The Jungle of Emotions
Design Build
The original concept for this project was to create a room-like space covered in canvas where people could enter and paint. However, the logistics and potential mess of this idea did not align with the project’s scope. Instead, the focus shifted toward creating a colorful space driven by emotion. The exterior surfaces were left as blank canvas to symbolize how a person’s outer shell does not always reflect their internal emotions. Early design iterations incorporated circulation paths intended to guide users through the space, though the concept was later simplified to improve clarity and overall understanding.
The colors used within the interior spaces were intentionally selected and carry specific meaning. Each emotion is represented by a distinct color, as shown in the accompanying color representation. A key was developed to help users interpret these meanings as they moved through the space, allowing the experience to become both immersive and emotionally expressive.
The objective of this design-build project was to use a $100 budget to create a semi-permanent structure that enhanced the visual appeal of the selected site through creative and innovative strategies.
Scaffolding was introduced as a structural framework from which painted tarps could be suspended. While this approach referenced previous work, it required greater depth and refinement.
As shown in the final installation, string lighting was added to improve nighttime illumination. The fabric sheets originally intended to hang within the space to define circulation were removed due to high wind conditions, which created vortex effects, as well as spatial constraints that limited adequate clearance.
Project Details
Location
NJIT, Newark, NJ
Creidts
ARCH Studio III
Bella Bartolini, Nicholas Bartletta, Bella Camardo