Atrium with Urban Curtains

Instructor: Kevin Daly, Comprehensive Design Studio, 01/2019-03/2019

Main Skills: atrium design with structure and mechenical systems, plan & section drawings with rhino, revit, photoshop

In the urban scale, different types of building surfaces such as façades and roofs can fuction as urban curtains not only environmently but also socially. In this proposed new CHIRLA(Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles), different urban curtains are introduced to fulfill every needs of diversity group of people. The corner of the façade is lifted by an arch welcoming visitors from every directions. The atrium is mainly a welcoming and waiting spaces for visitors,The atrium is surrounded by these curtans and the atrium itself is an extension of the urban fabric that opens to the public and continues the urban life in a different manner.

Composition Diagram

Floor Plans

The outer surface of the building is surrounded by two kinds of folded surface system which are composed with panels and glasses. They are blocking the sunlight from southwest and open to the views as well and the portion of glass is bigger in the west part with provides more open view to the Mc Arther park. Roof of the atrium is half glass half open which is for ventilation.

Roof of the interior spaces continues the mechanism of the atrium but the opening turns into panels which block sunlight from west. The office space in the third floor can have better sunlight because of the sawtooth roof system. The interior façade is all glass curtain wall which have the same folded system with the exterior wall. The folded surfaces have individual structure system which can be separated from the steel grid system and they integrated at the same time.

Morphology & Programs

The atrium is mainly a welcoming and waiting spaces for visitors, and they are secured children’s playground and tree-shaded waiting spaces for parents and other visitors. The playground is also connected with the indoor office and individual restroom. In this 40 feet high atrium space, all kinds of activi ties that need tall heights can happen and also provides vertical landscape for the offices on the second floor and third floor. The double height event hall is located in the entrance which can also integrate activities happen in the atrium spaces. Second floor is teen’s recreation space with education offic es while the third floor is mainly offices and interview rooms which needs more quite and bright environment.