Inner - Terior

by Danielle Brustman

Danielle Brustman‘s entry in the 2018 Rigg Design Prize, Inner-Terior, proposes an alternate domestic living space that asks if the home can be a more fantastical place. Whilst providing a place of comfort, rest and refuge it also explores new possibilities that transcend conventional domestic confines.

Part conversation pit, part lounge room and part stage, Inner-Terior takes its design cues from the 1980 cult classic film Xanadu, American Art Deco bandshells of the 1920s, 1960’s European futuristic design as well as shapes and materials that recall roller skating rinks and amusement rides of the 1980’s. The thread through these seemingly disparate references stems from my own psychological inner-terior, where the aesthetics of performance and stage provide a rich and idiosyncratic source of inspiration.

The design draws from these theatrical references and inserts them within a contemporary living room environment. By introducing non domestic references and elements of stage and spectacle, the occupant is granted a freedom to behave outside the conventions domestic space usually dictates. Interestingly it is through these very same design strategies that the domestic space is also exalted and emphasized.

Part conversation pit, part lounge room and part stage, Inner-Terior by Danielle Brustman takes its design cues from the 1980 cult classic film Xanadu.

This ‘interior within an interior’ can exist independently of its built surrounds or integrate with them as seen in this instance. The platform pod is stripped down to key functions which aim to provide its occupant comfort, warmth, beauty, light and sound.

The aesthetics of performance and stage provide a rich and idiosyncratic source of inspiration.

The space holds and cradles its occupant within a grouping of curved forms, materials and light. The living room pod is designed as one integrated unit that consists of a fireplace/heater, inbuilt circular lounge, light feature, sound feature, mirror and coffee table. A floating sound and storage unit lives outside the pod where one can select a record to play or a book to take inside the area. A sculptural light feature and wall mounted speaker provide a sensorial atmosphere surrounding the pod.

This ‘interior within an interior’ can exist independently of its built surrounds or integrate with them as seen in this instance.

The space holds and cradles its occupant within a grouping of curved forms, materials and light.

Inner-Terior by Danielle Brustman keeps furniture and objects to a minimum and asks what key elements we need or don’t need from our domestic surrounds.

Ultimately Danielle Brustman’s project asks what key elements we need or don’t need from our domestic surrounds.