AGAINST INNOCENCE (AMIEU)
Guardian Desks 1 and 2
Silky oak, silky oak veneer, silver ash, silver ash veneer, stainless steel, Duraloid work surfaces.
These desks include functionally integrated work stations, including all aspects of contemporary office technology, as well as working within an elaborate narrative. The section immediately facing the visitor combines the complementary images of a barrier (protective
guardianship) and welcomer (the guardian doorman). If the whole structure (Desk 1) is visualized as a vessel, the corral is also the figurehead/prow the leading edge. This latter image also introduces the possibility of it being interpreted as offensive.
The image of the leading corral (Desk 1) therefore has three manifestations that of welcome, that of protection and that of attack. The potential, and the promise, is of all three a warning or a comfort depending on who is involved and with what issue. The lines of the desk (Desk 1) recede into the space, as with a forced perspective stage set, stepping the viewer/visitor into the space. Reception is still the principal function. The visitor is drawn to the long counter-like centre section from which point the people at any of the three work stations in the desk can be engaged with. The smaller, distant corral, turned back to face the visitor in part echo of the leading corral is lower, softer and as the third and lowest element, draws the eye into the space. It also visually anchors the far end of the floating horizontal.
The second desk has the corral facing the waiting area but the visitor moves along the horizontal from an entrance door by the stern. The counter butts the wall by the entrance.