Installation Proposal

Art Gallery
of Ontario

For this first-year project, I designed a temporary experiential installation concept for Walker Court, a central space in the Art Gallery of Ontario. Addressing the need for more seating, the installation offers a playful yet practical solution. Rather than simply adding more black benches, this concept features colourful, modular seating designed to inspire creativity, foster positivity, and bring the community together in one of the AGO's key meeting spaces. Drawing inspiration from Camille Walala’s bold visual style, the installation aims to transform the court into a playful, dynamic environment that engages visitors of all ages.

I developed my proposal in three phases:
- Phase 1: Research & Site Analysis
- Phase 2: Concept Development
- Phase 3: Final Concept Refinement

The Site

Walker Court is a large, open area that serves as a natural meeting point for families and groups. It connects galleries and provides access to the main stairway and entrance, making it a place of transition and connection. However, the court has very limited seating.

The installation seeks to address this by avoiding a static feel and instead inviting visitors to stay, interact, and enjoy the space, transforming it into a lively hub of activity where they can pause and recharge.

The Concept

The proposed installation consists of four sets of modular benches, each featuring unique colours and patterns to create a visually stimulating environment. Lightweight and versatile, the benches seat 1-3 people and can be rearranged to accommodate both small and large groups.

The benches would be made of eco-friendly natural latex foam and covered in recycled cotton, ensuring both sustainability and ease of movement. The top of their backrests would feature moss and grass, providing a tactile, natural element that brings energy and life to the space. Tall and thin painted wooden poles could be inserted into notches on the benches to connect them, introducing a vertical dimension to the design that visitors can walk under as they move through the court.

Interactivity

At the start of each week, the seating arrangements would be placed in each corner of Walker Court. As visitors interact with the installation, they could rearrange the benches, creating new seating configurations and evolving the space throughout the week. At the end of the week, the original layout would be restored, maintaining an ongoing cycle of use and renewal.

Adaptability and Longevity

The installation is designed for visitors of all ages, offering a welcoming space to sit, connect, and recharge. The design could be installed in any season and relocated to other public spaces, such as museums, galleries, or shopping malls, once its time at the AGO ends. Its modular design also allows for it to be split up into smaller installation if needed, making it versatile and adaptable.