Our very first task started with a group brainstorming exercise which saw us put together a laundry list of words that described states of water or those that imitated the sounds of water.As we went through our lists together one couldnt help but think about how every different sound or state of water had the wonderful capacity to draw on different emotions and create such varied moods.
It is with this understanding that we proceeded to design a water feature for the Stoneyshotts garden. The garden, an extremely small and neglected area is surrounded by hedges on three sides and the Stoneyshotts building on the fourth side. Below are some pictures from the site.
Figure 1 :The entrances (top right & left);Existing tree and location for proposed swing seating (mid-left); Wall and windows of Stoneyshotts building looking into the space,proposed location for Buddha statue(mid-right);Proposed location for water feature (bottom right & left)
There are two approaches, one is through a little path that leads in from an opening in a hedge wall and the other is directly opposite to it through a pergola.The first approach is comparatively easier to access and would probably be the one used more often to visit this garden.There are two windows on the ground floor of the Stoneyshotts building that look onto the garden.It would perhaps be interesting to note that one of them is in the room with the photocopier. So an interesting view would always be appreciated by those waiting!
I wanted my garden to have a very organic vibe and during the course of my research came across an interesting Japanese water feature called the “Shishi-odoshi” or the “deer scarer”. Usually made of a segmented bamboo tube, the shishi-odoshi is pivoted to one side of its balance point. Initially the heavier side rests against a rock.Water trickles down from another bamboo shoot into the opening. As the water accumulates the tubes centre of gravity moves past the pivot causing it to flip and pour the water out. As soon as this happens the heavier end of the bamboo falls back against the rock making a sharp sound. This cycle continues and the water feature makes a variety of interesting sounds which range from soothing to attention grabbing.
Below are line drawings of some initial ideas.
Figure 2 :Sketch of the proposed water feature
My proposed water feature would be positioned on the left of the pergola as that is first view that one gets as they walk in through the path.Japanese lanterns and a statue of buddha against the wall will not only compliment the water feature but also serve to create the right mood.
Figure 3 :Sketch of the proposed Buddha statue
A bamboo gate and fence on the side of the pergola would enclose the garden.This is to create a sense of intimacy and to establish this space as different from the world outside.The garden is expected to have a calm and soothing effect on those that are drawn into it.The current paving will be replaced by black gravel with stepping stones or “tobi-ishi” leading people to the access’s,the water feature and the seating. It is important that the stepping stones are not only visually appealing but also functional and comfortable to walk on.
Figure 4 :Explorations in 3D
The water feature can be experienced standing or seated.For the seating i propose a bamboo swing with a trellis frame. The gentle swaying of the swing would play an important role in how one experiences this space – a place to escape to… for conversations, quiet listening or just being.
circularvinesandbloom 