GEOLOGY A SPACE DESIGNED FOR THE STUDENTS
clean. collaborate. efficienct. quality.
PROGRAMMING The geology building is wanting to renovate their laboratory to cater towards the students needs. The geology building needed a face-lift. We started in the research phase. When this project was introduced, we visited the lab itself and met with one of the heads of the department. He explained to us the number of problems he had as well as some things he was envisioning in the newly renovated space. After meeting with the professor, we began to ease our way into the design and research phase. We began by conducting a field measurement study to make sure our floorplan matches the Revit file that was given to us. We needed to make sure to be able to accommodate 25 people max. We would like to have a lounge area for 4-5 people. Client would like collaborative/flexible tables. Places to store their heavy bulky rocks. They would like an area to display their museum pieces. Individual lighting for each student would be nice. A stable permanent microscope area. The sink that is existing by the windows needs to stay where it is because of special filtration systems that is runs with. Each table that seats students must have its own power for computers and personal devices. Collaborative area for groups of 4 and 8 can be main teaching/studying area. The concept ideas that we are striving for are cleanliness, collaboration, efficiency and quality. This space is designed to be an educational and inviting environment to the students studying Geology. We really wanted to add elements to the space that went along with the overall vibes we got from the original space. The necessities. We knew that they needed high and low seating well equipped with chairs that can move up and down that do not move. The students and professors that were there for the survey made it clear that they do not want it to be super colorful but not all white. They loved the idea of adding a study area or a group collaborative area designed for small and quick brainstorming or studying. We wanted to bring some special elements into the space that were unique to our design. Here are some ideas:
After talking to the graduate student we discovered that the geological map of the world was an appropriate and useful tool that they use frequently in their area of study. We would love to bring that into our design. Our idea was to somehow get the map attached to the front of the cabinets (paint? sticker?) equipped with magnets that the students can use as a study and teaching tool. We realized that they have a lot of rocks. Some are of high value and some are not. Big or small, expensive or not we would like to showcase the universities collection of the rocks. We decided to incorporate display cases that are built into the wall. In the space there is an awkward buttout. Our solution to this ugly rectangular area is to build in some cabinets that are flush with the rest of the wall. The students use this area as a place to learn more about rocks and the earth. They have 24 hour access to the space and come and go as they please. They treat this room as their own studio. They can come in as groups and run study sessions, or come alone and study on their own. The current set up lacks a lot of area of writing capabilities for an audience to view. We would love to add some retractable and movable white boards along the wall of the display cabinets that can be moved up and down as well as side to side to provide the most surface area to write on as possible. It was made clear to us that they hated the grey cabinets that now how to the rocks as storage. Our goal is to eliminate the appearance of the ugly things. If new, white cabinets are not in the budget, we will paint them white and cover the face of them in the map that I discussed in bullet point Color was a big thing for the client. They didnt want something super sterile but they didnt want a rainbow. When we ran a few pictures of other spaces by them, the unanimous vote was that they all liked earthy colors. (shocker) They were a fan of wood paneling and green and blue accents. They felt as though white would create more of noticeable distraction from the dirt that the rocks produce. Flooring was also a big thing. They didn’t want the generic white tile laminate flooring that you see all around campus. They wanted an affordable alternative to what they currently have. Our idea is to inset a geometric pattern into the floor but using different colors or tile.
The lounge/study area is a cool feature. Hidden behind the cabinets that were installed is the loungy furniture. We dont want to make this area too comfortable to where the students will come and never leave, but we wanted it to be a different feel than the rest of the room. We added a few funky chairs and a low table that students can set their laptops on while studying material. The graduate student that we interviewed told us that it is important that the chairs that are paired with the desks are best not to be moveable. They prefer to have chairs that have a back to them because being hunched over looking into a microscope is very wearing on your back. They faculty said that there is no real need for a ton of storage besides the rock cabinets. We are ripping out the existing storage cabinets underneath the window. We will leave the sink there, however. We decided to arrange our tables in a way that is very interactive with fellow students and lead professor. Although lectures may not occur frequently in the lab, we wanted to create a space that can. The desks are in a slanted position that is focusing in on the teacher t`hat is giving the lecture on the East side of the room . We provided other seating arrangements that can be moved to accommodate any situation. The students that will be spending their time in this laboratory
T
he Geology building is one of Utah State’s newest renovated buildings. It is located on the north east corner of the university’s “Quad” just kiddy corner to the fairly new AgScience building. The Geology building’s lab room on the 1st floor went under a large renovation which was catered to fit the student’s needs and wantes. The students and faculty members that were interveiewed expressed a handful of concerns in regards to the lab and had somewhat of a vision as to what they saw as the end result of the renovation. Throughout the past few months, this space was redesigned around what the members of the geology major wanted
and
needed
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PROCESS
A
huge part of this project was the process. We started by going to the space to field measure. While we were measuring, faculty members and staff were there to answer questions that we may have. We then began to design around what could not be moved. The columns, outlets, doorways, windows, and piplines could not be moved or removed from their current location. This was somewhat of a challenge to many of us. We needed to be able to seat 25 students in a way that was not only productive, but comfortable as well. The students needed movable chairs as well as steardy table tops and flooring. We really wanted to create a space where the studnets can lounge with study groups but still be productive. This idea evolved into what I believe was a very successful solution.
FLOORPLAN ---
101C
6' - 2 21/32"
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3' - 3 5/32" 10' - 3 5/32"
1' - 6"
11' - 8 1/4"
1' - 6"
9' - 11 7/16"
101D
0' - 4"
16' - 5"
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34' - 10 27/32"
16' - 1"
32' - 8 1/8"
4' - 10 27/32"
ELEVATONS
1
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Viewed here are 3 simple elevations in the newly renovated Geology Labratory room. We see a north elevation showing the placment of the chairs and desks which were space planned around the existing columns. We also see a view of the study/lounge area in view 2 which is a cool feature to this space. The third elevation is showing the east end of the room which viewing the table and chair placement in reference to the exiting door, storage room door, as well as the office door to the right.
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2
1st Floor 0' - 0"
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Intermediate landing 7' - 4 1/2"
1st Floor 0' - 0"
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Intermediate landing 7' - 4 1/2"
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3
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Intermediate landing 7' - 4 1/2"
1st Floor 0' - 0"
SOUTH
WEST
NORTH
EAST
CEILING PLAN ---
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WALL SECTION Attic Floor 45' - 8 1/2"
3rd Floor 30' - 4"
2nd Floor 15' - 2"
Intermediate landing 7' - 4 1/2"
1st Floor 0' - 0" Headhouse women Greenhouse stair vestible landing -1' - 8" -2' - 10" 11" -3' - 6 19/32"
Basement -10' - 4"
LAB
KEEP STUDYING AND
ROC K ON DESIGNED BY SAM CRAM