Verbal Presentation Summary
• The painting suggests that one should live their lives with temperance and moderation
• I brainstormed words associated with the painting to develop the idea and site
• I am exploring the idea of balance between vanity and temperance using two volumes (vanity and temperance), both in contrast to each other
• Temperance volume: functional and addresses only needs, closed spaces-> cosy, minimalist, small slit-like windows and openings->feeling protected and less exposed (interior-exterior relationship), openings in roof suggest connection to God
• Vanity volume: flamboyant and stylistic volume, suggesting that vanity only on the surface, large open spaces-> loneliness, large windows and openings-> feeling of being exposed, no sense of enclosure (interior-exterior relationship)
• Inspirations: Tadao Ando-Church of Light, Luis Barragan-Fuente de los Amantes, Mies Van Der Rohe-Farnsworth House
• My parti diagram shows the original design idea of the collision of two differing forms (temperance and vanity) colliding and interpenetrating each other, each vying for visual supremacy and dominance. There is lots of conflict and segregation between these two forms. The vanity volume is shown disintegrating and holding onto the temperance volume for support. The temperance volume is thick and sturdy; opposite to the vanity volume which is thin and unstable. The natural balance has been disturbed and the system is trying to achieve equilibrium and recover from the imbalance. The intersection of the volumes results in the void. The void represents clash, segregation & incompatibility and results from the collision of the forms
• Vanity volume-> Fragmented; made of perspex (weak and brittle) which represents glass in physical model; suggests the woman’s decision to choose faith and god, instead of narcissism and vanity
• Temperance volume->wedged into cliff face; blends with the site; made of concrete-> strong and sturdy, lasts a long time ; suggests the belief and faith in god
• There is lots of tension between these two volumes
• The vanity volume is breaking down and disintegrating->this represents its instability and precarious state of equilibrium
• The void that is left suggests there was a time when she was tested. It is filled with fragments of glass, dirt, new plants (suggesting new life and history)
• Temperance volume program: only includes what is of essence, small slot in which someone can leave food+water, Underground level-> prayer and meditation space, reflecting, Upper level-> eating and sleeping, reading, thinking, reflecting
• Meaning/Idea: The destruction of the vanity volume has resulted in an entrance/opening for the temperance volume symbolising that one can only gain temperance by removing vanity. After the vanity volume disintegrates, it becomes the platform for entry into the temperance volume. The relationship of the void changes from being a symbol of segregation to marking the entrance. The openings of the temperance volume on the vanity side now allow light in.
• Temperance volume indicates why she stayed with temperance-> The roof skylight suggests idea of heaven. The light shining in through the skylights represents God’s Divine light reminding her of God’s presence and that He is watching over her. This parallels with the ‘Last Judgement’ painting in the background of Vermeer’s painting. Idea of floatiness created by lifting up the roof a bit
• Site: On a tall rough sloping hill in Amsterdam, cold weather but not snowing, fast chilly winds, harsh elements, secluded, surrounded by greenery
