Monday, 25 November 2013

Industrial Research

The next part of my research involved looking at existing examples of factory architecture and machinery from around the world. Many of these could be useful to look at in regards to interesting features to include in my project.


Firstly these are some images taken by me in Cornwall in a previous year, showing an interesting container, presumably for water or oil. The metal was rusting in places causing the lovely vibrant red, almost as if it was like raw exposed flesh. Time takes a toll on these otherwise powerful objects, showing their slow demise.

These images taken by the photographer Eduardo Seco show the sheer power and beauty within working machinery.

The exterior of this building shows the decay many of these buildings face, although there is a certain charm that the architecture retains. The windows are a lovely shape and the metal shutters show how sturdy windows can be made.

The different patterns this building makes is stunning. From the stairs creating a diamond pattern to the different window panes making a chequerboard. The windows repeat throughout the image, which is similar to many other buildings of this type.

E.O. Hoppé Ford Factory, Detroit, Michigan
1926
This photograph from the 1920s shows part of a building which almost looks like a cliff face with windows. The smoke causing the background to become slightly obscured, giving a dirty grimy feel to the image.

These factory shutters from New York truly give a sense of mystery. What were they required for? The strong sharp image of the stairs is also something which attracted my attention.

The machinery in this steelworks looks robust, yet it looks unused and derelict with the puddle on the floor. The building itself is huge, and would be quite daunting to be inside. The atmosphere in the background is quite foggy, giving a unsettling feeling to the whole image.

I love this image of a steelworks from Alabama. The molten metal splashing almost freely, the size of the pouring container, giving the sense that the factory is almost not created with humans in mind. It is like it was built for giants.

Steel and iron mill. Ashan, China, 1965 by René Burri
The lighting in this image is breathtaking. From the bright beams of light from the windows, high up in the heavens of the room and the brightly glowing molten metal. To the ominous shadowy machinery parts looming over the workers. The hard lines which the rays of light cast, to the soft billowing of the smoke. The contrast is everywhere.

This is one of Titanic's smokestacks, I included it within these images due to the giant scale in relation to the surrounding people. It must have been produced by equally awe-inspiring machinery, similar in scale.

These photographs were of a power plant in Belgium. The fact it is abandoned adds an uncertain vibe to the ambiance, is it peaceful, or creepy? The curve of the pipes is different to many others that I had previously seen, these soften the hard lines of the windows.

This is the first image which looks like a human could feel at home in this environment, with an interesting lamp design! It is clear to the viewer that cleaning is not something that is important in areas like this, with marks all over the wall and floor.

The shapes of the pipes in this image are the most interesting aspect, seemingly curving wherever they please. The varying lines and circles give and almost floral aspect to an otherwise mechanical image.

I love this style of stairs, only allowing access to the upper floors if lowered. The black metal is typical for exterior stairs, and is easily recognisable for this use, therefore useful in a video game setting.

This is possibly one of my favourite machinery images. Something about the colours and shape of the cogs is pleasing to look at. The patina on the metal hints on a busy past, tarnished by time.

This is another beautiful example of lighting from above, once again windows letting sunlight into an otherwise dark and dingy atmosphere. The diagonal lines of light being complimented by the horizontal and vertical lines of the machinery.

This image embodies what the industrial revolution produced, greatness, awe and power. I cannot imagine what it would have felt to be standing underneath such a gargantuan object.

This image captures the exact feeling I wish to produce with my BA8 work. The smoky, smoggy atmosphere, hindering light as it tries to reach its destination. In the background chimney stacks revealed to be the source of the visual difficulties. They appear almost ghost-like in the dusk sky.

The chimneys in this image reveal the levels of pollution the factories were causing. The smoke bellowing out gives the photograph an ominous feel, even dangerous. The fumes seem almost oppressive, with no way of avoiding them.

I find the belt system near the ceiling the most interesting part of this photograph. The way every machine is powered by one source is interesting. However I like the colours within the image, and would like a similar colour scheme within my project.

This photograph captures how awe-inspiring industrial locations can be. The way the pipes lead off in different directions gives a sense of great power, highlighting the scale of the factory. I love the metal walkway, leading the eye to the far wall.

The way the windows catch the light, causing them to glow gives an almost ethereal feel to the building. However this is contrasted by the smoky atmosphere, and the barbed wire and fencing showing that first impressions can be misleading.

This is a closer example of a chain pulley system. The chains look worn and old, though the mechanism still seems functional to a certain extent.

I particularly like this road, with the mix of cobbles, bricks and large slabs. The eye is led past the alcoves on the right-hand building, to the factory in the background. The way the road curves off invites the viewer to explore what could be further on. The large amount of brickwork gives the image a cold, inhuman atmosphere.

This is St Mary Overy's Dock in 1880-1881. The buildings form a wall of stone, imposing yet inviting you to explore. The buildings are crooked and uneven, yet seem visually appealing, almost like a fantasy setting.

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