Reading Space

http://common.csnstores.com/common/marketing/Herman_Miller/image_coconut_chair.jpg (coconut chair)

• http://www.crystalinks.com/cocoon2.gif (cocoon)

• http://www.thedisplacedafrican.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/baby-in-the-womb.jpg (baby in womb)

• http://www.regencyshop.com/product_thumb.php?img=images/egg2.jpg&w=400&h=400 (Egg Chair)

Above are images of precedent study, studying how people may be most comfortable reading. Psychologically we tend to sleep in the fetal position or sit and read in a position in close resemblance. Such as crisp-crossing our legs or sitting on the buttock and bring the Knees into the chest.

In this particular project as the student we were to choose a space within or near the Gatewood Studio arts building on the campus of UNCG. I chose to do an outdoor reading space, which, is located between the Gatewood Studio Arts building and the Graham building. In the following aerial view the red pushpin shows the location where the reading would be. The other two pushpin labels the Studio Art building and the Graham building. As you can see it would be in close proximity of a busy street and at each intersection there are walk chirps for those who are blind.

Also near by is a railroad, which very busy with passenger train which, is shown in the map below. One would this with all the surrounding distractions the space would not be logical for a reading space. However, of multiple days of observation the space is popular for being a reading space for UNCG students. Due to the surrounding building's height it help with acoustics. The train that passes through becomes background noise that’s if it even heard, it is a very faint sound. So are the cars passing by and the walking chirps for the blind. Also while observing the space the seating spaces that are currently there are concrete slabs on brick columns. There is also a stone wall that is slanted at 60º angle people tend to sit at the top of the wall in the grass. One can infer because, its a softer place to sit. If they are not sitting or laying the grass they tend to take a whole bench and lay flat out on it. There were also people there to collaborate, however, the seating currently there does not accommodate their needs.

The image below gives a glance at what the space currently looks like.

The diagram below shows the path of an occupant’s eyesight when they sit on the current seating provided and the proposed design.

Below are models studying forms that could possibly go well in the current setting while also accommodating the needs of the users. The Rounding of the form of the seating allows collaboration. Specifically in the seating below, It also provides seating on the convex side of the form, which, provide seating for those who would like to have a sense of isolation.

In the following model a planter can be incorporated in the back of the seating, while the seating still accommodates the need for collaboration. However, it doesn't provide isolated seating for those who prefer to sit away from a group.

Below are perspectives of the proposed design for the current space. The seating accommodates the need for those in need of collaboration as well as those who would like to be isolated from a group and can lay back ad relax as they read before their next class.

Circulation is also a problem in the space as well, and the new seating allows for pedestrians to pass through the form whereas, the previous or current form causes pedestrians to walk around the form. The following images illustrate the differences.

Albemarle Final Presentation Board

Graphic layout of presentation for Albemarle, North Carolina

Albemarle Final Verticality.

Below are images of a propose design for a building in the down town area Albemarle, NC. The building is currently used as an Art Gallery to display local artist work. However the street level floor is only in use for that. The mezzanine floor along with the upper fourth floor and the basement is currently unoccupied. The client wishes to make the downtown are more lively. To do so they would like to bring in some type of entertainment or attraction. They also spoke of possibly bring in residential units. They also stated that they wanted the building to target an age group that are fresh in their career and possibly career starters. The age group would range from 25-35. With the information I gathered. I came up with the idea of verticality, for the reason that, the towns people are looking to bring downtown Albemarle back to life. They wanted the city to grow and prosper in the sense of soaring.Therefore, I have included spaces for all age group with a main focus of age group decided. I have included a bar/lounge for those coming from a long day of work and want a relaxing break just before going home. That particular space could be used for a meeting space for 2 to 4 people. The restaurant restaurant below could be for that small family with children or a place to grab lunch or dinner. The Gallery is set there to provide service to those who to display their talent, purchase a hand crafted gift, or to make crafts for ones leisure time or to sell in the gallery. Also the building provides living units on the above 2 levels. They are for single family people. On the mezzanine level there are loft apartments. The first floor of the apartment being a living and a kitchen space. The second level of loft is a sleep space. On the upper 4th floor level are 1 level apartments providing the same amenities as the lofts.
To the left is a plan view of the street level floor. This floor houses the a bar/lounge which has an overlook down to the floor below. It also house an art gallery which, is the building current use. Also there is a central hallway that has columns that will be visible from the basement floor the the residential area on the mezzanine floor and the upper 4th floor. It is a relative to my idea or concept of verticality.

The image to the left is a view of the bar/lounge looking from the hallway. As you can see there is an overlook into the restaurant below. The columns are continuous pattern from the pattern in the hallway dividing the gallery from the bar/lounge. The hallway image is shown below.
The image to the left is the view of the hallway, as you can see the concept of verticality is portrayed in the vertical columns. And once again they can be viewed from all levels of the building.
Left: Is a view of the Art Gallery, the wall or area is where local artist could display their work whether it be sculptural or paintings.
Left: Is the basement plan view. It shows the restaurant area to the far left of the plan and a private entrance for the residents occupying the mezzanine and the upper 4th floor. There is also a private gym for the residents use.
Left: Here a view into the restaurant, as you can see once again there is an overlook from the street level floor down into the restaurant.

Above: Mezzanine Floor, Loft Apartments, 1st level.

Above is a view of the Loft apartment facing the entrance door into the apartment. As you can see there is a kitchen area a living space and stairs which, lead up into the sleeping space which, is enclosed by glass.



Above: 4th upper level floor. One level apartment.
There is also a laundry room at the end of the hallway.
Left: Is an overall view of the entire building.