Exercise: Exploring function

This exercise aims to teach, first, a way of approaching a space and thinking about it that focuses on how it was intended to be used and whether or not its design was successful, and second, translating this thought process into an image. I need to choose any interior space, either domestic or public, and consider it from the point of view of its function. Who uses it or will use it? What is it intended to be used for? And how many different aspects are there to that activity? You are analysing the purpose of the room/space, and the process of doing this is the same for a dining room as for a more complex large area such as a public space such as a public library.

First I need to note what I think the space ought to be used for - a short list. Then consider how well I think it succeeds. This is all before attempting to take any photo's, and it hinges on my own, personal point of view. This is important, because it will influence how I decide to photograph the space.

After I've made my analysis, I need to make a carefully considered photograph of the space in order to put across the way it works - or should work - for the people who use it. The rest of this section will help me consider different techniques of approach and composition.

My initial thoughts on suitable internal spaces lead me to think of a dis-used ward at the hospital where I work, the space is made up of the entrance to the ward, the nurses station and several bays off. The area is littered with equipment, bedside cabinets and general clinical bits & bobs. I love the abandoned look it has, as though everyone left in a hurry and definitely evidence of use.  I will seek permission of the relevant person and see if I can use this space.

Unfortunately I was unable to get the pictures of the dis-used hospital ward.

The building I am using for this exercise is Leigh Pemberton House, a half timbered, 16th century grade II listed Tudor building situated between the cathedral and castle in the historic cathedral quarter of Lincoln. Built for a merchant in 1543, and was a bank from 1899-1979, given to Lincolnshire County Council by the chairman of Nat West Bank Sir Robin Leigh-Pemberton. The second and third floors have had many uses over the years but have recently been restored for self catering accommodation. The ground floor being used as a tourist information centre.

I couldn't access the accommodation on the second and third floors to take any photo's, but considering the location of the building, this is a wonderful location for tourists seeking a historic and cultured visit located between the cathedral and castle, and a entirely suitable use of the space. The use of the public space on the ground floor, the tourist information centre is not only useful for guests in the upper floors but for the visiting public to obtain information from a building located in a prime location. The gentleman seated on the bench is a local character, beautifully playing his clarinet asking for requests from passers by.

View from the information centre desk

There isn't a huge space within the centre, the two levels seen here with the desk to the far left, with information and souvenirs