sydney grace miller Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Third Year | Portfolio 2018
1
terra commons
2
ask nature office
3
the rise center
coworking + multi use space
nonprofit headquarters
training + transition center
terra
COWORKING ENTRANCE
terra commons 7 weeks | individual project 12,000 sq ft Seattle, Washington
Terra Commons is a coworking space with amenities designed in The West Edge tower. The construction of the tower, designed by Tom Kundig, was completed in 2018. The inspiration is based on Seattle, which is known as “The Emerald City.� Its proximity to so many old growth forests influenced the forest floor concept. The uneven characteristics of a forest floor are an example of an experiential element translated to the design. Additionally, the canopies and lighting quality created by the layering of leaves is applied throughout this space. The forest floor is a natural model of coworking - where different species form community, similar to the individuals and companies who utilize the space and occupy niches within a shared ecosystem.
Gensler Brinkmann Submission Industry Sponsored Studio Winner
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KITCHEN
NIC
LOUNGE
COURTYARD HOT DESKING
WINE BAR RECEPTION
BUILDING RECEPTION
NIC
CONFERENCE
FLOOR PLAN: NTS
MEZZANINE
Terra Commons was developed at the street level with entry in three places: the coworking area, the wine bar, and the public courtyard. Since research shows people are more likely to occupy a space when its intended use is clear, the planning for Terra Commons balances public, private, casual, and formal space with clear delineation. Access to daylight, use of natural materials, and ergonomic furniture selection address the well being of the occupants. The wine bar blends into the public outdoor courtyard with patio seating. The courtyard serves as a community space and features interactive areas as well as relaxing spaces.
COWORKING VIEW
COWORKING MEZZANINE
OPEN OFFICE
The hot desks in the open office area are oriented perpendicular to the exterior glazing to prevent glare on computer screens. Enclosed phone booths offer a private area option in the open space and the acoustic ceiling baffles offer some sound absorption
Conceptual Axon: The form highlighted is a core element that ties the space together by providing abstracted canopies, anchoring a level change, and supporting the natural lighting condition.
summer solstice
winter solstice
SUN STUDY
PATIO SEATING BIKE RACK WATER FEATURE WATER FEATURE
MULTIPURPOSE STAGE
AMENITIES SECTION: NTS
COURTYARD
WINE BAR
DAYTIME OFFICE RENDERING
ask nature office 2.5 weeks | individual project 4,500 sq ft Navy Yard, Washington DC
The Ask Nature offices are located on a street corner in a growing area of Washington DC. The new nonprofit headquarters was designed with the mission of Ask Nature in mind. This office space focuses on the human and behavior as a system. The concept of growth can be traced from that of an individual in the space to the whole company. The biophilic focused design itself speaks to the branding of the organization. The space experiments with the interaction between the user and healthy lighting design as well as the incorporation of natural forms. “Our goal today is for biomimicry to become a natural part of the design process.� - Ask Nature
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IT CLOSET PRINT + COPY LARGE CONFERENCE MEDITATION
OPEN BENCHING
JANITORIAL
COLLABORATIVE LOUNGE
WC
WC
BREAK AREA
SMALL CONFERENCE RECEPTION
STORAGE
FLOOR PLAN: NTS
EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE RESEARCH LIGHTING
NATURE
ADAPTABILITY
Natural + artificial lighting increases productivity
Natural elements improve employee well-being
Flexibility allows changes in use, tech, and employee age
Access to daylight was incorporated from the existing building structure with the open floor plan. Natural materials emphasize sustainability in the space and the Ask Nature brand.
ENCLOSURE
OPEN COLLABORATIVE
PROSPECT
The innate feeling of comfort we have from our roots with early humans in the savannah is linked to the options of prospect and refuge. Prospect being a wide open space with a view of the area and refuge being enclosed with cover from behind and above.
REFUGE
1 2 4’-0”
3
5 4
1
SPIDER + SNAKE PLANTS
2
BARRISOL 3D FORM MATERIAL
3
ANGLE FOR WATER DRAINAGE
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BARRISOL 3D FORM FRAMING
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CIRCADIAN RHYTHM LIGHT PATTERN
ENTRANCE + BRANDING WALL
The lighting feature used on the dividing wall and above the open desking space follows the natural circadian rhythm pattern. During the day it is brighter, cooler light and in the evening hours, it is dimmer warmer light. The focus area provides an enclosed space for individual or small group work.
FOCUS AREA
EVENING OFFICE RENDERING
ENTRANCE RENDERING
the rise center 2.5 weeks | team project 6,000 sq ft Boston, Massachusetts
The Rise Center is a vocational training and transition space for adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Now more than ever, with the support of the community, people with autism are being integrated into society as independent individuals. The Rise Center aims to celebrate this community by providing a space that engages the senses to promote wellbeing and growth. It allows for both individualized care and group interaction in an inviting atmosphere. The concept for The Rise Center stems from the expectation that each individual journey through the space will be different. Accommodation through a comforting, yet interactive design can help each person achieve their goals in a calming and predictable manner. contribution: research, concept development space planning, diagramming, presentation
IDEC 2018 Student Design Competition Regional Finalist
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TRANSITION SPACE
The reception and transition space features a tactile wall at handrail height that serves as a way-finding element from the front to the back of the building. One path is a soft felt and the other is therapressure brush material. The ceiling feature is made of translucent fabric panels and diffuses the natural light from the sunlight in a non-distracting way. The built in seating element in the transition space provides a place for people to pause and acclimate. An ADA accessible enclosure similar to the built in seating is placed behind the reception desk.
HIGH STIMULATION
SENSORY SPACE
OUTDOOR COURTYARD
MOCK APARTMENT
FLEX ROOM
FLEX ROOM KITCHEN
OFFICE
DIRECTORS OFFICE
Site Description: The Rise Center sits on a busy street corner in Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts is one of the few states that requires insurance providers to cover treatments for autism without restrictions on age The close proximity to the Boston Medical Center makes The Rise Center more accessible to those who need it most.
SECTION: NTS
SMALL TRAINING
LARGE TRAINING OFFICE
1 RECEPTION + WAITING
FLOOR PLAN: NTS
Research Findings: Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder can be hypersensitive, meaning they are bothered by white noise, bright lights, and being touched. They can be distracted by movement and can be overwhelmed if physical balance is lost.
Low Sensory + Acoustically Controlled
Vestibular Swings + Dimmable Lights
Tension Surface
Conversely, they can be living with hyposensitivity meaning they enjoy bright colors, lively noises, and certain smells. They can be soothed by tactile activities and rocking or swaying.
The sensory space is a place indoors that serves as a sanctuary for users in the space. It offers places to relax or stimulate occupants.
FilzFelt Fringe Panels
High Sensory + Acoustically Controlled
TENSION SURFACE + VESTIBUAR SWINGS
KITCHEN
The kitchen area is fully enclosed to prevent distraction and avoid any unnecessary scents from escaping. Commercial grade appliances are used, with an undercounter fridge, freezer, and dishwasher as well as height adjustable sinks, cook tops, and prep tables for easy accessibility.
The flex room includes space for physical activities as well as an arts and crafts area. Custom millwork creates a system to prevent clutter. The presentation area features a magnet board instead of push pins to ensure safety.
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE PREP TABLE
FLEX ROOM
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE SINK
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE COOKTOP
The mock apartment is a place for people learning how to live on their own. It features standard rooms with ADA spatial requirements and place for service animals.
summer solstice
Living Room
winter solstice
The outdoor courtyard provides an additional sensory area with tactile activities such as a water feature, wind chimes, and a texture path to walk on. The garden is also a place for people to decompress and work toward a reward. There is an enclosed respite area outdoors as well to provide a quiet space for relaxation.
Bedroom
ADA Bathroom
Dining Room Laundry + Service Animal Area
OUTDOOR SENSORY SPACE
MOSS ARTS CENTER: MARKER RENDERING
thank you 703.303.0812 sydnem1@vt.edu