Student Design … Day 2

Contrasting Alyssa Irawan’s complex design that was showcased yesterday, Haleh Rahmani of the Interior Architecture & Design used the concept of Yin and Yang – an ancient Chinese philosophy which is used to describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world  – as a source of inspiration for her design “Earth and Sky Connection”.  Haleh Describes the design as “The world tree is represented as a colossal tree which supports the heavens, thereby connecting the heavens, the world, and through its roots, the underworld. It may also be strongly connected to the motif of the tree of life.”

The colossal tree that Haleh has described in her concept statement represents the navel of the earth and is supported by a plinth created by a series of  circular platforms that prop up the tree and give it a heightened sense of importance. Suspended from the ceiling,  a single  source of light encased in a series of rings, shines onto the canopy and heightens the drama and positive forces that emanate from the tree.

Black walls encase the center focal point  on three sides to ensure that the focus of the design is not skewed by adjacent installations.

The ground plane of this garden vignette is a combination of rock and grass which are separated along a diagonal, and further strengthen the concept of Yin and Yang which was the source of inspiration for Haleh.