Gepparo Platform
Fall 2020
Photography: Jihun Kang
Given the current crisis, the Gepparo Platform attempts to create a haven in a chaotic environment. By analyzing space first and foremost, the platform provides an atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. Inspired by the Katsura Villa in Kyoto, the platform nods to Villa’s creation of ambiguous space. The focus of the project was directed at the notion of creating an environment where lighting and tactile elements all aid in creating sensations of warmth, comfort, and security.
The main inspiration for this piece came from the purchase of a book entitled, Katsura Villa, the Ambiguity of Space. The Villa was constructed in the early 17th century and has served as inspiration for architects throughout the 20th century. As an admirer of the modernist movement, it was important for me to understand their perspective on the villa and its concept of space. A deep connection to Buddhism and Zen principles is reflected in the construction of Katsura Villa with reverence for the materials and spatial harmony
Inspiration also drew from the demountable homes of Jean Prouve. These small homes and pavilions were created from industrial materials that could be assembled easily in various locations – existing in post-war Europe and colonies where resources were limited. Industrial materials like steel grinders are honored in Prouve’s design and become a crucial element, both stylistic and in terms of function. This was an approach Prouve employed in both architecture and furniture.
The piece was constructed out of steel angle irons and featured limited welding. Instead, like Prouve’s work, made use of components that could be unbolted and reassembled. This was necessary from a practical sense due to the fact that the width of the piece measured three feet, making it exactly the size of a standard door and impossible to maneuver through. The angle iron pieces were also sanded and coated in a layer of metal primer and matte paint.
As for the panels, felt was layered on top of the acoustic panel to provide a solid surface to slide back and forth. To allow for the panels to slide, a three-slot track system was utilized. The felt panels featured porthole cutouts similar to the ones used by Jean Prouve but the arrangement of portholes on the lower levels nod to the unique placement of windows in traditional Japanese architecture. Along with felt panels, sheer curtains were used to allow for light to be diffused in the space.
The platform portion of the piece nods to the traditional Japanese tatami platform. Instead of making use of a preexisting tatami, I decided to weave my own interpretation of one using nylon webbing. The use of nylon provides a modern touch to a traditional motif and is also used in reference to early modernist furniture and the use of parachute fabric as webbing.
