The start of the concept development phase began by forming four basic ideas.
Connections - Connecting the community to campus, student to student, student to faculty and performer to audience.
Spotlight - A lamp projecting a narrow, intense beam of light directly on to a place or person, especially a performer on stage.
Community - A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
Kaleidoscope - A constantly changing pattern or sequence of objects or elements.
Kaleidoscope is derived from a few ancient Greek words that mean "an observation of beautiful forms. It is also believed to symbolize the ability to see yourself in the bigger scope of life. It also has a deeper connection. Consider the mosaic quality of the image - each small shape comes together to create a more complex pattern. This can be seen within a theatrical or dance performance as well. There are many roles and opinions within the performing arts, but when they work together, they create a beautiful show.
Moving on to parti diagrams, I created simple compositions that symbolized the qualities and movement of a kaleidoscope.
Concept Diagram
Furthering the concept, the department has three programs - production, dance and theater. Production, the building blocks of a show, is represented by a rectangle. Dance is represented by a circle, which suggests movement. Finally, theater is represented by a triangle because of the dynamic roles an actor or actress portrays. All these programs offer a number of possible degrees - production (4), dance (2) and theater (3). In total, there are nine degrees offered within the department, hence the nine lines within each diagram. As you move from one diagram to the next, the lines shift slightly to become new shapes - much like the image in a kaleidoscope as you turn it.
Official Concept Statement
Kaleidoscope is derived from the Ancient Greek work kalos “beautiful, beauty”, eidos “that which is seen, form or shape” and skopeo “to look to, to examine”. Thus kaleidoscope, an observation of beautiful forms. Kaleidoscope is also believed to symbolize the ability to see yourself in the bigger scope of life and connect to the meaning of it. The same could be said of theater and dance. Beautiful forms and movement. Complex and simple connections to a bigger picture. The new Department of Theater and Dance facilities at Ball State University will draw inspiration from aspects of a kaleidoscope. The movement and always evolving qualities of a kaleidoscope will be suggested by designing rooms that can flex in both size and function. The dynamic nature of a kaleidoscope will be represented within the space by ensuring every patron/student/faculty member is intrigued and surprised by the space. This will be done through the careful consideration for sight-lines and the addition of beautiful art pieces throughout the site. Aesthetically, bright colors, simple shapes and transparent materials will also be used to create an exciting space. The transparent materials will also take advantage of natural light – light being an integral part of a kaleidoscope – and foster a deeper sense of connectivity for everyone.
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