Our professors assigned us an on-site sketching project at Borivali Station. Sketching in a dynamic environment forced us to focus on capturing the essence of the space, prioritizing the spatial idea over intricate details. Our task was to visually document how the railway station and its surroundings were shaped by the interactions between people, objects, and architecture. With this brief in mind, we set out to rapidly sketch the ever-changing scene.
The space beneath the fan
Above is my first on-site sketch, capturing the essence of Platform 3 at Borivali Station. The massive fan overhead transforms the space, creating an unexpected unexpected amidst chaos. Amidst rushing commuters, some individuals taking a short break, waiting for trains, rehydrating by drinking water, or taking naps after a tiering journey. Others, less fortunate, claim the floor as their temporary home, sharing the space with stray dogs. A homeless family enjoys a meal together, all under the fan's protective presence. This humble object becomes a symbol of shelter, unity, and community, transcending its functional purpose
These are the further more detailed study of the space and the fan.Â
The Fan as Spatial Anchor
After refining my approach through trial and error, I arrived at this final sketch, capturing the space between the massive fan overhead and the people sleeping on the platform. This new perspective offered a unique, all-encompassing view of the space, revealing details that often are failed to be noticed by the naked eye. To convey the expansive atmosphere, I employed multiple A1 sheets, allowing me to achieve an uninterrupted vista. Ink proved an ideal medium, enabling subtle tonal shifts and lighting effects that added depth and visual interest. Ultimately, this sketch surpasses my initial attempt, vividly conveying the space's essence with greater nuance and detail.
Giving Form to Our Spatial Vision
The installation brings my sketch to life, recreating the spatial dynamics beneath the fan. I envisioned a immersive environment where people interact with the space, and translated it into an upside-down field of pinwheels. This inverted landscape captures the essence of my sketch, conjuring the vastness of the platform. As viewers navigate the installation, they become commuters, occupying the space and experiencing the intricate relationships between people, architecture, and air movement.