REMUS IONESCU UNDERGRADUATE ARCHITECTURE PORTFOLIO STUDIO III
SITE MAP
SITE PHOTOS
CONCEPT
Denver’s original bus terminal parking garage is in downtown Denver at 1730 Glenarm Place. This property features a 19,782 sq ft lot. Thanks to the visionary work of what was once a parking garage in ruins, the water tower is now a sanctuary. The goal was first to restore the historical features of the ornate facade. This meant maintaining the decorative elements of the building that its creators, Shankland and Ristine, had designed when it was built in the late 1920s. Glimpses of the art deco aesthetics are then repeated throughout the interior to create unity and repetition. The concept originates in a narrative about water both abstractly and figuratively. The architectural redesign seeks to maintain the integrity of the ornate ironwork while exemplifying the water element of the Zodiac, Pisces. Pieces energy is all about unity and a constant division of attention between fantasy and reality.
EXTERIOR RENDERING 1
EXTERIOR RENDERING 2
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ARCHITECTURAL MOTIF 1-DOORWAY 2-STAINED GLASS 3-BALCONY 4-DOME SECTION
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This structure is primarily significant for its architectural ornamentation. To enter, guests walk through the art deco style doorway that is planked with a semi-circular window. The sanctuary’s exterior features stained-glass vignettes and custom wrought iron balconies. More than a tool for drawing daylight and ventilation into what was a poorly oriented and deep footprint, the dome imparts an openness and visual texture to the sanctuary that was important to the design. Steel honors and preserves the architectural legacy and integrity of the historic building. Lofty steel arches create visual movement and fluidity in the space while reinforcing its structure. This structure aims to explore boundless imaginations governing creativity and dreams in a private and tranquil atmosphere.
SECTION
INTERIOR RENDERING 1 INTERIOR RENDERING 2
The guests' first sign of welcome is Zoltar, an animatronic fortune-telling machine. Upon receiving credit, Zoltar inspires nostalgia for many who encounter him and gives out a card with a prediction of the guest’s future. This card indicates that the guest is granted admission to a gathering. The poetic representation of the circular opening signifies the first stage of meditation – the passage into self-illumination to break the connection with the outside world. The sense of the building's importance is enhanced by an ornamental staircase that leads to the second floor. A powder room is strategically placed under the stairs to save space.
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INTERIOR RENDERING 3
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The second floor appears as a sophisticated and cosmopolitan space, inspired by the aesthetics of an apothecary. The interior is profusely decorated with elaborate ironwork and exquisite details. Illuminated display cases house a collection of vintage water pipes, lighters, and ashtrays. A leather sofa, velvet chairs, and parquet floors give the space a warm and refined atmosphere.
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4 SECOND FLOOR PLAN INTERIOR RENDERING 4
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
INTERIOR RENDERING 5 Drawing on the narrative about water, rope netting is used as an architectural material. The suspended net structure creates a dwelling for the intoxicated while creating a captivating experience of life in and under the water. This subaquatic space offers an opportunity to see a part of the world rarely seen without a wetsuit or submersible. INTERIOR RENDERING 6