Car Showroom

Environmental systems project at The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), instructors Ilaria Mazzoleni and Russell Fortmeyer, 2015

with Sapeer Hillel, Cynthia Abi-Naked and Miwa Espinoza Sunaga

At first glance, one might find contradiction between the static materials in spaces of architecture and the movement, fluidity and instance of the automobile. The car as an object in motion has nonetheless penetrated a series of architectural venues in its history, in so doing embedding itself in the spatiotemporal discourses between form and effect, figure and ground.

Cars as Commodified Decoratives

Though we often see these things as pure objects, the reality of their composition (much like architecture) belies a truth wherein thousands of parts are forced into dialogue for the proper functioning of the mechanized vehicle. The curation of this space, especially with its visual presentations in terms of both the car and its backdrop, begins a discussion around the various elements of space which come together to either go against or to aid in the reading of an automobile.

At times, the visitor experiences the car uniquely as its own object, hinged abstractly against the blank concrete walls of the museum, while other moments begin a discussion between the manmade object and the human.

Set in spatial dichotomy, the showroom estranges one from another in hopes of employing light, sound and environment to democratize novel experiences and heightened awareness of the automobile showroom as such.

Materiality

Gold Film Metal - Non-Fiberglass Hydrophobic Industrial Noise Absorption Material. Highest noise absorption rating of NRC 1.00 (exceeds fiberglass sound attenuation). For some areas, this allows an intensification of the sound in the space, feeding an atmosphere of hypercapitalism which focuses the visitor into a mood for buying a car. Quiet Fiber - Non-Fiberglass Hydrophobic Industrial Noise Absorption Material. Highest noise absorption rating of NRC 1.00 (exceeds fiberglass sound attenuation). This assists in sealing off some of the areas under folds for quieter, more personal sales areas for sensitive conversations while not necessitating obstructive walls or privacy screens.