The FSU Department of Interior Architecture & Design completed the 2019 Charrette on January 14. The topic this year was, again, fantastical in nature as students were called to envision a steampunk-inspired design scenario set in 1886 London following a gas attack perpetrated by Alexander Mikhaylovich Butlerov, a Russian chemist. Survivors included an elite group of 28 British scientists and automatons, such as Lord William Thomson Kelvin, Joseph Lister, and Ada Lovelace, who successfully led their fellow Londoners back from the brink.
Each team was required to address the design of a built environment, basic life support systems, and apparel enhancements for the human users. Aside from this, the scope of work was left open for each team to determine for themselves. Most solutions included buildings, but others conceived of an unconventional place such as an airship or multi-story robot for the “built environment”. All design proposals were required to embrace a Victorian-era-inspired steampunk aesthetic
The Charrette was kicked off on Wednesday, January 9 at 5:30 PM, and work was pinned up before 9:00 AM on Monday, January 14. The four- and five-person design teams spanned the studio levels incorporating individuals with diverse skillsets on each team. Each team was limited to a 24 inch wide by 48” high presentation board to communicate their design concepts. Many teams made the most of this wall area by including three-dimensional elements and portions that opened to reveal additional drawings and written narratives. Overall, faculty were astounded by the increased level of graphic presentation this year and depth of narrative. The student teams continue to increase the quality of work year-over-year. All of the creative design solutions, including the winners, are displayed in the IA&D hallway in William Johnston Building. The department would like to thank Professor Steven Webber for his efforts in organizing the annual design challenge.
Thank you to Interface Flooring for sponsoring the Charrette again this year. Their generous donation provides monetary prizes for the top three teams.