The project first began with a thorough study and analysis of Afaf’s movements in her existing apartment. Choreographed over years, Afaf’s routine played out either in conversation with, or contestation of the edges, boundaries and conditions in her existing space. The above brief was thus grounded in a simple design prompt: facilitate spaces of conversation and containment and do away with instances of contestation and confinement. 

Programmatically, the apartment is anchored by three fluid yet distinct zones: a living space, a gallery, and a studio. Although the functions are contained, the space was conceived of as an open system capable of change, dialogue, and adaptation. In that sense, sliding translucent screens between the bedroom-living room space and the exhibition-studio space, as well as the two sliding exhibition panels, and the terrace door allow for various degrees of programmatic bleed, privacy, and continuity. 

The apartment was opened up along its east-west axis allowing light to filter through full length white glass screens and create a living interplay of ephemeral and tangible spaces. Maplewood frames anchor milky glass mirrors that spatialize Afaf’s dialogue with the surrounding space as it oscillates between mass and void, public and private, and activity and contemplation. In that sense, the color palate and choice of materiality for the project were restricted to a select few shades and materials (fair-faced concrete floors, natural wood accents, high-gloss white cabinetry) all of which create a rich yet tranquil space that would supplement, rather than disturb, the showcased artworks and artistic process.