The project involved the design of a setting for specific performance; Rosemary Butchers 'Scan'. The installation was situated in a found space in Nottingham city centre.
It was intended that the event would go on form part of the NOTT dance festival of contemporary dance and performance art that takes place in Nottingham every year in May.

The project was designed with Mike Wakerley and Heather Rutland in collaboration with Jane Green and Jonathan Hale.

Site location plan 1:1250 @ A3

The 'found' space was situated in-between an existing multi-storey carpark and the substation of the Broadmarsh shopping centre.

External view

Access to the space was gained by modifying the existing lift which originally purely served the multi-storey carpark above.

Existing lift with additional 'scan' button

The principles of found space:

1) The given elements of space - it's architectural, textural qualities, acoustics and so on - are to be used and not disguised;
2) The random ordering of space or spaces is valid; the function of scenery, if used at all, is to understand, not disguise or transform, the space;
3) The spectators may suddenly create new spatial possibilities.

(Richard Schechner, Environmental Theatre)

As people move through the space, fragments of their bodies are revealed by the lighting system.

Internal lighting angles

The space was cross ventilated via gaps above the glazing system, this also enabled the groans of the traffic to enter the space.

Perimeter lighting and glazing detail 1:20 @ A3

It was intended that movement of spectators around the space would add to the performance. Two speaker seats were positioned at either end of the space to allow a small number of places to sit. Again the lighting was planned to pick out individual fragments of the bodies of both the dancers and the spectators.

Speaker seating detail 1:20 @ A3

Photomontage 16x11"

Concept painting 1

Ink and acrylic on paper

16x11"

Concept painting 2

Ink and acrylic on paper

16x11"