Site plan, Mittal
“We always have this horse in the studio alongside us, and can develop our designs with horses in mind... A constant reminder of who we are designing for.” - Sean Brunstein Positioning horses as primary clients, the studio investigated the formal and conceptual potentials of building materials and construction systems that could support the needs of humans and horses. For MArch student Allison Gomez, the indoor riding hall was the heart of her scheme; a 220’ by 100’ open structure with moment framing, bracing, and clerestory windows. Stables lined the southern end while the northern end transitioned directly into the outdoor riding space. She also integrated an interactive and
cooperative gallery on the site to add to the required programs. Her vision was to create a place where Buffalo residents could visit and take ownership of the exhibition space based on their needs and wants. Proposed seven feet beneath ground level, with a series of carefully laid out exterior spaces leading to it, this gallery spans the length of the indoor riding hall. Within the gallery is a café, lounge, and art exhibition space. Careful circulation design allows horses to be brought in and interact with artists. The landscaping, designed to complement adjacent streets, leads the users, both horse and human alike, to the gallery and the riding hall. Sinking the outdoor riding area
allows space for spectators above the action with seating elements designed to encourage social interaction. Keeping the comfort and privacy of the horses in mind as they designed, students learned how horses, just like humans, are each unique in their own way. Each student proposal created new and interactive experiences not typically seen in an urban environment. Riding centers like those proposed by these students give people (and horses) of all ages a chance to build skills, confidence, and improve physical and mental health in metropolitan areas. This is yet another example of how our design thinking can demonstrate care for others, this time across species.
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