the biome sarah flotlin | ID 426 | CAPSTONE
the site plan major road
Parking lot public trails
South Platte River wn
public park
o
to wn
d to w ie
v
n site circulation main building denver trolley line
public steps - good for gathering public park site
best route from downtown to site pepsi center (arena)
commons park
colorado convention center
museum of contemporary art
16th st. mall
coors field
t he c o n c e p t The South Platte River, which borders this site, inspired deeper consideration into the concept guiding this space. What does the anatomy of a river look like, and how does that relate to human nature? A river is home to innumerable species, each of which is part of a larger ecosystem. As humans, we too are all part of a bigger ecosystem. With heavy consideration into the biophilic patterns of prospect and refuge, the goal of this space is to provide the community of Denver with an environment that blends the notions of public and private space, and therefore facilitates constant connection (whether physical or visual) between them. The design encourages social engagement but also lends itself to those who need an escape. These instances of refuge represent the protection that a river provides to its inhabitants. The curved walls mimic the movement of water, and guide visitors to wherever they would like to go. They have the option to take a path leading to the spa or alternatively they could wander into the market. Either choice will provide them with opportunities to socialize or keep to themselves, but no matter what they will feel connected to those around them. The intent to blend public and private space can be observed in several areas of this building. A trellised entrance guides visitors into the spa and connects to individual trellised pods that allow for a semiprivate lounging experience. The immensely thick wall that separates the spa from the cafĂŠ and market is home to nooks that cafĂŠ-goers can curl up in, removing themselves from the busyness of the more public areas while still maintaining a sense of prospect. The nooks in the wall that divides the market and cafĂŠ have slightly decreased privacy, but still act as somewhat of an escape from the open expanses. Exposed on either side, the nooks in the divider wall provide overhead protection (refuge) while keeping users open to their surroundings. The Biome, as this building is so called, provides layered experiences of privacy for those who gather there, and facilitates various forms of interaction between community members.
the developmen privacy diagram 4.
2.
2. 1.
3.
refuge publicsemi-private paths to public spaces
existing building interior
t different layers of privacy/protection 1. three sides enclosed + overhead protection (cafe nooks)
2. three sides enclosed but no overhead protection
3. three sides enclosed + overhead protection BUT sight lines throughout all
4. two sides enclosed, two open + overhead protection
PARTI Exploring the relationship between public and private spaces -- do you have to be totally enclosed to be private?
l e v e l 1: f l o o r p l FOOD STANDS
F
ORGANIC GROCERY STORE
ORGANIC GROCERY STORE ALL GENDER GUEST BATHROOM
gender neutral b CAFE AND MARKET STORAGE MARKET + CAFE STORAGE
LAUNDRY BREAK ROOM
BREAK ROOM + LAU
COMMUNITY GARDEN
COMMUNITY GARDEN
N
0ft
30ft
90ft
200ft
an IMMEDIATE STORAGE JUICE BAR
CAFE
POOL MARKET
bathrooms
UNDRY
TRELLIS PODS SHOWERS staff bathrooms ELEV.
RECEPTION OFFICE
PLANTER
PLANTER
INDIV. CHANGING ROOMS
janitor
ENTRANCE
landscape elements
l e v e l 2: f l o o r p l mezzanine
N
an
(leased out)
open to below organic grocery store
material palett
te
interior north s
ORGANIC GROCERY STORE
MARKET + C STORAGE
0ft
30ft
90ft
section
IMMEDIATE STORAGE
CAFE
JUICE BAR
POOL
NOOKS
STANDING HEIGHT TABLES
FOOD MARKET
CIRCULAR LOUNGE CHAIRS
INDIVIDUAL LOUNGE SPACES (UNDER TRELLIS)
SHOWERS
ALL GENDER GUEST BATHROOM
ALL GENDER STAFF BATHROOM
ELEV.
CAFE
INDIVIDUAL CHANGING ROOMS + BATHROOMS RECEPTION LAUNDRY BREAK ROOM
OFFICE
PLANTER PLANTER
ENTRANCE
COMMUNITY GARDEN
200ft
JANITOR
interior east se
ection
exploded axon
metal overhangs in cafe
trellis structures in spa
individual changing rooms
pool
acoustic ceiling treatments
2nd floor and mezzanine
metal overhangs in market
the spa
an insider view: the trellis pods
the spa Privacy: The individual trellis pods provide a shelter of sorts, but the slats of wood lend themselves to a feeling of openness due to the many sight lines through them.
location
the cafe
an insider view: the nooks & booths
1. the nooks: The nooks provide the most privacy in the building. Almost completely enclosed, these refuge points are ideal for those who want to keep mostly to themselves. However, they also have great prospect views across the cafe and into the market.
the cafe
2. the booths:
2.
The booths are great places to sit and be in a somewhat intimate setting as they are fairly enclosed.
1.
location
the market
an insider view: the divider wall
location
the market privacy:
The divider wall nooks are protected overhead, but both sides are open to the market and cafe. They are less private than the wall nooks in the cafe but still a good point of refuge for those who need a break from commotion.
a p p e n d i x: e l s e w h e r e r e After surveying 32 students in the senior interior design studio, their answers surrounding this elsehwere project were compiled and analyzed. These are the results on how this space made them feel.
tense
joyful open
welcomed
playful interested energized curious confused
anxious
overwhelmed
intimidated
cautious
vulnerable
free
uncomfortable
i
esearch analysis
is this space... calming? yes no undecided
(17) (17) (6)
stressful? yes
no undecided
exploratory? yes
(8) (17) (7)
(32)
no undecided
results:
The students felt that this space was mostly made them feel playful, joyful and energized. The votes were split as to if it felt calming or not, however most agreed that it did not induce stress. Finally, they unanimously agreed that they would like to explore the space.