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WOVEN VOLUMES
Richmond Sandwich Shop
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basement access restrooms walk in freezer kitchen condiment station
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sandwich bar island seating storage booth seating banquette seating entrance
The idea behind this Richmond sandwich joint was simple, create a chic, user friendly space that will draw new customers in without losing any loyal customers that have been coming to this family owned establishment that has been open for three decades.The space was small and rectangular, creating the challenge of adding depth and character. I began exploring volumes that could weave within the space, and came up with a unique design for booths that allows the user of the space a glimpse of the entire restaurant while creating a great perspective. A geometric ceiling adds yet another layer of interest to the space, and breaks up the boxy layout. The kitchen, storage and freezer area fit well within the program and are tucked in the back of the sandwich shop behind the tapered sandwich bar, which continues the perspective line into the space.
These concept models show my exploration of volumes and how they can be woven in different ways, I believe it’s important to look at the large architectural volumes in a space before designing the smaller details
RICHMOND FILM INSTITUTE The Richmond Film Institute is located in a historic building Downtown Richmond. The program was very large and included four theaters, administrative space, and a store/bistro. Much of the volume of the space was taken up by theaters, so I made a triangular staircase that would accentuate the verticality of the space and really create a focal point, as well as creating easy way-finding for the user in unconventional ways. Steel structure for the staircase allows for a rigid structure while having as little material as possible, this concept can further be seen with the plate glass that clads the staircase surround. Part of the program was a film archive, I didn’t just want to place this in a corner, as the film archive is such a unique aspect of this theater, so I designed a film canister column, both beautiful and functional at the same time. Since the program was so large, my goal was to create architecture by using as little architecture as possible.
A Film Canister column penetrates the center of the four story staircase, accentuating the verticality of the space
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A BOUTIQUE HOTEL The history of Richmond and that of the Intermediate Terminal Warehouse was very influential in choosing this site. The city was born from the James River, and I believe that over time, Richmond has become disconnected from the waterfront. This site used to be a bustling expo for goods, however, smaller, containerized shipping has rendered the once state-of-the-art facility obsolete. I want to reconnect the city with the waterfront, by revitalizing this site, so Richmonders can reclaim what is rightfully theirs. The industrial character of the Intermediate Terminal Warehouse, with its structure fully revealed, is key to its dialogue with the past. The building was stripped to it’s original skeleton, adding glass walls in all of the existing voids. The goal of the light, transparent glass juxtaposed against the heavy concrete skeleton was to make architecture by creating as little architecture as possible. This light transparent glass with the concrete marks the coming together of old and new: transforming an industrial artifact into an icon. Guests to the hotel are guided through the space by natural light. This light floods into the space through the glass windows, shedding light on the structures past. Dark and light collide in the space, reinforcing and inflecting one another, a metaphor for the interaction of old and new.
“the deepest core of water before the light leaves…cool, still and soothing”
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Second Floor
suite open to below gym large conference room conference room mechanical storage
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First Floor
mechanical/maids storage staff open-air stairs to waterfront library landing reception staircase to upper floors double volume lobby
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lobby lounge restaurant bar/lounge wine cellar dining area restroom kitchen freezer
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I was inspired by a bluish-green paint color while browsing through a magazine, described by Brad Wesner as “the deepest core of water before the light leaves…cool, still and soothing.” I wanted to implement this idea into the structure, the pool has perforations that allow light to pass through the ceiling, light is then diffused through a fiberglass fixture below the pool, and filtered into the double volume lobby. Not every aspect of the structure was kept as is, a green roof with a swimming pool was built, introducing lush vegetation to a previously rough edged area, playing industrial artifacts against a wild, natural landscape.
We’re living among industrial structures from our past, It’s important to embrace and repurpose, rather than demolish, all while transforming a derelict industrial area into a stylish public realm.
A great civic gesture, this stair connects East Main Street directly to the waterfront. What was previously an abandoned shipping complex has been transformed into a public park. The passageway also allows non-guests to experience the hotel, a glass curtain wall-clad library allows the viewer to see the river from the street. The sharp juxtaposing shapes of the hotel rooms facing the river are meant to frame the view of the city skyline, every room has a view of the green landscape as well as Downtown Richmond.