Art Studio : Ukiyo
Art Studio : Ukiyo
Ukiyo is an immersive artist residency program designed to enhance living spaces and workspaces for emerging artists. Ukiyo aims to establish a productive workspace with all essential amenities to ensure year-round success. .
Edinburgh Scotland
Residential Art Studio: Student Living
Implementing the Ukiyo Artist Residency Program at the University of Edinburgh
The Ukiyo Artist Residency Program aligns with the Edinburgh College of Art’s (ECA) mission to foster change by developing designers and researchers who tackle real-world problems. Emphasizing sustainable, ethical, and considerate design, Ukiyo supports ECA's commitment to producing adaptable, independent graduates ready to meet evolving industry and societal needs.
By offering immersive, professional development opportunities through partnerships and practical experience, Ukiyo enhances employability and ongoing research development. It enriches the educational experience at ECA, inspiring students to challenge assumptions and innovate, thus preparing them to shape and navigate uncertain futures effectively.
Mission
Ukiyo and Eunoiais are committed to creating a residency program that provides students with a robust structural foundation, fostering creativity and artistic growth on site. The program is designed to offer tools and resources for professional development, enabling students to pursue their goals in the real world confidently. Ukiyo encourages artists to draw inspiration from the rich heritage and dynamic art scene by immersing them in Edinburgh's vibrant and historic city. The initiative will enhance students' understanding of the art world through interactions and learning opportunities with established real-world artists.
Ukiyo & Eunoia
The first program, EUNOIA, provides a public working space that fosters collaboration and idea-sharing among students. Named after the Greek word for a well-balanced mind and good spirit, EUNOIA encourages a supportive and interactive environment where students can engage with their peers and collectively enhance their creativity.
The second program, Ukiyo, offers a private art residency experience. As previously described, Ukiyo immerses students in a dedicated space where they can focus on their projects, refine their artistic style, and benefit from professional development opportunities. This dual approach ensures that students have access to both collaborative and solitary environments, supporting a holistic and adaptable learning experience.
Main Working Desks
The workspace integrates functionality, safety, and aesthetic appeal, rooted in contemporary architectural principles. Central to the design is a main desk with a connecting glass piece, facilitating safe communication while maintaining openness. Each desk is equipped with a fully rigged computer, ensuring students can work independently and efficiently.
Students can rent these rooms for a semester, providing a stable environment to keep their projects active. The carrels feature workable desks tailored for building and cutting tasks essential to design projects. Additionally, each workspace includes a built-in TV, allowing students to view content on a larger screen and upload their 3D models for detailed work.
This design reflects biophilic principles by promoting connectivity and well-being through open, transparent barriers. The modernist emphasis on minimalism and utility is evident in the streamlined desks and carrels, prioritizing essential features. By integrating technology and practical workspaces, the environment nurtures creativity, promotes safety, and supports the diverse needs of design students.
Column Detail 1
For my overall design, I aim to highlight and integrate key elements of the Playfair Library's architectural heritage within my new design. Specifically, I intend to emphasize the elegance of the columns by framing them with concrete and illuminating them from both the base and the top. This approach not only accentuates the historical beauty of the columns but also infuses the space with a contemporary, revitalized aesthetic.
To preserve the integrity of the columns, my strategy involves constructing a faux wall that securely attaches concrete panels without causing any damage. This method ensures the preservation of the original structure while seamlessly incorporating it into the modern design. The result is a harmonious blend of past and present architectural elements, celebrating the timeless beauty of the Playfair Library within a refreshed and dynamic space.
Column Detail 2
The proposed lighting fixture will be a central element in the design, suspended from the ceiling to highlight its intricate details. By illuminating the middle part of the ceiling, the fixture will draw attention to the architectural craftsmanship, creating an ambient light that softly diffuses throughout the space. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also ensures that the historical features of the ceiling are showcased in a subtle yet impactful manner.
The structural integrity of the lighting fixture is paramount. The frame will be securely bolted to the ceiling, with careful consideration given to minimize drilling. This ensures the preservation of the existing ceiling while providing a robust support system. The fixture is attached at four points on the corners of the top frame, distributing the weight evenly and reducing the risk of any damage to the ceiling.
Custom Lighting Detail 1
For my overall design, I aim to highlight and integrate key elements of the Playfair Library's architectural heritage within my new design. Specifically, I intend to emphasize the elegance of the columns by framing them with concrete and illuminating them from both the base and the top. This approach not only accentuates the historical beauty of the columns but also infuses the space with a contemporary, revitalized aesthetic.
To preserve the integrity of the columns, my strategy involves constructing a faux wall that securely attaches concrete panels without causing any damage. This method ensures the preservation of the original structure while seamlessly incorporating it into the modern design. The result is a harmonious blend of past and present architectural elements, celebrating the timeless beauty of the Playfair Library within a refreshed and dynamic space.
Custom Lighting Design
For the bottom frame of the lighting fixture, wooden planks are used, secured by metal brackets. This combination of materials not only provides structural stability but also introduces a warm, natural element to the design. Above the wooden planks, a diffused layer conceals the LEDs, ensuring that the light source remains hidden from view. This creates a soft, ambient glow that enhances the room’s atmosphere and produces a beautiful, natural shadow play, adding depth and dimension to the space.
In addition to the main lighting fixture, each desk is equipped with task lights, providing focused illumination for work while complementing the ambient lighting. This dual lighting strategy serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, framing and accentuating the historic architecture. The thoughtful integration of modern lighting solutions within the context of historical preservation results in a harmonious blend of old and new, enhancing the overall user experience while respecting the integrity of the original design.
Final Elevation
The space is thoughtfully divided into two sections, allowing individuals to communicate through a transparent glass partition. This design facilitates collaboration and the safe exchange of ideas. Each carrel is equipped with an extensive collection of books and resources, providing design students with the necessary tools to excel in their studies. The primary objective is to foster a safe and collaborative environment where students can work together when needed.
The integration of raw and refined materials embodies the principles of wabi-sabi, promoting a minimally simplified approach to spatial design. When conceptualizing a room, it is essential to view it as a cohesive whole, rather than merely filling voids with objects and furniture. Embracing the teachings of wabi-sabi and applying them to material choices is crucial in creating spaces that resonate with modern sensibilities.
In today's fast-paced world, it is imperative to design environments that offer tranquility amidst the constant barrage of technological distractions. By incorporating natural elements and embracing the imperfections of wabi-sabi, we can create spaces that reconnect individuals with nature, providing a sense of calm and balance. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic value but also contributes to the overall well-being of the occupants.
As an architect, I believe that the fusion of traditional wisdom and contemporary design principles is vital in crafting spaces that are both functional and serene. By prioritizing simplicity, authenticity, and a deep connection to nature, we can develop environments that support and nurture the human spirit in today's modern world.
Final Co-Working Space Design
Graphic around the city
The promotion of the exhibition employs strategically placed display boards throughout the city to engage the local community and attract visitors to the Talbot Rice Gallery. Utilizing a robust street presence is crucial for generating word-of-mouth buzz and drawing in more visitors, thereby strengthening the gallery’s brand presence in the area.
Each poster is equipped with a QR code, allowing passersby to effortlessly access the gallery’s address on their smartphones. In our digitally connected age, leveraging mobile technology is a savvy approach to capture the attention of the younger generation, who are typically more engaged with their devices. While it is acknowledged that the older generation may not be as familiar with QR codes, the primary target audience consists of emerging artists and younger patrons. This innovative method of urban wayfinding not only makes exploring the city more interactive but also fosters a deeper engagement with the museum and its exhibits.
Street promotion, when combined with modern technology, creates a dynamic and compelling way to connect with the public. This approach capitalizes on the ubiquity of smartphones, turning city streets into an extension of the gallery space. By encouraging public interaction with the posters, this strategy generates organic, free publicity through conversations and social media shares.
Edinburgh, with its rich historical backdrop, offers a unique canvas for such contemporary promotional tactics. Provoking curiosity and conversation about the exhibition helps to invigorate the city’s cultural landscape. The more people talk about the posters and the gallery, the greater the desire to visit the exhibition, thereby increasing foot traffic and fostering a vibrant cultural dialogue within the community. This innovative blend of traditional street promotion and cutting-edge technology represents a forward-thinking approach to audience engagement and urban cultural activation.
Inspiration
Kaktus Towers Innovative Micro-Living
The Kaktus Towers concept is ideal for the Artist Residency Dorm project as it showcases the effectiveness of micro-living in a vibrant urban setting. By integrating efficient use of space with communal amenities, the dorms can foster a supportive and collaborative environment for artists. Inspired by Kaktus Towers, the residency dorms can offer shared facilities, such as studios, kitchens, and social areas, enhancing the overall living experience. This model ensures that artists have access to both private and communal spaces, promoting creativity and interaction within a well-designed, functional living space.
LAAB
The LAAB approach is highly relevant to the Artist Residency Dorm project as it demonstrates how innovative design can maximize functionality and comfort in limited space. By employing meticulous planning and precise craftsmanship, the residency dorms can similarly integrate full-size amenities within a compact footprint. Inspired by LAAB's success, the dorms can feature adaptable spaces that serve both living and creative needs, ensuring artists have the resources and environment necessary for both comfort and productivity. This model of efficient, multifunctional design aligns perfectly with the goals of creating an inspiring and practical living space for resident artists.
Zoku
The Zoku concept is highly relevant to the Artist Residency Dorm project as it exemplifies how multifunctional spaces can effectively blend living, working, and creative environments. By incorporating elements such as extensive built-in storage, adjustable workspaces, and areas for social interaction, the residency dorm can provide a similar level of flexibility and comfort. This approach ensures that artists have the necessary resources and inspiration to thrive, fostering a creative atmosphere that supports long-term artistic development. Drawing inspiration from Zoku’s innovative design can help create a vibrant, functional, and supportive space for emerging artists.
Final Rooms Design
"Microdwelling represents a profound shift in how we think about space and sustainability, challenging the conventional norms of residential architecture by maximizing utility and efficiency within minimal square footage." — Renzo Piano
Personal Apartment
Ukiyo is an immersive artist residency program designed to enhance living and workspaces for emerging artists. Targeting juniors and seniors from the University of Edinburgh, this unique initiative provides selected students the opportunity to reside in the Old College Building for a year, focusing on refining their artistic style. In partnership with the Talbot Rice Gallery, the program offers firsthand professional artist experience, encouraging creative development and public presentation.
Located at Old College, Ukiyo offers state-of-the-art facilities including individual art studios, collaborative gallery spaces, and shared living areas to foster a creative community. The program supports a range of self-directed residencies, from solitary pursuits to collaborative projects, guided by experienced teachers to explore new concepts and perspectives.
Ukiyo provides artists with an environment where their creative processes can thrive, creating opportunities for international and creative exchange beyond formal programs. Recognizing the importance of real-world applications, Ukiyo actively promotes and welcomes community involvement.
Maintaining a strong relationship with the University of Edinburgh student community, Ukiyo values all forms of engagement. The objective is to inspire individuals to build without preoccupation with the outcome, challenge existing assumptions, and take bold steps in new directions that will shape the future.
The artist dormitory area is strategically situated below the historic Playfair Library, occupying both the first floor and the mezzanine floor. Each floor accommodates five artist residency dorms, with dedicated laundry facilities available for use as needed. Two of these dorms on the ground floor are designed to be fully accessible, ensuring inclusivity.
A combination of stairs and lifts that seamlessly integrate with the main floor plan facilitate connectivity between the two floors. Each dormitory is thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones: a sleeping and storage area, a personal art studio, and a private bathroom. This segmentation ensures that residents have a comprehensive living space that supports both their daily needs and creative endeavors.
Every dormitory is private, with its own entrance, granting residents autonomy and a personal living area. The lower floor hosts the main activity areas, necessitating that residents on the mezzanine floor use either the stairs or the lift to access these communal spaces. Additionally, each dormitory is designed with two windows, allowing ample natural light to flood the interiors, creating a bright and inviting environment conducive to artistic creation.
This innovative design not only preserves the historical essence of the Playfair Library but also enhances the functionality and comfort for modern-day artists in residence, fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and creative community.
Painting Wall
Bed Room
Bathroom
Side Elevation
Dorm Floorplan
Final Room Design
The Artist Residency Dorm project reflects a synthesis of knowledge and critical thinking gained throughout the year, showcasing a deep understanding of the Old College Building. The primary goal of the design was to create a space focused on comfort, ample storage, a creative environment, and a suitable bathroom. Extensive research highlighted the importance of maximizing storage for residents, drawing inspiration from the Zoku Living concept in Copenhagen, which demonstrated how a 250 sq ft room could accommodate all necessities for long-term living.
Built-in storage solutions were incorporated to allow residents to neatly conceal their supplies and personal items, maintaining a clean and organized living space. Upon entering the room, residents are greeted by a spacious art studio with two adjustable walls, facilitating custom-sized workspaces. This setup provides ample room for artistic endeavors, ensuring that artists have the necessary space to work on their projects comfortably. Significant hanging space around the room enables artists to store their creations without cluttering their workspace.
A key design element is the compact yet luxurious open bathroom, constructed with durable materials to ensure longevity and ease of maintenance for future residents. The overall aim was to craft an environment that inspires and supports artists throughout their year-long stay.
By focusing on functionality, comfort, and creative potential, the Artist Residency Dorm stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural design, fostering an atmosphere that encourages artistic growth and innovation.
This design addresses storage and workspace needs while ensuring that residents have a private, clean, and creative place to think and work. This careful attention to detail helps create an inspiring environment that supports artists in their creative pursuits.
In conclusion, the layout of the spaces provides a solid solution for the brief. Ukiyo is a comprehensive artist residency program designed to enhance the living and working environments of emerging artists. This innovative program offers juniors and seniors at the University of Edinburgh the opportunity to explore and create art. Annually, the program opens to top students committed to spending a year in the Old College Building, refining and developing their artistic styles. These selected artists will dedicate their time and energy to advancing their unique art. The residency program epitomizes years of research into the needs of creatives in a world-class residency setting.