CONCEPT & DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Interactive Zone = Top of Ocean

The second floor correlates to the ocean’s top; this is where the most movement occurs - people are snorkeling, swimming, and interacting with one another and the fish. Similarly, the second level is the interactive level - where the cafe and lounge are located.

Learning Zone = Middle of Ocean

The first level correlates to the middle of the ocean - this is where there is more movement and interaction among fish and sea creatures, and also where fish spend most of their time learning and experiencing things in the ocean; the first level is the learning zone - where classrooms are located.

Work Zone = Bottom of Ocean

The ground level is correlated to the bottom of the ocean - this is the quietest part of the ocean, where fish and sea creatures are in their own zone and independent - similar to how the ground level is the work zone, with more quiet, focus spaces and offices.

The Ocean Connects Us All

Considering that our users of the space are international students from all over the world, our goal is to create a sense of belonging for the users in their new environment. Thinking of the ocean and how expansive it is as it connects different continents worldwide, our space strives to emulate the expansiveness of the ocean by connecting the users to each other through the intermixing of cultures, as well as connecting the users to the building and Iowa State as a whole, so they feel as though they belong and have a home away from home. The different levels also shall correlate to the different levels of the ocean.

Legend

FF&E SELECTIONS

Year: 2022 | Type: Higher Education Design | Group Project

Oasis Cafe

The Oasis Cafe allows students to mingle, order a beverage or a pastry and take a break from studying. As the second level acts as an interactive space, users will travel up to the second level from the ground and first levels to rejuvenate and give themselves a break from working or learning.

Atrium

The atrium overlooks the first level and the circular glass elevator, surrounded by a waterfall feature and spiral staircase. Shades of blue fill the area, and the addition of the waterfall feature surrounding the elevator adds to the ocean concept. Not only does the ocean connect us all, but it is also soothing. The waterfall feature and the different feature walls provide a soothing experience to the users as they spend time on the interactive level of the building.

Hello Wall

The “Hello Wall” features the word “Hello” written in many languages to bring representation to the space. Given that the space is designed for international students from all over the world, the design strives to be inclusive by incorporating multiple languages so the international students feel welcomed and feel a sense of belonging within the space.