A Ritual Language
Kaitlyn Cabana
A Ritual Language
Kaitlyn Cabana
dedication
“A Ritual Language� I would like to dedicate this document to my family and friends who have supported and been my rock through this long journey. I have met some amazing people through this experience and know those friendships are here for a lifetime. I would especially like to thank my parents and brother who have been so understanding of the rigor of this education and sponsored my endeavors. I Love you all!!!
1 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language
A project studying the interactions of people within a common space. A masters project presented to the University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design as a partial requirement for the Masters Project for the Masters of Architecture. Documentation By:
Kaitlyn Cabana Steve Cooke Professor of Architecture University of South Florida Tampa, FL
Master’s Project Chair
Chadaphan Hanwisai Professor of Architecture and Project Manager of USF University of South Florida Tampa, FL
Committee Members
Stanley Russel Professor of Architecture University of South Florida Tampa, FL
Fig.1 Master’s Project Poster
figures Fig. 01 Fig. 02 Fig. 03 Fig. 04 Fig. 05 Fig. 06 Fig. 07-10 FIg. 11 Fig. 12 Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15 Fig. 16 Fig. 17 Fig. 18 Fig. 19 Fig. 20 Fig. 21 Fig. 22 Fig. 23 Fig. 24 Fig. 25-27
Fig. 28-30
Fig. 31-32 Fig. 33 Fig. 34 Fig. 35-38 Fig. 39 Fig. 40-42 Fig. 43
Master’s Project Model Poster Central Park Fountain Observatiory Central Park Bench People Gathering People of New York Proximity Maps Distance, Personal Space Construct Distance Round Table Rectangular Table Ritual Diagram Memorial Trees Solitude, Personal Space Memorial Reflections Bryant Park Pre- BPC blog.bryantpark.org Bryant Park Now Transportation Seating Library Seating Traffic http://www.radialsblog.com/ Suburban Street www.merqurycity.com Photo-collage showing proposed housing, garden, and church Rendering for Living Rooms at the Border Concept Collage http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/2010/ smallscalebigchange/projects/casa_familiar Main Entrance Garden Area with Children’s Play Children’s Play http://www.archdaily.com/157899/hssu-early-childhoodparenting-education-center-luchiniad/undercourt2/ Multiple Views Entrance http://www.archdaily.com/57339/surry-hills-library-and-community-centre-fjmt/ Parti Preschool Sketch Diagrams Poe Garage Map Process Model USF Fine Arts Map
Site Analysis Parti Layered Space Materiality Charratte Plan Divisions of Space Transparent Entrance Process Section Entrance Perspective Adult Perspcetive Child Perspective Filtering Multiple Views Filtering Levels Children’s Play Filtering Construct Industrial Intervention Deterioration Process Model Process Model Process Section Model Process Model Entry Entry Model Entry Section Model Children’s Path Cross Section Entry Garden Rendering Entry Sketch Model Garden Trees Communal Garden Rendering Longitudinal Section Garden Detail Final Model Ground Floor Model Plan Diagram Second Floor Final Model Final Model
Fig. 44-46 Fig. 47 Fig. 48 Fig. 49 Fig. 50 Fig. 51 Fig. 52 FIg. 53 Fig. 54 Fig. 55 Fig. 56 Fig. 57 Fig. 58 Fig. 59 Fig. 60 Fig. 61 Fig. 62 Fig. 63 Fig. 64 Fig. 65 Fig. 66 Fig. 67 Fig. 68 Fig. 69 Fig. 70 Fig. 71 Fig. 72 Fig. 73 Fig. 74 Fig. 75 Fig. 76 Fig. 77 Fig. 78 Fig. 79 Fig. 80 Fig. 81 Fig. 82 Fig. 83
Table of Contents Abstract Visiting the City with a Floridian Background to our own Language
Introduction
1
People Public Space Proximity Distance The New Downtown Ritual
Defining “Language�
7
World Trade Center Memorial Bryant Park and New York Public Library Territory Technology Casa Familiar HSSU Early Childhood and Parenting Education Center Surry Hills Library and Community Center Concept Preschool For Creative Learning Visit Methods Children Elderly Site Selection Program Design Elements Process Models Final Design Development Conclusion
Case Studies
17
Elements
21
Precident Studies
25
Concept
31
Design
39
Conclusion
53
1 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 2
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
abstract
“A Ritual Language” Space can be considered the universal language of humans and animals. We have developed these ideas of space, distance, and territory that can be deciphered by others through this common language. We inherit these interactions through our parents and grandparents, as well as observing the people in our communities. How did these gestures that we know as simple handshakes as greetings or clapping as an acknowledgement, continue to be common practice for everyone? Animals and people alike offer these characteristics of territory, boundary, memory, and procession that can be mapped to describe the place they are occupying. A space always reveals the patterns of the people who dwell within it, because even after they are gone, the ‘ghost’ of them lasts within the space. When you remove all of the sidewalks and leave people to navigate on a ‘blank canvas’ how will they choose their path and where will their paths be created. Some consider taking the shortest distance to make it to their desired destination, others explore the possibilities. Whichever way, we are all creatures of habit, and once we develop a way that works, we tend to continue on that path. We form these habits in the way we inhabit buildings and our ideas about them, so this is why buildings are becoming more and more uniform. Studies have been conducted based on the way people react to architecture, which also causes many common building types to look the same. When you approach an architecturally designed building, for example the Publix Supermarket in Miami Beach, FL, that appears to be a very exciting and different experience than an average supermarket, and walk inside and see it looks like every other supermarket, you are deceived by its appearance. What if our knowledge of people and space were translated into a building? Meaning, we take these interactions people want to see, or experience and change the way a public space is designed. Creating a space where people of all different backgrounds, age groups, and family backgrounds can interact.
Fig.2 Central Park Fountain
3 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 4
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
Visiting the City with a Floridian “A Ritual Language”
While on my recent trip to the ‘Big Apple’ with my mother I noticed a lot of things through just her experiences with people and the place. I brought her to Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Station, and the 9/11 Memorial. In every place you can tell the residents from the tourists and every ones purpose for being there. Times Square is distinctly a tourist area because everyone is crowding the streets with cameras in their hands. The proximity to all the “touristy” shopping districts, theater, and the morning television news networks is all in this area. People walk very slow in this area as they try to navigate the streets and where they are going, frequently stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to double check their direction. The speed of people walking in Central Park was similar, although you could tell the people were residents by the confidence in the way they walked. Central Park is not based on a grid, but organic trails, so finding your way through the park can be difficult. While in the park, a little boy said to his mom that she was walking the wrong way, his mom said back, “no we are walking the right way” and the little boys said back to her, “no mom we are not walking towards the playground.” I had no idea where I was in that park and I had a map in hand, so it is amazing how a 3 year old could figure out the park on his own. I experienced the same thing on the subway leaving Grand Central, A little girl started crying to her mom because she knew that the line we were riding meant she was going home and she didn’t want to go home, she wanted to ride the Purple line to somewhere else. It is amazing how observant and knowledgeable kids are with regards to their location. While walking through the streets and taking in the scenery someone said, “You need to learn to walk like a New Yorker.” I didn’t want to be seen as a tourist though it was probably obvious to many that I was. My mom did not want to feel like she did not belong either, so that idea stuck with her, she was more willing to walk faster and ride the subway after that. When you think about it, we all go to a place to buy into their lifestyle; we want to experience what makes that place a place, and why people go there. No matter how fast we walked we could not keep up with
those “New Yorkers”; their lifestyle is just too fast paced for a Floridian. In Florida we rarely walk outside and when we do we walk slow to not work up too much of a sweat or to not tire ourselves too much. We rarely have the opportunity to walk because of our proximity to things. Our cities are so spread out, and rarely do all your needs reside within the same city block, like places in New York. My mom could not believe the distance we covered each day, and we constantly counted the number of blocks we walked or rode past in the subway, which made her appreciate public transportation. In vacations past, we have stayed within blocks of the hotel in Time Square and only leaving by taxi. Going to different cities and countries offers us exciting experiences we cannot get from our homes. We get in these routines at home that prevents us from trying new things in our own areas. Being in a new place forces us to learn about the people, place, and rituals of the area.
Fig.3 Observatory
5 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 6
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
introduction
“A Ritual Language� The purpose of observing people within spaces is to determine how the architecture can influence the way people actually use the place. For example, you park in the same place every day so you remember where you parked when going back to find your car. We walk the same way to a destination because we know the path that we are taking. By taking the same path we know where the sidewalk is off and cause a trip, where we may get hit by rain, and where trees offer enough coverage for shade. These rituals to the way we conduct the smallest details of our life influence the bigger picture of how we experience situations. Do we walk fast, slow, along a building or among the shade? While observing space you can recognize all the patterns that people make and how their experience can influence how you experience the space. We all demonstrate patterns to the way we move through a building. These patterns can be seen as rituals based on the environment we have grown up within. In our daily lives we subconsciously move about without even having to think about what actions and what we are conversing to others. Some of our actions may have not just started with us, but stemmed from past generations and evolved with us. The way you walk explains much about the way you think and our process of finding our way. If as a child, you walked by something that either scared or would injure you, the next time you walked by that same place you will be more cautious. We find these memories repeating in our actions for years after. Many elements come into factor when analyzing why people walk, drive, or come in by bus to a place. The experiences that they may have are different each way, and will change the aspects of journey in which they see. People, place, proximity, and distance all play a major role in the reasons why we go to places; they are place-making factors, reasons why places are successful. Our personal reasons for going to a space depend on these elements to all be in place. People and distance are reasons for us developing our rituals and patterns. The exploration of these ideas will further explain how we can build spaces to suit different age groups and people, and personalize the buildings we are building to suit their needs.
Fig.4 Central Park Bench
7 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 8
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
people
“A Ritual Language” To study people is best done by watching people and taking their actions into consideration when developing a space. People are most likely the best way of understanding the culture of the area and the types of activities that will take place within the space. As Herman Hertzberger said, “The architect too must watch what people do. Yet sadly, all too often architects seem interested in buildings but not in their occupants.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 9) We explain to others a lot about ourselves by our actions. Hopefully, these actions are not overlooked by architects or other key players in the design because they are important in designing for our activities. The book Reading People by Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, Ph.D explains how to determine human characteristics from simply the places that they inhabit, “...Your environment is a rich source of information about your personality, values, and lifestyle.” (1998, pg. 77) The home and work is where we spend the most amount of our time. How we spend our time shows certain things to outsiders about our lives, JoEllan Dimitrius explains. If you have a long commute or no commute it describes whether or not your job is the center of everything in your life or your family. “A person’s environment can reveal a clue about her job, education, hobbies, religion, culture, marital, and family status, political affiliation, friends, priorities and wealth.” (Dimitrius, 1998, pg. 77)
Fig.5 People Gathering
When we find free time from home and work, the places we choose to spend time is very revealing about the space and our personality. The people we tend to go to or share space with are also similar to us, like the saying, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Women with small children would not normally be out at a bar late on a weekday on a regular basis because the people that are out at bars on a weeknight do not have the same lifestyle or values as a mother of small children. We go to places because we either want people to think we are a part of that group or that is who we are, like the country club, you spend time at the country club if that is the neighborhood you live in, or the friends or clients you associate with. (Dimitrius, 1998) People may use different areas of a city or activities to associate with different groups of people.
Fig.6 People of New York
9 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 10
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
public space “A Ritual Language”
We demand a lot from the spaces we occupy whether it is our home, work or even a public space. In an airport we expect there to be seating, food, shops, and outlet stations to charge and work on our computers.. In every space we expect for it to be a comfortable temperature, and for us to have the option of seeing and hearing people. As Bryan Lawson said in his book, The Language of Space, “...We need space to help us to feel right about our current situation.” (2001, pg. 15) Bryan Lawson also quotes in his book, Dutch Architect, Aido Van Eyck, “Whatever space and time mean, place and occasion mean more. For space in the image of man is place, and time in the image of man is occasion.” (2001, pg. 23) The more time we spend in a space the more comfortable we become with the interactions within the space. Public spaces are different for everyone because it depends on your culture how you use and interact within them. Most of our research about people and their interactions with space comes from observing them in a public place. When William H. Whyte studied public plazas in New York City he developed a set of rules for designing a place for people to occupy outside of the office or home. He suggested that all good public spaces had the following six characteristics: moveable seating, sun, water, trees, food, and the street. When outdoor areas lack certain things more people are likely to perform their activities inside. People also need people to be within a space because people like watching people, we like to see people interacting, and using facilities to feel comfortable in a space. When people move out of the city and into the suburbs the ideas of public space change. We not only become isolated to only using the automobile for our transportation but also lack the closeness to sidewalks and parks, essential to fostering outdoor activity. When we start to have backyards and private swimming pools our connection to the public park and recreation center grows further and further away. We rely less on those public areas for space for activities when everything is in the convenience of our backyards. The difference is, downtowns usually offer a variety of needs within a short distance from each other,
and residences are closer together forcing you indirectly to interact with your neighbors. The television and technology keep people more isolated and at home than in the parks and playfields. Public places are also becoming less public because more and more buildings are forced by codes and ordinances to build places of refugee, but are restricting the use of these areas. Many of the open plazas and space in between buildings that resembles parks and public spaces is actually privately owned. In the text from The Value of a Public Space, the authors Carr, Francis, and Stone (1992) suggest that the reasons people fear public spaces is because of the attraction that ‘undesirables’ or ‘deviant’ users have to a place. Most privately owned spaces hire security guards and will remove anyone that does not belong. The text even suggests the values of public space that we do not find in privately owned spaces. Most of our interactions with the outdoors is only for necessary activities that we must perform. We rarely find ourselves participating in any optional or social activities unless the factors are right, according to Jan Gehl(1987). Weather and shading have a huge role in the use of public spaces. People are more likely to go to a public place if they are familiar with the environment and understand it is a safe place to go. The most successful public spaces have accessibility, activities, comfort, and social ability. They find that places are very unsuccessful if there are no places to gather, poor visibility, useless paths, dead zones or blank walls, lack of activity, and fear of the street. Even when walking people want to feel comfortable by seeing what is ahead. People want to feel safe with windows and doors that break up the walls of buildings they walk by. (Madden & Schwartz, 2000)
11 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 12
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
proximity
“A Ritual Language� I grew up in Alva, a small town of roughly 3,000 people, east of Fort Myers, Florida on the Caloosahatchee River. When my family would want to go pick up milk at the grocery store it was a twenty minute drive each way, and there is only two restaurants within a twenty minute radius of our house as well. I went to a high school 30 minutes from my house and my friends lived within 30 minutes to one hour away from school as well. My parents chose to raise us in this small city, but everything any of us did was in Fort Myers. My relationship with the car was completely different then when I moved away for college. I would bring everything I could possibly need with me for the day just in case i made plans while at school because there was not an option to run home to pick up anything. Moving to Tampa and living in the USF area, I was not used to having five or more restaurants to choose from for lunch or having a grocery store that I could walk to if I desired. The short distance I am from just the basic things, like grocery store or convenient store changes the way I use my car. The density of New York City to Tampa is not comparable. The basic needs for any New Yorker is within walking distance of their residence, and they technically do not need to move far past a two block radius of their apartments for anything. The car is so relied upon in Tampa because no one is willing to walk the distance to just get the basic necessities because of the distance between them. Tampa can also not compare with the density of an urban city because of the amount of strip malls for shopping instead of the mixed use dense blocks of downtowns. The necessities of the family, such as banks, post office, grocery, schools, and hospitals are what we strive to have our residences near. In both New York and Tampa traffic is a problem, but in Tampa the car is unavoidable, where you can use public transportation in New York City and other urban areas. The suburbs have caused us to get in our cars and hurry home to beat traffic and then stay home to avoid any more time in the car.
The proximity maps explain the distances of the basic needs of a person to a specific location on the map. New York and Portland are both the urban cities tested and compared to a Tampa suburban area and the University of South Florida. The New York, Portland, and Suburban map are all drawn to the same scale to show how different each city is, while USF is zoomed in to express the convenience of everything to campus.
Fig.7-10 Proximity Maps
13 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 14
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
distance
“A Ritual Language”
The distance in which you travel to something changes the amount of things that provoke your senses and your attachment to the place. Traveling as a pedestrian offers a different experience than driving in a car. When you walk past a block of shops and restaurants you can see the textures of the clothing, the details of what is in the shop, and the smells of the food. In a car driving you get a completely different experience, You have to imagine what the stores and food are like; you have to somewhat guess what is happening or what the building occupies. While driving you see the people walking along the side walk from a distance so you know what people are occupying this area. In a car you are isolating yourself from the area, as you observe from a distance. The distances people place between themselves and other people and areas is not accidental, we position ourselves with a comfortable distance to the next person. Birds also keep an equal distance from each other as they fly in packs. We understand the appropriate distances from another person in all situations, as Bryan Lawson said, “... The distance between people are seldom accidental or arbitrary,” distance gives us the ability to detect members of our species. (2001, pg. 101) The idea of territory comes into effect when you think of appropriate distance between people. When we violate a person’s “personal space” by bumping into them on the sidewalk we apologize. In a crowded elevator we ignore eye contact even though we acknowledge that there are people inside at close proximity to each other. We normally do not let anyone into our personal space unless they are close to them or invited. As humans we generally have a fear of touching people, and we have a fear of being too close to a stranger. Our personal and social space is only really entered by a person in a relationship, a parent with their child, children with anyone, and doctors and other health personnel. Children in general have no perception or concern for personal space, and have no fear of invading others. Within a social space, an example of close contact would be a hand shake or greeting; the distance between them would be comfortable enough to have a normal conversation. In night clubs or in loud spaces, the social distance is less than normal so that
a conversation can be carried on even between two strangers. When going out to dinner with a group of friends to all catch up you normally only have the opportunity to talk to the few friends at your end of the table. The distance and number of people makes it difficult to have a conversation with a person at the other end of the table. The distance in which we can have a conversation is only a few feet away from us and only small talk can happen with people past the people sitting right around you. The seating arrangement depicts the conversations to be had. The people to the sides of you are harder to have conversations with because of the way your body is positioned. The perfect position for a conversation is sitting across from each other. (Lawson, 2001) While sitting across from each other you can easily see non-verbal communication and hear the conversation. Bryan Lawson refers to the round table as the best for having conversations or a dinner party because it foster the idea of bringing people together. The idea of an urban space creating places for people to gather was created by the continuous seating of Gaudi’s Barcelona Parc Guell. The seating is arranged in a “S” fashion allowing people to have a more private interaction within the concave section, while more coexisting seating happens within the convex area of the shape. Urban areas allow for these spontaneous places to gather and the areas to gather. People who choose a more solitude experience sit in the less busy areas that allow them to observe the interactions of others or keep to their own business. (Lawson, 2001) William H. Whyte discusses in his documentary the difference between men and women in public situations; men like to stand near the street amongst all the action, while women stand more inward in a plaza for quiet observation. The distances studied between people, and the differences men and women take in public space explains how we form these relationships to environments.
Fig.11 Distance, Personal Space Construct
Fig.12 Distance
Fig.13 Round Table
Fig.14 Rectangular Table
15 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 16
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
ritual
“A Ritual Language” There is a unspoken ritual to the way people interact with and within a space. For example, when you go to your neighborhood church you understand the procession, where to sit and how to act within the space; it is the same when going to another church in another country. The basic traditions of a church are the same no matter the location, and you understand where to sit and how to act within, even if you do not understand the language. The same goes for Libraries, you understand how to act within a library and the basic knowledge of how to locate books and navigate the space. “Not only is redundancy necessary to produce architectural style, it also acts in a rather more fundamental way to make space readable and understandable.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 78) Most building types are translated to other cultures with the same importance and ritual. The most important thing about architecture is making it recognizable, and not making it look like something it is not for people to understand it. We can recognize a public space versus a private space by just looking at the building based on how inviting the building looks, and if the entrance is pronounced. We need to recognizable ‘cues’ that explains the building is a restaurant and not an auto parts store. “...There are different social rules applying in different settings,... to a certain extent, then, we find it necessary for a library to look like a library and not a nightclub.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 99) Architecture has a common personality among different building types. Sometimes, just by where the building is in the downtown offers cues to what occupies the building. People also develop rituals within their daily life, such as the side of the bed you wake up on, the way to the kitchen, and your morning commute to work. Most of these actions are so mundane that we do not have to put much thought into what we are doing and where we are going. We can even find ourselves going through the ritual of getting ready for work out of habit of doing the activities daily. “... Whatever we do as we move around and position ourselves in space may result in communication even if we do not intend it.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 128) People create this language within their routines that helps you understand their
priorities, and these routines rarely change amongst a single person. Southern universities, such as Auburn, that have a deep sense of tradition can be seen through the fans. Young and old, the fans know that it is a ritual to not walk across the school seal on the ground. When people come to the seal they split to walk around the area. You can see large groups of people walking, and like a “school of fish,” split to open around to the school seal. At Notre Dame University, football players always tap a sign above the locker room door on their way out to the stadium that says, “Play like a champion today.” The tradition of always doing something before a game ensures that the team will have a chance at a good game. For sports fans it is even hard for them to watch their favorite team in another stadium because the people who share the common feeling for the team are not there and the familiarity is not there. People develop these territories of their space and find that the traditions of their team are not portrayed.
Fig.15 Ritual Diagram
17 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 18
Project:
World Trade Center Memorial Proximity and Public Space
Location:
Lower Manhattan, New York
Program:
Memorial, Reflection Ponds, Garden, Museum, and Visitor Center
Area: Year of Design: Client: Project by: Description:
16 Acres 2003 9/11 Memorial Foundation Michael Arad, Architect Peter Walker and Partners, Landscape Architect The memorial is a public place of mourning for people all over the world. Following the falling of the Twin Towers in 2001 a design competition was proposed to seek a design for a memorial for the site. The competition was global and included more than 5, 200 entries. The design being currently developed at the site of the towers is two reflection pools where the base of the towers met the ground. The reflection pools are lined with every name of the victims in the attacks on September 11, 2001 and the World Trade Center attacks in the past. The area is built for reflection and as a memorial. Gardens of trees and benches surround the remainder of the block. Visiting the site is a very surreal area and example of a public space with very private activities. Most of the guests visiting the area walk through in complete solitude and just take in the information. The Gardens are rarely used because people are so consumed in the names along the fountains and the waterfalls in the middle. The guests are also only able to walk along the hardscape and not along the trees and grass in the area focusing all the attention on the prominent feature of the fountains.
Fig.16 Memorial Tress
Fig.17 Solitude
Fig.18 Memorial Reflections
19 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 20
Project:
Bryant Park and New York Public Library Proximity and Public Space
Location:
Midtown Manhattan, New York
Program:
Public Park City Block, Plaza, Market, Public LIbrary, Restaurant
Area: Year of Design: Client: Description:
New York City Block Original Design 1884; 1992 Redesign Reopened Bryant Park Restoration Corporation The original design of Bryant Park didn’t offer much safety and security to its occupant. The area was secluded from the rest of the street by a wall that lines the perimeter. By having this wall conceal the park, undesired activities increased in the park and made spots within it very dangerous. A desired characteristic of most public spaces is seeing your entrance and exit before even entering the space; it is this idea of transparency, so that people feel safe within the area they are entering. Bryant Park was redesigned in the late 1980s to bring life back to this square. The walls were removed and a large lawn was placed in the center. Moveable structures are within the park for craftsmen to set up shop and sell their goods and food. During the winter the park is transformed to an ice skating rink. Movies are played on the Lawn during the summer. The Rockefeller Company funds for sanitation and security to keep the area clean and safe for the occupants.
Fig.19 Bryant Park Pre-BCP
Bryant Park now allows for a number of different functions. The Park can easily transform through the seasons; from a ice skating rink in the winter, to a movie theater on the lawn in the summer.
Fig.20 Bryant Park Now
21 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 22
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
territoy
“A Ritual Language” Being the newcomer into a space is harder than coming to a situation where everyone is new. Every semester in the University of South Florida’s architecture studios the rooms are emptied of students work and the desks are pushed to the wall. On the first day of each semester every student comes in to claim their spaces and claim their desks. Every year the studio transforms into a different space; the way each arranges their combination of desks and tables is different from who was previously in that room. People also become territorial of their space and box themselves in sometimes were people cannot reach them without crawling over something. On the other hand when you get a new job where everyone is already established it is much harder to develop your own territory. Most of the time it is easy to find out which desk is yours, but when you enter a communal space which space is yours? At a meeting or in the break room you can easily sit in the wrong seat unknowingly. People establish a space that is known to everyone in these situations that have been theirs from the beginning. You find in lunch spaces or even classrooms as well; when you have an abundance of seats available, you tend to choose the same seat because of familiarity and convenience. While observing people in certain situations in both New York and in Florida , I have found that Floridians are more hesitant to interact with others or share space. Sitting in a restaurant in Times Square, the tables were so close that I knocked elbows with the lady next to me while she ate her food. The tables were six inches or less apart and you had to move your table to either side just to get into the seats. In Florida, restaurants spread their tables out, which could be because of the square footage of usable space is much larger and there are fewer people occupying a space in Florida. At the JFK airport the tables were normally spaced in the cafeteria and there were many of them, yet when a table that could fit four people was only occupied by one or two others would join in and sit at the table without asking if the seats were taken. In the Tampa International Airport this would rarely happen or would be strange for the person previously occupying the space.
People even establish their space in public places where the space is not limited to its activities. In the documentary by William H. Whyte, we see people using these public plazas and parks in New York City and other major cities. He shows an example of a man who sees an empty movable chair about three feet from another person, the man takes the chair and moves it slightly to the side, maybe a few inches, and then sits down, obviously claiming his space. The slight move of the chair was not necessary but the act demonstrated that the man was now determining where we was sitting was his claimed space, sort of a “social ritual” for us. (1979) Another example is when a homeless person claims a bench in a park, the man sits at one end of the bench but leaves his belongings on the ground in front of the empty seat next to him, he is suggesting that this is his space and that no one else can enter his area. The diagrams represent some territory examples in a library and on public transportation. The seating arrangement at a library express different relationships that happen at the table; collaborative, coexisting, or conversational seating relationship depend on the seat the second person chooses at the table. In a transportation situation, you express willingness to open your area to others if sit in the inside seat. By sitting in the outside seat and leaving the person to walk over you to get to the other seat, expresses to others that you are not willing to share your row. Many of these ideas were from Bryan Lawson’s book The Language of Space. (Lawson, 2001)
Fig. 21 Transportation Seating
Fig. 22 Library Seating
23 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 24
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
technology
“A Ritual Language” Technology has changed the way we interact with people because it is something that we have developed as important in our social lives, it is also something we demand from a space. We have less and less face to face contact and people spend more time on our cell phones than with the people. These methods of technology restrict our acknowledgement of who we are with when we are in the present, causing us to be very distracted by the people in our phones. Even though technology has over powered physical contact, people are still displaying these non-verbal ways of communication with people while not really speaking with them. “The language we use to communicate through bodily gestures in space and occupation of space is a powerful, subtle, and complex one.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 129) Some cultures use many hand gestures to describe or help them get their thoughts out. When people talk on the phone they talk the same way, using gestures to the empty space in front of them. Our most common form of communication, emails and text messaging, offer no feelings and emotion; these can be heard in a person’s voice when they are speaking on the phone, but can be missed or misinterpreted when being typed out in an email. People are becoming more likely of having a conversation with others through technical devices. People generally go from work to home in their cars, they do not usually know their neighbors and have small interactions with people in stores or restaurants. Some technological features have brought cities together though, such as mass transportation which forces people in cities like New York or Boston from all forms of society to be together and travel to similar destinations. In the documentary, Urbanized by Gary Hustuit, they discuss how the bus and public transportation have a bad image. People look at public transportation as something made for the poor. (2011) Florida has given public transportation this similar description of being for the poor because there is not an incentive to use it and we are all in need of cars because the transportation is also very spread out.
Fig. 23 Traffic
Fig. 24 Suburban Street
25 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 26
Project:
Casa Familiar
Children and Elderly Community Location:
San Ysidro, California
Program:
Affordable Housing with Community Centers, Multiuse indoor and outdoor spaces.
Area: Year of Design: Client:
Project by:
Description:
14,000 Sq. Ft. Plan 2011 Non-governmental, Non-profit Casa Familiar. Client base for the community would mostly be Spanish speaking Immigrants Estudio Teddy Cruz Teddy Cruz, Architect Cesar Fabela, Jesus Fernando Limon, Rastko Tomasevic, Megan Willis and Associates The community is built in the Southern part of California to encourage flourishment of its residents by having markets and what the architect calls, “Living Rooms� on the ground level. The Community is based off the changing family dynamic and encouraging the grandparent/ grandchild relationship. The housing is senior living with childcare within on the upper floors of the development.
Fig. 25 Photo-collage showing proposed housing, gardens, and church
Fig. 26 Rendering for Living Rooms at the Border
Fig. 27 Concept Collage
27 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 28
Project:
HSSU Early Childhood and Parenting Education Center
Location:
St. Louis, Missouri
Program:
Early Childhood Education (6 weeks- 5 years) Parenting Education University Research Building
Year of Design: Client:
Project by:
Description:
2009 Harris- Stowe State University
LuchiniAD
The program of this center on the Harris Stowe State University (HSSU), is for both Early Child education, Parenting Education, and places within the building for these two groups to be together. Since the building is on the campus the students of the education department attend classes, and participate within the building with children. The children’s area consists of classroom and play areas. The building separates the two groups by having two different entrances. The children enter through the side of the building that faces the parking and street, also called the community entrance. The students enter through the opposite side of the building. The center of the building contains a courtyard for the children to play in. The building takes up the entire site so there is no outdoor landscape except for the interior outdoor space. The outdoor courtyard space separates the two age groups which organizes the program. The two functions then meet in the center where they can interact together or observe. The children’s spaces are located around the center courtyard, while the supporting system and University Education system revolves around the exterior.
Fig. 28 Main Entrance
Fig. 30 Children’s Play
Fig. 29 Garden Area with Children’s Play
29 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 30
Project:
Surry Hills Library and Community Center Multiuse control space
Location:
Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia
Program:
Library and Community Center with Public Park
Area: Year of Design: Client: Project by: Description:
8192 Sq. ft / 770 Sq. m 2007-2009 Altus Page Kirkland Francis- Jones Morehen Thorp The project is built in an urban area, with a diverse community of age and culture. The site is also constricted to the roads that surround it. “The Project’s brief was developed in close consultation with the very active local community. The key approach that emerged from these discussions was that the community wanted a facility that everyone could share. Rather than only a library or a community centre or childcare centre, it became clear that it was important to have all of these facilities together in one building, one place.” The architectural theme for the building was “transparency” and has large windows and openings that allow for the community to see the activities happening within. The building being a public building wants to express the “values of the community” which are accessibility, openness, transparency, and sustainability. There is also an outdoor public space designed by landscape architects as a grass lawn. To Support the values of the community, louvers were used to not only control sunlight but views as well. The program of the building contains a collections library, public access computers, function facility for the community with verandah, teaching kitchen, and two childcare classrooms. The building is completely controlled by a computer system that monitors the amount of light and ventilation coming through the building. The louver system moves to allow more or less light in and the switching lights on and off when needed.
Fig. 31 Multiple Views
Fig. 32 Entrance
31 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 32
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
concept
“A Ritual Language” Companies have been using the way people interact in a space and the knowledge of peoples to their advantages when building a successful place. Stores have learned the pattern of the average American shopper, who will shop right to left in a counter clockwise motion. The doors and stores have been laid out to reflect our natural patterns. The stores that cater to this pattern have done better in business than stores who tried to deflect the way people want to move throughout a store. A study was even conducted to change the pattern in which people shop and have the shoppers enter a door on the left, using the registers as not only a block for the right door but also forcing the shoppers to move clockwise. These stores either found themselves unsuccessful or shoppers going out of their way to start at the right side and move around. In other places though shopping patterns can be found to be different, such as the British, Australian and Japanese shoppers tend to go the opposite way and shop clockwise, most likely based on the way that they drive. Another study of hospital waiting rooms showed that more people are willing to interact and communicate with each other in the seats were not fixed. A waiting room with fixed seats forces people to choose seats that may make for awkward or strange interactions. Many people also become defensive by sitting in a seat and placing their bag or book on the seat next to them communicating to us that they do not want someone sitting there. While in places where the seats could move, a nurse would find the chairs in clusters where people formed small groups so that they could talk to each other. The hardest way to communicate to another person is by sitting next to them. (Lawson, 2001) Studies have also been conducted on the changes of spaces and people’s reactions and changes in behavior. When the people are exposed to the color red, they are better at figuring out problems that require attention to detail or accuracy. People with exposure to the color blue were better at performing more creative tasks. (Lehrer, 2011) Another experiment was performed that showed how people were able to solve problems in different types of rooms. The results of Joan Meyers- Levy’s experiment exposed that people who were placed in a low ceiling height room were
able to solve mathematical problems while people with a high ceiling were able to come up with more creative answers. (2007) The design of a building has a direct effect the way we are able to interact within a space. If we can design places that promote these interactions between people and the space they are in, then we can invent new interactions. Different age groups interact differently to space and we normally make generic spaces to accommodate to all ages even if that is not how it will be used. Although, there are many that would benefit from the interactions with other age groups at these developmental or changing years and the design of spaces specifically to their needs. While children have pre-school areas to grow they are ultimately learning the same way as elderly people are in senior homes. By combining the two groups within a space they can teach and help each other during this critical time in their lives.
Fig. 33 Parti
33 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 34
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
Preschool for Creative Learning University of South Florida
The Preschool caters toward the University Parents that are either working or are students. Student who attend the preschool are placed in one of the four classrooms depending on their age level and maturity. The children are also enrolled in either part time or fulltime care. The full time students eat meals and nap at the facility. The building originally contained an Exploratorium in the main classroom with three classrooms adjacent and a covered patio. The Exploratorium is now a classroom for the oldest group of children. The large ceiling in the middle allows for echoing of the children’s voices, and makes the thirty students in the room sound like many more. The large classroom of four to five year olds has four teachers with many education student helpers. The smaller rooms are made up of two, three and four year olds. The smaller class rooms are limited to fifteen students maximum. The school runs on two teachers per fifteen students and has two support staff operating office and visitor area. Paula de Silva, the director of the Preschool, informed me about the layout of the school and the previous color scheme for the classrooms, was primary colors. She said that the red room was especially difficult for the students because of the intensity the color represents. The school recently changed to a neutral color pallet to create a ‘comforting and homey environment.’ Each classroom is full of family pictures of each child to remind them of home as well. The teachers strive to make each room as interactive and stimulating as possible with many activities throughout the day to keep the children’s attention. Recess is held outside in a large open field that has many play centers to climb on and bicycles to ride. The students at this point are mixed with other classrooms and have this outdoor time multiple times a day. Most of the activities are no more than 15 minutes at a time, except for recess is 30 minutes at a time. Although, there is an abundance of balls and outdoor equipment to play with, most of the children gravitate to the trees and dirt to digging; they use their imaginations to make the trees leaves into anything imaginable and pull on the sticks to make things out of.
While visiting the preschool I notice a lot about what children need in a building. We rarely think about a child’s needs when developing a space, but the furniture, windows, sinks and countertops all have to be built to the size of a child. Children do a lot of play on the floor and sometime need individual alone spaces to escape from the overwhelming activities of the classroom. Play, snack time, and nap time spaces are all needed as well within one classroom. Spaces designed for children encourage their creativity and development in learning.
Fig. 34 Preschool Sketch
Children 2-3 year old
35 A Ritual Language
Environment:
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
children
“A Ritual Language” Designing for a specific age group requires attention specifically to what caters to their development. Children need spaces that promote being social with all age groups. As a child, they are learning how to move and use their bodies to get around in a space, to build muscles, and test their strengths. Children have imaginations and short attention spans. Spaces must be designed to accommodate their ways of learning. (Lawson, 2001, pg.368-369) Designing for children can be specific for age groups as well. Catherine Fishel wrote a book called Designing for Children, that gives cues to how to design for all stages of child development. She says in her book that the design can promote self-esteem development and reinforce children’s ability to succeed on their own. “An effective design for a child respects their intelligence. It tells them something about the outside world or about themselves.” (Fishel, pg.11) Children from the preschool seemed to prosper when they were hands on in the activity to learn how to do it by themselves rather than watching the teacher the whole time. Nature is also a very influential part of childhood development. According to the Building for Life book by Stephen R. Kellert, he write, “The Child observes many normal and abnormal events in nature, helping him or her progress from simple acts of identification and classification to more complex conceptualizations and predictions.” (Kellert, pg. 69) Children are participating in less outdoor play then in years past, and technology is becoming more important. The outdoors explains time as in growth of plants, and the sun’s movement to children. Children also learn about seasons and can participate in active play that is not encouraged in indoor facilities.
Stimulating Environment Size Appropriate Furniture Beginning Mobility Learning Based Play Smaller Groups
Development: Gaining Independence Defining Boundaries
Children 3-4 year old Environment:
Stimulating Environment Size Appropriate Furniture Learning Based Play Active Play
Development: Gaining Independence Defining Boundaries Mastering Mobility
Children 4-5 year old Environment:
Stimulating Environment Unrestricted Space Active Play Learning Based Play Defined Boundaries
Development: Expanded Vocabulary Social Skills
Fig. 35-37 Diagrams
37 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 38
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
elderly
“A Ritual Language” Designing for elderly people requires attention to details and space configuration. For elderly, smaller spaces are ideal because of the decrease of mobility for many. Elderly people are going through a developmentary stage of their life where they are not able to complete certain tasks or have to move differently than before. Spaces for the older generations really need to be designed to reflect the daily usage of the space and users. Designs should be clearly understood so that aging eyes can determine space areas. The NCARB defines that the largest impacts of designing for elderly is their loss of balance, cognitive impairment, loss of strength, visual and hearing impairment, and sensitivity to temperatures. Simple designs can help with the balance of the elderly along with single story structures. Open floor plans and less hallways allows for the understanding of spaces, and the blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. Elements that trigger memories will also help a person develop wayfinding ideas about the building. The exterior is also very influential in the development of spaces for the elderly. Places outside that feel like rooms are easier understood, along with offering views into all the different spaces. Elderly have limited mobility which means designing more meaningful path are better for outdoor designs that lead directly to destinations. The NCARB promotes the use of plants that provide seasonal changes to bring people the awareness of cycles of life. Bryan Lawson says, “Old people need old people, but they also need the young; and young people need contact with the old.” (Lawson, 2001, pg. 216) There is a natural tendency for age groups to be clustered in certain areas which causes elderly to live in senior facilities; new areas typically are home to new families with children, where children do not have elderly people living in their neighborhoods. Mixing age groups and having everyone in a community is beneficial to every ones development.
Elderly
Environment:
Stimulating Environment Unrestricted Space Outdoor Roos Social Seating Safe Furniture
Development: Mobility Navigation Memory
Fig. 38 Diagram
39 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 40
site selection
site selection
“A Ritual Language”
Site 1:
Sanders Public Library Extension
Location:
Tampa, Florida
Area: Description:
2000 Sq. ft
28,500 Sq. ft.
Located in an Urban area on the outskirts of Downtown and adjacent to the new Encore project for lower income families. The Library is fairly small already and is connected to the Booker T. Washington Elementary School by aluminum roofed sidewalks.
Poe Garage Extension to Glazer Museum
Location:
Tampa, Florida
Description:
University of South Florida CoTA Lawn Tampa, Florida
Site 2:
Area:
“A Ritual Language”
The site is locate on the University of South Florida near the center of campus. The surrounding campus buildings are a gallery, fine arts facility, and the music building. The Southern edge of the site is the great lawn on campus. The campus was designed based on a very orthagonal grid, but as the campus has developed students have carved diagonal paths within the lawn and created paths to the new buildings.
2000 Sq. ft Located in an Urban area of Downtown and adjacent to the Glazer Children’s Museum and Tampa Art Museum. The parking garage spans over the railroad tracks and connects to the upper floors of the building. There is only two levels of the parking garage that span the site. Although there are not many families living in downtown many parents bring their children to the museum or park daily. Fig. 43 USF Fine Arts Map
Fig. 39 Poe Garage Map
Fig. 40-42 Process Model
Site 3 Location Area Description
41 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 2
site selection “A Ritual Language”
Site 4:
University Research Park
Location:
Tampa, Florida
Area: Description:
Fig. 44-46 Site Analysis
Proposed amongst an already proposed Research Park in the South- West corner of the University of South Florida Campus. The site is adjacent to one of the main entrances of campus as well as a HART line Public Bus stop. The accessibility to the public as well as the campus is offered within this site. The site is also adjacent to the University’s Botanical Gardens to accentuate activities within the new proposed building’s gardens. The adjacency to the gardens provides for an interaction between both the children and the elderly in this space. Outdoor activities are important to all of our development and connecting these educational activities to a greater garden space is very beneficial to this new research center. The proposed buildings for the site are a part of medical and engineering research, making this research center as an influential and similar building type.
Fig. 47 Parti
43 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 44
program
Researching Interactions Description:
Type of Project:
The space will provide for a combined space for both elderly and young children as they can interact and act separately. The space will be a place for research of the interactions of two different age groups, with the combined interaction of a research facility for students of the university to observe. The idea behind the space is to gradually combine the two groups into a central area where they elderly and children can interact together. The premise behind the project is that more and more children are being raised by someone besides their parents. Most of the time children are being taken care of by grandparents while both parents are working full time jobs. There is a strong relationship between a child and their care taker and an importance of that grandparent figure in their lives. The program created accentuates this bond between the two age groups and allows for them both to function on their own. Two Story Community/ Research Center Total Square footage: Interior: 10,750 Sq. Ft. Research Space: Office: 710 Sq. Ft Classrooms: 2000 Sq. Ft Restrooms: 495 Sq. Ft Exterior Observation: 240 Sq. Ft Administrave Lobby: 200 Sq. Ft Exterior: 240 Sq. Ft Interior: 4000 Sq. Ft. Children and Elderly: Combined Lobby: 440 Sq. Ft Garden Area: 2440 Sq Ft Children Space: Outdoor: 200 Sq. Ft Indoor: 2,500 Sq Ft Children classrooms: 1,930 Sq. Ft Lobby: 200 Sq. Ft. Administration: 100 Sq. Ft Restrooms: 260 Sq. Ft. Outdoor space: 200 Sq. Ft.
Elderly Space: Outdoor: 560 Sq Ft Interior: 2,770 Sq Ft Elderly Rooms: 2,260 Sq. Ft. Lobby: 182 Sq. Ft. Administration: 182 Sq. Ft. Restrooms: 144 Sq. Ft. Outdoor Space: 560 Sq. Ft.
Fig. 48 Layered space
Fig. 49 Materiality
Fig. 50 Charrette Plan
Fig. 53 Process Section
Fig. 51 Division of Space
Fig. 52 Transparent Entrance
45 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 46
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
design approach “A Ritual Language�
The idea of filtering comes into the design as the two groups are filtered into this common space from the outside. Each age group has its own entrance into the building which allows for a separation of program for the first few stages of the research. Both age groups have different demands from a space. The accessibility to the site is thru car from the north or pedestrian from the south. The Site being situated amongst the College buildings will add an extra layer of people within the space. The professors and college students interacting with the space will greatly affect the research aspect of the building. The entrance is the same for both age groups, but along the path they are separated branching off to their separate areas. The children have the longer path to get them acclimated to the space and familiar with their environment, as their parents are dropping them off for the day. The two groups would share a common space in between their buildings that would be a garden. The garden is another layer to the idea of filtering. The classrooms are lined with glass so the occupants can look into the garden space and see into each other’s rooms. The plants in some areas of the site come up above the windows providing some privacy and protections for occupants to have separate individual spaces.
Fig. 54 Entrance Perspective
Fig. 55 Adult Perspective
Fig. 56 Child Perspective
47 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 48
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
design approach “A Ritual Language”
Fig. 57 Filtering Multiple Views
Fig. 58 Filtering Levels
Fig. 59 Children’s Play
49 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 50
design approach
Filtering of old and new within a space. The Design of the porject is based on the development of these filters. The filter represents the bringing together of two different groups of people. Time, memory, size, and location all filter our idea of spaces. As the children and elderly are transitioned into this space they find themselves going through different experiences that represent the functions to happen in those places. The construct represents this filtering as something old and new is brought together and manipulated to form something new.
Fig. 61 Industrial Intervention
Fig. 62 Deterioration
Fig. 60 Filtering Construct
51 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 52
design approach “A Ritual Language�
The design is to have the research center overlapping the children’s wing. The research center is along the road and offers an added layer of protection to the children within the facility. Anyone to enter the children or elderly wings must enter the main entrance. The research center overlooks the interior garden to observe the interaction that may happen between the elderly and the children.
Fig. 64 Process Model
Fig. 65 Process Section Model
Fig. 66 Process Model Fig. 63 Process Model
53 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 54
Main Entrance Garden The Main Entrance garden is created to allow both the children and elderly a place of relaxation before they enter the group spaces. The seating around the gardens is a place for refuge and for the children to sit with their parents before entering into the common space with other children.
Fig. 68 Entry Model
Fig. 69 Entry Section Model Fig. 67 Entry
55 A Ritual Language
Children’s Path The image depicts the experience a child would have walking to one of the two classrooms. The children space would be open to all views and promote light coming in to guide the path.
Fig. 70 Children’s Path
The section is of the children rooms and research center relationship. The research center overlooks the garden below as the children and elderly interact.
Fig. 71 Cross Section
57 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 58
Elderly Garden View
Fig. 73 Entry Sketch Model
Fig. 72 Entry Garden Rendering
Fig. 74 Garden Trees
59 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 60
Communal Garden
The Communal Garden was created to influence the interaction of the elderly and children within this research center. The Garden functions as a learning area for the two groups and large group gathering. The space can be transformed into many different activities. The garden is also a place where the occupants can experience the outdoors and have a connection with the gardens across the street.
Fig. 75 Communal Garden Rendering
Fig. 76 Longitudinal Section
Fig. 77 Garden Detail
61 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 2
1
Ground Floor Plan The plan depicts the three distinct sections of the building and the relationship to the interior garden space. The “filtering” gardens are also presented in texture to show how they influence the surrounding building.
2
3
3
5
4 6
8
7
6
Fig. 78 Final Model
Ground Floor 1_ Classroom 2_ Research Lobby 3_ Children’s Classroom 4_Children’s Outdoor Play 5_Administative 6_Lobby 7_Garden 8_Entry Garfen Seating 9_Elderly Garden Seating 10_Elderly Outdoor space 11_Group Space 12_Meeting Room 13_Event Space 14_Kitchen
9 5
10 10 11
5
13
12
14 10
Fig. 79 Ground Floor
63 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 64
1
Second Floor
1
The plan depicts the three distinct sections of the building and the relationship to the interior garden space. The “filtering� gardens are also presented in texture to show how they influence the surrounding building. The research centers influence with the garden space is present in this drawing.
2
3 5
6
Fig. 80 Model Plan Diagram
Second Floor 1_Classroom 2_Lobby 3_Administrative Offices 4_Outdoor Viewing Platform 5_Conference Room 6_Outdoor Garden Fig. 81 Second Floor
4
65 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 66
abstract introduction people history public space proximity the new downtown ritual territory intimate public sun technology case distance concept memory filter time pedestrian path occupant vehicular transparency perspective layering research children elderly precedent language observation site
Conclusion
“A Ritual Language� The process of designing for two different age groups simultaneously is difficult because of the demands of each from a space. Bringing both the elderly and the children together within a space is logical because the two groups are going through some of the same developmental changes. Hopefully the two can teach each other different aspects of their lives. Children have this ability to absorb so much information so easily that they can help teach elderly these new technological advances that have developed. Nature is one part of life that the elderly can not feel overwhelmed about. While gardening in this space and learning about the outdoors, the elderly and children can share stories. The elderly move slower so I can see them sitting in the covered area and watching the children play. By functioning within the same space the two age groups can help each other, the elderly’s quality of life would increase by being involved in social and interactive activities. Children would gain a respect for nature as well as their elders; many children are from unique family situations that does not include grandparents, so they never have that experience with a grandparent. The studies and research completed are represented within the building through the areas of the entrance, procession, and views. The precedent and case studies have been influential in the development of these areas and the ultimate idea for this building type. People have developed these interactions and languages to the ways in which they move through a space and it is important for generations to experience the diversity of people. The Research Center is a prediction for a new form of care for our elderly and children to improve our understanding of the other ways of teaching and continuing education through different stages of life. Fig. 82 Final Model
67 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 68
works cited Films and Documentaries:
Books:
1. Shaefer, S. C. (Director). (2006).Contested streets [Documentary]. United States: Cicala Filmworks. 2. Greene, G. (Director). (2007). Escape from suburbia [Documentary]. United States: s.n.]. 3. Klodawsky, H. (Director). (2009). Malls r us [Documentary]. United States: Icarus FIlms. 4. Whyte, W. H. (Director). (2005). The social life of small urban spaces[Documentary]. United States: Direct Cinema Ltd.. 5. Hustwit, G. (Director). (2012).Urbanized [Documentary]. United States: Plexifilm. 1. Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., & Silverstein, M. (1977). A Pattern Language: towns, buildings, construction. New York: Oxford University Press 2. Bon, I. (2012). Designing library space for children. Berlin: De Gruyter Saur. 3. Carr, S., Francis, M., Rivlin, L., & Stone, A. (1992). Chapter 1: The Value of Public Space. Public space (pp. 3-21). Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press. 4. Dimitrius, J., & Mazzarella, M. (1998). Scanning the Environment: Seeing People in Context. Reading people: how to understand people and predict their behavior-- anytime, anyplace (pp. 76-102). New York: Random House. 5. Franck, K. A., & Stevens, Q. (2007). Chapter 1. Loose space: possibility and diversity in urban life. London: Routledge. 6. Fishel, C. M. (2001). Designing for children: marketing design that speaks to kids. Gloucester, Mass.: Rockport. 7. Gehl, J. (1987). Life between buildings: using public space. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. 8. Hall, E. T. (1966). The hidden dimension([1st ed.). Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday. 9. Kellert, S. R. (2005). Building for life: designing and understanding the human-nature connection. Washington, DC: Island Press. 10. Lawson, B. (2001). The language of space. Oxford: Architectural Press. 11. Madden, K., & Schwartz, A. (2000).How to turn a place around: a handbook for creating successful public spaces (p. 16-77). New York, NY: Project for Public Spaces 12. Maxwell, L. E. (1998). Designing child care settings: a child-centered approach. Ithaca, NY: Cornell Cooperative Extension :.
1. Arreletes Day Care Centre/ Xavier Vialta Studio. (2009, January 25). Arch Daily. Retrieved January 2, 2013, from www.archdaily.com/12360/ arreletes-day-care-centre-xavier-vilalta-studio/ 2. Child Care Center Design Guide. (n.d.). U.S. General Services Administration. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from www.gsa.gov/graphics/pbs/ designguidesmall.pdf 3. Designing for Children | Information & Design. (n.d.). Information & Design | Designing for humans. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from http:// infodesign.com.au/usabilityresources/designingforchildren/ 4. Designing for the Elderly. (n.d.). Designing for the Elderly. Retrieved March 8, 2013, from www.architectureaddition.com/designing-for-theelderly.php 5. FAIA, MRAIC, AICP, B. P., Hoglund, FAIA, J. D., AIA, AICP, D. K., Cohen, AIA, E. R., & Kliment, FAIA, S. A. (n.d.). Accommodations For Seniors. How to Turn a Place Around | Project for Public Spaces. (n.d.). Project for Public Spaces | Placemaking for Communities. Retrieved September 10, 2012, from http://www.pps.org/training/httapa/ 6. HSSU Early Childhood & Parenting Education Center/ LuchiniAD. (2011, August 17). Arch Daily. Retrieved January 12, 2013, from www. archdaily.com/157899/hssu-early-childhood-parenting-educationcenter-luchiniad/ 7. Surry Hills Library and Community Centre/ FJMT. (2010, April 25). Arch Daily. Retrieved January 7, 2013, from www.archdaily.com/57339/surryhills-library-and-community-centre-fjmt/ 8. Lehrer, J. (n.d.). The Psychology of Architecture. Wired.com. Retrieved September 28, 2012, from www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/04/thepsychology-of-architecture/>. 9. Meyrers-Levy, J. (n.d.). Journal of Consumer Research. The Influence of Ceiling Height: The Effect of Priming on the Type of Processing That People Use. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from www.carlsonschool.umn. edu/assets/711 10. Pickett, P. (n.d.). 5 Ways Stores Use Science to Trick You Into Buying Crap | Cracked.com. Cracked.com - America’s Only Humor Site | Cracked.com. Retrieved October 1, 2012, from http://www.cracked.com/ article_18805_5-ways-stores-use-science-to-trick-you-into-buyingcrap.html 11. UrbanSpaceInitiative . (n.d.). Historical Overview of Public Urban Space. Retrieved October 11, 2012, from www.urbanspaceinitiative.com/ historical-overview/
Online Resources
1 A Ritual Language
A Ritual Language 2