Shifting Music

Fig: 1 - Music is a universal language and has no barriers (Credits-Simon Noh)

PREMISE

Description of music is a multilayered concept that is created in the synthesis of multiple factors. Considered as an art form, music for the majority of people is magic. The ability of lyrics and notes to transcend the listener into a different parallel has always been a thing that awed people. 

Today, we are spread across different countries, ethnicities and languages, there are more factors that are different than those that are similar. Yet, music is one of the factors that transcend across continents and languages, making it an inherent part of every country, every community, and a fundamental part of a city's culture and tradition. 

Throughout history, we can observe how alongside religious and public buildings, they represent spaces of expression. In today's context, globalisation has increased exposure as a result amazing artists are being raised from every nook and corner worldwide. 

While digital platforms have helped such artists to display pure talent, how can the same musicians shine in their own neighbourhood? Can we provide them with a space to not only display their talent but also liven the audience and the community? 

Fig: 2 - Street musicians and local artists need a platform to showcase their talent (Credits-Bjorn Boonen

PLATFORM

Like the magic of the magician, the musician, singer and artist too, needs an audience. Music works in a paradigm where it needs to be experienced and expressed-symphony of these two factors is very essential. Today, the majority of experiences that we have are digital, where the aspect of 'live experience' is lost. 

Through globalisation and social media development, artists have a voice and are easily found. Change like this has indicated the number of musicians existent around the world in various different areas. Providing an ideal environment and space for expression for this large and varied group of individuals is needed. 

Unlike many other forms of art, a singer, or a musician is the art form where the creation is not a product, a painting, but the musician themselves. Music can be experienced where the musician is. But with the urbanisation and rapid growth in the cities, music has restrained itself to large concert halls and theatres. 
Due to these limitations, local musicians' access to the public has in many ways eliminated their space in the city's fabric. 
 

Fig: 3 - What can be done to provide a platform for local artists that also provides them with transport support?

BRIEF OF THE COMPETITION

There are various different singers, and musicians around the world who perform on the streets, in open public spaces and at gatherings, many times the space and amenities available at their disposal are far less. Making it harder for them to unleash their potential and make an impact on the audience.

How can we as designers help these musicians find a place for expression, a space which not only acts as an area to perform but also as a platform which will help them carry their instruments and another musical setup?

Can our design strategies help in enriching the experience of street music by aiding these musicians with a functional, adaptable and portable unit; which in turn acts as a platform for them?

How can we provide these street musicians with a mini theatre of their own?

Brief: The architecture competition brief calls for a design of a portable, compact unit that will function as a platform and will act as a carrier for the musical setup of the musicians. 

OBJECTIVES

Flexible: The unit designed should be able to fulfil the varied needs of musicians easily.

Portable: The designed unit should be easily portable and should be lightweight to be carried.  

Functional geometry: The geometry of the unit should ensure easy erection and assembly. 

Technology: The designed unit should facilitate and provide arrangements for the use of technology. 

Adaptable: The design structure should be able to adapt to a variety of contexts and conditions.
 

SCALE

The approximate size measures that are to be considered for this competition are of the following dimensions: 4 x 4 box. This is the minimum architectural footprint expected from the design. The maximum height of the unit can be up to 6 meters high. A variety of materials and geometric innovations are encouraged. The participants are expected to imagine this unit in multiple situations, contexts and areas, in order to be able to perform universally. 

In Mobile State: The maximum permissible covered area should be 16 sq. mt with a minimum corresponding volume, excluding the operational area required for moving it. 

In Static State: The total covered area used for stretchability/expandability should not exceed 50% of 16 sq. mt.