RBA ichmond
oatwright
Create and Pilot the Vessel of Life
3101 East Main Street | Richmond, Virginia
Richmond Intermediate Terminal Warehouse No. 3
Future home of the Richmond Boatwright Academy
cademy
Chase R. Cothran Senior Thesis Project 2009 Virginia Commonwealth University | Department of Interior Design
Project Insight
The Richmond Boatwright Academy: A hands-on boatwright school focusing on team building excercises and the art of small vessel construction.
Facilities Offered by the Academy: > State of the art boat construction and test facilites, as well as support areas for the surrounding crew teams. > An educational program focusing on the history of watercraft indigenous to Richmond and the surrounding Chesapeake bay watershed. > A community impact that extends beyond it’s doors, giving light to an aquatic culture that may not be accessible to Richmonders. > A revitalization of Richmond’s waterfront and adding more water born activities.
Concept A Vessel for Creativity. The word vessel has many definitions applied to it; a large ship or boat, a hollow container used to store liquid, or a duct or canal. More importantly it is also defined as holding or embodying a particular quality. This form is more interesting when relative to something unseen and intangible, such as the creativity. If the creative power of humanity could be contained by this facility, peoples dreams and visions could be cultivated among the rich fabric created by individuals collaborating towards a common goal. Their craft techniques would betested along side their dedication.
Panoramic Site View
Waterfront vistas and a city skyline is clearly visible from the site, retaining a connection to the city. Visible on the left is the previous docking location of the Anna Belle Lee and crew team facilities. The RBA proposed site is rich in content for creating a boatwright school. Its features include: >The City’s only public Boat Ramp >Close proximity to Tobacco Row, but still far enough away to offer a quiet, peaceful escape from city conjestion >Abundant green space, and exterior paved surfaces. >Easy street Access and loading bays.
Site Modification
South Elevation
photo courtesy of flickr.com
The current site had to accommodate the boat towers of the building. The old inlet portion was expanded.
Proposed Existing
East Elevation
Sections
A
B
Boat Assembly
C
D
B
D Classroom 2
Boat Assembly
Tool Storage
Wood Storage
Mech.
C
Classroom 1 Office
Conference Room
Wood Shop
Office
Boat Towers
Reception
Boat Towers
A
Balcony
Chase R. Cothran Senior Thesis Project 2009 Virginia Commonwealth University | Department of Interior Design
First Floor Plan
Balcony
20’
10’
0’
Second Floor Plan
20’
10’
0’