Basing my Project on a true story...

So I spent last night thinking about what Hotel/Asylum to base my environment on (see previous post). After careful consideration I have decided to go for; The Clarion Hotel, Sligo, Ireland, formally known as, St. Columbas Lunatic Asylum.

(Image:Riccardo Bonelli)

I have yet to think up a concrete story or even much about my project as a interactive experience but I do have a number of reasons for picking this Hotel/Mental Asylum:

1. Geographical Location - Being situated in Ireland means that it is close enough for my potential audience (students/lecturers/family/friends) situated in the UK to have a sense of wonder and enticement that this place is not too far away. At the same time, given the my main audience will be from Scotland, the location of this hotel is a mystery to them as well. This sense of something being so close yet awkwardly far that you have never and probably won't ever visit means that anything that is said or mentioned in relation to this location could easily be true. This sense of belief is something I can use to my advantage.
2. History - Even though this (when being a mental Asylum) was famous for its introduction into new treatments that meant better care for patients, there was still a time before that where - quite possibly - there was poor conditions and inhumane approaches to the mentally ill. This is the dark history I will look to use in order to create my story - whether it's fact or fiction. I have also yet too look into it's history fully so I may actually find some true story that I can use!
3. Architectural Design - I love the design of the building. This is another reason I have always wanted to do Mental Asylums as there architecture is beautiful and always looks so grand yet dark. Even though I will not be doing an exterior piece it's nice to be able to imagine how it will look - I can maybe convey this using photos within my environment - perhaps a picture of the outside of the building hanging on a wall in the hallway - but even inside will have an interesting design.

I would love to go visit this hotel; it's close enough that it is possible however it would cost a lot of money via travel and accommodation and I would have to find some time I actually have some free time! Who knows, maybe I will get a chance later in the year. For now, I am going to begin gathering visual research of all kinds in order to start my design process. Once I get a more concrete story line, I will email the hotel asking for photos of the grounds and perhaps help in finding archives to what the building used too be.