Student Program
Columbia College Chicago Interior Architecture
Final Studio
Conversation Center Natalie Page Williams Interior Arch January 2022
Large Group Seating
Presentation Area 654 SQFT 75 Person Occupancy
Mezzanine
Bleecher Seating
Laptop table allows for comfortable note taking while watching.
Projector Screen
Program Illustrations
Large, plush seat cushions. (W 30", L 20", H 4") Concrete bleachers and stairwell connect to an upper mezzanine. The presentation area can sit up to 70 people. Close to the windows, it allows for the outside people to view inside.
Large Group Seating
Program Illustrations
Space Desciption The presentation area will serve as a space for large groups of people to attend seminars and lectures by reputable community and cultural leaders within the city. Seminars and lectures will be scheduled events that will cover a specific topic by a specific person or persons and can be attended by anyone. The seminars will help bring in business and it will also give people a topic to learn more about and discuss with others afterward.
Impact: The goal of this space is to engage large groups of people in conversations that they may have never had before and to give people the chance to feel included in a community setting. The implementation of these seminars and lectures can provide people with the tools to converse with others about a wide range of topics that could lead to connection, release, and the feeling of togetherness.
Precedent
TED Talks Inspiration
Yue Library / Beijing Materiality
A) concrete B) yellow fabric C) CLT Wood
Enterance
Welcome Area 455 SQFT 10 Person Occupancy
Outdoor Seating
Column
Talking Tube
Program Illustrations
Spun Chair
Interactive Bench
Talking Tubes
Enterance
Space Desciption The welcome space will be an interactive introduction to the "play" area that will be located just on the other side. This space will have a greeter who will introduce the services of the conversation center to newcomers. In addition to that, this will also be used for checking people into seminars. While covid is still relevant, covid screenings and vaccination card checks will be mandatory.
Precedent
Communication Tubes Inspiration
Blurred Boundary
Program Illustrations
Impact: This space will be the buffer to the overwhelming wow factor that the rest of the conversation hub will bring. With a few interactive features that connect those who just entered to the other interior amenities, it will lead to the buildup of anticipation of what is to come, by initiating the play early on. In addition to that, it will ensure the safety of all the participants and attendees.
Multiple Entry Points Materiality
A) concrete B) Frosted Glass
Interactive Area
Interactive Area 2500 SQFT 20 Person Occupancy
Small (informal) Group Seating
Art Column Walls
Interactive Installations
Program Illustrations
Interactive Activites
Phone Booth
Phone Booth
Inspiration
Interactive Area
Space Desciption Throughout the space, delightful interactive sculptures and activities draw participants in with their colorful natures and interesting textures. This space will primarily function as a low obligation, easy interactive area. For those who may struggle with social anxiety, or who are new to the conversation center, this area will encourage you to engage with the art as well as others around you.
Precedent
The Mojave Desert Phone Booth Inspiration
Interesting Textures
Program Illustrations
Impact: This space will host the "experiential" part of the center and will be the easy introduction to getting to know others through playful interactions. Not only will the space encourage play for all ages and backgrounds, but it also allows for letting go, and playing alongside others that you may have never had the opportunity to meet outside.
Playful Installations Materiality
A) Terrazzo B) Cool Textiles
Leisure Seating
Leisure Seating 102 SQFT 2 Person Occupancy Leisure Seating A: Light & Bright
Low Sideboard Egg Chair Pods Floor Lamp Column
Program Illustrations
This partitioned small space fits two people and uses sensory minimizing furnishings such as the ball chair.
Ball Chair
Sideboard
Plants
Inspo
Leisure Seating
Leisure Seating 250 SQFT 6 Person Occupancy Leisure Seating B: Active Relaxation
Program Illustrations
Curtains
Hanging Chair
Pendant Light
The active leisure space is a room surrounded by windows for those that want the balance of alone time while also maintaining connection with the rest of the space. The hanging chairs allow for movement and active rest as you swing your way to a better state of mind.
Bean Bag
Hanging Chair
Pendent
Leisure Seating
Leisure Seating 15 SQFT 1 Person Occupancy Leisure Seating C: Private Booth
Hanging Plant Side Table Seating Bench
Program Illustrations
Folding Door
The active leisure space is a room surrounded by windows for those that want the balance of alone time while also maintaining connection with the rest of the space. The hanging chairs allow for movement and active rest as you swing your way to a better state of mind.
Medium Back Bench
Hanging Plant
Leisure Seating
Space Desciptions The leisure seating areas are designed for those who need a space to reflect and introspect in a safe and semi-secluded environment. This is perfect for after having a long conversation, or even before you plan on having a conversation and you want to take the time to put your thoughts together.
Precedent
Hush Felt Pod- furnishings designed for comfort, seclusion and relaxation Inspiration
Active, fun seating types
Program Illustrations
Impact: These spaces support the need for introspection and reflection without being bothered. Sometimes conversations and topics can feel very overwhelming and retiring to a secluded space for a short while can help you recharge your emotional battery. Those who use this space will leave feeling more energized and collected so that they can engage with others.
Private booth retreat
Materiality
A) Soft, warm wood flooring B) Sound absorbent fabrics
Food and Beverage Cafe
Cafe 800 SQFT 30 - 50 Person Occupancy
Track Lighting Food Display Cafe Counter Espresso Machine
Booth Seating Casual Seating
The café will serve as a place for people to replenish their energy through providing food and drinks.
Program Illustrations
Lounge seating
Table
Chair
Booth Seating
Track Pendants
Food and Beverage Cafe
Space Desciptions The "food for thought cafe" will be a space that offers food and beverages such as sandwiches, coffee, and tea, as well as latenight cocktails. This cafe will give people the opportunity to stay a part of the conversation longer and to refuel when needed. The cafe seating can be used as a continuation of the conversation spaces, where participants can chat over a cup of coffee.
Precedent
Conversation Cafes: which require getting off the phone and into the present with others through conversation. Inspiration
Program Illustrations
Bright, inclusive seating
Inviting entrance
Impact:
Materiality
The cafe amenity will provide participants and attendees with beverages and sustenance that they feel comfortable staying longer while also encouraging the continuation of conversations.
A) Mosaic Tile B) Natural Wood
One-on-One
One - on - One 30 SQFT 2 Person Occupancy One-on_One A: The quiet booth
Seating
Table
Acoustic Shell
The one-on-one booth allows for a quiet talk setting without being fully disengaged from the rest of the center. This is great for people who are looking for a semi-private talk space.
Program Illustrations
Materials Acoustic Fabric
Wood
Inspiration
One-on-One
One - on - One 40 SQFT 2 Person Occupancy One-on_One B: Out in the open
Armchair Table
Rug
Program Illustrations
The one-on-one open-air seating caters to a party of two who may engage in easy, fun conversation that doesn't require a lot of intense listening. This type of space keeps individuals connected to the environment of the conversation center.
Inspiration
One-on-One
One - on - One 50 SQFT 2 Person Occupancy One-on_One C: A private room Top View
Chair
Table
Monitor
Venting System
Acoustic Paneling
The one-on-one private room allows for full privacy with a frosted glass facade and a full acoustic shell that separates it from the surrounding center. The sliding door makes for easy assessability in addition to a monitor that can connect you to a mediator for hard conversations. The ventilation increases air circulation and increases user saftey.
Program Illustrations
Materials Acoustic Fabric
Acoustic Fabric
Wood
One-on-One
Space Desciption The one-on-one spaces will serve parties of two who choose to engage in conversation. There are three different types of conversation spaces ranging from minimal to high levels of seclusion and privacy. Depending on the type of conversation and the topic, one may choose an open-air setting compared to the fully enclosed space.
Precedent
One-on-one therapy. Feeling comfortable to talk with one another at close proximity. Inspiration
Program Illustrations
Privacy Acoustic Shells
Impact: The one-on-one space will provide parties of two the opportunity to converse and get to know more about one another. This will bring people one step closer to getting to understand new perspectives while bringing the community closer together, one person at a time.
Playful Spatial Variety Materiality
A) Acoustic Fabric B) Wood
Small Group Seating
Small Group 40 SQFT 5 Person Occupancy Small Group A: Open air group Top View
Rug Chair
Table Sofa Monitor
This open-air group seating arrangement encourages groups of 2-5 to sit, relax and start a conversation while still staying connected to the rest of the center. This arrangement is also easily accessible and wheelchair friendly.
Program Illustrations
Inspiration
Small Group Seating
Small Group 128 SQFT 5 Person Occupancy Small Group B: Private meeting space Top View
Armchair Pendant Light
Venting System
Program Illustrations
This private group seating arrangement encourages groups of 2-5 to converse in a private secluded setting surrounded by an acoustic shell and translucent glass sliding door facade. This setting allows for hard and private conversation topics which won't be disturbed by the surrounding center. Inspiration
Small Group Seating
Small Group 128 SQFT 5 Person Occupancy Small Group C: Meeting Table Top View
Chair Square Meeting Table Rug
This square meeting table seating arrangement encourages groups of 2-12 to converse in a setting in which the design supports every voice being heard. The table gives equal opportunity for everyone to be seen and heard in the conversation, thus creating better understanding.
Program Illustrations
Inspiration
Small Group Seating
Space Desciption
Precedent
The group space design holds space for groups of people to converse in a variety of settings. Depending on the needs of the group and the topic of conversation, there is a spectrum of spaces that can accommodate them. From open-air seating to private rooms, the group seating areas are designed to bring community members together.
Encounter Groups which helps groups of people expand their perspectives.
Inspiration
Program Illustrations
Inviting, bright meeting area
Impact: The group seating areas give groups of 2-12 the opportunity to grow and get to know other community members through curated meeting spaces. These spaces are meant to be inclusive and encourage comfort when conversing.
Materiality
A) Acoustic Fabric B) Wood