MARTIAL ARTS + YOGA OVER THE RHINE & PROSPECT HILL
NICK PORTMAN
“MARTIAL ARTS IS NOT ABOUT FIGHTING, IT’S ABOUT BUILDING CHARACTER” - BO BENNETT, AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN
“YOGA IS THE JOURNEY OF THE SELF, THROUGH THE SELF, TO THE SELF” - THE BHAGAVAD GITA, HINDU SCRIPTURE
SITE
ADD
Our studio was based on the idea of chance, and we explored this method by drawing out words to drive our design, as well as the structural system. My words were:
ADD / SUBTRACT
CONCRETE FRAME
The form of the building developed through the process of manipulating additive program and subtractive circulation. Starting with the confines of the site, masses were extruded proportionally to the requirements of the desired programs. The massing of the building was created through stacking and building upwards the various spaces. However, due to this limited amount of space and the need for multiple levels, there was a vertical disconnect between the different programs.
AD
DD
ADD
ADD
MARTIAL ARTS
YOGA
APARTMENTS
CAFE
LOCKER ROOMS
COMMUNITY
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
SUBTRACT To connect the various programs and bring people through and into the building, spaces were subtracted from the solid mass. Not only do these volumes provide circulation, they also bring natural light and views into and out of the building.
OFFSET The subtractive elements are defined by glass articulation and construction. The volumes are pulled away from solid mass form to emphasize their programmatic distinction to the rest of the building.
HUGHES STREET ELEVATION
PERFORATED COPPER PANELS Apertures in the exterior panels facilitate the exchange of light and views between the exterior and the interior, while maintaining a solid looking envelope.
LOWER LEVEL
The lowest level of the building is split in two, allowing for the continued access of Alley. In addition, stairs on the southern edge of the site create a connection between Hughes Street and Sycamore Street. The after school program area is located closest to the Hughes Street entrance and is separate to the rest of the building. Stairs right off the entrance bring the majority of people visiting to the main level of the building in one of the four subtractive, light wells. The main part of the lowest level of the building is dedicated to the martial arts studio. The space features three areas for training, including an area for heavy lifting and private lessons, as well as a raised viewing space for parents. The martial arts studio benefits from one large open space to allow for complete visibility, flexibility, and circulation. In addition, a private entrance on the northern side allows access to the apartments via elevator or stairs.
UP
UP
UP
UP
N 8’
16’
LEVEL 1
The main level of the building extends across the full site, crossing over Cogswell Alley, with a direct eastern entrance on Sycamore Street. Members and visitors walk along an elevated pathway that overlooks the martial arts studio below. The two large voids in the floor subtract the space on this level to allow for constant views to the studios below. This level also features a cafe, study tables, offices and locker rooms. Because this building houses both martial arts and yoga, the changing rooms are located on this level, acting as the middle ground between the new programs. After getting dressed, visitors either go down to the martial arts studio, or up the stairs to the yoga rooms.
VIEW 1 VIEW 2 VIEW 3
UP
DN
DN
DN
DN
N 8’
16’
VIEW 1
VIEW 2
VIEW 3
LEVEL 2
There are two yoga studios on the second level of the building. The larger studio features tall windows that give views towards the vegetation North of the site, while the smaller studio has a controlled atmosphere for differing programs, such as aerial yoga. In addition, the yoga studios connect to the outdoors through the hallway lined with glass, as well as access to an outdoor patio. The patio gives potential for both yoga and martial arts classes to use the outdoor space when good weather permits. The roof is covered with low height plants to the tie the natural surroundings in with the building.
DN
DN
UP
N 8’
16’
LEVEL 3
The hallway on the second floor features a staircase that brings guests to a third, open yoga room. This room offers the best views to downtown and the neighboring parks. This level also houses the two apartments for martial arts and yoga trainers. The one bedroom apartments offer great views to the surrounding area and connect to the upper yoga room. The apartments benefit from private access to Cogswell Alley via the elevator or the staircase.
DN
DN
N 8’
16’
EAST - WEST SECTION
NORTH - SOUTH SECTION