NODEAssignment 4

Melanie WilminkMay 9, 2013

PITC

H README is an interactive exhibition, designed to engage audiences with the object of a book as a tactile object. Although the object is to have the exhibit act as a min-library, where anyone can take and replace the books at will , by installing them in a unique way, within a setting that is designed for learning and higher thinking, the installation also draws attention to the history of the book as an object, versus digital technology like an e-book, the act of sharing it with others, and the way that it behaves like an artifact-existing on its own in time and space, and creating a history for itself through those travels.

The act of hanging the books creates an effect like a curtain, rain or forest, and is inspired by the tall ceilings and industrial aesthetic of the space. It takes advantage of the natural light available in the building, drawing the viewer’s gaze up and down within the space in an unusual way. Books are hung from looping twine, a material which is cheap, made of sustainable materials and easy to hang and move if the exibit were to travel. Ideally the installation of the texts would allow free transversal of the space in a variety of paths, with a selection of books for trading within easy reach from the main floor and second floor balcony, and a selection of aesthetically placed non-reachable texts for aesthetic balance.

Problems with the design may include accessibility for children, short body types and mobility handicapped persons, all of which might be dealt with by providing transportable step-stools, ramps and ladders at the space.

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eThe Riddell Centre at the University of Regina is a multipurpose space which houses the Faculty of Fine Arts, as well as a large common area including a foodcourt, meeting areas, presentation spaces and the Owl Student Pub. The Riddell Centre is a breathtaking facility providing a comfortable, relaxed venue to take a break from intense, creative work. Bright, open spaces, lots of room to sit and relax, Student Services offices, a choice of several eateries and a campus pub - these are just a few of the highlights of this modern, people-friendly space.

Within the larger design of the campus, the Riddell Centre is situated at the SouthWest corner of campus, near main roads, parking and a small busloop. It is part of a connected series of buildings, shaped like an oblong around a large green space in the centre. In the winter, this makes navigating the buildings easy and comfortable, as it limits the amount of time it is necessary to spend outdoors. This, along with the situation of the food court and pub in the building, makes the Riddell Centre one of the main points of circulation in the University. It hosts a large variety of people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds within the same space to participate in various activities. Such activities might include arts (a student gallery and several theatre performance spaces are located on the ground floor), eating (food court), socializing (food court & pub), studying (meeting and quieter work spaces upstairs), political activity or promotion of student events (booths in the hallway) or just people watching.

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