Daniel Sawers (he/him )
An interior designer whose interests are centered around exploring the intersection between sound and space. Dan’s practice draws from the idea that music and architecture are two fields that share a common thread, both utilizing the manipulation and organization of space to prompt various physical and emotional responses in human behavior. Dan’s approach is based on the belief that atmospheric elements such as spatial layout, lighting and materiality within the interior have a synergetic relationship with melody, harmony and rhythm within music. By combining these aspects, immersive experiences are created that offer users a new sense of reality, blurring the lines between physical and sensory perception. His project this year, The Institute, proposes an arcade of numerous typologies related to the experience, production and expression of music and performance.
CLUB SPACE
The octagonal dancefloor is surrounded by a sound system on four of its sides at a 45-degree angle, the angled placement of the sound system allows for an immersive audio experience on the dancefloor whilst giving the users of the space freedom to move around the ground floor. The structural form is inviting and serves as a metaphor for music being the heart of the space. This concept is strengthened the centred booth, which adds a visual focal point as well as practicality, allowing the DJ to have a 360-degree view of the dance floor, creating an immersive experience for both the DJ and the dancers. The blend of brutalist and science fiction elements creates an otherworldly environment that stimulates the imagination of club-goers and provides a unique and memorable experience. The presence of a lighting rig above the booth in the club space can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere and experience of the space. The lighting rig can be used to create a wide range of visual effects, from subtle mood lighting to vibrant and dynamic displays that synchronize with the music and amplify the energy of the crowd. By illuminating the dance floor and surrounding areas, the lighting rig can help to create a sense of immersion and engagement, drawing attendees into the moment and enhancing the overall sensory experience. The placement of the rig above the booth also draws attention to the DJ, who is often seen as the central figure in the club experience. As the DJ mixes and manipulates the music, the lighting rig can be used to highlight their movements and gestures, creating a visual performance that complements the audio experience.
THE INSTITUTE
Given its original function as a site of worship and education, the site presents a unique opportunity to reconceptulise its design and purpose. While working within the pre-existing architectural parameters a new space can be created for community engagement and creative expres- sion. The use of a church as a club space carries with it acertain level of symbolism and cultural significance. The conversion of the church into a club represents an evo- lution of its traditional function as a space for spiritual and communal gatherings. In this new context, the club serves as a contemporary analogue to the church, facil- itating social interactions, dance, and celebration, while also functioning as a platform for creative expression and cultural exchange. By repurposing the school into music studios, the space is now ideally suited for fostering crea- tive experimentation and artistic exploration. The pre-ex- isting classrooms and corridors can be readily adapted and transformed into acoustically optimized recording studios, practice rooms, and collaborative workspaces. These fa- cilities provide a distinctive environment where musicians and artists can develop their skills and engage in creative collaboration, supporting the cultivation of a vibrant and dynamic artistic community. The strategic design of the building’s circulation encourages users to engage with the site in a multi-dimensional manner, revealing new ex- periences and insights with each visit. The careful con- sideration of the different entry points and routes within the building highlights the concept of space as a trans- formative medium. Users are encouraged to interact with the space in different ways, discovering new elements and opportunities as they navigate the site. The building’s composition offers a variety of spaces, each with their own unique atmosphere and function, allowing for a di- verse range of experiences and interactions with the site.
THE VAULT
The vinyl record industry is a long- standing and iconic music medium that has been around for decades. Vinyl records were first introduced in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the early 20th century. While their popularity waned in the digital age, they have since made a resurgence in the music industry and have become an important part of music retail.
Vinyl records have a unique sound quality that is distinct from digi- tal music formats. The warmth and depth of the sound on a vinyl record are highly valued by audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. This is due to the fact that vinyl records are an analog format, meaning that they capture the sound wave in a contin- uous signal that is converted to an electrical current, rather than being digitally converted into 1s and 0s.
The industry has experienced a re- surgence in recent years, with sales of vinyl records increasing signif- icantly. This is due in part to the unique sound quality of vinyl, but also due to the tactile and tangible nature of the medium. Vinyl records have a physicality and collectibility that is lacking in digital formats. Col- lectors and music enthusiasts enjoy the experience of browsing through a record store and discovering new artists and albums.
The Vault is a record shop that utiliz- es industrial materials such as steel and concrete to create a unique aesthetic that appeals to a contem- porary audience . The shop’s name is a nod to the overall aesthetic as well ast its primary product, vinyl records, and the space is arranged in a manner that showcases the re- cords as pieces of art. The use of ex- posed steel wires, concrete floors, and walls creates a minimalist, yet stylish environment that enhanc- es the overall shopping experience. The space is designed to promote exploration and discovery, with am- ple room for browsing, listening, and discovering new music. The tVault’s design also incorporates a listening station, where customers can sam- ple the music before purchasing, providing an opportunity for a more immersive and engaging experi- ence. The use of industrial materi- als throughout the shop adds to its unique character, and its design is a reflection of the shop’s commitment to both music and contemporary style.
MUSIC STUDIOS
The mixing and mastering studio is designed to cater to the needs of contemporary music production, with a focus on electronic music. The space is arranged in a manner that op- timizes the workflow for producers and sound engineers, with an emphasis on flexibility and adaptability. The design of the studio incorporates state-of-the-art acoustic treatment, en- suring optimal sound quality and minimal sound bleed. The use of advanced soundproofing materials also ensures thatthe studio remains isolated from external noise and vibrations, creating an immersive and distraction-free environment.
The mixing and mastering studio’s design is centered around the control room, which houses the mixing console, digital audio workstations, and various other equipment necessary for modern music production. The control room’s layout is er-gonomic and optimized for efficiency, with the mixing console positioned in a central location, providing easy access to all necessary controls. The adjacent recording booth is acous- tically treated, providing a versatile and flexible space forrecording instruments and vocals. Additionally, the studio is equipped with advanced mastering equipment, ensuring thatthe final product is of the highest quality.
The recording and rehearsal studio is designed to cater to the needs of classical music performers, focusing on creating a space that is conducive to traditional methods of performance and music creation. The studio’s design incorporates advanced acoustic treatments, ensuring optimal sound quality and minimal sound bleed. The use of natural materials, such as wood and fabric, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is conducive to live performance.
The recording and rehearsal studio’s design centers around a spacious live room, which is designed to accommodate a variety of instruments, such as pianos, string instruments, and percussion. The live room’s layout is optimized for ver-satility, with adjustable acoustics and configurable space, providing a flexible and adaptable environment for a range of performances. The control room is de- signed to provide easy monitoring of the live room, with a clear line of sight and high-quality audio equipment.
Inspired by the creative process of musicians the form of the studio serves as a metaphor for the spontaneous creation of music. The elasticity of the sound waves are controlled by the geometric panels which prevent soundwaves from echoing around the room.
