Portfolio 2019-2020

delaney leach

B.S. in Interior Design Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Student work selected from 2018 - 2019

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The NE X T Hub steelcase university

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BPL public librar y

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V T Innovate health & design research center

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NEXT Hub | Steelcase University 4t h Yea r | 8 we e k s | 10,685 s q. ft .

Nat iona l H onora ble M ent ion

The black and white images of Washington D.C. show large crowds gathering in civic spaces. These images inspired the research of civic spaces and how the design of them influences social gathering. Civic spaces are free, open forums that offer relief and respite in a busy city.

The word civic is used rather than “public” because by definition “civic” implies that the space is integral to a city. The NEXT Hub functions as a city because students of all ages come and go to work and the civic space acts as a common, gathering place for these students. People gather in civic spaces because they are visible, approachable, and flexible.

NEXT University’s vision for the NEXT Hub is “to provide an alternative place for students of all ages to gather, connect, explore and engage in lifelong learning experiences... and the goal is to provide a community lifelong learning center.”

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10th floor plan : NTS

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11th floor plan : NTS

civic space analysis The analysis of the Lincoln Memorial revealed the integral elements of a civic spaces. Civic spaces have multiple points of entry, main avenues, and a central landmark. The NEXT Hub was planned following the integral elements of a typical civic space like the Lincoln Memorial.

1. points of entry

2. main avenues

3. central landmark

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parti diagram

floor plan keys 1. AL Classroom

6. Closed Tutoring

1. Multipurpose CR

6. Childcare

2. Open Tutoring

7. VR/AR

2. Computer Lab

7. Mother’s Room

3. In-Between

8. Lockers/Print

3. In-Between

8. Lockers/Print

4. Makerspace

9. Faculty Hub

4. Seminar CR

9. Respite Rooms

5. Learning Commons

10. Private Offices

5. Learning Commons

The Learning Commons acts as the building’s civic space. This space is central and has multiple points of entry. The 10th floor and 11th floor learning commons are connected by a monumental staircase. The design of the learning commons took inspiration from the Lincoln Memorial - the staircase resembles the gradual tiering and grand tapering of the exterior steps, the illuminated columns represent the colonnade, and the back-lit metal mesh ceiling highlights the illuminated tiled ceiling in the memorial. branding + materials The NEXT University’s D.C. Hub is branded with gold, orange, and red. These colors were chosen because they are bold and energetic.

exploring the slope + tier of the steps, column placement, and ceiling pattern.

The 11th floor Learning Commons is a continuation of the 10th floor civic space. In addition it features a community pantry. Students are welcome to use all pantry amenities at their convenience - fridge, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and water dispenser.

responsive columns 1

The columns are a responsive building technology - the color fills the columns as the occupancy of the spaces increase.

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well standards

1. Nourishment

2. Light

3. Movement

The makerspace is a flexible, mobile space that meets various learning and creating needs. Students can move around the space, reconfigure the furniture, share and make information in many ways.

furniture selections

coalesse |coffee table

west elm |sterling chair in-between space

regard |nurture sofa

node |desk chair

The multipurpose + active learning classrooms are innovative classrooms that encourage social engagement. For example, four to six seat tables are provided as well as breakout lounges for informal interaction. They are also designed for feedback - providing analog tools, such as whiteboards, and digital tools, such as projector screens; mobile monitors; and monitors integrated into group tables.

classroom flexibility The three axons display how flexible the Active Learning Classroom is. The classroom furniture can be reconfigured to for a lecture, group, or discussion styled class.

lecture configuration

group configuration

discussion configuration

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Blacksburg Public Library 3rd Yea r | 6 we e k s | 14,6 00 s q.ft .

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia this facility provides an inclusive, inviting, and customized space that meets the changing needs of the growing community. The library acts as a community hub for all ages within the area. The library bridges the gap of the varying generations that utilize the space. Customized elements for each generation were designed in order to give each generation a personalized space.

The design and placement of the mezzanine within the center of the space, acts as a threshold when walking into the library. Circulation paths within the space are evident in direct paths created by shelving and furniture placement. The contrast of white and black, further emphasizes the growth of the Blacksburg community and the juxtaposition of old and new. The wood warms the space while carpet placement acts as a way-finding tool for the users.

partner collaboration with Sydney Delbridge roles : research, conceptual development, graphic communication, feature elements

mezzanine floor plan : NTS

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floor plan : NTS

sun study section : NTS

GRIND

section : NTS

floor plan key 1. Reception

5. Cafe

9. WC

13. Director’s Office

2. Study Area

6. Reading Area

10. Self Checkout

14. Break Room

3. Computers

7. Kid’s Area

11. Community Room

15. Conference

4. Bookshelves

8. Craft Room

12. Sorting Room

16. Teen Room

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The shelving area is an open, welcoming space for users to search for books to read and checkout. The layout of the bookshelves direct users through the space and keep sight lines from being obstructed. The shelves are accessible for all users - the shelving unit is four and a half feet tall and the first shelf begins a foot and a half off the ground.

book machine The book machine is two-sided and separates the public area from the teen room. The book machine was designed to draw teens and younger generations to the library.

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The customer searches the touch-pad interface for desired book.

The track system locates the serial number on book that was selected and retrieves it.

The track system deposits the selected book to customer.

Grind Cafe is a place for people to lounge, socialize, and study. It serves only Blacksburg coffee and pastries to support local businesses.

The cafe floor is raised to create a deliberate break from the quiet library.

children’s bookshelf The bookshelf provides is appropriate for the age of the user - the shelves are four feet tall and defines the space for a memorable and solitary story time.

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Books are stored front-facing in pull-out bins so children can easily search for a book.

Pull-out bins slide on a track to ensure the child’s safety what searching for a book.

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Innovate Research Center 3rd Yea r | 6 we e k s | 2 7,000 s q. ft .

The Innovate Health and Design Research Center is located in Roanoke, Virginia. It fosters interdisciplinary relationships and collaboration between faculty, students, and industry partners while focusing on research, learning, and innovation.

Roanoke was given its name in 1882 after the Roanoke River. The river runs directly through the city and played a major role on the development of the community. Once people settled in Roanoke there was a rippling effect of innovation - from locomotive transportation to modern day technology.

This rippling effect is displayed in VT Innovate. The spread of innovation is represented by three distinct states of water - flooding, flowing, and spreading. The flooding point is where people come to socialize and the place floods with knowledge and ideas. The flowing point reaches to the spaces where ideas are being developed - the workshop, classrooms, collaboration rooms, and etc. The spreading point extends beyond the buildings limits and reaches out in to the community.

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mezzanine floor plan : NTS

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concept diagrams The concept diagrams below show the rippling effect within the building. The spread of innovation is represented by the three states of water - flooding, flowing, and spreading. The dark blue identifies the starting point and the light blue identifies the effected areas.

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flooding

rippling effect

spreading

flowing

floor plan key 1. Reception

5. Collab. Room

9. Touchdown

13. Bike Room

2. Lounge

6. Classroom

10. Outdoor Patio

14. Benching

3. Cafe

7. Conference

11. Offices

15. WC

4. Workshop/Print

8. Phone Booth

12. Faculty Apt

The work cafe resides on the perimeter of the flooding point. It is a place where students, faculty, and industry partners gather and start brainstorming ideas. In the work cafe students, faculty, and industry partners are welcome to use all amenities at their convenience - fridge, sink, dishwasher, microwave, and water dispenser.

waterfall The flooding point is represented by the central waterfall. The fast, rushing movement of the water symbolizes the influx of ideas and knowledges into the space.

The waterfall extrudes through the mezzanine and begins falling from the second story ceiling - it provides well-being and acoustical benefits.

materials:

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The presentation room is a flexible space, designed to serve many programmatic needs. The built-in risers offer additional seating and a better perspective for when a faculty member or industry partner presents their research findings. The presentation room resides on the perimeter of the flowing point, where ideas are being developed.

2 The flowing point is represented by the perimeter waterfall. The slow, flowing movement of the water symbolizes the start of ideas developing to innovation.

3 The spreading point is represented by the reflection pool on the outdoor patio. The calm, settled water symbolizes the spread of innovation into the community and city.

thank you 804.822 .2828 | delanl3@vt .edu