ᴄᴜʟɪɴᴀʀʏ "ᴡᴜɴᴅᴇʀᴋᴀᴍᴍᴇʀ" - ᴄʀᴀꜰᴛ ᴅᴇꜱɪɢɴ ᴘʀᴏᴊᴇᴄᴛ

Step ​①

Craft: Definition

Prior to analyzing our separate crafts, we were first instructed to find and or interpret our own definitions of what we believe craft means through collage. When creating my collage, I interpreted and defined craft as - something new that you create for a purpose, using different elements and things in the world around you. Then we were given the true definition of craft for our next step in the process:

Craft : " ​an activity involving skill in making things by hand. "

Step ②

Craft: Architect

After we discovered the true and clear concept of craft, we studied and researched specific architects through collage and how they incorporated "craft" in their work. We did this so that we could form connections and grasp a better understanding of how we would use craft in the future.

For my study, I looked at a partnered architectural form of craft. Olson Kundig incorporated several components of craft through their work by using a diverse stretch of materials, and taking large ideas and breaking them down to the finest detail. Their works also included a common theme of connecting their architecture with its natural landscape. This planted ideas further down the line for my own production in this project.

Step ③

Craft: Investigation

Following on, after we clearly practiced and understood the meaning of and how to find and reflect information for craft, we selected a field of craft to research. I chose to look into the culinary work and create a collage to represent the specific necessary elements of culinary arts. Through this I found that it required many various ingredients, kitchenware, teamwork, serving, as well as the many different forms of cooking that all played a role into the craft of culinary arts. 

This allowed me to select ideas for the progression of my Wunderkammer design. For example, things that could be included on display in my Wunderkammer could include a diverse selection of ingredients, naturally grown plants, kitchenware, or animals. 

Below I’ve included a link that leads to a page including more detailed information of each of the key factors that play into the culinary craft. 

 Step ​④

Craft: Idea Plot

Since we now knew the in’s and out’s of our specific crafts, we were then tasked with plotting ideas for how we would create the build of our Wunderkammer based on the needs of the craft. We were asked to create a place for a singular student to which would become designated intentionally as a space for the craft alone. 

The idea I selected to proceed with involved inspiration from old  cooking/competition television shows. For example, in the shows Chopped and MasterChef , I took inspiration from the idea of having the main or central cooking area residence of the craft to be in the center of the building. This is why the middle of my idea is shown as a larger space. 

I also kept the walls round and incorporated large windows to reflect the concept of the Wunderkammer being a cabinet of curiosity. This is shown as it connects the outside of the building, it’s nature, and the inside where all the craft utilities would be on display so that when visited, whomever walks in will get a 360 view of the culinary “cabinet of curiosity”. This is reflected through t the organic elements and roots of culinary arts shown with natural plant additions as well as the connection with the outdoors.

Step ​⑤

Craft: Floorplan AutoCad

After creating the idea of my what my building would look like, I started to create its floor plan to carefully represent and define the different spaces I planned to have included within my studio.

To the right I created the open, spacious seating area which would have its source of natural light through the its window. In the center, I showed the kitchen island, which can also be seen in the picture below,  as the main attraction, or as the "main" work area where the "magic happens".

​Finally, to the left, I created the outdoor seating/ patio area where outdoor cooking activities can take place such as Barbeque and Hibachi. The balcony above it will as well have those plants and natural growth which pushes for hands on activity in the craft as well as the seating. I also showed made sure to incorporate large spaces for the pantry and freezer as well as maintaining the overall shape of my building to keep that 360 effect.

Step ​⑥

Craft: Project Drawing

One of our final steps were to create a large drawing that wil help map out our ideas from their original drafts and trials, to fine it down to just the main key points that directly led us to our overall project idea. This included the valuable aspects of my project which reflected my inspiration for the shape of my building, as well as the different elements that would be a part of the display.

I chose to hand draw, and use forms of collage and AutoCad information to properly reflect my ideas and thought process in an understandable manner. I did this by printing multiple collages of items that would be incorporated as representatives of my craft, as well as the natural plants and sources. I also depicted how my windows played a role as natural light sources to emphasize the space of my  kitchen area as well as the rest of the studio through the concept of connecting natural elements with the craft. Furthermore, I drew an elevation plan to give a visual of how i intended to see the inside "experience" of my studio to look like, and how each part plays together as a whole.

Step ​⑦

Craft: Culinary Model

After deeply exploring, analyzing, and designing the variety of aspects of craft within my Culinary "Wunderkammer", I developed a model intended to represent and communicate these ideas in a meaningful, engaging, and intentful way. Unlike more common architectural models that typically display floor plans or building layouts, this model takes a more conceptual approach. The intention was to make the idea of craft immediately understandable, even and especially to someone viewing it for the first time.
Rather than focusing on the project's architectural form, this model takes inspiration from valuable elements and details closely connected to culinary practice such as the kitchen, nature, organic ingredients, and diverse cooking techniques. These ideas defined the design decisions throughout the model. For example, I incorporated natural elements like bushes, various types of plants, vines, and trees, especially in areas like the balcony, to emphasize the organic and nature-driven spirit of the project. These details serve to emphasize and bring attention to the origin of ingredients and the connection between food, environment, and craftsmanship.
Each component of the model was purposefully chosen to reflect these ideas, creating a visual form that recognizes the sensory and material variety of my culinary craft.