table of contents
about the designer 4
biography
i. project overview 6
project abstract user profile
7
concept statement client profile
ii. research 8 9 11
history of the neighborhood existing building
precedent studies
iii. project development 12 13
site analysis daylighting
building details 14 15 16 17 18 2 | kelly mann
FALL.18
current building constraints building program
planning matrix and bubble diagrams egress and occupant load studies preliminary space planning
iv. project design 20
22
first floor main entrance Focus area 1 cafe deco
Focus area 2 25
hope haven offices Focus area 3
27
typical lounge space Focus area 4
29 30
additional building details residential unit Focus area 5
v. furniture and finishes 33
finish selection boards
vi. bibliography
academy of art university | 3
about the designer I have always had a passion for people and for making a difference, so it was only natural that I wanted to do interior design once I got to college. Interior design allows me the ability to impact someone’s life in a way that no other profession can. I’m able to make a space function and look beautiful without putting myself on a pedestal. Interior design affords me the opportunity to take needs such as handicap accessibility and make them work for the client in a tasteful way. I have a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Abilene Christian University. After graduation I worked for a commercial architecture firm in Abilene, TX for 5 years as the lead interior designer, working mostly with K-12 public education. In that time I sat for and passed the NCIDQ and received my license as a Registered Interior Designer in the State of Texas. I stayed home with children for a couple of years as I practiced on my own and launched an online retail business. In that time I was approached by Abilene Christian University to consider stepping into the teaching role. I have been working towards both my Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University for the last three years. Upon completion, I will be taking over the interior design department at ACU as the new program director. Teaching was never something I saw myself doing in the past. While I have a heart to make a difference, I wanted to do it myself through practice. This opportunity sprung itself upon me, and before I knew it I was in the throes of higher education. It was then that I realized the magnitude of my ability to make an impact on the profession through the training up of new designers. My passion for people not only comes through in my passion for my students, but it comes through in the lessons I teach them about how great the responsibility as a designer is. From sustainability to accessibility, 4 | kelly mann
FALL.18
responsible design is so important at the foundational level. I would personally like to see a shift in the thinking of the design profession as a whole into one that is more geared toward universal design. Designing for all people, at all times, regardless of their abilities. I see a future in interior design and architecture that doesn’t look at ADA accessibility issues as limitations to good design, but something that is already so deeply incorporated into the foundation of the design that
it’s a non-issue. Being able to pass this passion on to my students is a privilege I do not take lightly. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to further my education at the Academy in the field that I already love.
KELLY MANN
RID, NCIDQ, ASID, IDEC Registered Interior Designer NCIDQ Certificate #27744 Texas Registration #11241
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Abilene Christian University, August 2015 – Present Instructor • Teach freshman and junior-level interior design students, courses DSGN 102 and DSGN 301. • Led the research and preparation for CIDA Accreditation review in Spring 2018. MckMonoshop, October 2014 – December 2015 Women-Owned, Internet-based Small Business Owner/Operator • Developed a successful internet business with growing customer base and social following. CADCO Architects-Engineers, Inc., May 2009 – August 2013 Registered Interior Designer • Organized and managed the design and finishes on construction projects valued over $150,000,000. • Responsible for generating new clients as well as maintaining relationships with current and past clients by cold calling, drop-in visits, and organizing company/client events. • Managed and designed the company website, brochures and other marketing tools. • Responsible for company booths at trade shows, organizing and planning extra client-oriented events beyond the limits of the trade show hours. • Responsible for monitoring the outward appearance of the company’s professionalism, competence and its perceived level of integrity by integrating a higher-level of relationship management with clients, contractors, and communities involved. CADCO Architects-Engineers, Inc., May 2008 – April 2009 Interior Design Intern • Learned basic drafting and the general flow of a construction project from an architectural perspective. • Responsible for organizing and maintaining databases of current finishes • Supervised drafting for compliance with ADA regulations. EDUCATION • Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA, anticipated graduation December 2018 o MFA Interior Architecture and Design •
Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA, August 2017 o MA Interior Architecture and Design
•
Abilene Christian University, May 2009 o BS Interior Design, Minor in Business Administration
ACTIVITIES • First Baptist Church, Abilene, TX – Digital Design Committee • Texas Chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Professional member, 7 years • Oklahoma-Texas Chapter of International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Professional member, 2 years. • Young Life Abilene leader at Abilene High School, 4 years • Committee Member Young Life Abilene, joined March 2012
academy of art university | 5
i. project overview project abstract
Abilene Hope Haven (AHH) is a non-profit established in Abilene, Texas in 1992 to address the needs of the homeless community in Taylor County (city of Abilene). Founder Jackie Warmsley, a long-time social worker, recognized the need for a safe facility that could provide homeless adults and families with food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, as well as the tools to become selfsufficient.4 Through the years of growth, AHH has seen many changes to its facilities. The need to support the homeless population has only grown through the years as the cost of living continues to grow. There is a need for a community center that is centrally located within close proximity to public transit to meet the growing needs of the people AHH is trying to assist. Making the people who enter the doors of the facility feel welcome will go a long way in the process of getting this demographic back on their feet in a position to become employable. Additionally, there is a growing need for transitional housing options in the area. Solutions for this need are to be explored within this project.
user profile
The target user of this building is the homeless and refugee population in the city of Abilene, Texas. The International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit organization focusing on worldwide humanitarian aid has a strong presence in Abilene, Texas.11 The age ranges and types of people are vast because homelessness doesn’t limit its reach and impact on humanity. This includes young adults, families with small children, middle-aged men and women, elderly, mentally challenged, handicapped, able-bodied, healthy, sick, veterans, and more. The socioeconomic status of these users is poor, which is the reason they are in the situation to begin with. There is also a wide range of educational backgrounds found within this user group.7 Homelessness doesn’t look exactly the same for every person it affects. The community center will also be used by the Abilene Hope Haven employees as an office, people of lower income from the surrounding neighborhood utilizing this space for a warm, dry, public place to gather, and attorneys and various other business persons stopping in for coffee on their way to work, plus many more. Providing a safe space for people to congregate and get out of the elements while maintaining their dignity is the central-focus of the space.
Existing Building Facade
6 | kelly mann
FALL.18
concept statement The concept for the new Abilene Hope Haven community center and housing project is “beauty from ashes.� People and buildings often get worn down over time, some more than others, and are in need of revitalization and a fresh start. Converting an old building that has sat primarily vacant and run-down for 20 years into a useful, desirable, and beautiful space will give the building a new life and a fresh start, much like the revitalization that takes place in the lives of the people who enter through the doors. Keeping true to some of the exposed structural members within the building will maintain the industrial feel, while juxtaposing the old with the new. This will serve as a reminder to all who enter that your past helps to build, not define, who you become.
Homeless Man, public domain image
client profile
The new owners of the building at 1082 South 2nd Street in downtown Abilene, Texas would like to convert the existing building into a community center and multi-family housing space as a branch of Abilene Hope Haven. The homeless and refugee population in Abilene is steadily growing and there are centers in place to help train those willing to work in a field they are interested in with an end-goal of getting them back on their feet. There is a need for additional transitional housing spaces while the participants go through the program and work towards a better life. When staying in a shelter, a homeless person must leave the shelter early in the morning and cannot return until the evening to get back in line and hope for a bed the next night. On inclimate weather days,
this leaves them in a public setting such as the library or mall to get out of the elements where they are often uncomfortable and feel out of place. A community center that is centrally located and accessible by public transit would allow those underserved the ability to comfortably escape the elements and create a better life than they currently have while maintaining their dignity. The community center will house the new offices of Abilene Hope Haven and other needs of its occupants, such as a barber shop, lounge space, and a place to relax. Abilene Hope Haven, Inc. (AHH) is currently operating at or above capacity in their current location, and the organization would like to open another unit along with the addition of the community center space.
A survey done by the West Texas Homeless Network shows a significant increase in the number of homeless people counted versus those counted last year.2 West Texas Homeless Network says 129 surveys were conducted in Abilene beginning in January 2017. In those surveys, 172 people within the city limits identified as homeless10, but the actual number of homeless people in the area is predicted to be significantly higher.
academy of art university | 7
ii. research history of the neighborhood For years downtown Abilene, Texas has been run-down and somewhat overlooked. With only a handful of stores in the area, downtown Abilene was lacking in appeal. Since 2010, the city has been working hard to change this image and bring new businesses back to downtown. The emphasis has been on the north downtown area, as it was only natural to improve the half of downtown that was more populated. Improving streets, adding pedestrian areas, updating buildings, a park with a fountain, and even large murals on the sides of buildings have all contributed to this stimulation on the north side of downtown.9 Abilene is divided into north and south by the Texas and Pacific Railroad that runs directly through the center of downtown. The first trains to
make it to Abilene arrived in January 1881 and the first station opened up on February 28, 1881. In order to promote settlement in West Texas, the T&P Railway held an auction on March 15, 1881 for the sale of 178 lots in the area. Since that time, Abilene has grown to become “the business, agricultural, transportation, medical, educational, and cultural center for central west Texas.�3 In recent years, the desire for the area South of Downtown Abilene (SoDA District) to be revitalized has grown and movement has been seen. Businesses are purchasing worn down buildings and restoring them into new spaces, and it is hopeful that the city will catch on with the creation of a master plan for the SoDA District. This side of downtown currently houses a number of businesses
and now nicer bars, as well as the police station, the courthouse, and the tallest building in Abilene, the Enterprise building. With all of the revitalization happening around the city, it seems to be a perfect time to contribute to the movement with this community center. The selected lot for the project is located one block from the courthouse, one block from the railroad - a main artery of the city and is adjacent to the main city bus station. With centralized proximity to so many key features of the city, it is considered a prime location.
SoDA District, Neighborhood Photos
8 | kelly mann
FALL.18
existing building
SoDA District, Neighborhood Photos
“To help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other, the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community in every way possible.” Independent Order of Oddfellows mission, original occupants of the building
The building is located in the heart of the downtown scene of Abilene, Texas with close proximity to the main bus station. Immediately surrounding the location are a handful of social spaces such as wine and patio bars, a food truck park, and various other attractions. This site was originally built to house the Independent Order of Oddfellows, whose command is to “visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan” and more recently “to help make the world a better place to live by aiding each other, the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, the environment and the community in every way possible.”5 This is a fitting mission for a building that will soon house the new location for Abilene Hope Haven, serving those less fortunate and helping them to get back on their feet. The building, built in 1921, wasn’t completely inhabited by the Independent Order of Oddfellows. A grocery store took up most of the first floor for many years, while the top floors housed offices. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters also had office space in the building, leading to the inscription on the building’s facade in 1941.6 This building is approximately 40,000 square feet and is brick and timber construction with three stories, a southfacing main entrance, and a patio bar directly adjacent to the north. South downtown Abilene is a once forgotten part of the city that has been making a come-back in > academy of art university | 9
Nearby street mural by local artist
the last 10 years with the increasing urban-style housing locations and increasing social night scene. The building’s third floor is currently unoccupied, while the first and portions of the second floor are being utilized by a Hispanic night club. The updates to the building have been somewhat minimal and have been done on a case-by-case basis, meeting specific small needs with each update. There is an elevator in the northwest corner of the building that is in need of repair but can be fixed. The overall building has not been thoroughly updated in many years, however the structure is sound. This opens many doors to help preserve some of the history of the building within the new design. Currently in the city of Abilene there is no building that functions like the proposed project. With homeless populations increasing and nowhere for them to go, more and more of these people are finding themselves sleeping in the public library or under bridges during the daytime. Those seeking a spot in a homeless shelter have to be out very early in 10 | kelly mann
FALL.18
the morning and cannot return to wait in line for the following night until late in the afternoon. On days when the weather is nice this may not be a problem, but on inclimate weather days this leaves
people on the streets or feeling out of place and uncomfortable in public spaces, just trying to keep warm or dry. Because they don’t have anywhere else to go on these days, the homeless in
Abilene feel even more separated from society as an outcast that doesn’t fit in. Providing a space with multiple lounge areas, places for entry-level employment, pro-bono legal and counseling services, locker rooms, laundry facitlites, mail services, computer labs, training classes and overall community spaces will go a long way to help these people maintain their dignity and feel like they have a place where they belong. They are free to wash their belongings and themselves while taking care of any of the needs they have that would help to propel them back into society. The cafe in the building will offer a place for some of the occupants to work as well as provide a simple way to bring the working and professional population into the space. This exposure to the working and professional world helps to reintroduce the homeless back into society on their terms through conversation and interaction. This also helps to lower the stigma often associated with being homeless or in a transitional stage of life.
precedent studies austin resource center for the homeless Austin, Texas
The publication linked below was written discussing how the function of this building has morphed from how it was originally intended to function to how it’s functioning today. Various spaces have been modified or moved, and other spaces have been added as they have been in the building and figured out things that are important to them. This space is a little different from the proposed building because it’s an actual shelter, but it incorporates uses of finishes and the impact that can have on the emotional state of people in this stage of life. The article also discusses how spaces function, and some of the supporting spaces, such as a mail room, salon, computer room, etc. that help the daily lives of the people living in the shelter.1 Scan the QR Code to locate the original publication.
new genesis apartments Los Angeles, California
Making a place that feels like home: “When residents talked about home in the focus groups, fundamental ideas emerged like safety, the place where people engage the rest of the universe, a sanctuary, and where people entertain and connect with family and friends. Consequently, the architecture needed to set the stage for these things to occur. “ This article also talks about how the building and spaces within the building are used to give the occupants a sense of optimism and incorporate them into the neighborhood. The importance of light is discussed as an antidote to combat depression and PTSD that can often plague people in this stage of life. The design of this space is done in a way that it doesn’t represent the feeling of courthouses, mental service facilities, jails, etc. which are not places that bring about the feelings one desires in their home. In order to reduce the stigma of supportive housing and the stigma surrounding it, the facility also offers low-income housing in the form of artist lofts, as well as providing tenant space for a retail or business and even a restaurant right on the property.8 Scan the QR Code to locate the original publication.
academy of art university | 11
iii. project development site analysis
The location of the building is in the heart of the SoDA District of Abilene. The north east corner of Sycamore and South 2nd streets and is prime for developing into a community center that will be utilized by many people on a regular basis. The south facing entrance is ideal to block the cold north winds in the winter. Located just one block from the railroad tracks in the center of town, there will need to be considerations made for sound reduction in some of the spaces. Adjacent to the site is the main bus station for the local bus system, a food truck park, and retail spaces. Near to this area is also the courthouse, several law offices, retail locations and other small businesses.
12 | kelly mann
FALL.18
Existing Building Facade
building details
- aprroximately 40,000 sf - built in 1921 - 3-stories - masonry and timber construction - ada entrance at south entrance - corner property - night time social scene surrounding - bus station in immediate proximity
daylighting
The majority of the daylight on the main floor of the building comes from the curtain walls on the south side of building. There are clerestory windows on the west side of the building, but making these larger will add to the success of the design. Capturing all of the possible daylight in such a large building is important both on a psychological level and in the case of design. The light and glare from the largest windows and doors on the south of the building will be diffused with exterior shades and the addition of interior mesh solar shades that can be adjusted for comfort. On the first floor, the north and east walls do not have windows due to the adjacencies to other buildings and spaces. The second and third floor currently have minimal windows and access to daylight on the north and east sides, but the design plan is to add a tasteful amount while keeping in mind the direction of the path of the sun and the glare this would create. The third floor will require specific placement of windows to meet the requirements of the residential units that will be located on that level. academy of art university | 13
Existing Building Facade
current building constraints
- constrained by the existing building footprint - a single story building is attached to the building on the East side, so specific fire separation will have to come into play with the building. - noise from the train tracks located one block to the north of the building will be something to consider when designing the space. - an attractive exterior entrance to bring the intended users to the front of the building will need to be created. - access to the kitchen area is necessary for deliveries to be made. - with the bus station in close proximity to the building, necessary security actions need to be taken. - unintentional foot traffic will come from the north with close proximity of the site to the food truck park. - lack of an outdoor green space and how to handle that situation with the occupants.
14 | kelly mann
FALL.18
- south facing site will minimize the impact on the building of the strong, cold north winds coming into the building in the winter. - the west side of the building will be impacted greatly by the effects of the heat from the sun in the summer months; window coverings to reduce this impact should be considered. - the neighborhood is not necessarily known for high levels of foot traffic, generally, but with the addition of these services this could change. - being centrally located within the city, this site is a good location to attract as many people as possible. - several shelters are within a few miles of the site. Proximity to these locations will be an asset to the location of the building. - 2 means of egress from each floor necessary - repairs to existing elevator equipment necessary
building program - major spaces space function
aesthetic
area (sf)
LOBBY
1. First impression in the building from the street. 2. Secure access required after public hours 3. ADA compliant 4. Centralized access points to the building for added levels of security. 5. Visually open space, central hub of the other public spaces with immediate access to public toilets. 6. Seating for approximately 12 people. 7. Reception and information desk.
1. Glass for visibility and light transmission from outside to inside. 2. Durable flooring with walk-off mats to absorb water and dirt. 3. Exposed structure juxtaposed with new designs.
3000 SF
CAFE
1. Public use, bringing working and professional class people to the space allowing for interaction among the homeless. 2. Money making venture 3. Availability of jobs for occupants of the space.
1. Glass for visibility and light transmission from outside to inside. 2. Durable flooring, seamless with main lobby 3. Area of emphasis with the design. 4. Tables and seating for customers
800 SF
LOUNGE SPACE
1. Public use, available to everyone. 2. Various types of seating to make people feel welcome and comfortable. 3. Multiple groupings all over the public spaces of the building for groups and individuals. 4. Televisions and books available for use.
1. Durable and cleanable textiles 2. Various lighting levels. 3. “Living room� feel 4. Warm, inviting tones.
HOPE HAVEN OFFICES
1. Located off main lobby 2. Reception area with waiting for 4 people 3. Open work space for 4 employees 4. 2 small, private offices. 5. 1 Board/Conference room. 6. Circulation through the space.
1. Mood lighting in the evenings 2. Warm, neutral tones through the space. 3. Exposed structure in some areas.
1500 SF
COUNSELING/ LEGAL SERVICES
1. Easy access from main lobby. 2. Small reception space for each. 3. Private offices for each.
1. Warm, neutral tones through the space. 2. Attention to client privacy
1000 SF
1. Open room with flexible furnishings. 2. Can accommodate various groups ranging in age and size. 3. Storage for furnishings and other equipment for the room. 4. Furnishings include folding tables and stackable chairs. 1. ADA Compliant 2. Living room 3. Kitchen 4. Bathroom 5. 2 Bedrooms 6. Small Laundry space
1. Carpet tile flooring for sound absorption and ease of maintenance/ clean up. 2. Neutral tones 3. Dedicated wall covering on one wall for tacks and staples.
1000 SF
1. Combination of soft and hard flooring 2. Residential comfort with commercial durability
1200 SF
COMMUNITY ROOM
RESIDENTIAL UNIT (4)
200 SF ea.
academy of art university | 15
planning matrix and bubble diagrams
second floor
first floor
16 | kelly mann
FALL.18
third floor
egress and occupant load studies During the construction phase of the project a second exit stair will be added on the south east corner of the building to accommodate the need for additional exits in the building. On all three floors the center of the building will be open and serve as the main artery for circulation in and around the space. This will allow for multiple options for occupants of the building to exit in the event of an emergency. Because this is a community center that will have a wide ranging number of occupants in the space, the building will be prepared for just about any scenario. The safety of the occupants is of utmost importance and will be taken into account when planning the circulation of the building. The finishes selected are an important piece to the puzzle of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public. For example, selecting fabrics that are durable with high performance ratings but also include the necessary flammability ratings for this space. Looking further, the occupant loads of each of the floors has been calculated using the International Building Code 2012, the current adoption of the City of Abilene. The first floor has multiple occupancy types (A-2 and B) and has an occupant load of 344. Similarly, the second floor also has multiple occupancy types (A-2 and B) and has a total occupant load of 361. The third floor is the residential floor. It has an occupant load of 32. In keeping with the requirements for finishes and egress as stated by the International Building Code, the building will keep the safety of the occupants in mind.
Occupant Load Calculations
academy of art university | 17
preliminary space planning Abilene Hope Haven’s name was intentional when it was created. The nature of the organization is to be a haven of hope to the people they are serving. This became an important piece of the design process. The Hope Haven office view originally began as a reception desk sketch, but as the design continued to morph and change into the final layout it is today, the idea of incorporating and repeating the feeling of “HOPE” multiple times throughout the building became a central theme. This is also evident in an early version of an exterior sketch of the building with the word “HOPE” wrapping the southwest corner. The main reception/welcome desk sketch utilizes way-finding by using Art Deco detailing inlayed into the flooring and the face of the desk. This ties into the Art Deco detailing on the facade of the building and details located in various other portions of the building. Once again, the word HOPE is dominant for the space as a sense of “that’s what we do here”. While the design for this area changed a little towards the end of the project, the feeling of welcomeness and hope is still carried out. In the beginning of the design phase there was consideration for the use of a light
Retail Space Sketch
First Floor space planning
18 | kelly mann
that resembles a star, symbolically speaking to the idea of a guiding light for the people, “come here and you will find hope.” The cafe will have art deco styling, hinting to the exterior and will be close to the main entrance. Its location and styling will not only be appealing and make the occupants of the space feel as if they are in a high end coffee shop, but it will appeal to the local working-class foot traffic in the area. This cafe will take vouchers (given at the front desk) for the homeless population using the community center. The plan for this cafe will be a money-making venture as well as a way to employ those who are utilizing the space, while giving ample opportunity for interaction between the homeless people and business people in the area. The cafe will more or less serve as a bridge
FALL.18
from one socioeconomic status to another. The retail spaces, much like the cafe, will serve the users of the building, but also employ them and/ or offer them a place to sell any of the goods they may make. Providing services in a safe setting will allow the people in the building to better themselves which will help them when it comes to landing a job. The glass into each space provides light and transparency into the happenings of each of the spaces. The building will also offer locker rooms, laundry facilities, pro-bono legal and counseling services, computer access, mailing services, and a large room to hold groups of people. Creating a central hub for the low-income and homeless of the city by offering them hope and respite is the main goal of the building.
preliminary sketches
Main Entrance/Reception - Preliminary Sketch
academy of art university | 19
iv. project design first floor As the design of the building and specific focus areas developed in the schematic design phase, some changes were made to help create the most functional and appealing space possible. The five main focus areas within the project are the main entrance and reception space, the cafe, Abilene Hope Haven Office reception space, a typical lounge space, and a typical residential unit. The first floor of the building is home to the majority of these spaces, more specifically the main entrance, the cafe, AHH Offices, and an example of a typical lounge space.
Main Reception Sketch
main entrance
Taking hints from the Art Deco elements on the building, the main entrance will capture the past while bringing in the “new.” Gold accents will not only create interesting detail elements but also serve a function with this area of the building. The gold metal accents will be saw cut and inlayed into the concrete. This will maintain a smooth flooring surface while adding an area of emphasis to the design. The floor inlay stretches towards the main entrance as a continuous line. This continuous line serves as a sort of way-finding giving the entering occupant a direction of eye movement from the floor, up the face of the reception desk to the receptionist, and then turning their gaze in the direction of the cafe, and the main money-making, outreach areas of the building. Other important features in the main entrance/reception area of the building include a 3D textured wall covering as an accent wall directly behind the reception counter. >
Main Reception Rendered Sketch - iPad Pro and Pencil
first floor - key plan
1. Main Entrance/Reception 2. Deco Cafe 3. Lounge Space 4. Retail Spaces 5. Abilene Hope Haven Offices 6. Men’s Locker Room 7. Women’s Locker Room 20 | kelly mann
FALL.18
This serves as another element of emphasis for the first impression of the patron as they enter the space. The textured pattern of the wall covering resembles a soft wave of water, invoking a sense of calm from the moment someone walks into the building. The word “welcome� greets the occupant before their gaze completely moves to the adjacent cafe area. Finishes in this space include a white quartz counter top contrasted with a black plastic laminate on the base of the reception desk, polished concrete flooring, as well as gold metal inlay on both the flooring and the reception desk. Accent lighting is provided by the track lighting to help boost the texture of the 3D wall covering since the color of the accent wall is white. Throughout many of the public spaces in the building the structure above is exposed and painted with a black, flat paint. The main lighting in these areas is a black pendant meant >
Enlarged Plan - Main Entrance/Reception
Main Entrance/Reception Rendering
academy of art university | 21
main entrance (cont.)
to resemble the look of a recessed can light without having a physical ceiling to recess them into. In many of the focus areas of the building there will be full or partial ceilings in place to help define the spaces, especially in the event that there aren’t walls to clearly define the spacial boundaries. These partial areas of ceilings in some instances also help with acoustics by using acoustical materials applied to them or suspended as the “ceiling” for the given area. It was an important element of the design concept to make the occupants of the space feel comfortable and more “at home.” Without the addition of lowered ceilings in specific spaces, this would have been a challenge. Combining the feeling of home with the feeling of a commercial space created opportunities for the designer to use ceiling accents as an important element to the success of the design concept of the space.
Main Entrance/Reception - North Elevation
cafe deco
The next focus area of the building is the cafe. The cafe is directly adjacent to the main entrance/ reception area of the building. Cafe Deco will serve as a venture opportunity for the building as well as an area to employ some of the building’s occupants. Additionally, it will help to reintroduce the homeless and low-income people from the surrounding neighborhood into a social setting bridging socioeconomic lines. Located in a public corner of the building’s interior, it is important that patrons can get into and out of the cafe area easily. Much like the main entrance, the cafe is taking a nod to the Art Deco styling of the building’s origin and includes elements commonly found in Art Deco designs. Gold accents, geometric patterns, and stone finishes all contribute to this design style. The linear effect created by the gold accents in the 22 | kelly mann
FALL.18
Main Entrance/Reception - Enlarged Reflected Ceiling Plan
floor and face of the reception desk are repeated on the soffit above the service area of the cafe. The lines are made with a wood finish on the cafe and help to create unity and variety within the space, while also bringing in some warmth through the use of a wood finish. Because the spaces are connected without walls to transition between
them, the polished concrete flooring continues into the cafe. Similarly, the white quartz and black laminate casework continues in this space as well. The wall colors include warm brown hues and muted greens, along with some exposed brick on the south wall of the building. All of these elements help to bring about the
Cafe Deco - Preliminary Sketch
Cafe Deco - Enlarged Floor Plan
Cafe Deco - Hightower dining chair sketch
Cafe Deco - East Interior Elevation
warm tones commonly found in the coffee shop atmosphere. Seating in this area is minimal because there are already so many alternative lounge-type spaces within the building’s interior. If people want to sit comfortably and stay a while, the preference would be to have them come into the space further. This facilitates more opportunities to
Cafe Deco - North Interior Elevation
bridge the socioeconomic gaps and interact with the occupants of the building. Cafe Deco is equipped with all of the necessary equipment for a successful coffee shop, including a self-serve food and juice shelf for refrigerated goods. Homeless and low-income guests who register with the front desk will be given a voucher
for a free beverage from the cafe counter as well as a free snack from the self-serve shelf daily, provided by generous donations of donors within the community. Not only does this benefit the homeless population’s immediate needs of hunger, but it is an incentive for them to register with the facility. In doing so, they will learn more about all of the resources > academy of art university | 23
Cafe Deco - Rendering
cafe deco (cont.)
available to them through Abilene Hope Haven to help them create a better life. Exposed ceilings continue into this area of the building, however there is a gypsum board area with a ceiling height of 11’-6” just outside of the cafe order counter that provides for a solid surface to mount track lighting. This track lighting illuminates the wood details on the soffit and helps to draw attention to the cafe. Additionally, there is a soffit that drops to a gypsum board ceiling height of 8’-0” mirroring the cafe order counter footprint. This soffit lowers the ceiling in the area, allows for the use of LED recessed can lighting, helps to define the cafe space, and creates a feature on its vertical face.
Cafe Deco - Reflected Ceiling Plan
24 | kelly mann
FALL.18
hope haven offices
The main tenant of the building is the offices for Abilene Hope Haven. This building will serve to expand the current reach and resources Hope Haven has available to offer the community of Abilene. Moving from their current location to a more centralized location of the city will also help with closer proximity to the people they strive to serve. The location of the main office is right off of the main lounge space on the first floor. The AHH office is visible from the entrance of the building and easy to find. The requirements of the space includes a reception area, conference room, and 4 private offices for its employees. The use of glass partitions within the AHH office was an intentional choice by the designer to help communicate the feeling of transparency in what AHH does for the people that walk through their doors. Custom wood features and casework provide accents in the space while bringing in the warmth that comes from wood tones. This also draws in many of the finishes used throughout the building in different locations. The colors in the space continue from the rest of the building as well: browns, muted greens, and wood tones with accents of black and white. The main >
Hope Haven Offices - Enlarged Floor Plan
Hope Haven Offices - Reception north elevation
first floor - key plan
1. Main Entrance/Reception 2. Deco Cafe 3. Lounge Space 4. Retail Spaces 5. Abilene Hope Haven Offices 6. Men’s Locker Room 7. Women’s Locker Room academy of art university | 25
hope haven offices (cont.) reception desk is a custom piece that is made using the same white quartz as other areas in the building, along with black laminate and wood. Directly behind the reception desk is a hand painted mural of the word “hope� to highlight the goal of the organization and to bring some unique characteristics and details to the reception area. Lighting in this space is simple with a few areas of accent. The small accent pendant in the reception area brings an element of balance, opposite of the custom wood wall feature. In the conference room, the gypsum board ceiling continues the linear effect from the wall treatment, and each void is filled with a recessed LED strip light so the voids glow and draw attention to the design of the ceiling. Furnishings in the offices are simple, but functional. Each office has a full-height glass partition and door Hope Haven Offices - Reflected Ceiling Plan
Hope Haven Offices - Reception Desk
26 | kelly mann
FALL.18
dividing it from the corridor, so visual contact can be made at all times. With security in mind, implemenation of security cameras and panic-style buttons linking workers to the nearby police station will be important and valuable assets to this building.
Lounge Space - Idea Sketch
typical lounge space
One of the main functions of the space, beyond the offices for Abilene Hope Haven, is to be an outreach space to the homeless and surrounding neighborhood. A warm, comfortable place to gather with options for multiple groups and individuals. To facilitate this, there are lounge spaces that are repeated many times on both the first and second floors. Within each of these areas, there are sofa and chair-type seating with televisions, much like a standard living room. Areas for book storage, tables and chairs for groups to gather and visit or work, individual chairs for people who aren’t in groups and want
Lounge Space - Herman Miller Scissor Chair
Lounge Space - Enlarged Floor plan
to sit alone, and bench seating are all options throughout the building. The idea is that there is enough room for a lot of different options for several people when they come into the space, making everyone feel comfortable and at home. The art found around the building is made up of maps and photographs of the surrounding areas in the city,
recognizable to those who’ve chosen to make Abilene their home. White casework is a repeated element throughout the building, from counter tops, to furniture, to entire custom cabinet pieces. Textiles in the lounge spaces are cleanable and durable, performance-style fabrics and leather. This helps them to maintain their color and appearance through repeated >
Lounge Space - Side Elevation
first floor - key plan
1. Main Entrance/Reception 2. Deco Cafe 3. Lounge Space 4. Retail Spaces 5. Abilene Hope Haven Offices 6. Men’s Locker Room 7. Women’s Locker Room academy of art university | 27
Lounge Space - Front Elevation
lounge space (cont.)
use and abuse. The ceilings in the lounge spaces are accented by the use of Armstrong soundblades. The soundblades absorb sound and improve acoustics in the open spaces of the building, while bringing in more wood-tone accents and lowering the ceiling height to help the area feel a little more comfortable to someone
Lounge Space - Rendering
28 | kelly mann
FALL.18
wanting more of a living room feeling over an industrial building feeling. Lighting in the lounge spaces is mostly made up of the standard pendant lights found throughout the building. Other lighting accents include lamps, picture lights over artwork, and a large drum pendant over the table area. The drum pendant repeats the black and gold colors that
are found in the rest of the building while lowering the ceiling a little in this small area.
additional building details
first floor - key plan
1. Main Entrance/Reception 2. Deco Cafe 3. Lounge Space 4. Retail Spaces 5. Abilene Hope Haven Offices 6. Men’s Locker Room 7. Women’s Locker Room
second floor - key plan 1. Lounge space 2. Meeting Room 3. Computer Lab 4. Mail Room 5. Legal Services 6. Counseling Services 7. Laundry Facility 8. Women’s Restroom 9. Men’s Restroom
Working through the remainder of the first floor, the additional main spaces include small areas for retail and locker rooms for men and women. The flooring finish in all of the open, public spaces is consistent throughout to minimize harsh transitions. The second floor of the building is another main public space available to all who enter the building. This floor is home to additional lounge spaces, a meeting room that can be used as a classroom or reserved for small functions, a computer lab, and a full service mail room that provides the homeless with a mailable address to use. Legal services, and counseling services are both necessary tools for the success of the target user group of the building. For this reason, both of these services will be provided separately on the second floor. The users have access to laundry facilities on this floor as well as men’s and women’s restrooms. The second floor plays a supporting role in the mission Abilene Hope Haven has within the walls of the building with the addition of these spaces. The third floor is accessible by proximity card access only for the safety of the tenants of the apartments. Four apartments, each with two bedrooms can be found on this level. The transitional housing apartments are furnished and contribute to what Hope Haven can provide for the community.
third floor - key plan 1. Apartment A 2. Apartment B 3. Apartment C 4. Apartment D
academy of art university | 29
residential unit
The third floor of the building is home to the transitional housing apartments for Abilene Hope Haven. To ensure the security and privacy of the tenants of the apartments, access to the third floor is only available through the use of proximity key fobs in both the stairs and the elevator. The same key fobs will allow the tenants access to the building after hours as well. Each of the apartments includes a living area, dining space, kitchen, bathroom, and two bedrooms. The apartments come furnished with durable, high quality furniture so the tenants of the spaces can walk right in and feel at home. The space also allows these people, fresh in a new
third floor - key plan 1. Apartment A 2. Apartment B 3. Apartment C 4. Apartment D
Residential Unit - Enlarged Floor Plan Residential Idea Sketches
30 | kelly mann
FALL.18
stage of life, the dignity and pride often needed to continue pushing them in the direction of success and a new life off of the street. Hope Haven has a number of different types of transitional housing units within their system. The target user of these specific units will be small families that would utilize the need for multiple bedrooms. Each bedroom has a king size bed with a dresser and closet space. The bedrooms each also include a minimum of one window, adequately sized, as regulated by code. The bathroom in each apartment is made up of simple, clean finishes, simple vanity with storage, toilet,
and tub/shower. Each kitchen has an abundance of cabinetry for the size of the space. The kitchen is also furnished with dishes and utensils to be used by the tenant since the vast majority of the occupants will come in with nothing. A stainless refrigerator, range, dishwasher, and built-in microwave with vent are included as appliances in the kitchen. Solid surface counter tops will remain durable for years to come. Cabinets in the kitchen are white to help lighten the area, since the windows are only available on the perimeter of the building. Wood-look luxury vinyl tile in all of the main areas of the apartment is a durable, attractive solution that
brings warmth into the space. The living and dining spaces offer the tenants a place to gather with their family and friends and enjoy quality time together. Colors in the space continue from the palette set on the lower floors of the building. The warm tones, neutrals, and muted greens give a level of consistency across the building. Textiles in the unit include high quality fabrics and leather for maximum comfort and durability. The ceilings in the apartments are all gypsum board ceilings, much like what would be found in a tranditional residential unit. Recessed lighting is used throughout the space, >
Residential Idea Sketch - iPad Pro and Pencil
Residential Bedroom Sketch - iPad Pro and Pencil
Residential Lighting Sketch - iPad Pro and Pencil
academy of art university | 31
residential unit (cont.)
accented by a few pendants to help define certain areas, such as that above the dining table. The residential units in this building are the first step into a new life and fresh start that the occupants will take. Starting them off on the right foot, with a home they can be proud of and comfortable in, will hopefully start them on a trajectory towards a successful new path of life. Residential Unit - Kitchen Elevation
Residential Rendering
32 | kelly mann
FALL.18
v. furniture and finishes
academy of art university | 33
34 | kelly mann
FALL.18
vi. bibliography 1.
Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, Austin, Texas. Vol. 4, Design Resources for Homeless, 2015, designresourcesforhomelessness.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/AustinFINAL_7_2017.pdf.
2.
Ervin, Alex. “Newly Released Survey Results Reveal...” KTXS, 24 Apr. 2017, www.ktxs.com/news/abilene/survey-of-abilene-homeless-population-shows-increase-innumbers/461073111.
3.
Fane. “ABILENE, TX.” The Handbook of Texas Online| Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), 9 June 2010, tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hda01.
4.
“History.” Abilene Hope Haven, Inc., www.abilenehopehaven.org/history/.
5.
“Independent Order of Odd Fellows.” Independent Order of Odd Fellows, odd-fellows.org/.
6.
Mann, Kelly S., and Jay Moore. “Carpenter Building Interview.” 7 Oct. 2018.
7.
Meschede, Tatjana, et al. Planning for a New Community Center for Homeless Individuals: Stakeholders Reflect on Services and the Need for System Change. 2015, pp. 1–23, Planning for a New Community Center for Homeless Individuals: Stakeholders Reflect on Services and the Need for System Change.
8.
New Genesis Apartments, Los Angeles, CA. Vol. 3, Design Resources for Homeless, 2015, designresourcesforhomelessness.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/11/LA_FINAL1_7_2017b.pdf.
9.
Pitman, Kelsee. “Taylor County Suggests Changes to SODA District Master Plan.” BIGCOUNTRYHOMEPAGE, BIGCOUNTRYHOMEPAGE, 4 Oct. 2018, www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/main-news/taylor-county-suggests-changes-to-sodadistrict-master-plan/1495618404.
10.
Report, Staff. “Homeless to Be Counted Jan. 26.” Abilene Reporter-News, Abilene, 18 Jan. 2017, www.reporternews.com/story/news/local/2017/01/18/homeless-counted-jan-26/96715076/.
11.
“Rescue Lives in Abilene, TX.” International Rescue Committee (IRC), www.rescue.org/unitedstates/abilene-tx.
academy of art university | 35
