Brewing Active Lifestyles Adam Davenport May 8, 2014 Kansas State University Interior Architecture and Product Design Professor Kathy Ankerson Professor Ryadi Adityavarman
“Abandoned America” Matthew Christopher
Inspiration With the opportunity to choose and develop my own design challenge, I began exploring my interest in urban decay, more specifically what makes these spaces so appealing. Part of the lure of the urban exploration culture, sometimes referred to as “urbexâ€? for short, is the sense of adventure. These spaces are often dangerous, hard to access, and in some cases forbidden. The thrill comes from the risk of exploring them, yet there is also something about the end goal. The beauty that comes across in urban decay photography represents something beyond the adventure and risk. What makes urban decay spaces worth the risk? I wanted to explore why people find these image attractive, and more importantly, how can that be used as a design element. In my findings from various authors, explorers, historians, and photographers, I settled on three reasons for the appeal of urban decay spaces: __ Window to the past These spaces often tell a story. They act as a direct link to the past, and as such, they play on our sense of nostalgia. We look for a personal connection to that story, drawing parallels with other experiences. __ Physical representation of time As humans, time is important and fascinating to us; we have such a limited supply of something seemingly limitless. Urban decay spaces oer a way to see the passage of time. These spaces often demonstrate nature and time reclaiming what we only ever borrowed, and there is something incredibly powerful about the resilience of nature and life over time. __Unrestricted potential Once abandoned, a space has no expectiations. It has no required functions or outputs to uphold, which allows it be whatever it wants. There is no limit to its purpose or utility.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 3
abandoned Just south of downtown St. Louis, Soulard and Benton Park were once home to the many breweries that helped make St. Louis one of the top four cities in the country in the late nineteenth century. Many of these complexes sought access to the natural network of underground caves in which they could store and brew lager style beers. Today, only one remaining brewery, Anheuser-Busch, remains active. Many have been torn down, while some still stand, empty and abandoned, with their brick architecture nothing more than a testament to the city’s former glory. The site of the former Falstaff Brewery first opened as a brewery in 1853. The largest portion of the remaining structure dates back to the 1890s and early 1900s, partly designed by renowned brewery architect E. Jungenfeld and Co. In 1957, it became part of the Falstaff Brewing Company, but the company abanoned Brewery No. 10 in St. Louis in 1977. Nearly forty years later, this structure still remains empty, and decay has slowly taken control.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
Neighborhoods soulard
benton park
Rich with historic architecture, Soulard and Benton Park are becoming increasingly attractive to young, single homeowners. Soulard boasts one of the strongest nightlife scenes in St. Louis, and the proximity to downtown offers a convenient commute to work. While the youthful population presents a strong base of potential clients, these neighborhoods are not as densely populated as some of the suburbs. Developments need to attract clients and consumers from all accross the city.
concept
design
conclusion 5
St. Louis Rock’n’Roll Marathon
Climb So iLL
trends Active leisure is one of the strongest trends across the country in the past couple of decades. Between our increasingly sedentary work cultures and concerns about health and wellness, people are finding more ways to stay active in their free time. __Alternative forms of exercise, such as rock climbing and yoga, are growing in popularity. __New technology offers more personalized workout routines, sometimes in a competitive fashion. That same technology offers a more enjoyable experience through various forms of entertainment, such as listening to a personalized playlist on early morning jog or watching your favorite TV show on the treadmill. __Distance running continues as one of the fastest growing activities, as cities rush to host a popular array of marathons and themed 5K’s.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
__Creative challenges test one’s endurance in fun obstacle races like the Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, or Men’s Health Urbanathlon. With such a wide range of choices, people can live an active lifestyle in an urban context if they are provided the space and means to explore what fits them best.
concept
design
conclusion 7
Promote healthier, more environmentally-friendly lifestyles within the urban context.
Support a growing community of people living active lifestyles.
Oer a unique retail experience that builds on customer’s trust and loyalty.
goals and objectives
Create an atmosphere that is unique to St. Louis and to an urban context.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
concept
Raise awareness of the outdoor activities and opportunities in the area and region.
design
conclusion 9
shift
void
growth
The moment or event that alters a space
The shift creates potential for new life and new growth in a space
As rejuvenation spreads and expands, it begins to aect its surroundings
concept Decay is beautiful… Decay is time, and as a product of decay, ruins physically represent the passage of time. A struggle between man and nature takes effect, as nature and time reclaim rightful ownership over borrowed means never fully returned. A unique texture and atmosphere takes shape, as layers of activity have added significance and value. A decaying space tells a story, peeling back to reveal the bare essence of what once served as a bustling hub of productivity. A direct link to the past offers the opportunity to explore history. A ruin’s true glory, however, lies in what could be; an infinite amount of possibility exists, with no labels to uphold or expected outputs to maintain. The freedom of functions presents unrestricted potential. Decay is beautiful, for only through decay and ruin can there be renewal. Within densely populated communities, research has found that ruins and abandoned structures offer relief from the strict structuring of modern city planning. Every block, building, and space receives a designated function. A ruin creates a void in the system. It offers residents a necessary escape. This facility can use that void to celebrate urban lifestyles while giving patrons the freedom to explore and find adventure without leaving the city. To celebrate the lure of decay and ruin, the renovations and additions aim for minimal impact, celebrating the existing texture while finding the right balance of definition in order to create a facility that is safe, functional, and profitable. An abandoned structure has an inherent sense of freedom and escape with a genuine connection to the past that a newly-constructed facility could never recreate, including a different approach to organization and layout. Members are encouraged to explore and to leave their mark on the spaces. They are contributing to the layers of history surrounding them. The Active Pursuit, or TAP, is an example of a city and a community getting the most from its assets. Few suburbs can offer this type of experience. This approach does not seek to stop, remove, or hide the decay; it celebrates it as a necessary step towards renewal. The surrounding neighborhoods are in a similar state to the former brewery. With an incredible foundation of history, and an increasingly young population ready to act, the community needs a spark, a shift from the norm, to ignite an era of renewal.
Inspiration
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conclusion 11
TAP is a recreation facility that aims to promote active lifestyles with an urban context, while building on the growing popularity of active leisure. An increasing number of distance runners lead cities like St. Louis to host a wide variety of marathons and themed 5K runs. Expanded markets lead to the opening of studios specializing in alternative forms of exercise, such as rock climbing, yoga, and CrossFit. TAP offers an inviting array of options and activities to appeal to this growing market, all housed within a uniquelyurban, uniquely-St. Louis atmosphere. In addition to fitness opportunities, TAP offers the retail and community components to support active lifestyles. The store seeks to further develop the relationship between customers and brands, building confidence through testing equipment before purchasing it. This center promotes awareness of opportunities throughout the city and region for active leisure. Event planners, fundraisers, and manufacturers’ representatives can connect with their desired audiences through lectures, events, and demonstrations. Most importantly, TAP provides the means and spaces for members to meet and connect with others sharing similar interests and lifestyles.
Men’s Health Urbanathlon
REI Austin, Texas
Globetrotter Munich, Germany
fitness
community
retail
potential clients
Inspiration
Marathoner
(age 26) – competitive, personalized routine, training to achieve a goal
opportunity Marketer
(age 29) – public speaker or manufacturer rep looking to connect with the community, hoping to gain support for upcoming activities
proposal
Middle-aged jogger
(age 48) – looking to stay healthy as he ages, desires to be current and “with-it”, backbone of the community
concept
Resolution-maker (age 32) – trying
a new routine, needs guidance and support, searching for that deeper layer of motivation
design
Outdoor adventurist
(age37) – desires escape, seeking advice and connections, full of stories to share
conclusion 13
This map shows the opportunities for connecting with the surrounding community. TAP can partner with some of the unique fitness experiences already in the area, such as a state-of-theart climbing gym, an indoor skatepark, and an aerial arts studio. Paths and routes to some of the local parks or major city attractions could be well-marked and improved. In addition to its bike shop and repair center, TAP would also oer one of several bike rental stations, where users could put down a desposit to rent out a bike and return it at any of the various stations around the area.
Abandoned buildings next door on either side present opportunities for future expansion or development by related companies and industries.
Administration Accessible rooftop
Inspiration
Fitness Retail Community Retail development?
opportunity
Fitness expansion?
proposal N
concept
design
conclusion 15
1 2 2
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5
9 11 20
10
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25
23
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Parking North entrance w/ 24-hr access Fitness reception Alleyway Exterior track ramp to 2nd floor Women’s locker room Men’s locker room Stretching area Manager’s office Courtyard East tunnel entrance Juice bar Storage Bicycle shop Bicycle repairs Customer service Retail space Artificial rain chamber Dressing rooms Cold and wind chamber Information desk Lecture/event space Library/bookshop Women’s locker room Men’s locker room Employee lounge Industrial garden space Temporary obstacle Open fitness
Fitness Retail Community
30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
31
32 30
Mix fitness Crossfit Stretching area Retail space (future) Rooftop yoga Bootcamp Studio 1 Studio 2
Inspiration
opportunity 34
33
proposal Approximate square footage: 35
37 36
First Floor 23,300 Fitness 11,600 Retail 9,700 Community
concept
Second Floor 15,600 Fitness
design
conclusion 17
Inspiration
parking
Most fitness facilities oer 24-hour access to members. With a facility this size, only a portion, the northern rooms on the first and second floors, would be open overnight. The northern facade/entrance’s proximity to the parking lot and visibility from a busy street, Gravois, make it the safest access point at night.
opportunity
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concept
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conclusion 19
two-story track The two-story track helps connect the various spaces, while offering a means of free advertisement as joggers tour the various opportunities offered throughout the facility. Some of the possible lap lengths: 427’ 712’ 2300’ (includes exterior ramp at 5% incline)
transition to active Two sets of locker rooms service the various fitness opportunities, while the rooms and spaces between help ease the transition with activities such as stretching, lounging, taking a water break, cooling down, etc. Preparation Active
Inspiration
Material continuity To reflect the moment of change within the space, the paving pattern demonstrates a 10-degree shift from the existing grid. The patterns and pavers bleed into the surrounding spaces.
opportunity
proposal
circulation The path of circulation stems from the central courtyard, with scattered points of vertical connections.
Vertical circulation
concept
design
conclusion 21
The absence of defined functions and specific purposes plays an essential role in the appeal of ruins and decay. The facility offers a full range of definition, from highly-structured rooms, such as locker rooms, to vast open areas that provide nothing more than a set of tools (weights, tires, etc.) with which to be active. This second-floor fitness room demonstrates a “suggested” degree of definition, with equipment and tools for specific activites as well as the space and freedom to choose and create a personalized routine.
Inspiration
degrees of definition Structured
opportunity
Suggested Options N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 23
Inspiration
N
"efficient clusters" Different types of equipment mixes together in small groups throughout the spaces as opposed to common rows or zones/areas. This provides a more intimate, less intimidating layout that promotes a more well-rounded workout. Typical cluster: 2 treadmills 2 ellipticals 3 stationary bikes 1 pull-up/dip station 1 overhead bars with anchor points 1 sit-up bench 1 back extension bench 1 rack of dumbbells 1 rack of medicine balls 1 minimum 10’ x 10’ open floor space
opportunity
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conclusion 25
“Marketersâ€? can connected with their target audience by hosting lectures and demonstrations in this space. Reclaimed materials create an acoustic backdrop for the stage. Stretched-canvas elements create dividers upon which patrons can literally leave their mark. These canvases can be changed out for dierent events and potential given to the speakers as a means of feedback. The space can transform into an open room for hosting events and fundraisers. Fitting with the theme of palimpsest, certain elements still leave behind a mark, such as the stained floor sections where chairs would normally go or the cable supports for the backdrop which become a decorative lighting element.
Inspiration
opportunity N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 27
“Marathonersâ€? enjoy programs like CrossFit, which oers a competitive yet personalized routine. Spaces for workouts like CrossFit fit well with the minimal input approach, for the most part only needing storage for tools and the open space in which to use them.
Inspiration
opportunity N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 29
Varying roof heights circling the inner courtyard create several opportunities for occupiable terraces. As seen below, some of these spaces can host activites, like outdoor yoga, where the “outdoor adventurist� can come to unwind and relax.
Inspiration
opportunity N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 31
“Middle-aged joggers” seek something new, youthful, and exciting. Fun and challenging routines, like fitness bootcamps, can provide that extra push. A glazed ceiling creates an all-seasons open fitness space in which members and trainers can develop personalize routines, courses, and challenges. Part of the room will offer temporary urban-themed obstacle challenges, which will be changed out every other month. A “keg swing” is currently installed. The upper track features a solid, transluscent railing to create a timelapse aesthetic and emphasize its role as a continuous, connecting element.
Inspiration
opportunity N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 33
“Resolution-makers� looking for a little extra motivation, like a reward after a strenuous workout. They can treat themselves at the juice bar with a real-fruit smoothie or protein drink.
Inspiration
opportunity N
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 35
More so than any other image, this retail environment demonstrates the overall design approach. Additions reflect only the necessary changes to make it functional and safe, while the existing texture remains a powerful element within the space. Customers can test footwear on the terrain samples or on the rock climbing holds attached to the wall. If the shoes are specific to track or turf activities, they could potentially test out the footwear in one of the spaces with those materials in another part of the complex.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
concept
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conclusion 37
The courtyard view on the left faces the main east tunnel entrance. The metal facade reflect the shift from existing, and the choice of material demonstrates a clear separation from the brick while remaining relevant to its context with a consistent, aged appearance. The second floor track continues around the courtayard as seen by the chartreuse stripe.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
concept
design
conclusion 39
With a wide variety of spaces and a complex floor plan, the inner courtyard plays a major role in tying the spaces together. Angled at ten degrees from the walls, the paving pattern reflects a shift from the existing grid, while the patches of grass help soften the space and demonstrate the opportunity for growth. Inspired by city street signs, metal signs along the corners help with wayfinding. Future development would explore the opportunity for graďŹƒti, large graphics, and painted murals on the courtyard facades to help brand the various spaces.
Inspiration
opportunity
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concept
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conclusion 41
conclusion The former Falstaff brewery presents several challenges. Over a a hundred years ago, they designed this building with a highly specific function and flow. Dictating a new flow and demonstrating a common approach throughout a variety of unique spaces while taking such a minimal approach creates difficult obstacles to overcome. Elements like the two-story track and the inner courtyard become crucial in uniting a rather complex layout of spaces. Moving ahead with this design would require more detailed exploration into existing materials and structural members to make sure this remains a safe place to use. For these reasons, this particular location may prove uninhabitable or too expaensive to maintain, but this is far from the only opportunity for such a development in St. Louis. As industry has progressed and moved around, urban decay opportunities like this brewery have developed in cities all across the country. Cities, especially those fighting the effects of urban sprawl, can use this approach to their advantage. These are buildings and spaces that most suburbs cannot offer; they cannot mimic or recreate the layers of history and time. By tearing these structures down or gutting their interiors, cities lose part of the texture that makes urban environments special. A ruin represents more than a void in the system. That void is an opportunity for growth.
Inspiration
opportunity
proposal
concept
Decay is more than necessary; it is beautiful.
design
conclusion 43