I wanted to play on the idea that the bathroom is one of the most intimate and personal spaces in our everyday lives. I enhanced this vulnerability by having two outward opening doors that are one meter lower than the ceiling. This means that the sound from the bathroom travels throughout the space. I also enhanced the vulnerability factor by making half of the door a frosted glass. This means that the stranger can see the distorted shape of the other while they are in the bathroom. I made the glass at shoulder height allowing some privacy amongst the vulnerability.
Spatial Design by Ciara 