Something we might call “Creative Friendship.”
The historian, writer and theologian C.S. Lewis points out that friendship is a unique relationship where two individuals stand side-by-side preoccupied by a common interest. He notes that the friendship is built on the question, “You too?”
How can Soho Studio create a “You too?” environment? One that facilitates collaboration without creating the agenda? A painter’s studio with a blank canvas on the easel. This requires a delicate balance…
But, before you start piping in music, hanging photos, streaming video or installing equipment, you need to identify which point in the creative process you want to target:
Musing / Concepting / Prototyping / Producing
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Musing is nonlinear and subjective. Thought paths form in reaction to stimuli. So however the space is furnished needs to stage this type of thought. In a commercial world, context is key. So what’s happening in society or the world at large will be the catalyst for creative thought. So one thought might be a wall of monitors that convey what’s happing in music, fashion, film, architecture, technology, the environment, genetics, social justice, etc. Each feed would be devoted to these mega themes for the purpose of instigating thought within the reality of what’s happening around us.
For this stage, Soho Studio is Stimulating.
Soho House Studios & Meaningful – Conceptual Thinking 3
Concepting is less reactive, but nonlinear. This is where cross-pollination is critical, because creativity is essentially “finding new associations between known things.” So the more diverse the offering, the more likely the chance of new connections. This suggests the space might exhibit work done by others artists and designers – how someone else interpreted the context we all share. (The power of art is that it is inherently subjective but, when done with conviction, becomes objective. A “You too?” Moment.)
For this stage, Soho Studio is Inspiration.
Prototyping requires tools and workspace. The posture here is to roll up your sleeves and form your thinking into something tangible. This is typically where creative people go into crisis because the effort fails to capture the inspiration… until it does. Then it’s euphoria. Which is quickly trampled on by realities like client mandates, media formats, licensing and budgets. So this emotional rollercoaster needs a space that is less of a painter’s studio and more of a workshop. Coffee and other sustenance is worth considering.
For this stage, Soho Studio is Workshop.
Producing is work. It is the last leg of a relay race where the lead can be lost is the baton is dropped or the time is slow. So the posture here is focus and efficacy – the artists has her game face and oblivious to everything else. The space needs to align with this or stress permeates the atmosphere. This means a different UX… more zen and less stimuli… a quieter aesthetic and cleaner lines…
For this stage, Soho Studio is a Facilitator.
Musing / Concepting / Prototyping / Producing
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Stimulating / Inspiring / Workable / Facilitating
