MDes Interior Design School of Design
Maria Fernanda Orizaga Flores
I am an interior architect from Mexico City with a keen interest in speculative and conceptual projects. During my time at GSA, I explored the theme of affection as a form of connection and care for our objects and spaces. I believe that this affection is materialized through the spaces we create, especially within domestic environments. My approach goes from model making, digital collages and photography.
Real Spaces & Other Fantasies
How can interior design use fiction as an alternative method to interpret our reality?
I strongly advocate for the role of imagination in crafting spaces, often proclaiming that “a substantial amount of fiction is necessary to comprehend our reality.”
The project draws inspiration from Remedios Varo, a surrealist painter who held the belief that “the dream world and the real world are the same.” Influenced by the surrealist movement, which employed dreams and fiction to gain a unique perspective of the world, this project will also tap into the rich narratives found in folklore and their underlying themes.
Moving to a new city has been overwhelming, especially witnessing its rapid transformation and the deteriorating state of many buildings. It is disheartening to see how quickly and easily we erase our past. That’s why, through an essay and the analysis of different artists who transformed ruinous elements into art, I explore the idea of creating my own ‘visual fictions.’ This aims to initiate a conversation on how we can foster affection towards our built environment and its objects. I believe that by having spaces that conmemorate our buildings, is a form of affection. Memory is a way of connection. The result is a series of fictional spaces that I hope will make others, even for a short time, reflect on our cities and the importance of protecting them. I understand that we can’t always save and preserve all of our past because it’s ‘healthy’ to make way for new things. However, sometimes it’s good to take time to value these spaces and, even if through a fictional space, let them exist a little longer.
The Interior Life
The installation consist of a video of the intimacy of domesticity and the life that develops during the day. Is shown through the window of the model, reflecting on artist, Matta-Clark work 'splitting'. As how the concept of home was exposed during his performances.
The House of the Objects & The Objects of the House
The terms ‘host’, ‘guest’, and ‘event’ are the key elements for this semester, and I find them inherently tied to the concept of ‘hospitality’. Exploring domestic environments and the elements of a home, it’s impossible not to think about the objects within them. These objects are physical manifestations of our memories and identity. They are also a way to customise and appropriate our spaces, without them a home is just an empty space. I embarked on a personal exploration of objects that remind me of home, observing how these differ from one person to another. I also noticed how these items have materially evolved when compared to those found in my grandparents’ home. This evolution reflects changes in manufacturing methods and current mass consumption issues. Interestingly, these changes are also mirrored in our bodies and our senses.
This work delves into the concept of domesticity and its associated objects, while also reflecting in our present. It examines our interactions with these objects and ponders how these relationships might evolve in the future. The project presents an opportunity to nurture affection in a world that seems progressively detached from its environment. By creating my unique approach and perspective on a host, I explore how my site, the gantry, can transition into a space of affection and belonging.
The Gantry
'The House of the Objects & The Objects of the House'
Wonderland
Inspired by the concept of entertainment, I realized it transcends physical spaces and delves into the mental realm. A nightclub, for instance, possesses a rich history that extends beyond initial perceptions, functioning as a hub for resistance, experimentation, and art. Such spaces hold a collective memory across generations. In this project, I explored elements like darkness, night, and mirrors. While these spaces may not solve all problems, they offer a starting point for imagining new possibilities.
