Danish and Italian MA Interior and Spatial Design student Piera tells us about how her work explores gender, identity and virtual reality, and how she would one day like to set up her own studio.
Describe your experience at Chelsea in 3 words
Challenging, stimulating and unique
Please tell us about your work over the last year
My work has explored the gender and identity within virtual reality, through using storytelling and Alice in Wonderland. My work deals predominantly with the engagement of the senses as a method of engaging the viewer and creating a “total installation”.
Please tell us about your work for the final show
I’m setting up a virtual reality experience that uses photogrammetry* to scan in 3D objects to create an environment where you’re encouraged to explore the sensory aspects that surround you in the physical world. Using binaural** sound and elements such as taste and smell, my hope is to create a VR experience that engages all the senses.
What was your greatest challenge in working towards the degree show?
Creating work that is no longer in the initial prototyping phase and has a finished quality is extremely challenging. Also creating new work whilst trying to tie together a year’s worth of work and making sure it all feels cohesive!
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate, what are your career ambitions?
The dream is to set up my own studio, however until then I would love to work with a studio that focuses on experiential design. I have also discovered a passion for working with others during my time at Chelsea and would love to pursue a PhD and potentially turn to teaching.
What have you enjoyed most about studying at Chelsea?
The art school environment, and the incredible friendly and intimate campus gave me the sort of university experience I always felt I lacked.
What have you most enjoyed about the area around Chelsea? Any tips?
The ability to use the parade ground, both for work and sunny days on the grass! Also having access to the Tate Britain for rainy days is to be taken advantage of!
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing your course? Any advice?
Come in with an open mind, and prepare to be challenged on what design means to you. There are no conventions to be followed within the course; the course has a great system in place to help you flourish but if you’re willing to take risks and dedicate yourself you can achieve amazing things.
*the use of photography in surveying and mapping to ascertain measurements between objects
**a 3-D stereo sound sensation for the listener of actually being in the space where the sound takes place
Check out more of Piera’s work
Fine out more about MA Interior and Spatial Design
Get a sneak peek of this year’s MA Interior and Spatial Design work at the MA Summer Show