Ryan Awdry
Interior & Set Designer
THE ENGAGEMENT TASK
A driver for this project was the Co-design activity or 'Engagement Task' which allowed me to gain valuable insight into who I am designing for which guided the creative process of this project.
The Architectural Forms from the Site walk were taken forward as the inspiration of the Engagement Task.
I wanted to create a tool which would enable the user to build their own 'sets' from their memory when asked to think about a space or environment which they connect to psychologically.
Inspired by Zaha Hadid's 'Dolls House' I crafted the wooden building-like blocks in the workshop to bring performance into the design.
These blocks can be assembled in any manner to allow open and creative thinking when words may fail us.
I first tested the co-design tool on my peers; the class of 2024 Interior & Environmental Design (IED)
This was a very successful exercise as my classmates explored various scenes; some built temples as they connected closely to places of contemplation, felt closer to spaces where they could play, perform and act.
The Image to the right: A 'Set' created by IED Level 4 Class mate connecting to space for therapeutic performance.
Following the successful test with IED class of 2024, it was time to take them to Men's Shed; An organisation who work to enhance mental and physical health of men across the country through woodworking.
This was a valuable experience as I gained first hand insights into the goals and struggles of mental health groups as well as the stories of those suffering from the challenges of mental health. Interestingly, while some were not focused on the block or how to use them I observed that holding or playing around with something in their hands resulted in the participant feeling more relaxed and open to conversation.
The images to the left and above:
'Sets' created by members of the Men's Shed Carse of Gowrie Shed. Set to Above: depicting journeys of where have been and where we're going on our road to wellbeing along with place of reflection and discovery.
Set to left: Random assortment while in open conversation.