Institutional Design

from Lance Gillespie Design Portfolio

Workplace Design

PROJECT DETAILS (2023)

• Project Designers – Lance Gillespie, Stephanie Reuter & Winter Brown with Instructors Kirsten Keane, Nathan Korkki, & Chunyao Liu

• Programs Used – Adobe (Illustrator, InDesign, & Photoshop), Preview, AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, & Twinmotion

Site Plan

The site is located at 302 W Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85003.

Site Analysis

The Monroe Abbey, formerly known as Phoenix First Baptist Church, has had long 100 year history which is significant in the relatively young city of Phoenix. The First Baptist Church occupied this building for only 38 of those years, and after the congregation left, the site was left empty for decades. In this time it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and about two years later in 1984, there was a fire which consumed the roof. As a result, for the last nearly 40 years the central auditorium of the Abbey has been left exposed to the natural elements.

Following the fire, the former First Baptist Church has taken on a new identity, and it has become what we now know as the Monroe Abbey. This allows for an entirely new purpose and vision to be brought to this space. Situated right in Downtown Phoenix, the Monroe Abbey is surrounded by a wealth of vibrant art, culture, and people.

The Client

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, is “a place where children play to learn, and grown-ups learn to play.” Exhibit spaces and programs should put an emphasis on nurturing the many developmental stages of children: social, cognitive, physical, and emotional. The Museum is a place that intertwines playing with learning in a unique environment that can help children learn about themselves, the world, and their community.

Deliverables Produced

• 3D Models

• 3D Renders

• Betterments Package

• Brand Creation

• Childhood Developement Research

• Concept Creation

• Custom Built-In

• Elevations

• FFE Creation

• Floor Plans & RCPs

• Program Pieces

• Flow Study

• Fundraising Package

• Historical Timeline

• Material Boards

• Project Goals

• Rendered Drafted Plans

• Request for Proposal

• Sections

• Site Analysis

• Site Exploration

• Social Media Suggestions

• Sun Study

Our primary goal is to build a strong connection with the guests by utilizing the idea of exploration as one of guiding principles. Through exploration users will be able to explore different art principles and immerse themselves in a space that encourages unlimited creativity. Our biggest drivers include a strong community connection, sustainable principles, and an allinclusive environment that engages with those of all ages. We intend to promote these principles by creating a space that is able to draw people in from the inner Phoenix community, as well as from all over.

Historic Preservation

To preserve the current structure while modernizing it on a strict need basis our firm would like to focus on an adaptive reuse model of historically preserving The Monroe Street Abbey. We believe this would best suit your organization’s intent of appreciating the historic structure for which your locations have their roots while still providing a refreshing and new experience for children and families of various ages and capabilities.

Design Concept

Through the local expressions of Downtown Phoenix in both the natural and built environments, this concept bridges the historic site with the present day. It also connects young explorers to their community through a focus on public art. In this concept we played with exploration of the city of Phoenix through art, locality, and the people.

Project Delivery

The design project delivery method that we recommend is an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD). This method is a collaborative approach to project delivery that involves the owner, design team, and construction team working together from the start of the project to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the owner’s satisfaction. It creates a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants.

Sustainability

Design Mood Board

Childhood Development Research

Colors and patterns that draw from the expressive nature of Downtown Phoenix.

ACCESSIBILITY & WAYFINDING

The courtyard centerpiece helps circulate the traffic between the levels. It also provides ADA access to both sides of the building since the west wing is about two feet lower than the rest of the building. That is why the elevators and ramps are in the central part of the building where it is easy to find and public.

Custom and consistent signage featured below will be throughout the museum. These signs rely on symbols rather than just text to create wayfinding that breaks away from any language barriers. Splatter paint is also used as a wayfinding tool to subtly indicate where to go. We placed the material on landmark areas, such as the reception desk in the lobby, doorway casings, and key seating spots. This will subconsciously clue visitors to their next adventure within the space acting as portals to new adventures.

BUBBLE SPACE PLANNING LEVEL 1

BUBBLE SPACE PLANNING LEVEL 3

BUBBLE SPACE PLANNING LEVEL 2

BUBBLE SPACE PLANNING LEVEL 4

RENDERED FLOOR PLANS & MATERIALITY LEVEL 1

The first level includes several points of entry, the four double doors on the front facade for visitor entry, the art gallery entry which is a public/ community entrance, the storage doors for employees, and the basement level stair entry which is for employees only as well. This level has several public-facing spaces, including the lobby, art gallery, and the courtyard. The daycare and its amenities are also included on the level for ease of access.

RENDERED FLOOR PLANS & MATERIALITY LEVEL 2

The second level contains the two exhibit spaces as well as the cafe and the first level of dining. The courtyard component links the two sides of the building to create accessibility as the west wing is about 2 feet lower than the east side. The ADA-accessible ramp makes it easy for all guests to enjoy both exhibits.

This level also has the first floor of office space which includes some desking, meeting space, a private office, a separate restroom, and a kitchenette break room.

RENDERED FLOOR PLANS & MATERIALITY LEVEL 3

The third level has rooftop space on the west side, which could feature a mural (see betterments section for more details). It also has a creation space which has a large wall for painting as well as other creative activities. The second level of dining is also included on this floor. This dining level features the rose window, a prominent symbol of the historic building. This floor also has a second level of offices which includes more loose desking, an open kitchenette, lockers, and more informal meeting space.

RENDERED FLOOR PLANS & MATERIALITY LEVEL 4

Level 4 is the top level of habitable space. There is room for leasable space that can double as additional dining, a birthday party area, or a reception zone. Also included on this floor is an interactive area for an outdoor exhibit, a storytime area, and a quiet zone. This floor is also great for hosting events, such as First Fridays, wedding receptions, etc. It would be a very flexible space with easily moveable furniture.

RENDER OF BIRD’S-EYE VIEW

RENDER OF THE COURTYARD