Explanation of Model and Plan:

Three spaces: The building contains three main levels which decrease in size as you progress down the spiral staircases. Each of the three levels represents a stage within the woman’s life. The top level represents her major loss; husband whilst the two smaller levels represent her two other losses; sons. The female becomes increasingly depressed and isolated as she recognises each of her losses. The increasing psychological and physical instability the female experiences are represented through the decreasing sizes of each level.

Spiral staircases: There are three spiral staircases within the building which serve the main purpose of joining each of the levels together. The spiral forms represent the psychological experience of “spiralling” out of control; from happiness and freedom to entrapment and solitude. These structures become spiral staircases to despair.

Openings on floor: Each of the three levels contains an opening. The top level’s opening is quite large however the final opening on the bottom level is significantly smaller creating a sense of entrapment and enclosure. These smaller openings also minimise the levels of lighting that reaches the lower levels.

Bars: Surrounding the frame of the building are glass cylinder bars. These bars become lighter in shade from the base of the structure up to the top level. The bars lock the female in the building and are symbolic representations of the entrapment and isolation she has experienced since the death of her family. These bars quickly become connotations of jail/ prison bars and the idea of sentence.

Ramp back to top: There is a glass ramp which starts at the base of the tower and runs around the building back to the top. The ramp holds contrasting purposes and meaning to the spiral staircases. The smooth ramp represents an easier and more pleasant form of travel from a negative place of isolation and depression to contentment and acceptance. The glass symbolises the thinking and reminiscing process the female will experience whilst moving on with her life after returning to her old home town. The ramp is a much more comfortable form of travelling than the steep spiral staircases. This sense of comfort reflects the female’s psychological state.