Madelynn Kulmus - Site Specific

 4/6/2026

This weekend ended up being busier than I expected, but I still made time to begin exploring ideas for my new site-specific project. I took a walk around the University of Wyoming campus with my fiancé, who knows the area much better than I do, so I let him lead the way and focused on observing the spaces we moved through.

We started by parking on 9th and walking up past the STEM center and surrounding science buildings. One of the first locations that caught my attention was an entryway I photographed. There was something about the structure and framing of the space that immediately felt like it could support an installation. 

From there, we walked along a butterfly path near the Berry Center, which ended up being one of the most compelling areas of the entire walk. I took a couple photos of the central seating area that features bronze animal sculptures accompanied by informational placards. This space stood out to me because it already invites pause and reflection, but it also feels like it could be transformed into something more immersive. The circular layout and existing elements create a natural focal point, and I can already imagine how an installation could build on the themes of nature, education, and interaction that are already present.

We continued past the Education Lab Building, where I noticed another seating area that has potential, though it felt slightly less defined than the previous space. Still, I’m interested in how more open or undefined areas might allow for greater flexibility in design, especially if I want to create something that evolves as people move through it.

Finally, we made our way down to the conservatory. After stopping to read the placard there, I was struck by the open grassy area beyond it. Compared to the more structured spaces earlier in the walk, this area felt expansive and full of possibility. It would allow for a larger-scale installation, something that could interact with the natural environment more directly having wind, light, and movement becoming part of the piece itself.

Overall, this initial exploration was less about settling on one final site and more about starting to see the campus differently. I found myself thinking about how people already use these spaces, what draws them in, and how an installation could either enhance or disrupt those patterns. Each location offered something unique, and I’m excited to continue developing ideas that respond not just to the physical environment, but to the experiences already embedded within it.

Looking ahead, I plan to start translating these observations into sketches later this week, using the photos I took as a foundation for developing more concrete design ideas. I also want to continue my exploration by moving indoors and investigating how interior spaces might function differently for a site-specific work. I’m especially interested in photographing the Buchanan Center lobby and the Engineering Building, both of which I think could offer unique architectural features and spatial dynamics to respond to. Exploring these interiors will help me consider how lighting, circulation, and enclosure might shape the experience of an installation in ways that differ from the outdoor sites I’ve been drawn to so far.