Diagram of overall project showing slipped/interlocking  bracket components: "circus ring" benches and "trapeze" folding entry wall connected to soffit with rear back-drop wall
Diagram of overall project showing slipped/interlocking bracket components: "circus ring" benches and "trapeze" folding entry wall connected to soffit with rear back-drop wall
Folding entry wall (down)
Folding entry wall (down)
Folding entry wall (up)
Folding entry wall (up)
Custom multi-mode table being used as desk
Custom multi-mode table being used as desk
Custom multi-mode table (close-up)
Custom multi-mode table (close-up)
Folding entry wall pulley system
Folding entry wall pulley system
Folding entry wall pulley system
Folding entry wall pulley system
Entry wall connected to soffit over front end of main multi-mode room
Entry wall connected to soffit over front end of main multi-mode room
Soffit over rear end of main multi-mode room
Soffit over rear end of main multi-mode room
Soffit over rear end of main multi-mode room with kitchen beyond
Soffit over rear end of main multi-mode room with kitchen beyond
Rear end of main multi-mode room with door to bathroom and arch to kitchen beyond
Rear end of main multi-mode room with door to bathroom and arch to kitchen beyond
Rear end of main multi-mode room set for performance with custom mobile storage benches
Rear end of main multi-mode room set for performance with custom mobile storage benches
Rear end of main multi-mode room set for living with custom multi-mode table
Rear end of main multi-mode room set for living with custom multi-mode table
Custom multi-mode table (close-up of adjustable support)
Custom multi-mode table (close-up of adjustable support)
Soffit looking toward entry from rear of main multi-mode room
Soffit looking toward entry from rear of main multi-mode room
Main multi-mode room looking toward entry set for living/home office
Main multi-mode room looking toward entry set for living/home office
Main multi-mode room looking toward entry set for large dinner party with custom tables and benches
Main multi-mode room looking toward entry set for large dinner party with custom tables and benches
Multi-mode rear room set for dining
Multi-mode rear room set for dining
Multi-mode rear room set for serving
Multi-mode rear room set for serving

2 more photos

Credits

Architect
Art_Bridge Architecture
Interior Design
Michael Lillard
Builder
NewHomeNY
Photographer
Steven B Boling

From Art Bridge Architecture PLLC

The design for Façade/Fasad, an artist's home used as live/work/show art-space, entwines the client's divergent spatial needs and aesthetic goals so that form = function. The idea of "home as circus," a place where the interior design components (like "trained acrobats") mechanically facilitate ("perform") and elevate the art-life needs of the artist/client, was one theme used throughout the design process. The space serves as: home, office, art studio, and rehearsal space, plus on occasion as art gallery and performance/installation venue. The main multi-mode room with multi-mode furniture and folding entry wall is convertible for both private and public functions. The entry wall folds up to accommodate load ins/outs, then folds back down to maintain privacy and reestablish entry sequence. The folding entry wall also serves as an interior "facade," becoming a sculptural centerpiece that in many ways embodies the design of the entire space. The built-in and mobile benches serve for seating and storage, plus conceal perimeter outlets and heating elements. The multi-mode tables serve as desks, coffee tables, dining tables, and can be placed on angles for use as drawing tables or art display. The small rear multi-mode bedroom is convertible for eating/serving/sleeping and any number of backstage uses, dressing room, green room, and/or instrument/prop storage. The bathroom is set to one side of the main multi-mode room with the kitchen through the arch, opposite the bedroom, having a door to the backyard.

Interlocking bracket-like forms frame/embrace various spaces without impeding use. The folding entry wall, connected to the overhead soffit and stage-backdrop wall, serves as "high-wire trapeze," or vertical bracket/spatial-embracing component. The surrounding stationary benches serve as "circus ring," or horizontal bracket/spatial-embracing component. Slipped/interlocked/segmented delineations of space, benches, and soffit, mark the public-to-private sequence of space, front-to-back. Rhythmic rows of overhead lights and gray-scale color bands enliven the soffit and general atmosphere - the soffit-assembly spanning the space like a "tent structure" or "trapeze," always visible overhead no matter how many people attending an event. Both the vertical and horizontal bracket components, frame/embrace the various multi-mode spaces, interlocking like the arms of an embracing couple, representing the client's own desire to freely embrace a new private/public home life.

All the changeable components and furnishings were made for quick and easy conversion from home to public use/mode and back again, with all private possessions able to be concealed. The overall design emerged slowly as the multi-mode interior components were developed, the aesthetic slowly brought into harmony with, and eventually trumpeting the divergent functionalities, thus: form = function. Ultimately the back-and-forth form/function design process led to a relatively practical way for the client to open his home to the public without unnecessary disruptions.