Terminal Studio Project

Home School |Charlie Bickford | 2023-2024

Table of Contents Abstract

2

Written Proposal

4

Program

8

Site

16

Research

20

References

28

Justification Preview Program & Site Design Investigation Problem Statement

Program Diagrams Program Spreadsheet Narrative/Scenarios

Visual Documentation

Precedents Narratives Fisrt Person Research Plan

Abstract

M

idtown East Manhattan, the heart of one of the busiest business districts in New York City, has undergone a major transformation from a strictly business-oriented place to a conglomeration of uses. This post-pandemic world has opened up the urban fabric to not rely on single-use zoning laws but rather flourish through mixed-use environments. “Home School” takes advantage of this opportunity by placing itself right in the center of this business hub as something unique. Combining elementary education and housing into a single building offers all the daycare benefits that a school can provide right outside your doorstep. This concept bridges time and efficiency within the fast-paced city, freeing up more time for parents to focus on their daily tasks rather than stressful commutes around the city for their child.

The location is crucial when it comes to a childcare facility; it not only provides the luxury of convenience to the dwelling spaces above but also acts as a central hub for commuter families to drop off their children right by their workplace in Midtown East Manhattan. 71% of Manhattan workers commute from other boroughs or regions around NYC. The pandemic has opened up the rare opportunity for this margin to get considerably smaller. A large portion of this school will be a daycare facility, catering to families that commute and need a convenient place for their younger child to go. Additionally, it offers subsidized housing to teachers and staff who work in the school. This ensures that “Home School” provides an equal opportunity for the residents who can afford it, the staff who work there to uphold it, and the surrounding community that relies on it.

New York City, Manhattan

2

Midtown East Manhattan, NYC

3

Justification City landscapes have gone through major transformations to adapt to social and cultural change. Delving into the fabric of New York City reveals notable transformations spanning its history. Initially serving as a key port for the United States, it later evolved into a focal point for knowledge industries. Amidst the aftermath of the pandemic, the city is undergoing another phase of metamorphosis. The innovative design of “Home School” stems from this ongoing transformation, emphasizing forward-thinking. In the following discourse, I will explore the impact of COVID-19 on the city, examining its repercussions on office spaces, and finally, delving into the alterations in the city’s transportation infrastructure. These three focal points highlight the necessity for the design of “Home School” and similar mixed-use structures, contributing to the creation of a safer and more efficient urban environment.

Pandemic Impact on City Fabric The Impact COVID-19 has had on the world is immeasurable. As jobs have become remote and office spaces vacated, New York City has never been so quiet. Jumping into this post-COVID society has not been easy, but slowly New York City is becoming more and more vibrant again. The article “26 Empire State Buildings Could Fit Into New York’s Empty Office Space. That’s a Sign.” by Edward L. Glaser discusses New York City’s transformation from a place of productivity to one centered around leisure and recreation, emphasizing the need to adapt to this shift for the city’s economic future in the post-COVID urban landscape.

Despite many office buildings remaining largely vacant, the city saw a significant influx of tourists, reflecting a transition from vocation to recreation. The author argues that traditional city zoning, which separates residential, commercial, and recreational areas, needs to evolve to create mixed-use neighborhoods where offices, schools, parks, restaurants, and more are closely integrated. This shift aims to make the city an attractive place for people to spend their time, even if they work remotely. The article emphasizes the importance of building a “Playground City” that prioritizes diverse experiences and brings people together in physical spaces, countering the isolation of remote work and promoting sustainable and integrated urban living. Focusing on one facet of this mixed-use model Edward L. Glaser discusses in his article is where “Home School” stems from.

NYC’s Vacant Office Space could fill 26.6 Empire State Buildings (74,582,671 sf of office space)

4

Office Vacancies Cntinue to climb

Percentahe of all office space that is vacant

20 Percent

Start of pandemic

15 Los Angeles 10

5

Chicago New York City 2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2023

Pandemic Impact on Office Space There is no secret of how the pandemic has affected the work environment, especially within the office. This also means that real estate industries in New York City are grappling with what to do with all this empty space. In the Article “New Glut City”, Andrew Rice explains that the pandemic has created “a rare opportunity to create the one real-estate commodity everyone agrees the city needs: housing... New York City is facing an existential crisis… We have a shortage of housing, and we have an excess of old office space”. The author also explains that many real estate owners don’t have a choice when it comes to what options they have with their building. Offices are still being vacated three years after the pandemic and housing is a necessity within this dense environment.

Currently, there are about 26.5 Empire State Buildings worth of office real estate that is empty. The graph above shows that this trend is not slowing down any time soon. The ability to incorporate housing within the fast-paced business districts of the city upholds the idea that mixed-use city zoning isn’t only helping to improve the city’s culture, but also making it a more convenient place to live with more housing options.

5

Justification Transportation A standout issue with traditional city zoning has been the commute (or further, the proximity of zones and the difficulty of navigation between zones). When it comes to families with younger children, parents are in charge of getting their children to and from school. Additionally, this impedes the parent’s time to get to their work. According to NYC Planning, Manhattan is responsible for most of its workforce being commuters from other parts of the city and other areas. Depicted below showcases the other boroughs of the City with much fewer commuters coming into the area to work. For example, looking into areas like Midtown East Manhattan, known for its towering skyscrapers and vibrant business district, leaves no place for households or schools to thrive. As COVID has altered the fabric in which cities function, we must embrace this mixed-use zoning to uphold these vibrant districts in a new light. “Home School” is a bridge of transportation. Having a place central to the working hub that affects families all around the city will help to save time, create safe commutes, and provide more time for the parents to focus on their needs.

n kly

21%

d ls an

Sta ten I

Bro o

Summation The pandemic has impacted everyone as its effects have infiltrated environments like offices, schools, and homes. With this transformation comes a lot of hopeful possibilities to restructure our urban landscape. Through the justifications that I have discussed in my essay, it becomes clear that we must embrace this mixed-use environment to make the city a prosperous place to be again. Exploring how the pandemic has altered the urban fabric, impacted the office space, and affected transportation provides a strong foundation for “Home School” to thrive in this new age.

11%

887K Workers

11%

6%

123K Workers 68% 83%

6

Where NYC Workers Commute From at Borough of Workplace

Ma nh

From Within Workplace Borough From a Different NYC Borough In-Commute from the Region (Around NYC)

tan t a 26%

29%

2.6M Workers

nx

18%

Qu e

Bro

45%

19%

391K Workers

s en

17% 63%

17%

741K Workers 66%

7

Preview Program & Site Program “Home School” is divided into two separate functions: dwelling spaces and a Montessori elementary school. Starting with the dwelling spaces, they are divided into market-rate housing above, while providing subsidized units below. The market-rate living includes units ranging from 2 bedrooms to 4 bedrooms, keeping them within the average range for family sizes. Additionally, their purpose is to create enough space for families to live comfortably, especially since most parents will have younger children to take care of.

The subsidized housing will consist of smaller units ranging from studios to two bedrooms for the school staff. Although these units are smaller than the market-rate ones, they will still have all the amenities one needs.

The Montessori School is composed of many multipurpose spaces, as this teaching method enables students to choose their own educational path. This philosophy has become very popular in elementary schools because it gives students the freedom and responsibility to create their own goals and aspirations while being guided to learn the basic elementary curriculum. This is crucial in early education, as children are rapidly developing and discovering their interests. Additionally, the school will provide a considerably large daycare for all the families who commute to this area for work.

Formerly recognized as the Lever House, this structure stands in the heart of one of the nation’s largest business districts, Midtown East Manhattan, precisely on Park Avenue.

Designed by Gordon Bunshaft, Ownings, and Merril in 1952, this iconic mid-century modern building served as a pioneering example of the International style of architecture. Its revolutionary glass and steel skyscraper, adorned with a distinctive blue-green tinted curtain wall, marked a significant architectural advancement during its era. With 260,000 square feet of usable space, this vintage office building is ideally suited for an educational facility that the expansive floor plate on the ground floor provides, while the towering narrow skyscraper above ensures well-lit dwelling spaces.

8

Home

Site

L O O H SC

Design Investigation: “Home” • How has the pandemic affected the home?

• What should be implemented in households with younger children?

• How can natural light reach most of the spaces?

• How can we enhance the idea of community within apartment spaces?

• What spaces should be most efficient vs those that should be more open?

Design Investigation: “School” • How has the pandemic affected the school?

• How can natural light reach most of the spaces?

• What cultural motifs can be incorporated through the design to enhance the experience?

• What in-between spaces are useful for students?

• How to best incorporate mixed-aged learning within the Montessori school?

• How can daycare facilities be the most efficient for the parent and most enjoyable for the child?

9

Program Intricacies: Montessori School Overview The Montessori school comprises 16 classrooms that are larger than normal to incorporate the 5 Montessori teaching methods. Teaching around 480 students, this elementary school will also provide other spaces such as a music room, library, computer lab, and common space. Numbers might need to be adjusted to include a daycare space for families who both live in the building and work in the surrounding areas. The school will occupy part of the ground floor, all of the first floor, and some of the second floor.

Music Room

Kitchen Commons

Teachers Lounge

Daycare

Admin.

Office

Outdoor Space Classrooms

Entry

Classrooms Library

Ground Floor

~11,500 sf

10

Classrooms

First Floor

Second Floor

~26,600 sf

~9,000 sf

Space Name Open S pac e Commons Entry Indoor Play Space Outdoor Play Space Cl assroom S pac e Practical Life Area Sensorial Area Mathematics Area Culture Area Language Area Other Educ ati onal S pac e Music Room Library Computer Lab Daycare Space Teac her/S taff S pac e Teachers Lounge Administrative office Cafeteria Kitchen Space S ervi c e S pac es Bathroom Storage Mechanical Elevator S ubtotal Bui l di ng Ci rc ul ati on +2 0 % Total

Occupancy

Sq Footage

Quantity

Total Sq. ft.

500 300 250 250 30 6 6 6 6 6

3500 1500 1500 1500 1000 200 200 200 200 200

1 1 1 1 16

3500 1500 1500 1500 16000

20-25 100 30 250

1500 1500 1000 3000

1 1 1 1

1500 1500 1000 3000

35 3 5

1200 250 100

1 1 1

1200 250 100

6 2 1 6

250 250 100 100

6 2 1 3

1500 500 100 300 34950 6990 41940

11

Program Intricacies: Living Space Overview Market rate housing offers 2-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom living arrangements. The goal is to avoid having any single-occupancy housing within these levels, with the hope that most units will be occupied by families. This will provide housing for over 400 residents. Subsidized housing for the school staff is smaller and offers studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom dwelling units. This can accommodate housing for almost 30 employees of the building. The living units will primarily occupy floors 3-21 but will also have part of the ground floor for lobby space.

3-Bedroom

Studio

2-Bedroom

Entry

Outdoor Space

4-Bedroom 2-Bedroom 3-Bedroom

Ground Floor

~11,500 sf

12

lv.3-lv.4 Floor Subsidized Housing

~7,000 sf

lv.5-lv.21 Floor Market Rate Housing

~7,000 sf

Space Name

Occupancy

Sq Footage

Quantity

Total Sq. ft.

Market Rate L i vi ng S pac e 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom

3 4 5

1000 1200 1500

2 2 1

2000 2400 1500

S ubtotal Bui l di ng Ci rc ul ati on +2 0 % Total S ubsi di zed Housi ng Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom

5900 1180 7080

1 2 3

600 800 1000

4 3 1

S ubtotal Bui l di ng Ci rc ul ati on +2 0 % Total Other S haredS pac e Outdoor Space Lobby S ervi c e S pac es Bathroom Storage Mechanical Elevator S ubtotal Bui l di ng Ci rc ul ati on +2 0 % Total

2400 2400 1000 5800 1160 6960

20-25 40

1500 1000

1 1

1500 1000

4 2 1 3

250 250 100 100

2 1 1 3

500 250 100 300 1150 230 1380

13

Narrative Scenarios Why Home School Is Key–For Commuters Hello there, I’m Jessie, a single mom navigating the hustle of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Recently, I landed a gig in Midtown Manhattan that’s keeping us afloat in the city, but the commute is a bit of a trek – almost an hour on public transit. The real challenge was finding a reliable daycare for my five-year-old until I stumbled upon Home School. Located smack in the heart of the Big Apple’s working hub, Home School turned out to be a game-changer. It’s a relief that I can drop my little one off during my work hours, saving me the hassle of running around the city searching for a suitable place for her. The best part? Since my job is in the same area, I can swing by and check on her during lunch breaks. Having her so close by adds a layer of comfort and takes a load off my shoulders, knowing she’s in good hands nearby.

Why Home School Is Key–For Staff Hey there! I’m Joseph, your friendly neighborhood Spanish teacher at Home School. When I stumbled upon this gig, I gotta admit, I was sweating bullets, thinking, “Can a teacher actually make it work in one of the priciest spots in NYC?” But guess what? Turns out, our school’s got our backs big time. You see, I took a closer look at my contract, and, lo and behold, the housing situation is a game-changer. They’ve got this fantastic deal where our apartments are subsidized. Living smack dab in the middle of the city?

Check. Teaching alongside a bunch of awesome colleagues who are all about shaping young minds? Double check. Sure, our apartments might not be mansion-sized, but they’ve got all the essentials. I mean, who needs a huge place when you’ve got everything you need right at your fingertips? It’s like a cozy little haven. Oh, and let me tell you about the teachers’ lounge – it’s basically our secret hideaway with a killer view of the city. It’s where we unwind, share stories, and just bask in the awesomeness of being educators. So, yeah, Home School isn’t just a workplace; it’s my home away from home. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

14

Why Home School Is Key–For Parents Greetings! I’m Barbra, a proud mom navigating the adventures of parenthood with my fourth-grader, James. Transitioning from Queens to Midtown Manhattan was initially bittersweet, but it’s been a game-changer, making my life a hundred percent more manageable. The Montessori model at James’s new school has been a revelation. While I initially harbored concerns about its departure from traditional classroom learning, witnessing James’s remarkable growth has put those worries to rest. The open, quadrant-style classrooms are a breath of fresh air, fostering a sense of freedom crucial for early development. During my visits, I couldn’t help but appreciate how the learning environment encourages exploration. Gone are the rows of desks facing a wall; instead, they’re strategically divided for various activities. This educational approach strikes a balance, ensuring James covers core subjects while nurturing his unique interests and passions. With the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, I was anxious about James’s social development.

Fortunately, the Montessori style has facilitated a seamless reintroduction to socializing with kids his age, a relief for any parent during these times.

Additionally, living above the school has been a blessing. The proximity has not only provided James with a stress-free commute but has also granted me the luxury of time to focus on my work. As a nurse, being close to Mount Sinai West Hospital is invaluable, minimizing commute times and maximizing efficiency. Our apartment, bathed in natural light despite the New York City gloom, has become my sanctuary. Its strategic design not only complements my work-life balance but also ensures a haven for both James and me.

Why Home School Is Key–For Children Hi! I’m James, a fourth-grader at Home School. I came here in third grade because it’s closer to my mom’s work. Even though the internet says it’s okay for kids to ride public transit alone at around ages 8 to 13 years old, my mom wanted me to be safe, so now I just take the elevator to school. When I first got here, I was kinda nervous ‘cause I didn’t know anyone, but now I have a bunch of friends.

This school is different from my old one because it uses something called the Montessori Method. My mom says that Montessori education is education that is student-led and self-paced but guided, assessed, and enriched by knowledgeable and caring teachers, the leadership of their peers, and a nurturing environment. I really like it because I can learn at my own pace and also learn from my friends.

It’s a fun way to do school stuff!

15

Site Intricacies: 390 Park Ave. Construction and Architectural Significance • Lever House was designed by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) and completed in 1952. It was one of the early examples of the International Style in the United States.

• The building is characterized by its sleek glass curtain walls, blue-green tinted glass, and innovative use of stainless steel. The design reflects the modernist principles of simplicity, functionality, and a break from traditional architectural styles.

Innovative Design Features: • The building’s innovative design included a raised podium that allowed for a public plaza at ground level. This design element was influential in the development of urban public spaces in later years.

• Lever House was also one of the first air-conditioned office buildings in the United States, and it featured open office spaces with modular furniture.

Preservation and Recognition: • In 1982, Lever House was designated a New York City Landmark, and in 1983, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

• The building underwent a renovation in the early 2000s, which included restoring some of the original design elements.

Borough: Man

hattan

Area: Midtow

n East

16

Lever House Information Built:

1950-1952

Site:

34,713sf

Total Square Feet :

276,605sf

Floors:

21

Building Height:

300’-6”

Site: Park Ave

. & E53rd St.

17

Site Documentation

Revit Model, Coutesy of Andrew Milburn

18

Floor Plans

B

G

L05 A

B

C

D

E

11

14

L01

L07

L06

15

15

14

11

E

L02

L08

D

C

L09

B

L03

L04

L10

L11

L12

L13

L19

L20

L21

R

A

Level 25 3602 FFL

Level 25 3602 FFL

Level 22 3429 FFL

Level 22 3429 FFL

Level 21 3232 FFL

Level 21 3232 FFL

Level 20 3085 FFL

Level 20 3085 FFL

L14

Level 19 2937 FFL

L15

L16

L17

L18

Level 19 2937 FFL

Level 18 2789 FFL

Level 18 2789 FFL

Level 17 2642 FFL

85

85

85

Level 17 2642 FFL

85

Level 16 2494 FFL

85

Level 16 2494 FFL

Level 15 1952 SOM LEVER HOUSE

Level 15 2346 FFL

2346 FFL

PARK AVENUE, MIDTOWN, NEW YORK 11/29/2023 8:33:52 PM

Level 14 2199 FFL

A1

Level 13 2051 FFL

Original Sheet Size

This drawing was created by Andy Milburn and is based on original research conducted with the aid of BIM software. Many assumptions have been made

Level 14 Plans 2199Overview FFL

FILE PATH : C:\Users\charl\Desktop\Lever House Imformation\Lever House Modification 1\Lever House Modification 1.rte

Level 13 2051 FFL

Level 12 1904 FFL

Level 12 1904 FFL

Level 11 1756 FFL

Level 11 1756 FFL

Level 10 1608 FFL

Level 10 1608 FFL

Level 9 1461 FFL

Level 9 1461 FFL

Level 8 1313 FFL

Level 8 1313 FFL

Level 7 1165 FFL

Level 7 1165 FFL

Level 6 1018 FFL

Level 6 1018 FFL

85

85

LEVER HOUSE

Drawn

Author

Scale

1 : 500

Date

www.grevity.blogspot.com

March 2013

Rev.

Drawing No.

SHADES OF GREY LH-120

Elevations

Level 5 870 FFL

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

800 2000

01 Level 3 575 FFL

Level 4 722 FFL

09 3750

Level 4 722 FFL

950 800 2000

950

Level 5 870 FFL

85

Level 2 402 FFL

Level 2 402 FFL

Level 1 224 FFL

Level 1 224 FFL

Level 0 0 FFL

Level 0 0 FFL

Level -1 -134 FFL

Level -1 -134 FFL

LEVER HOUSE 1952 SOM PARK AVENUE, MIDTOWN, NEW YORK

A1

Original Sheet Size

This drawing was created by Andy Milburn and is based on original research conducted with the aid of BIM software. Many assumptions have been made FILE PATH : C:\Users\charl\Desktop\Lever House Imformation\Lever House Modification 1\Lever House Modification 1.rte

ELEVATIONS 2

LEVER HOUSE

Drawn

Author

Scale

1 : 200

www.grevity.blogspot.com

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

Level 25 3602 FFL

Level 25 3602 FFL

Level 22 3429 FFL

Level 22 3429 FFL

Level 21 3232 FFL

Level 21 3232 FFL

Level 20 3085 FFL

Level 20 3085 FFL

Level 19 2937 FFL

Level 19 2937 FFL

Level 18 2789 FFL

Level 18 2789 FFL

Level 17

Date

2642 2013 FFL March

Level 17 2642 FFL

Drawing No.

Rev. Level 16 2494 FFL

Level 16 2494 FFL

Level 15 2346 FFL

Level 15 2346 FFL

Level 14 2199 FFL

Level 14 2199 FFL

Level 13 2051 FFL

Level 13 2051 FFL

Level 12 1904 FFL

Level 12 1904 FFL

Level 11 1756 FFL

Level 11 1756 FFL

Level 10 1608 FFL

Level 10 1608 FFL

Level 9 1461 FFL

Level 9 1461 FFL

Level 8 1313 FFL

Level 8 1313 FFL

Level 7 1165 FFL

Level 7 1165 FFL

Level 6 1018 FFL

Level 6 1018 FFL

Level 5 870 FFL

Level 5 870 FFL

Level 4 722 FFL

Level 4 722 FFL

Level 3 575 FFL

Level 3 575 FFL

Level 2 402 FFL

Level 2 402 FFL

SHADES OF GREY LH 38

92000

11/29/2023 8:37:28 PM

01

10 Level 3 575 FFL

---

Sections

Level 1 224 FFL

Tectonic Copyright 2007

Level 1 224 FFL

Level 0 0 FFL

Level 0 0 FFL

Tectonic Copyright 2007

Level -1 -134 FFL

LEVER HOUSE 1952 SOM PARK AVENUE, MIDTOWN, NEW YORK 11/29/2023 8:46:47 PM

A1

Original Sheet Size

This drawing was created by Andy Milburn and is based on original research conducted with the aid of BIM software. Many assumptions have been made FILE PATH : C:\Users\charl\Desktop\Lever House Imformation\Lever House Modification 1\Lever House Modification 1.rte

SECTIONS 1

Level -1 -134 FFL

LEVER HOUSE

Drawn

Author

Scale

1 : 200

www.grevity.blogspot.com

Date

Drawing No.

SHADES OF GREY LH 39

March 2013

Rev.

19

Precedents: School (Interior) John S. McCain III Elementary School • Location: Buckeye, United States • Architects: Orcutt | Winslow • Area: 95,000 sf John S. McCain III Elementary School utilizes diverse spatial arrangements to create different learning environments. The use of very high vaulted spaces acts as the backbone of interaction and collaboration in the Elementary school.

There are nodes off of the vaulted space to provide more private spaces and classrooms for more individualized learning. Incorporating this use of different spatial arrangements in a Montessori school is key when creating distinct places to collaborate, work alone, or in pairs.

Collaboration of all ages is important for the Montessori school, so making sure the common spaces, in addition to the classroom spaces, influence this.

Jungfernsee Elementary School • Location: Postdam, Germany • Architects: Sehw Architektur • Area: 81,805 sf Jungfernsee Elementary School creates a very calm learning environment with its cool color pallet, with playful accents. Outside of the classroom, the school provides a diverse array of in-between spaces. It does a good job of creating spaces that feel serene while still incorporating fun design elements.

Peaceful Color Palette

20

Incorporating different types of furniture, colors, and materials creates diverse spaces of interaction.

Create Spatial Hierarchy

Incorporating different types of inhabitable edges and in-between spaces for interaction, or functional things, like storage.

21

Precedents: School (Exterior) Pony School • Location: Xinyang, China • Architects: L&M Design Lab • Area: 161,458 sf Pony School strategically places all of its classrooms around the edge of the building.

Additionally, because the bays of the structure are small a lot of natural light can get into the classroom. This incorporation of the common central space while taking advantage of all the natural light is important for a good learning environment. This is key for “Home School”, especially with its use of the courtyard and outdoor space.

Red Planet • Location: Zhabei, China • Architects: María Francisca González • Area: 2,637 sf Red Planet Park is a good example of an urban park when it comes to the lack of green spaces. Using different shapes and textures makes for a fun place to be.

Additionally, I like how each attraction doesn’t have a given function, rather it is left to the child’s imagination. This has been studied to be good for children in early development.

22

Creating a Common Center

Exploratory Meandering

Indoor-Outood Connection

Overlapping Play Spaces

23

Precedents: Apartment Copan Apartment • Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil • Architects: Vereda Arquitetos • Area: 420 sf Copan Apartment is a great example of one simple move in a living space to create a very effective use of space. Utilizing a storage compartment to delineate the studio apartment makes it less like one big space, but the place zones and separations for different functions. This can be good when having guests over, incorporating more storage, or needing a separation between more public or private spaces.

Aurora Apartment • Location: Asa Sul, Brazil • Architects: CoDA Arquitetura • Area: 2,023 sf Aurora Apparment’s clever use of built-in furniture and transparent materiality makes this deep apartment space feel light. Incorporating different ways to bring the light further into the apartment is important. I love how this apartment utilizes the furniture as a light shelf for the bedroom. Additionally, making the thresholds out of transparent materials creates both privacy but also enables light to penetrate through.

24

Using a spatial delineation to create a functional place for storage and a place to dwell.

Transparency for Light

Transparent Thresholds

Furniture as Light Shelves

25

First Person Research Plan School First-Person Interviews Name Who Are They?

Meeting Type

Marry-Ann

Mother of a child who attended a Montessori school.

A student at UO who studies family and Human Services.

Teacher at Montessori School

Zoom

Principal at Montessori School

Zoom

Al l y Ferguson Ri dgel i ne Montessori S c hool Teac her Ri dgel i ne Montessori S c hool Pri nc i pal

School Tours: Name

Ri dgel i ne Montessori School The Ivy S c hool

26

In-person Meeting Zoom

Location

Grades/Ages

4500 W Amazon Dr, Eugene, OR

K-8

5420 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR

K-8

Dwelling Space Interviews Name Who Are They?

Meeting Type

Cl ay Neal

In-person Meeting

Visiting Professor at the UO, whose focus is on minimal dwelling spaces.

Montessori School Interview Questions 1. What led you to choose a Montessori education for your child?

2. Can you describe the overall philosophy and approach of the Montessori school?

3. How does the Montessori method foster independence and self-directed learning in students?

4. In what ways does the school encourage hands-on, experiential learning?

5. What is the role of the teacher in a Montessori classroom, and how is it different from traditional teaching methods?

6. How does the school handle mixed-age classrooms, and what are the benefits of this approach?

7. What kind of materials and resources are used in the classroom to facilitate learning?

8. How does the school assess and track a child’s progress, considering the individualized nature of Montessori education?

9. How does the school incorporate outdoor and physical activities into the daily routine?

10. Can you share any success stories or positive experiences your child has had in the Montessori program?

11. How does the school environment support children with different learning styles and abilities?

12. What is the role of technology in the Montessori classroom, if any?

13. How does the Montessori approach prepare children for transitions to traditional educational settings, if applicable?

14. How does the school foster a sense of community among students, parents, and teachers?

Dwelling Space Interview Questions 1. How do you define the concept of minimal living in a residential space?

2. What are the key features that you believe define a successful minimal dwelling unit?

3. How do you prioritize functionality and aesthetics in a minimal living space?

4. How do you optimize storage solutions in minimal dwelling units to maximize space efficiency?

5. In your opinion, what are the most important considerations when designing a minimal dwelling unit for sustainability?

6. How do you address the psychological aspects of living in a compact space, such as creating a sense of openness and avoiding feelings of confinement?

7. What role does flexibility play in the design of minimal dwelling units, especially in terms of adaptability to different lifestyles or changing needs?

8. Can you share examples of successful minimal dwelling projects that have effectively utilized space and design principles?

9. What considerations are important for making minimal dwelling units accessible and inclusive for people with diverse needs?

10. How do you see the future of minimal dwelling units evolving, especially in urban areas with limited space?

27

References Pandemic Research Glaeser, Edward L., and Carlo Ratti. “26 Empire State Buildings Could Fit into New York’s Empty Office Space. That’s a Sign.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 10 May 2023, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/05/10/opinion/nyc-office-vacancy-playground-city.html.

City of New York, NYC Open Data. “NYC Open Data.” NYC Open Data WP Engine, opendata.cityofnewyork.us/. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

Rice, Andrew. “New Glut City.” Curbed, 17 July 2023, www.curbed.com/article/nycoffice-real-estate-rechler-rxr-project-kodak.html Commuting Research NYC Planning. “The Ins and Outs of NYC Commuting” NYC Planning, Sep. 2019, https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&cx=016018699614406225222:oj2rkvk-eey&q=https://www.nyc.gov/assets/ planning/download/pdf/planning-level/housing-economy/nyc-ins-and-out-ofcommuting.pdf&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwizxf26ie2CAxV6ITQIHZi9Bd8QFnoECAcQAQ&usg=AOvVaw35s8lewppiZGYc3IFUa54P. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023.

10, nyc101 on March, et al. “Super Commuters in Sophomore Year: The Impact of NYC’s Longest Rides to School.” City Limits, 12 Mar. 2020, citylimits.org/2020/03/10/ super-commuters-in-sophomore-year-the-impact-of-nycs-longest-rides-to-school/.

School Research Magnolia Montessori for All | Architect Magazine, www.architectmagazine.com/project-gallery/magnolia-montessori-for-all_o. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.

“Designing Montessori Kindergarten Classrooms.” MOA, 10 Apr. 2020, www.moaarch. com/thought_leadership/designing-montessori-kindergarten-classrooms/.

“Five Areas of The Montessori Classroom.” Pathway Montessori Preschool, 23 Nov. 2014, pathwaymontessori.com/5-areas-montessori-classroom/.

Ott, Clara. “Montessori School / Estudio Transversal.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 6 Aug. 2019, www.archdaily.com/922324/montessori-school-estudio-transversal.

Peji, Luciana. “John S. McCain III Elementary School / Orcutt: Winslow.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 2 Oct. 2022, www.archdaily.com/989818/john-s-mccain-iii-elementary-school-orcutt-winslow.

Silva, Valeria. “Jungfernsee Elementary School / SEHW Architektur.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 1 Aug. 2020, www.archdaily.com/943187/jungfernsee-elementary-school-sehw-architektur.

28

Silva, Valeria. “Pony School / L&M Design Lab.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 3 Oct. 2023, www.archdaily.com/1006091/pony-school-l-and-m-design-lab.

Tapia, Daniel. “Red Planet / 100architects.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 1 Apr. 2018, www. archdaily.com/891645/red-planet-100architects.

Housing Research Caballero, Pilar. “Copan Apartment / Vereda Arquitetos.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 1 Nov. 2023, www.archdaily.com/1009010/copan-apartment-vereda-arquitetos.

Luco, Andreas. “Aurora Apartment / Coda Arquitetura.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 30 July 2023, www.archdaily.com/1004499/aurora-apartment-coda-arquitetos.

Site Research “Lever House.” SOM, 21 Nov. 2023, www.som.com/projects/lever-house/.

“Contextual Fields: Design Methods in the Construction of Lever House.” Contextual Fields: Design Methods in the Construction of Lever House | Building Research Information Knowledgebase, 6 Apr. 2015, www.brikbase.org/content/contextual-fields-design-methods-construction-lever-house.

“The Lever House as Archetype.” YouTube, YouTube, 9 June 2020, www.youtube.com/ watch?v=c-_PVS8Pqz4.

29

to be CONTINUED

30