CLARK HALL

HIGHER EDUCATION | 2023 | SAVANNAH, GA

Concept

Clark is a microcosm of Savannah, mimicking a city square with community gathering at the epicenter, surrounded by both working and learning spaces. The building will serve as a stepping stone for students to transition from childhood to adulthood. The design captures the pureness of new independence and self-exploration. With SCAD Beach just steps away, the design builds off the carefree spirit and restorative energy of the beach. The design is aligned with SCAD’s unique aesthetic, and sparks surprise and delight with students. With the stress of school, Clark Hall is a reminder to students to design with joy and infuse life and energy into their work.

Program Features

- Resource center with interactive board for students to ask and answer questions

- Immersive room to video chat with family in different time zones

- Conference room for formal meetings, presentations, and job interviews

- Safe space for relaxation and refocus

- Presentation room for guest lectures

The courtyard is located under the 2nd floor bridge, a previously unused space.. A privacy fence provides a sound barrier from the museum courtyard. This space will provide shade on hot days and shelter from light rain.

“The Shops” are located on the main concourse, intended to feel like an extension of the city. The brick continues from outside to give the feeling of an indoor marketplace. Retro awnings reinforce the “Mid Century Modern Beach House” inspiration and connection to the adjacent “SCAD Beach.”

[4] COMMUNITY SPACES

Casual seating adjacent to the courtyard allow for impromptu gatherings and socialization across disciplines.

Private zoom booths allow students to take virtual classes without being isolated in their homes. Views to courtyard to alleviate claustrophobia and fatigue.

FLOOR PLAN LEVELS 2 & 3

While the main concourse on level 1 encourages community and socialization, levels 2 and 3 are reserved for learning. Their identical floor plans house studio spaces, classrooms, and collaboration spaces without delineation of disciplines.

Emma, 34, is from Oneonta, NY, and moved to Austin, TX for art school where she met her husband, Andrew. She studied art history and comes from a family of artists, and is a collector herself. While living in TX, the pandemic hit and Emma grew concerned for her aging parents in Oneonta, NY. The couple knew they needed to return to their northern roots.

Client Project

This project is for the 2022-2023 Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library Interior Design Competition, modeled after the NCIDQ practicum exam. The brief required an art gallery in the rust belt of upstate New York for clients Emma and Andrew. The gallery was to house a variety of mediums, and the ability to host special events and community meetings. Program requirements included a lecture space, catering kitchen, movable walls, ADA access throughout, and sustainability considerations. The residence required a kitchen, guest bedroom that also functioned as a den, and a barrier free guest bath.