The Warehouse Project - Spring 2022

Placing the Site

This site sits on the 6th floor of the Nancy Cantor Warehouse, a design education building for Syracuse University.

Placing the Site

we chose the 6th floor offices, and had to figure out how to make the space more functional

This space is currently designed to house 4 occupants, using space dividers and a long hallway to divide the space.

Site Walkthrough

Office Hallway

Each office space has different opportunities and challenges, and requires different considerations during renovation.

A storage room sits outside of the offices, continuing the hallway through to the lobby area.

Storage Room

Office 4

Office 3

Office 2

Office 1

Problems

There are many identifiable issues in these offices, but the main problems we found were Lack of Privacy, Poor Spatial Design, and The Secretary Effect

While all areas have issues, they vary in relevance by space. Storage Room Exit to

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6th Floor Offices

Other issues that affect the whole space inclde (but are not limited to):

• Lack of Security

• Traffic

• Close Proximity to Colleagues

• Poor Lighting

• Poor Heating

• Isolation from floor

The main issues we identified for the space as a whole were:

1. Lack of Privacy

2. Spatial Design

3. Access to Students

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*Honorary Mention: Lack of Sunlight*

*Although this small hallway features big windows, the partitions used block the sun from entering the offices.

Problems

EXPANDED

Office 1

Office 2

Space is cramped by walls, but exposed to the hallway

Sunlight is blocked by partition walls

During our research, we identified issues in each office space, as well as how much they affected the area.

*This office gets the best sunlight!*

Space is extremely exposed to hallway and doorway, heightening security risks

The Secretary Effect

students walk in looking to speak to professors, but the enclosed spaces cause confusion on where to go, pushing the student to ask whoever is occupying the first office

Lack of doors allows little privacy during meetings

Office 3

Space is cramped by walls, but exposed to the hallway

Sunlight is blocked by partition walls

walls block natural sunlight

cramped but exposed office spaces

lack of doors risks security poor heating and cooling no doors for privacy in meetings close proximity to colleagues

The Secretary Effect

Lack of doors allows little privacy during meetings

Office 4

Exposed to security risks as the most occupied area Gets good sunlight, but is still partially blocked by walls

Site Research

Students

Dislikes

- not accessible to students

- waste of space on floor

- scary to enter

“I’ve only been in there for projects.” - Isabela Couoh

Wants

• conference rooms

• work rooms

• place to rest

• place to meet with teachers

• quiet area on floor

Dislikes Professors

“There was no door to my particular space so ever time a student walked in looking for someone they would ask me if the other person was there.”

-Professor Nicoletti “Two of the office do not have access to a window. I can tell you from experience that it is soul-crushing to sit for hours with no idea what is happening outside. Especially in the winter when the days are already short.” - Professor Leonard

Wants

Solutions

Proposed Solutions

The main issues we identified for the space as a whole were:

1. Lack of Privacy

2. Spatial Design

3. Access to Students

Proposed drawings show the beginnings of solutions to the identified problems.

taking out an office space provided enough room for a lounge

lounges and study rooms encourage student use of the space

full floor to ceiling walls contain sound and aid audio privacy

glass walls allow light to pass through including the storage room in the plan and turning it into a conference room allowed for bigger, more useful spaces

a communal conference room is added to the larger space

Proposed palettes start attacking function through materiality.

One of the issues of the Warehouse as a whole is its’ lack of Syracuse branding. The new student center on campus, Schine Center, has strong SU branding and was a big inspiration to the materials, finishes,

Syracuse Branding

Syracuse Branding

Light Allowance

Audio Control

Proposed Solutions

The new hallway configuration addresses many concerns of professors and students.

This hallway provides

• adequate sunlight

• audio proofing

• access to students

*this space is ADA accessible!*

Study Workrooms

Previously Offices 1,3, and Storage

These offices provide a quiet secure space to students, which is not found elsewhere in the warehouse.

A material lab and large tables with adequate lighting are included in each study space to allow students a productive workspace.

Workspace 1

Workspace 2

Each room is equipped with a whiteboard, allowing free flow of ideas.

Cork

Cork is used to control sound, and adds audio privacy to the meeting room.

Conference Room

Previously Office 2

This communal conference room allows for spatious and private meeting rooms to be accessible to students and professors.

EDI Lounge

Previously Offices 3+4

This lounge provides a space for students to rest and take a break from the stresses of studio.

This kitchen is highly requested from EDI students, and serves as a refuel station on the floor.

A deep reaching corner couch allows for good rest and naps.