Makeshift Process

The makeshift shelter project was about creating a shelter as well as bonds among a group of people. The pallet walls that make up the structure resemble these bonds. The writing and sketching process reflect these bonds and through them we created a space of interiority and order.

The writing and sketching process, notably the narrative assignments, were very important to my development in this project. When we identified our materials particularly those that would dominate the structure, I decided to sketch the possible configurations that could come out of the pallets. This material exploration coupled with the narrative led me to think about how people might live around and maintain the shelter as well as what it represents to them. To have fun with the story, I wanted to make it about a fictional world. A small family builds around the structure with each person providing both for the shelter and the family. All of these things must operate in harmony because they live in a very harsh world. Though the perspective that accompanies the narrative started out as “just a sketch”, I continued to refine the shelter, people and entourage surrounding it. Though I did not really focus on the interior with the story, this exercise still benefited my thoughts regarding the general atmosphere it would create. When we were to read the narratives of group members, this helped me understand and build on their ideas for implementing them into the final shelter.

Creating the shelter out of pallets served the function of structure and designing for interiority. When we made the structure’s walls and counter we were able to understand how the space would work as an interior. We were very happy at how well it turned out. We were jumping around and acting out fun scenarios. I noticed that while we were playing around inside and walking around the shelter that we all seemed to subconsciously stay within three zones of personal space. The two sides of the counter create a physical separation while another is created by the implied line at the end of the counter in the front entrance area. The space was now broken down into zones of personal space where multiple people could comfortably exist in close proximities.

This project has changed the way I think about how spaces are made. Interior space and order does not require walls, spaces can be created through implied order and a sense that the interior can be experienced from the exterior.

The walls of the shelter are made of pallets, which have two distinct design qualities. They are secure and stable, while at the same time allowing light and glimpses of the exterior to “leak” into the interior. The high roof and the open front create an inviting façade to the shelter. One can see everything within the structure and understand how he can fit and relate to the shelter. The height hangs around 6’-0” and the counter is at a cool 3’-6.” The high roof encloses, while the large pallets communicate strength. The inset counter makes a statement that the space is public and inviting. The roof over hangs the inset counter allowing one to approach without necessarily walking “inside” the shelter. The roof functions as shelter, while working in harmony with the other partial elements to imply space and order. Creating finished rendered sketches allowed me to explore the proposed shelter with my imagination. The physical manifestation allowed me to understand how interiority is established as well as how order within a space is made.