Crossroads Lounge: Universal Design

Equitable Use -
The space is useful to people with diverse abilities, for example, a wheelchair. People with different abilities can access the work surfaces as well as pull into the lounge area. The tackable surfaces and shelves are also low enough (and high enough) for all different heights to reach.

Simple and Intuitive Use -
The layout of the space is simple and the circulation throughout the space helps to guide users throughout the lounge. The functions of each space are also easily understood because of the components that are visable.

Flexibility in Use -
The furnishings allow users the option of doing their task in several different ways, depending on their needs.

Low Physical Effort-
Multiple tasks can be done in this one room. These tasks can include designing, collaboration, critique, relaxation and many more in this multifunctional lounge.

Crossroads Lounge: Intellectual Works

“In the case of paths that pass through the served spaces, there is a planned, intentional intrusion. In these cases you, as the designer, have determined that the resulting integration between the path and the served space or spaces is desirable or, at least acceptable.”
Page 77 “space/path relationship and level of autonomy”

“In the case of superimposed spaces, two (or more) spaces are literally superimposed over one another, creating a new spatial definition and geometry. Depending on the treatment of the surfaces and ceiling planes, both spaces can have equal dominance or one can dominate the other.”
Pages 77-78 “the art of joining spaces”

“Passageways can be either tunnel-like adjoining passages between spaces or merely openings in the wall that allow movement between spaces. In the first case, they invite movement; in the second, they allow it. Many modern interiors rely on wide passageways as a way to move between spaces. Openings allow movement between spaces, but the user relies on other directional cues from the furnishings or other objects to know which way to go.”
Page 44 “passageways”

With the way these spaces are laid out, it allowing natural movement of people through the space. This works within my design because I want people to go in the lounge to see what it is and experience the space. The kitchen area separates the lounge into sections but also keeps the entire space a whole. Because it is so open, the dropped ceiling acts as a cue to tell the user where to go. They can either follow it to enter the kitchen, cross through it to enter another lounge section, or use it as a leader to find the lounge - depending on the direction they enter from.

Crossroads Lounge: Brand Reading

In Chapter 10 “Function Melts Form”, Brand discusses a technique used in newer office buildings that have the open-office idea. He refers to this design technique as the “Cave and Commons”. He says that with these open office plans, people desire to have privacy (mainly acoustic privacy). The open office area becomes the “commons” and Brand discusses how newer office facilities give their employees a private office “cave” of their own which surrounds the commons. By doing this, they have the option for privacy but can also be more social.

My design uses a similar idea. The current design of the studio spaces is very open with little privacy. Students sometimes need a place that they can retreat to for a break from the openness and to get some privacy. This is what my designed lounge would do. It would’t be a completely private space - more like a public cave. But it would over semi-privacy that is needed.

Crossroads Lounge: Core Values

Community
This space showcases community in the ways that it brings the two departments in Gatewood together. Currently, IARc and Art are very separate - different sides of the building, different floors, different people. My design of a Crossroads Lounge bring the two environments together. My ideal hopes are that this lounge will be designed so that it is comfortable and inviting for everyone in the Gatewood building.

Authenticity
I think it is important to keep the authenticity of the Gatewood building in my design of the lounge. With my concept of crossroads, I chose to use both the current style and merge it with a new style. I kept parts of the current design such as the coffered ceiling and concrete flooring to remind the users that this is a room within the Gatewood Building.

Innovation
My idea of innovation is taking something that already exists and doing something new and creative with it. I am designing a lounge and kitchenette in a location that currently is a version of that. Today, it is a small lounge adjacent to a vending room. My design merges the two to form a fully functioning collaboration center with a food prep kitchenette with room for dining. By doing this, it transforms what was “just a lounge” into something much more useful and innovative.

Stewardship
My design promotes collaboration within this space in the studio. When students chose to work off campus instead of at studio, they lose the ability to go to classmates for advice. I designed the space with different media to give students a comfortable place to work together and help each other. This is my definition of stewardship - helping others.