Onishi Study

I enjoy projects involving environmental design—how people experience spaces—and I’m especially keen on thresholds. Like what wrapping can do for a gift, packaging for a product, plating for a meal, a threshold serves as an introduction to a space and can greatly influence how people experience it.

This large installation (12’ x 36’) was part of a design exhibit, which I knew would have a very active and sensory-rich atmosphere. By installing this piece at the entrance, I intended for it to serve as a transitional space for visitors, a visually interesting portal to insulate the show from the outside world. Lighting was an important cue, as well as lowering the section over the doorway. This softened the transition by gently obscuring the view inside, but still giving enough of a glimpse for anticipation. It also asked the visitors to physically engage with the transition. They would duck under and then as they raised their gaze, the room and the exhibit opened before them.

Regarding environmental design, I am very struck by the masterful work of artist Yasuaki Onishi. Its ephemeral quality, his use of light, and the meditative processes to form these delicate materials deeply resonate. He expresses an interest “in invisible things like air, or time, or gravity.” So when I designed and built this piece, I thought it a worthwhile opportunity play with his mediums and processes in order to properly investigate why they particularly draw me in.