Folie Final

The final design of the folie came from the desire to have a design that was not a contained structure, but more of an open outdoor space for people to dwell in. Rather than have something that people can walk into, it would be something that could be utilized even walking past it, while also providing an outdoor seating area. It would be something accessible as well as eye-catching. It should be able to be seen from outside Howard Smith Wharves but also be able to have clear views from within.

Final sketch of the proposed design of the folie

Tall sheets of framed glass would “frame” the selected views. In order to enhance the idea of the folie being a visual pivot, it provides a way to learn by urging people to look to certain views, telling them where to look. From this, a compass theme developed. In order to properly direct people’s vision the same way a compass can direct where to go. The design had utilized a compass in the center of the design directing where to look. The compass would have the different views inscirbed on them and tell which each pane of glass points towards, instructing people to look through.

The colours chosen were soft, but bright. The aim was for the glass panels to be colourful and eye-catching, but rather than bold colours, lighter tones had been chosen so as not to appear too gaudy, especially from a distance or at night once it had been lit up. In addition, it would help to be a softer counterpart to the predominantly hard and sharp appearance of the folie’s timber base and the largely geometric appearance of the large glass panels. The selected

 Diagram of selected views of each coloured glass panel

 Sample view through pink pane of the Story Bridge

 Sample view through yellow pane towards the far end of the Wharves

The function of the folie had also been discussed to be a dual function that also shift perspective of Howard Smith Wharves. Because a main point had been to be able to attract attention to such a neglected area, the folie would light up to be seen from different parts of the city in order for the view to be directed towards the wharves. As a double function, this invoked a sort of “role reversal” where during the day people could look out of the folie from the wharves to the city, while at night, people would look in from the city towards the wharves. This was a way of activating the space by simply being able to see the folie, and not simply interact with it physically.

 Day render of the folie with views of the Story Bridge

Night render of the folie illustrating how it will be lit up