PATRICIA PYRA
MASTER’S NON-THESIS
SPRING 2010 “Creating Intimacy in a Public Social Setting”
- Or “How to Make Different Personalities all Feel Comfortable in the Same Space”
Kansas State University Interior Architecture + Product Design
Overview Summary of Research Psychological Aspects Social Aspects Market Research
Preliminary Design Site location Initial Sketches First Proposal
Final Proposal Floor Plans Diagrams Interior Renderings
Thesis Abstract The original objective of this project was to create a seating element that adapts to different personalities, but expanded to the redesign of an existing lounge space to accomplish the same goal. The scope of the project changed from the original intent because the research and goals of the project directed me to implement the ideas in a larger space. Instead of a piece of furniture changing to suit the needs of a patron, a patron will have choice of what level of interaction they wish to partake in depending on the zone they occupy. The methods used to come to this conclusion were observations, behavioral and psychological research, along with a study of existing bar and lounge spaces. Market research into the targeted age group (18 to 26 year olds) and proportioning studies were also used to aid the final proposal. The results were a design that incorporated existing elements and proposed ideas to be more applicable to the age groups. A layout was created with a main circulation path along one side, and all the main spaces tangent to that line. Spaces exist for those that wish to socialize, those that wish to keep to themselves, and people in between the two extremes. The conclusions drawn from the process and final design were that design is not always a linear process. It can take several dead ends and explorations in defunct ideas before the “best� one is found.
Preliminary Research - Spatial Diagrams
Essentially, the more personal the sensation, the closer it is the body.
Lawson, B. (2001). The language of space. Oxford ; Boston: Architectural Press.
This diagram shows the type of interaction based on the distance between individuals.
Lawson, B. (2001). The language of space. Oxford ; Boston: Architectural Press.
These pages represent a small sample of the research accumulated at the start of this project. If more information is desired, the full non-thesis project can be provided.
Rank Order of Closeness This diagram, located in the book, “Personal Space, the Behavioral Basis of Design.� illustates how intimacy in a conversation is determined by the location of the participants in relation to eachother.
Proportion Study Several types of popular cell phones and mp3 players were analyzed to detemine any discernable proportioning system. The result was that several used the golden section. The proportion square root of 2 to 1 was also prevalent.
Preliminary Research
Site Plan
Building Site and Facade
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Facade This establishment was continuiously considered throughout the design process; first for the clientele and style, then for its front seating area, and then finally as the site for the final proposal.
Initial Ideas
A Table Idea that Stores Extra Ottomans
A 4-person ottoman with adjustable seat backs
Using Panels to Divide the Space
These sketches show the application of the research accumulated up until this point, translated into pieces of furniture, through varying heights and movable modular pieces.
Initial Sketches
A modular unit that uses different heights and existing furniture
First Iteration Project and Concept
PROJECT : CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE
WITH VARYING LEVELS OF INTIMACY
CONCEPT : VARYING DEGREES OF OPEN-NESS
HOW ? : LEVEL CHANGES | CEILING
Preliminary Proposal
HEIGHTS | LITTLE NOOKS | LIGHTING LEVELS | COLORS | TECHNOLOGY
Zoning plan and explanation
Current Plan of Area of Focus New plan
View of Area of Focus
Preliminary Proposal
View from Upper Level
Final Project and Concept
PROJECT : FOSTER OR INHIBIT
INTERACTIONS!!
CONCEPT: DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTIMACY!!
HOW ?: PROMOTE INTERACTIONS
Final Proposal
| CEILING HEIGHTS |CIRCULATION | COLORS | TECHNOLOGY
Final Zoning
Final Zoning
The new plan incorporates a single main path from the front to back door, and levels of intimacy are determined by the level of enclosure in a particular space.
Schematic Design
The first idea was to introduce angles so the line zig-zags, but after some thought and discussion, it was determined that the angles were a little to harsh, and might become hazardous. So, curves were used instead, and they created a nicer pattern, and made more visual sense with the use of round tables and chairs.
Final Plan
Floor Plan Evolution
The floor plan has evolved from a fairly open space with a front area, bar, pool table area, and stage, but all read as distinct spaces. The proposed layout has maintained the openness of the original plan, but has the spaces flowing from one to the next, and better tie visually and architectually with each other.
Circulation
The design intent was to have a clear circulation path from the front entrance to the the back door on the stage.The other spaces are all adjacent to the main circulation, and most spaces can be seen from anywhere in the lounge. The main circulation is also one flooring material (wood flooring), to increase flow, and have the path read as a space as well.
Reflected Ceiling Plan
The Entrance
The ceiling above the entrance is lowered til one gets to the curved wall on the right for 2 reasons. First, it forces the patron to move to the open space because it feels cramped, which will reduce congestion at the front door. The second reason is to borrow an idea from Frank Lloyd Wright, and to make it feel as if a patron is “Emerging from the womb.�
View of Interaction Area
The main interaction area houses the Microsoft Surface tables, and the LCD tables. This area is meant to encourage interactions, and to incoroporate technology, a large selling feature for the target audience (21-25 years old)
LCD Screen Tables
The LCD screen tables are three tables have each have their own LCD touch-screen. The screen would have visualizations, soft music, games, and movies and television shows for each table to enjoy and create their own experience.
The Bar
The bar features an illuminated counter top from the Corian Illumination series. This was chosen to add ambient lighting to the space, and to draw attention to the bar area.
View from Stage to Front of Lounge
This view shows the span of the lounge from back to front. In the main bar space, no high walls were used to allow for the servers and bartenders unobstructed views, and to have the entire space visually read as one. The ceiling is lowered over the tables in the bar space to give them presence.