Interior Design Capstone Project

the biome sarah flotlin | ID 426 | CAPSTONE

the site plan major road

Parking lot public trails

South Platte River wn

public park

o

to wn

d to w ie

v

n site circulation main building denver trolley line

public steps - good for gathering public park site

best route from downtown to site pepsi center (arena)

commons park

colorado convention center

museum of contemporary art

16th st. mall

coors field

t he c o n c e p t The South Platte River, which borders this site, inspired deeper consideration into the concept guiding this space. What does the anatomy of a river look like, and how does that relate to human nature?

A river is home to innumerable species, each of which is part of a larger ecosystem. As humans, we too are all part of a bigger ecosystem.

With heavy consideration into the biophilic patterns of prospect and refuge, the goal of this space is to provide the community of Denver with an environment that blends the notions of public and private space, and therefore facilitates constant connection (whether physical or visual) between them. The design encourages social engagement but also lends itself to those who need an escape.

These instances of refuge represent the protection that a river provides to its inhabitants. The curved walls mimic the movement of water, and guide visitors to wherever they would like to go. They have the option to take a path leading to the spa or alternatively they could wander into the market. Either choice will provide them with opportunities to socialize or keep to themselves, but no matter what they will feel connected to those around them.

The intent to blend public and private space can be observed in several areas of this building. A trellised entrance guides visitors into the spa and connects to individual trellised pods that allow for a semiprivate lounging experience. The immensely thick wall that separates the spa from the cafĂŠ and market is home to nooks that cafĂŠ-goers can curl up in, removing themselves from the busyness of the more public areas while still maintaining a sense of prospect. The nooks in the wall that divides the market and cafĂŠ have slightly decreased privacy, but still act as somewhat of an escape from the open expanses. Exposed on either side, the nooks in the divider wall provide overhead protection (refuge) while keeping users open to their surroundings. The Biome, as this building is so called, provides layered experiences of privacy for those who gather there, and facilitates various forms of interaction between community members.

the developmen privacy diagram 4.

2.

2.

1.

3.

refuge publicsemi-private paths to public spaces

existing building interior

t different layers of privacy/protection 1. three sides enclosed + overhead protection (cafe nooks)

2. three sides enclosed but no overhead protection

3. three sides enclosed + overhead protection BUT sight lines throughout all

4. two sides enclosed, two open + overhead protection

PARTI Exploring the relationship between public and private spaces -- do you have to be totally enclosed to be private?

l e v e l 1: f l o o r p l FOOD STANDS

F

ORGANIC GROCERY STORE

ORGANIC GROCERY STORE ALL GENDER GUEST BATHROOM

gender neutral b CAFE AND MARKET STORAGE MARKET + CAFE STORAGE

LAUNDRY BREAK ROOM

BREAK ROOM + LAU

COMMUNITY GARDEN

COMMUNITY GARDEN

N

0ft

30ft

90ft

200ft

an IMMEDIATE STORAGE JUICE BAR

CAFE

POOL MARKET

bathrooms

UNDRY

TRELLIS PODS SHOWERS staff bathrooms ELEV.

RECEPTION OFFICE

PLANTER

PLANTER

INDIV. CHANGING ROOMS

janitor

ENTRANCE

landscape elements

l e v e l 2: f l o o r p l mezzanine

N

an

(leased out)

open to below organic grocery store

material palett

te

interior north s

ORGANIC GROCERY STORE

MARKET + C STORAGE

0ft

30ft

90ft

section

IMMEDIATE STORAGE

CAFE

JUICE BAR

POOL

NOOKS

STANDING HEIGHT TABLES

FOOD MARKET

CIRCULAR LOUNGE CHAIRS

INDIVIDUAL LOUNGE SPACES (UNDER TRELLIS)

SHOWERS

ALL GENDER GUEST BATHROOM

ALL GENDER STAFF BATHROOM

ELEV.

CAFE

INDIVIDUAL CHANGING ROOMS + BATHROOMS RECEPTION LAUNDRY BREAK ROOM

OFFICE

PLANTER PLANTER

ENTRANCE

COMMUNITY GARDEN

200ft

JANITOR

interior east se

ection

exploded axon

metal overhangs in cafe

trellis structures in spa

individual changing rooms

pool

acoustic ceiling treatments

2nd floor and mezzanine

metal overhangs in market

the spa

an insider view: the trellis pods

the spa Privacy: The individual trellis pods provide a shelter of sorts, but the slats of wood lend themselves to a feeling of openness due to the many sight lines through them.

location

the cafe

an insider view: the nooks & booths

1. the nooks: The nooks provide the most privacy in the building. Almost completely enclosed, these refuge points are ideal for those who want to keep mostly to themselves. However, they also have great prospect views across the cafe and into the market.

the cafe

2. the booths:

2.

The booths are great places to sit and be in a somewhat intimate setting as they are fairly enclosed.

1.

location

the market

an insider view: the divider wall

location

the market privacy:

The divider wall nooks are protected overhead, but both sides are open to the market and cafe. They are less private than the wall nooks in the cafe but still a good point of refuge for those who need a break from commotion.

a p p e n d i x: e l s e w h e r e r e After surveying 32 students in the senior interior design studio, their answers surrounding this elsehwere project were compiled and analyzed. These are the results on how this space made them feel.

tense

joyful open

welcomed

playful interested energized curious confused

anxious

overwhelmed

intimidated

cautious

vulnerable

free

uncomfortable

i

esearch analysis

is this space... calming? yes no undecided

(17) (17) (6)

stressful? yes

no undecided

exploratory? yes

(8) (17) (7)

(32)

no undecided

results:

The students felt that this space was mostly made them feel playful, joyful and energized. The votes were split as to if it felt calming or not, however most agreed that it did not induce stress. Finally, they unanimously agreed that they would like to explore the space.