Design Iteration #1
I tried focusing on the cherubs in the courtyard and thought I could divide the space into quarters, taking advantage of the symmetry. I thought it could be interesting to use materials as a means of documenting the movement that occurs in the space, using a material such as paper to “collect and document” this movement.
Earth: Dirt
Air: Flowers
Water: Water
Fire: Black sand
Pergola: Transition space – paper
During my feedback for D.I. #1, I was told that the division of symmetry may be too fragmented and straightforward, which didnt align with my thoughts on the courtyard being a “blurry”, transitional space. I also decided that considering each “elements” was adding to the problem of “straightforwardness” and borderline making my design more like a playground.
I wanted to still work around the symmetrical value of the courtyard however, by working on the following:
- Making the symmetry clear, yet there was a subtle gradience from one house to the other
- Adding my colour palette into the space, bringing back the vibrancy of the Wintergardens (the outside of the courtyard had a more “natural” colour palette, while the interior of the Wintergardens inside were more vibrant in colour due to the exotic plants)
- Utilising the pond in the middle, working with it rather than against it
- How would it feel to walk in something that “shouldn’t” be walked on. For example, walking through the water? Walking through a flowerbed? How would people react in this situation?
Design Iteration #2
I started looking at flowers that relied on temperature & seasons to bloom. I thought that this could be a subtle method into incorporating the (season) statues and the purpose of the glasshouses into the courtyard, while bringing colour in.
Calendula officinalis
Also known as “pot marigolds,” Calendulas are versatile annuals that can bloom all year round. They are recommended to be planted during Spring-Summer, so that they will be in full bloom and resistant to the Autumn-Winter months. They can grow up to 45-60cm, and are self-seeding, so they are capable of continuously blooming. It is recommended for them to be deadheaded regularly for constant growth. Calendula petals are edible, and the plant itself is useful for medicinal purposes.
Sisyrinchium Devon Skies
Also known as “blue eyed grass,” these flowers bloom between Spring-Summer, growing up to about 25-30cm high, and 30cm wide. They are compact, clump-like growing perennials (lasting several years). They are also cold hardy plants, meaning they are capable of withstanding winter temperatures. They are usually used for border/edging plants, which are plants used to create borders between a path and a flowerbed.
Gazania ‘Double Orange’
Also known as “treasure flower, or African daises” they are hardy flowers that are both annual & perennial due to its high tolerance to extreme heat and drought, and are low maintenance. They will produce bigger flowers when watered, and can grow in a variety of colours, between 15-46cm. They are capable of growing in flowerbeds, containers, pots, borders, and rock gardens. Gazanias also close up at night to reduce the risk of freezing, and will only fully bloom on a sunny day.
Felicia amelloides
Also known as “blue daisies,” they are perennials that produce nearly all year round, and are considered annuals in the Winter, where they are recommended to be planted in greenhouses. They are often planted in planters, beds, borders, or rockeries. They grow up to 30-60cm high and wide. Despite blooming all year, they dislike hot and humid summers, thriving in poor, well-drained soils.
Colour Palette
Warm & Cold
- Synonymous to weather, temperature, colours
- The idea of weather & temperature is relevant to seasons, which the courtyard has statues that represent the seasons. This is one of the ways my design will link back into the space
- Temperature is significant to the Wintergardens, as the glasshouses showcase exotic plants that can only thrive in certain temperatures
- Warm and cool tones in colour are what we use to define temperature, such as Thermal Imaging Systems
- Warm tones like red and orange usually signify how “hot” something is
- Cool tones like blue and purple on the other hand signify how “cold” something is
- Orange and Blue are complementary colours, showing how they are on opposite sides of the colour spectrum
I created a gradation art as a visual interpretation to how I view the wintergardens. I thought it could be interesting to play on the contradiction of blues being on the warmer side and oranges being on the cold side, and I plan on pursuing this contrast though seasonal flowers.
AUT Spatial Design 