Depot Design Project. Photograph Flow.

As the month comes to an end, so do the latest project components of the Interior Design Depot Project I have been working on. For the last few months I have taken on the challenge of re adaptive use on the historic Pufferbelly depot station located in Pullman, WA. My project titled, Photograph Flow took on some of the most important challenges and criteria that a interior designer may face in the real world. The course developed and built upon the reuse of the Pufferbelly station, specifically for an artist from the Pacific North West. I chose to work around a photographer, Shellie Gansz. As it was established their fictitious partner was vision impaired and we had to develop and design a studio/gallery (commercial space) that would satisfy the Universal Design guidelines and ADA requirements established, as well as a residential component that would satisfy their needs.

One of the most beneficial components in understanding how to design for my artist was getting to know a little bit more about them. The Artist Questionnaire really gave me a great starting point to develop a design concept and approach for the use of the existing space. I don't feel as though I would have been successful without the interview component where I established a greater knowledge of the work that they do, and how they approach their work as an artist. Shellie Gansz is a family photographer who works around the idea of capturing moments with real life emotions and expressions, she feels as though it is her duty to connect with her families on a one on one basis to better capture their bliss. Just asking her questions about her philosophy was very beneficial. I also got a better understanding of the work that she most enjoys doing. I took advantage of her knowledge and became more mindful of the spaces she needed to better design a commercial space.

As it may have it, the design of the commercial space was very important as Shellie required specific attributes to best create her work. One major component was the use of natural light in the interior of her space. She also wanted high vaulted ceilings and the ability to to create wide open spaces as well as close intimate ones. In developing my concepts I was to retain the original ticket wall located within the depot, and the facade of the depot itself as it is listed on the State Historic Registry. I found it to be a challenging progression in the way I placed certain walls and allocated spaces within the depot, but ultimately developed the best possible solution. The demolition plan best shows the final adaption and use of space. This type of plan was new to me, as I had never done anything like it before, It was as if I had a blank slate and the ability to mold my interior. The ability to represent that space is seen in the key drawn adjacent to the plan. I worked the space as to best retain many of the existing walls and water lines from the original plan, and created a great utilization of the natural light provided by existing windows.

My concept development stems from the textile component of the semester were we worked around a image that best captured the Pufferbelly Station for us. The multiple parti drawings and abstract craziness that filled the flimsy i used really offered a great deal of possibilities. I ultimately worked around the idea of water pipes that jetted out from the walls of the Pufferbelly station. I thought that there was something really special about the way they looked and believed that they had something great to offer. In my design of both the residential and commercial space I tied the concept together with two large semi-circle architectural wall features that represented the three major components of my design development, which were, power, control, and nature. I separated the commercial space from the residential and created long flowing halls that offered a guided path for the user. When examining the space it feels as though those two original images placed amongst my boards really translate into the design of the space.

I also took into consideration the needs of the visually impaired spouse with the use of contrasting color that revolved around an analogous color scheme and use of non reflective surfaces. I considered walking paths and clearances as they were important in complying with Universal Design and ADA design. Ultimately it is visually a balanced composition throughout the space, and was all possible from getting to experiment with the activities done outside the classroom and within the readings. I have become more aware of my impact in the built environment as I can really effect the way a space can be used and utilized. I may have not thought of these factors before hand but getting to do things outside of my comfort zone really gave me a better understanding on how I should design. The Egress and ADA plan portion of my plan drawings illustrates my knew knowledge of the use of the requirements and components required in commercial spaces.

Ultimately the most challenging thing for myself was time management, I knew that there were a lot of components that had to go into the design of this space, taking into consideration many different aspects and putting them all together, but that was one of the most enjoyable things about the past few months. I have learned so much about the world in which we design for. The use of space and the historic nature that will guide our ideas and values for the future. I know that this project has offered a compilation of all of my skills, the way I work with requirements and the use of tangible skills, I take pride in the work I have produced and in particular the model can best represent the new space for such a great artist.

Impaired Vision Experience

In part of developing an appropriate space for someone who may visually impaired it was crucial to understand and at some level experience what it may be like to be impaired myself. I currently wear prescription glasses for my near sided condition, but the experiments we had to perform were a real reality check for some people who are legally blind.

The plastic bag portion was interesting, draping it over my eyes only allowed for me to see a figure and ground effect. I was not able to read any of the newspaper and could only make out some of the larger text and title block areas. As people walked by I could only see a blur of what was passing by, and as soon a large groups of people started to walk together it appeared to create a wave like effect.

The simulator tool was interesting as well, I really had no idea what to expect, the variety in vision impairments really varies and can all have their own level of challenges. The one effect that really took me by surprise was the loss of part of the visual field, where there were crack like portions throughout the whole view.

At last I participated in the petroleum jelly sunglass activity starting at the bottom of the Holland atrium stairs. This was a challenge due to the colors used within the space, I say this because as I began to walk I noticed that the colors began to blend in and since there were no really variation in colors I was experiencing myself bracing for something to hold on to. I reached out with my hands as I appeared to be searching for something to hold on to. I walked very carefully up and down the stairs, lifting my foot with extra sense of caution and fishing for the right place to land.

When using the ATM I did notice that the flashing light was very helpful, I rubbed my hand around the machine and adjusted my senses to the feel of the options on the machine. I was not be able to see well enough to ensure that what I was doing was correct on the screen since it was a digital projection with a low light. The whole experience was very interesting the way that my senses readjusted was quite fascinating, I definitely have come to get a better understanding of what It will be like to better develop a more efficient way of design taking these factors in to consideration.

Santi-One Bedroom and Common Space Design.

The final presentation for the semester has been a great experience. As required to follow up on the semester’s lessons and project we were instructed to produce a final presentation that would develop the kitchen and bathroom into a one bedroom apartment and common space. The goal was to create a presentation that could be potentially presented to our client. The client’s needs were established in the beginning of the semester and were always a key component to the design that we wanted to translate into our designs. Along with the clients need we would evolve our concept of what and abstractions to integrate into our designs.

For this project I approached as a realistic opportunity, my goal and objective was to create a presentation that would translate over well to the clients needs. The process work that lead to my final project was very crucial to my over all design, as I analyzed my concept I recognized the possibilities of creating a very interesting modular shelf idea that I had started in the Kitchen and Bathroom project of the beginning of the semester. I wanted to incorporate the modular shelf idea throughout the whole space and have it lead into the common area, not to only provide extensive storage space but to create a sense of unity. In the common area I took the shelving aspect as an opportunity to create an artistic and decorative feature; it would house the lighting out of sight and give the space a real sense of direction. I also used columns to create a directional guidance for people who would solely use the common area as a passage space to the Spa or third floor.

Along with the positives there were also many things that I learned along the way so that I would adjust for my next projects. In presenting my concept and design I relised that the idea of sustainability is more that a lament term that goes along with a green tag. Doing a little more research is necessary when trying to understand the aspect of your own design, that will stick with me forever. I have never felt so unprepared to openly discuss green ideas. I know that for the next project I will be ready. Overall the one bedroom design fit well into what I felt the clien asked for. This was a great experience to prepare me for real life situations, the loose drawing and rendering styles were very effective and a positive touch to help narrate the design.

 

Take the opportunity to look over the posters I created and offer some feedback or comments about what you may want clarification on. Thanks for reading.

Meeting with a professional

As part of the residential development for the site we are currently working on, we were required to meet with a professional designer who would help us further develop out designs, and give us feedback to the work we have created. To the meeting we were required to take a drafted set of plans, materials, and over visual aides that would help guide them in understanding our designs. I had with me some very crucial elements that I felt would give some reassurance to what I was trying to do, and when I met with the three designers from WSU I felt it was a great success.

I met with Joanie Thomas, Jennifer Reynolds, and Stacy Gravel who are all employed here at WSU with the Architectural and Engineering Services department. I got some very good feedback that would follow through into my design solutions. One of the most important topics they brought up were the idea of really emphasizing the modular shelving and using materials that would reinforce my concept. I was originally thinking of using some sort of plastic or resin based material for my shelves, but they thought that by creating as much visual texture it would help push my fingerprint concept a little further, along with the whole natural material feel that I was pursuing. Overall I was really happy with the result and know that their creative input really helped give me a better approach overall, and led to a great product and result.

Bathroom Design

Working again on the "Santi" residence I have come across a new challenge, this time I was developing my concept that tied together the idea of unique individual definition of what a home is to a bathroom design. Along with the concept and mentallity of functionallity and aesthetics I was taking into consideration the accessibilty aspects, this was a challenge when deciding were I was to place my toilet, sink, and the design of the shower. I knew that I wanted to have a open floor plan that would allow easy turning peraminters for people who may be wheel chair users without compromising the look and feel of the project, the materials were all chosen to reflect my thought and concept that related back to the clients need as well as my conept of creating ones own definition of what home may be defined as.

After a process of creating smaller floor plans, I decided on a side mount accessible taoilet with that advantage of a roll in shower and fully accessible sink. I made sure that there were side bars on the side of the toilet that followed ADA recommendations as well as sink and countertop heights and storage space. This was a really eye opening expereince to recognize how much things can change with just a matter of inches.

Overall the completion of this project was in my opionion was successful, but could use a lot of improvement. I would have to say that more time could be used to add sketches and possible perspectives, and the overall poster layout could use some improving but I would say that I am happy with the result.

Seattle, Showrooms and Habitat for Humanity

While in Seattle I was fortunate enough to find some real important locations that I had never really heard of or knew even existed. I have live in the Seattle area my whole life and have driven past many of the showrooms we go a chance to visit.

The first stop was at the Seattle Design Center, located on fourth Ave. I never knew what was behind such a simple facade, I was taken back by the showrooms that were located within this center. I am excited to travel back and take some more time to peak around, I know that this will be a key location for my future, after that we were escorted around near the area to tile and marble showrooms and warehouses. The amount of information that given was almost like an overload, but so helpful. I was very impressed by 3form, the place was amazing! We got a chance to learn so much about lighting options and the possibilities of resin, as well as how the process of these fixtures can help in the innovation of our own designs.

Another great site that were able to visit was at the Seattle Center Pavilion, there we had a chance to visit a new project that Habitat for Humanity is getting ready to launch and mass produce. It is called "House of the Immediate Future", a very remarkable step forward for low income housing and a great focus on sustainability. The key feature that I would have to say I was not too thrilled about was the double fill walls that wrapped the exterior. Just as it sound they have placed two full structured framed walls to keep better insulated the whole house. I am sure that the amount of conserved energy will be great, but feel as though there really could be a better solution to the problem with a less invasive building process.

Overall the project and visit to all the showrooms were a great experience, and I am so thankful for the time and expertise by all the people who showed us around and gave us insight to the world of design.

Seattle Urban Sketch Crawl

This was the first sketch that I completed at the Seattle Sculpture park In Seattle. There was a great turn out from the Seattle Urban Sketcher, and was a lot of fun working around them and seeing how they approached the park.

My second sketch below was a quick 10 minute sketch that was influenced by my teacher Bob K. he had previously suggested that I try a more free and loose style. I think that I was able to accept that it was very sloppy after the fact that I recognized that the features in the environment were still coming through on paper.