"One who yearns for recognition."

"Nighthawks" Edward Hopper, 1942

The first impression from this painting was the light being emitted from the interior. Secondly was the stark impression of a lack of communication in the image, while the open spaces between the people show isolation from one another.

From this comes the narrative:

"One who yearns for recognition."

To express the want for recognition the building is sited within the Blue Mountains in an isolated valley, a tranquil place for though and self reflection.

However at night it becomes a way to emphasise visibility and the urge to be know by becoming a beacon amidst the darkness.


The chosen form of a tower signifies importance allowing an expansive view for the inhabitant while being easily noticeable form everywhere else, all qualities that the inhabitant wants.


The staircase has two purposes.
The first is to provide a secluded way of access to the solitary space above and also separates it from the ground below
Secondly the design of the light being emitted from the centre of the tower, evokes the perception that the tower is in fact a lighthouse. Lighthouses are designed to be seen, and in this case is exactly what the inhabitant wants.The lit staircase walls also light the entry point welcoming people to the building and showing the way to the upper space where the one who yearns for recognition dwells.
The application of the staircase into the building facade highlights its purpose and also gives the tower form, following the sides in a spiral.
The space on top of the tower is where the man dwells.
It is not enclosed so that the sense of free-flowing communication is allowed leading to the sense of recognition. All four sides and the top are left open.
Having a completly open space would be too much like an external area and would not encourage people to dwell within it.
So in the design I took the essence of what a wall does, which is enclosing a space, and modified it. Using hanging screens the space created was 'enclosed without being enclosed'.