Christian Hutapea
STAR
Class of: 2029
Major: Design and Technology BFA
Medium: Birch Baltic Plywood, Wooden Dowel, Cotton Yarn, Thread
Faculty: Alison McNulty
Prompt: You are to design a structure that uses sheet goods and linear materials to define an inhabitable space-an interior volume that is divided from the exterior, and that there is one or more thresholds for energy to move between interior and exterior. Design your structure for a particular and specific type of community how will your structure facilitate a specific kind of gathering, belonging, togetherness?
My inhabitable space is designed for people who enjoy movement and physical activity, like climbers, gymnasts, yoga athletes, and fitness instructors. I wanted to make a structure that is grounded and calm, but still open enough for bodies and energy to move through it easily. The frame is made from baltic birch plywood that lifts a circular platform off the ground. These curves shape the interior space without fully enclosing it, so the volume feels open and breathable. The crocheted pentagonal canopy stretches across five points, creating a soft membrane that rises toward the center and sets the tone for the space underneath.
The openings between the pillars act as thresholds for light, air, sound, and movement. A person can pass under the canopy, sit near the dowel, or move their hand or body across the suspended crocheted star. The crochet filters light in broken patches and quiets sound, making the space feel low and gentle. I wanted the structure to support a kind of togetherness that is simple and unforced. Whether that be people moving, resting, or just being present near each other. The combination of hard and soft materials, the curved shapes, and the open negative space all work together to create an environment that invites interaction and movement.