Portfolio

The project challenge was to design a space for older adults where they can connect with other people as well as nature. The project site was the Anderson, located at 907 1/2 W Franklin Street, one of the most historic streets in Richmond, VA. The scope of the project included the first floor of the Anderson (approx 4,600sf) as well as the exterior perimeter of the site. Programs facilities include an art therapy classroom, talk therapy, cafe, and game center, as well as a meditation + yoga studio. The primary users of this space are those who reside in Richmond, VA, and are looking for an inclusive place of refuge to enjoy a third-party space away from home. This program provides an outlet for those of the RVA community in connection with VCU’s campus.

When considering a community center for older adults, I wanted it to be a unifying place on VCU’s campus. The word unity began my thinking of other words, such as belonging, inclusivity, and refuge. My concept evolved into a refuge from outside factors, whether that is thoughts and fears for some or the opposite as a place to dwell.

YOGA STUDIO

LOCKER ROOM

THERAPY

ART THERAPY CLASSROOM

BATH #1

BATH #2

WELCOME AREA/GAME CENTER

View of the cafe from the main hallway

NTS

View of drop ceilings and arched pathway

NTS

View of welcome area and game center

NTS

View of front entry and art therapy work display

Elevation 2 Cafe Banquette Seating Elevation, North East

Scale: 1/4” = 1’ - 0”

PARTI DIAGRAMS

REFUGE VS. PUBLIC SPACES

CEILING HEIGHT MODIFICATIONS

MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

1 POLLAK WILD WEST - LEATHER

2 BERNHARDT - UPHOLSTERY TEXTILE

3 KARN - BAMBOO LOCKERS

4 NORA - ESD RUBBER FLOORING

5 TILEBAR - TERRAZZO FLOORING

6 KAHRS - OAK LECCO FLOORING

7 COMPAC - CONCRETE COUNTERS

8 DURALEE - LINEN DRAPERY

9 BM - CHOPPED DILL WALL COLOR

ACCOMMODATING DIFFERENCES

“Accommodating differences in a therapeutic space” continues with the common theme of focusing on the human body for design development, emphasizing accommodation for those with disabilities. Inspired by the notion that accessible design should be more than practical and dimensional adaptations. I developed an interior and exterior space for therapeutic bathing that enhances the quality of life for it’s user(s).

primary materials: chipboard, basswood

Section Elevation 3/8” = 1’- 0”

Floor Plan 3/8” = 1’- 0”

FORM FOLLOWS RITUAL

This project was intended to expand our understanding of observational “research” as a design methodology. The continued focus on the proportions of the human body will further emphasize the essential link between architecture and people, specifically the connection between human activity and architectural form and space. For this project: Form Follows Event, I designed a microstructure that accommodates the following activities:

1. walking (approach and entrance)

2. climbing stairs/ladder/ramp (path)

3. resting or sleeping (place)

primary material: chipboard

PLACE OF HYGIENE REIMAGINED

As designers, we create space that can be redefined as social and cultural spatial conditions change over time. Change is inevitable and requires us to be agile in our thinking, and curiously optimistic in our approach. In this first project, we sharpened our observational, and 2 and 3 dimensional analogue skills, by reimagining something that seems conventional - a hygiene ritual. The project was divided into two primary phases:

Observation + Mapping; Diagramming + Making

primary materials: plaster, basswood

SKETCHES