Modeling a Fire-Inspired Stage Set

When conceptualizing the stage set, I began by reflecting on the essence of a performance space. I asked myself why people are drawn to live performances and what emotions these events elicit. I realized that audiences attend performances not just to observe, but to engage in a shared experience, to feel connected, and to be part of a collective moment of awe and inspiration. They seek comfort in being among others who are equally moved by the performance.

This led me to draw a parallel with the campfire—a timeless gathering place where people come together for warmth, storytelling, and shared experiences. The campfire represents a setting that fosters connection and provides a sense of comfort and communal enjoyment. It’s a space where people are captivated and inspired, much like how a performance aims to affect its audience.

With this in mind, I started to sketch shapes inspired by flames and fire, envisioning how their fluid and dynamic forms could translate into an engaging stage design. I experimented with various arrangements, seeking a configuration that would capture the warmth and energy of a campfire while serving as an effective backdrop for performance. The final design reflects this fusion of comfort, connection, and inspiration, aiming to create an immersive environment that resonates with both performers and the audience.

Creating the model for the stage set started with the idea of capturing the warmth and communal spirit of a campfire. I began by sketching out the general shapes of flames, cutting them out and playing with their positioning, reiterating until it started to feel right.

I made templates for the flame shapes and used pins to transfer these designs onto cardboard. Then came the fun part: bending small bamboo splits to match the templates. To get that laminated bamboo effect, I layered them with super glue, which was both challenging and rewarding as I worked to capture the natural texture and flow of flames.

Once the flame elements were coming together, I focused on the stage floor. I measured and assembled the grid, which would serve as the foundation of the model. With the floor set, I sketched out the large grid shell canopy, which would be the dramatic enveloping structure. Building this was a bit like assembling a puzzle, weaving the bamboo splits across each other and securing with hot glue and rubber bands until I achieved the right density and strength for the shape to support itself.

I used banana paper to fill in areas of the freestanding flame shapes creating masked areas within the set which could be used to capture light and/or projections. I also used banana paper to represent the stage floor leaving half the floor unexposed to reveal the bamboo construction. The final touch was covering the cardboard base with sawdust to give it a sandy, textured look, enhancing the realism of the set.

The whole process was a journey of exploration and experimentation. Each step—from sketching and assembling to the final details—was about discovering how to best bring my vision to life. Seeing it all come together, I felt a real sense of accomplishment and connection to the bamboo’s unique materiality. I’m excited to replicate this process for a real brief.

From this project, I've learned quite a bit about the versatile nature of bamboo and its practical limitations. Bamboo is incredibly adaptable and offers a unique aesthetic that really suits the organic feel I was aiming for with the stage set. However, I also discovered that while it's strong and flexible, working with it requires careful consideration of its structural limitations, especially when scaling designs up or down.

Another key takeaway has been the importance of understanding spacing and dimensions when designing a functioning structure. Getting the proportions and grid right was crucial for ensuring that the model not only looked good but also stood up to the test of practicality. It’s a delicate balance between artistic vision and functional design, and this project reinforced how essential it is to get those details right from the start.

I also found that quick sketch modeling is a fantastic tool for evaluating the feasibility of an idea before diving too deep into the design process. Being able to visualize and test out concepts on a smaller scale helps in assessing whether an idea will work in practice. It’s a great way to save time and resources by spotting potential issues early on.

Overall, this project has been a journey of exploration and learning. It showed me how to better harness bamboo’s potential while being mindful of its constraints. It reconnected me with my love of model making and highlighted the value of physical modeling in the creative process.

My experience at Bamboo U truly exceeded all my expectations. I initially hoped to deepen my understanding of bamboo from a design and construction perspective and to explore its feasibility for set design. The program delivered on all fronts and then some.

The instructors were incredibly generous with their knowledge, their enthusiasm for bamboo was both inspiring and infectious. The entire team brought such positive energy and support, making the learning environment both engaging and welcoming.

I particularly enjoyed the model-making sessions—they were hands-on and creatively fulfilling. Neil Thomas's talk on structural engineering was a highlight, offering deep insights into how bamboo can be utilized structurally. Additionally, the presentation on digital design by Luis and Orion was enlightening, expanding my perspective on integrating modern technology with traditional materials.

I’m truly glad I participated. The experience not only enriched my skills as a designer but also introduced me to a community of passionate individuals. I’m excited to see where my newfound knowledge will take me and look forward to future possibilities in bamboo design.