Exploring function

In this exercise, we are to think about space and how it is intended that it is used and then translate this thought into an image.

Working schools provides opportunities to consider a variety of uses for rooms and spaces. I was especially interested to consider a space in Bristol Cathedral Choir School; one that, as far as I am aware, has no name, perhaps in consideration of the very general role it plays.

The space was the main entrance for the school but has now been superseded by another one. Immediately, then, one has to consider what an "ex lobby area" might be used for. I came up with the following:

• exit and entrance;
• information;
• storage;
• meeting;
• waiting room;
• display;
• learning 

Looking at how well the space succeeds in these:

Exit and entrance function is the most fundamental function of any internal space, the ex lobby area has five doors in all; well spaced out. It works.

It is a relatively easy win to provide information in any space - some props like display stands and material on walls  provides ample opportunity. The space in ex lobby is used rather formally and unimaginatively but the function is provided.

Storage is not provided in ex lobby to any degree.

Meetings are made possible by the provision of comfortable chairs but the lack of privacy and amount of passing human traffic mitigates against more than brief non private meetings.

Ex lobby is well suited to being a waiting room, though the unimaginative information and display do little to excite the curiosity of the visitor.

Display material is on view, albeit rather dated and somewhat of an afterthought, being a series of masks evidently made by a year 8 class that would probably prefer to forget them.

Learning is not really possible in this open, busy and rather eclectic space.

Having thought about the space, I decided to take a wide angle shot from a slight elevation:

I think this aspect does show the functions mentioned, but importantly the rather restricted nature of some of them. For example, the mask display is shown as restricted to the mantelpiece and the photographs of teachers and others on the left is very formal and unimaginative (and actually too many).

On a more positive note, the mannequins in the foreground are seen to be demonstrating the school uniform. There is a sense of comfort in the waiting area, and, perhaps most importantly, the central area is free form obstruction for ready ingress and egress.

I was not quite sure of how to tackle this exercise but am content that I achieved the process of considering the theoretical functionality of the space, and then demonstrating with an image.