Tanya Shukstelinsky
Cocoon
Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design
Cocoon
The boundary as a cocoon limits the personal space within the public space. The Cocoon has specific functions that allow the person to stay inside for a certain period of time.
I create this Cocoon inside of a large advertising textile sheets like the ones we see on multi-story buildings. I stitch them together, so that these stitches will create different functional areas, like sleeping area, bath etc.
These stitches also create a passage which is used to move from one area to another.
Cocoon
My project explores boundaries between a person, his/her personal space and the public space.
The boundary as a cocoon limits the personal space within the public space. The Cocoon has specific functions that allow the person to stay inside for a certain period of time.
I create this Cocoon inside of a large advertising textile sheets like the ones we see on multi-story buildings. I stitch them together, so that these stitches will create different functional areas, like sleeping area, bath etc.
These stitches also create a passage which is used to move from one area to another.
I've been trying to explore what a living space is, what defines it, how much living space we need to sustain life, what is the connection between the person and his/her personal space.
I researched the history and evolution of human dwelling, as well as elements of contemporary living space.
The constantly growing urban population makes us look for different solutions. With this project I suggest to use already existing urban objects for additional purposes and functions.
4. The Process: Describe the rigor that informed your project. (Research, ethnography, subject matter experts, materials exploration, technology, iteration, testing, etc., as applicable.) What stakeholder interests did you consider? (Audience, business, organization, labor, manufacturing, distribution, etc., as applicable)The main challenge was to understand if this limited living space (which is almost flat) is suitable for a human being to exist in. To test this possibility, I created a few different models. The final prototype of the Cocoon, that I am submitting to the competition, is in a full size. The full size Cocoon model gave me an opportunity to experience this unique living space. I came to a conclusion that this form of vertical and narrow (almost flat) space is suitable as a temporary living space.
5. The Value: How does your project earn its keep in the world? What is its value? What is its impact? (Social, educational, economic, paradigm-shifting, sustainable, environmental, cultural, gladdening, etc.)
The Cocoon changes the perception of the living space as we know it. It gives us new ways to experience personal space. It can provide sufficient space for all basic functions and needs of its tenant.
Such mobile, easily available, flexible, multi functional space may meet the requirements of the modern society, in terms of expanding the living space in the urban areas.
Super-simple in its premise, but perhaps one of the few projects that really challenges standard ideas of inhabitation. Cocoon reduces the idea of what it means to be in a space to the bare minimum. Definitely the new hammock for start up tech offices. – Yen Ha & Michi Yanagishita
Cocoon is like the discovery of an unexpected architecture hidden within the interstitial space tucked between two walls of fabric. It offers a whimsical—you can see the delight on the users’ faces—but spatially compelling vision of how we might design future interiors using nothing but textiles. Further, the implications for things like tent design or portable camping shelters—let alone children’s play rooms—are fascinating to consider. – Geoff Manaugh