Draft Text

The initial objective behind this project is to create an environment that is not only simple in its configuration and design, but also a structure that reflects the 1960's infamous and at times radical lifestyle. It aims to provide a means of local habitation, close to work, family and friends. The design focus is concentrated on the meshing together of the old and the new in a cohesive design, which effectively explores and presents the changes between one era of the 1960/70s and the contemporary-day society.

Inspiration for this project derived from the ‘Flower Power’ movement of the late 60’s early 70s. The incorporation of psychedelic colours and patterns as well as the abundant flowers and plants growing wildly in and around the structure are a direct consequence of this inspiration. Moreover, the classic mythical ideology of something hidden at the bottom of the garden, establishes a sense of mystery and intrigue that goes hand in hand with the 60/70s lifestyle.

While the exterior is bold and colourful, it is warn and old. The exterior is a reflection of the “old” in terms of the design focus. The most notable aspect of the “old” world is the large crack that acts as the only entry point inside the flowerpot. Additionally, the brightly coloured flower pattern that once covered the structure is now hidden behind a newly painted terracotta-orange reminiscent of the true nature of the pot and its natural clay material. Though there is an explicit representation of age evident on the exterior, the wild plants and flowers act as a bridge, bringing the old into the present-day and continuing this same design philosophy on the interior as the taller plants draw back into the flower pot. The experience of the interior space is quite different to the exterior. The interior is restrained in its use of materials and there are little, if not any signs of decoration and ornament. It is covered with an off-white colour that neutralises the structure, effectively allowing the interior to exhibit its modernity.

Construction of this flowerpot is simple and straightforward. Basic geometry has been employed and manipulated on the exterior and interior to create a dynamic structure. Two cylinders were established and the scale at one end was decreased to result in a cone-like shape. The interior cone not only acts as a support for the entire structure, but it also acts as a vase-like object, from which the taller plants grow.

The materials used were carefully chosen as they effectively symbolise the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ of the design. The terracotta-orange reflects the flowerpot’s natural clay material while the psychedelic flower pattern is reminiscent of the 60s/70s radical ‘Flower Power’ movement. On the interior the restrained and extremely minimalistic palette consisting of an off-white colour reflects the qualities of modern and contemporary design. These materials are in fact an integral aspect of the overall design as they explicitly highly and portray the changes that have occurred in design throughout history, while also reflecting parallel changes in the life of the inhabitant.