Interiors as Translation of Music
Instructor: Tamara Nyysola, Tijen Roshko, Jason Shields
IDES 7200/7220
Interior Design Studio
This graduate-level Interior Design studio course explores the connections and reciprocities between experimental music and interior spaces in terms of their structure, language, process of creation, and form. Experimental music was selected to provide a neutral platform of study within which the cultural references are de-emphasized. Thus, analytical research and understanding are possible without emotional or cultural association. Students were advised to listen to raw sounds and translate their analysis into spatial forms. The four primary stages of the study progressively build on each other, from an understanding of the notions of harmony, time and space in music, to three-dimensional expressions and, finally, an interior space.
The studio initiated with a two-day-long workshop with Faculty of Music graduate Jesse Krause, where students were engaged in hands-on making of a musical instrument. The studio, in conjunction with the Faculty of Music and Professor Gordon Fitzell, then proceeded with the composition and performance of a piece of music of three to five minutes in duration by utilizing the structural principles of experimental music. This study created the foundation necessary to achieve the ultimate objective: to identify and extract properties or translate the language of experimental music into interior design. Students were then asked to create a sonic structure based on the structural and conceptual elements generated in the first segment. Following site analysis and programming, the studio concluded with a proposal for a School of Music and Performance Centre located in the Chancellor’s Hall (177 Dysart Road, Winnipeg).
Priyanka Soni
Carmen Huang
Priyanka Soni
Muse, Sound Experience Centre
Priyanka Soni is a Dubai-based Designer currently pursuing a Master’s in Interior Design from the University of Manitoba. Her latest professional experience was with NORR Architects & Engineers, Dubai, on a multitude of projects in the Hospitality & Residential domains. Her research interests include various design-related topics ranging from human experiential design to spaces and their emotional effects. Her specific interest includes the re-adaptation of dormant spaces to create socially responsive design that serves communities.
She holds a degree of Bachelor’s in Interior Design from the American University of Sharjah and is the recipient of design awards such as the Roca One Day Design Challenge – 1st Dubai edition, the Sharjah Islamic Bank – Student Research Award, Dean’s Award for Academic Excellence, and the CAAD MAD Award.
The Sound Experience Centre sits nestled amongst trees next to the river at 177 Dysart Road. Morphed by the atmospheric sounds of the water and the wind of the site, the Muse performing centre stands as a magnificent glimmering structure that reflects and amplifies the ambient sounds. The centre houses rental and repair of musical equipment, organizes classes for beginners and provides a nurturing environment for them to explore, learn, experiment, and develop their intrinsic musical qualities. The vibrant colours of the interiors and the structure provide an upbeat atmosphere while metaphorically alluding to the high intensities of the spectrogram. The quieter and private spaces exhibit a cooler blue tonality in their interior environments alluding to the lower pitches in the spectrogram.
Carmen Huang
Reservoir
This project blends music and retreat, to promote music and well being. To foster a well-being space for musicians and those seeking a mental break from the busy lives we live. Being aware of the city’s tourism this Sound Spa will elevate the city’s musical culture, architecture, and natural landscaping.
Students of the Faculty of Music will be able to curate and update recordings and live performances. This project will provide many resources for work, through summer co-ops and year-long employment. While also being an educational resource for professors to educate within the space.