Dual Perspectives: The Illusion and Decay of Phyllis
Spatial Projection Concept
This work translates an excerpt from Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino into a spatial narrative, exploring the tension between perception and reality. The chapter Cities and Eyes 4 speaks of the city of Phyllis, where fleeting beauty conceals underlying decay. Two frames have been conceptualised to juxtapose these views: the first captures the city’s captivating allure, while the second reveals its gradual disintegration.
The isometric projection highlights temporal, directional, and atmospheric elements. Flowing lines from a central bridge symbolize the city’s deceptive continuity, while arrowheads indicate structural fading. Atmospheric weight is conveyed through intricate bridge connections, representing the oppressive reality beneath the facade.
Perspective Frame 1 captures the allure of Phyllis, depicting the inability to fully grasp its beauty, as described: “Happy the man who has Phyllis before his eyes each day and who never ceases seeing the things it contains.” The framing focuses on the surface charm that entrances visitors at a glance.The isometric shows the intricacies of the notation to highlight key temporal, directional, atmospheric and chronological elements. Time is reflected through the flowing lines that constrict outwards from the bridge at the bottom continuing outwards towards a multitude of other replicated bridges, reflecting the continuous nature of Phyllis as an ever-lasting facade that allures the eyes of those that are fooled by its glorious appearance eternally. Directionality is symbolised through the arrowhead lines, where structure continues to fade away the further away from the central perspective captured in the first frame. The weight of the atmosphere is shown at every synaptic point from the edge of the bridge to the suspension across the void.Perspective Frame 2, in contrast, reveals the city's hidden decay: “Soon the city fades before your eyes, the rose windows are expunged, the statues on the corbels, the domes.” Collapsing and deteriorating structures symbolize the fading of the initial joy and the oppressive monotony of staying within the city. This decay contrasts sharply with the first frame’s narrow focus, emphasizing the duality of Phyllis’ perception.