Design Concept and Association with "Power"

"Power"

The idea of "power" is explored through the notion that both individuals are at present equally as powerful as they are both highly influential people. The two's buildings have been positioned on the one side of the valley to show that there influence is "one-way" (they influence others, they are not being influenced by others.) 

 John Ive's buiilding (silver) is seen to be submerging out of the landscape as if it were growing, and thus become increasingly more powerful (influential), whereas Oprahs building (brown) has been made to be sinking within the landscape, commenting that her power is coming to an end. 

There relationship with eachother is therefore a "bridge" between the future and past influences. 

Design

The design of each building aims to reflect and relate to the status of each client. John Ive's building is cased within a simple yet strong and modern skin. This is related to his designs with apple - the skin of mac computers, iphones, ipods etc. are all simple, elegant and modern and are essentially a "case" for the complexities within. The "casing" of his building provides a "big-brother" notion to his character as he is highly influential, yet unrecognisable to many that are influenced by him. 

Oprah's offices are inspired by victorian buildings that, although display power and boldness, are becoming increasingly outdated. The idea that Oprah's building is not "cased" like Ive's demonstrates that her influence is much more recognizable.

The bridge that spans over the valley and urban life below reflects there connection and ability to work together in balancing future influences with past.

The power of each client has also been explored through the entry points and ease of entry to each clients building and office.

Ives building contains a personal back door entrance which is immediately directed to a personal elevator that leads straight into his office, as well as the bridge. This design idea was created to portray Ive's mystical identity within his power - seen as a "big brother" figure.

Oprahs entrance to her building is via the front door along with her associates. Furthermore, her elevator takes her to the bridge level of her building, however, she must walk up the spiral staircase in order to get to her office. This design idea demonstrates a slight decrease in power to Ives, however, it does demonstrate her influence as being more identifiable and personal.