Mind mapping:

Abstract:

How can you extend the theatre experience through the journey to and from the front door of the theatre. creating that anticipation and beginning the journey into a different reality. Spreading the magic of the theatre into the space surrounding it.

So much of designed space today is to serve a function. However the theatres only function is to entertain. I wanted to continue this theme of pure entertainment, pure experience into the foyer space of St James theatre through the creation of a tactile walkway bathed in colour and playing with light connecting the outside world the the fictitious. Wes Anderson’s work in the Grand Budapest Hotel, focused heavily on the use of colour, materiality and lighting and his detailing always had a reason and a purpose. This attention to detail is what brought his sets to life and drew you into his world. With Anderson as an influence I have designed a walkway of baby blue folded ribbon archways creating a soft, tunnel like atmosphere drawing you into the space. This leads to the focal point within the space, a small traditional ticket box further communicating that the purpose of the space is to connect you to the theatre. I will be using colour to create drama by having the ticket booth be in shades of red and the rest of the space in shades of blue. I will implement lighting into the space to further this contrast and amplify the drama. The use of materials and application of design will nod to the original St James Theatre design. The combination of these things will act as a space to transport people to a different time a different place and will open an ‘in-between’ experience softening the transition from reality to fantasy.

To construct my design I will be using digital techniques to build, render and create atmospheric images communicating my final intervention.