The Overlapping Space

"How does lighting affect our spatial perception, and in what ways can this be visualised in garment construction?"

Spatial perception is vital to observe the orientation of objects, and the environment that surrounds us. The ability to comprehend 2 and 3 dimensions depends heavily on our perception of space. Architecture, for example, utilises spatial perception to envision structures from various angles. However, space cannot be visualised without light. This raises the following questions: How does light construct space? How does the interaction between light and shadow influence the viewer's perception of a certain object? Is it possible to alter dimensions of space by manipulating natural and artificial light?

This conceptual womenswear project is to explore the intricate interaction between architecture and lighting, with the architect Stevel Holl's* design philosophy applied, to interprete the spatial relationship between human body, the environment, and the garment itself.

To envision this concept, methods like experimental textile surface design, and unconventional draping skills with straps and panels were applied. They both played great roles in developing the garment shapes and fabric textures with three-dimensional depth.

* Stevel Holl invented a concept called "spatial field", which suggests that spatial perception is manipulated while moving past overlapping spaces constructed by solids and cavities. He also believes that space can be shaped by vertical and oblique slippages. This challenges the traditional rules for architecture construction.

Designer

Ming-I Hsu

Photographer

Ezzidin Alwan

Hair & Make-up

Andrew Velasquez

Model

Mila Alex

Assistants

Lanhua Huang

Max van Mesdag