The concept for this project is the submersion of visitors into a unique space that exists underwater. As the visitor is approaching the space, they are slowly descending into the water of Lake Alice (on the University of Florida campus). Once they reach the intervention, they step up and are suddenly underneath the surface of the water.
A close-up of the lighting condition that is able to exist by being underneath the surface of the water. This condition is made possible by the calm movement of the lake's water, which creates small ripples, whose shadows are projected onto the floor of the space. The visitor is also suspended above the "floor" of the intervention to allow for a unique sense of floating underwater.
Section through model - RAIN
Photos of the intervention's physical model created. Its form follows the curvature of the lake it sits in.
A close-up of the site's location on Lake Alice.
PROCESS
The structure of the intervention's roof - which is made from fabric - was developed by a study early in the project. The study was constructed using swimsuit and mesh fabrics which intertwined using a wooden structure. This study was valuable because it allowed the exploration of the fabric's capabilities, and the means it requires to be suspended. This form of fabric allows for interesting lighting conditions from below.
In order to examine the impact of the fabric, the original section drawing was inverted (can be seen above). This creates an interesting examination of mass and void.
