Theatre of Suspense - Year 3

My final year 3 portfolio was submitted last week.

Set in Waltham Forest, London, this project aims to respond to the cinematographic heritage of the borough through the study and interpretation of Hitchcock’s main techniques of suspense and tension.

The theatre of suspense, spatial experience of Hitchcock’s atmospheric anticipation, introduces a new way to appreciate the performance through architecture layout, natural shadows design and structural detailing.

Based on one main inspiration, Rear Window, the audience is physically separated from the stage creating a screen-like effect referring to cinema and introduced in an environment of apprehension and spatial suspension.

The audience’s experience is therefore based on claustrophobic atmospheres, tension, and uncertainty, creating a suspense journey throughout the performance act.

Theatre of Suspense - Portfolio - Phase 2

Here are the 5 main tasks I think are important for me to focus on:

1. Layering: Focusing on the walls construction: how do the structural system, the HVAC system and the insulation work together in an organic, technical yet elegant manner.

2. Fragment: Develop more detail around the design fragment. Spend more time on the seating area: resolve the hierarchy of suspending individual chairs and the feeling of claustrophobia around them.

3. Materiality: Research more around materials available on site and recycled parts to build an organic and technically believable enveloppe.

4. Environment: Focus on designing the active HVAC heating, cooling and ventilation system with heat pumps.

Pool Party - Zean Macfarlane