For this exercise I have found three different interior images that illustrate a different idea of scale in small, medium and large. In the previous unit I found three images on the internet but this time I chose to find three images in books and magazines instead. This way I’m taking the time to look at other mediums and I feel this will encourage me to examine and analyse differently. The internet definitely has its uses but I’m finding more recently that I also enjoy flicking through a magazine and researching by reading books. The knowledge that I have already built whilst doing this course has helped me understand the concepts of scale and I find myself looking at interior images differently, I’m seeing past the objects and furniture in the space, although these items have an important part to play in the space, I analyse spaces in a way that I’ve never done before. I take into account the way the designer has considered different challenges or not considered them very well and how the space functions.
My first image that represents SMALL scale is of a pebble mosaic floor. I found this image whilst reading an issue of The World of Interiors, my go to for daily inspiration. The hexagonal vestibule with a pebble mosaic floor is centred on a compass with belongs to La Colle Noire, a chateaux in Provence, owned and designed by Christian Dior.
Dior had a fascination for the mystical world and when he was aged 14, a palm reader predicted he would go from rags to riches, with women being the source of his success. Before his first meeting with an investor, he tripped on a star shaped metal trinket that was discarded on a street in Paris. He took this as a signal to start his own label, this then led to Dior’s mystical world fascination, which is evident in his designs.
The interior space is hexagonal in shape which immediately evokes feelings connected to nature and balance. The walls have pilastered architecture elements, which give the appearance of supported columns. Your eyes are then drawn to the calade floor. Dior designed the pebble mosaic in the form of a pink and grey compass, which also refers to the colours of his childhood home, Les Rhumbs in Granville, Normandy. I like to think that he would have acquired the pebbles from the local river valleys, gorges and coastland that Provence is known for.
Micro scale applies to this image because it’s showing how multiple smaller items have been added to create the floor. It was designed by Christian Dior purposely in the style of a compass because of his fascination for the mystical world. Stone dust is a byproduct of crushed stone, limestone being the local stone in Provence, which would be a layer on top of gravel and sand, then cement is mixed for the pebbles to sit in and once firm will set around them. This diagram shows how fine mist water is added and brushed using a paint brush to smooth out areas, a piece of timber or spirit level will be used to make sure the pebbles are level.
The floor is a stand out piece, it sits in the entrance to the chateaux which will be met immediately by visitors. It sets a precedent for the rest of the property which is equally beautiful. I love how the floor is of huge scale and speaks for itself, the space doesn’t need pieces of furniture or colour to shape or contain it, it’s doing its job, making an impression all on it’s own. It’s also such a natural material, it can remain a statement for many years to come without much looking after, it won’t need cleaning regularly as the materials are natural and will wear over time, a very sustainable interior space.
Images
Fig. 1 – Christian Dior’s hexagonal vestibule at La Colle Noire, Provence https://www.worldofinteriors.com/story/christian-dior-la-colle-noir-chateau (accessed 6.3.23)
Fig. 2 – A Christian Dior Mother of Pearl Necklace design https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/a38092928/the-magic-behind-diors-lucky-fine-jewelry-collection/ (accessed 6.3.23)
Fig. 3 – Christian Dior’s Childhood Home, Villa Les Rhumbs, Normandy https://landenkerr.com/musee-christian-dior-granville/ (accessed 6.3.23)
Fig. 4 – An image showing how a typical pebble flooring is created https://www.thisoldhouse.com/masonry/21016792/how-to-make-a-pebble-mosaic (accessed 6.3.23)
my Interior Design Journey 