Brushing hair and stretching

Diagrams and renderings of a space for brushing hair and stretching

Brushing hair and stretching

Sarah Langille & Morgan Smykowski
ARC620 | Fall 2020

Spaces for brushing hair and stretching were combined in such a way to maintain the monumentality of each individual spaces, but in doing so an entirely different and almost playful space was created. Similar elements to both spaces were kept while also bringing in softer materials and color. Since both actions are fairly personal, an element of privacy was added by the addition of hanging fabric dividers that can be adjusted to meet individual’s needs. A soft carpet was added to reduce ambient sound and provide soft cushion to sit and brush hair or do stretching. Ample daylighting was brought from the glazing that surronds three sides of the space and the skylight element that had added the monumentality of the individual spaces.

Singing and swimming

Student renderings - Interior view of a space for swimming and singing

Singing and swimming

Christian Colella & Mira Shami
ARC620 | Fall 2020

In relating two programs: swimming and singing,  two moments in each of the activities were catergorized; practicing (semi-private) and performing (public). To reinforce this, the space is divided into two smaller spaces, a large swimming and performance hall, and a smaller warm-up and practice room. The large hall is designed to tune, direct and focus the acoustics from the singing performance to act as an aid for lap swimming. The vaulted ceiling directs the sound to a large acoustic reflector wall at the opposite end of the stage. At the stage side, the singing will be louder, as will the far end, where the sound is carried along the ceiling. This is intended to act as a signal to the swimmer that they are approaching the end of the pool and that they should prepare for a turn. the practice provides a semi-private space with reduced vidual and acoustic connections, so that the sound of singing practice can reach the swimmer and act as a guide for their swimming drills. This space is intended not to isolate, but instead mediate sounds. The rotating wall between the two spaces acts as an acoustic reflector, as well as modifying the program of both spaces by engaging them with a piece of the other program.

Gardening and painting

Diagrams and renderings of a space for gardening and painting

Gardening and painting

Isha Bubna & Michaela Senay
ARC620 | Fall 2020

The context is set in an outdoor environment on a contoured site. The two subjects, both facing different directions, view the surronding from different perspectices. Isha is gardening while Michaela is painting. Michaela deploys the shade from the canopies made of carbon fibers. The verying height of the juxtaposed canopies allows sunlight through it and filters it in some areas. The landscaping on site plays an integral role as it supports and enhances the setting both functionally and aesthetically. The deciduous maple tree intervening through the canopies portrays the fall season and depicts the transition between the two spaces (shaded and non-shaded). They filter sunlight and control the breeze in that space amplifying the feel of being in an outdoor environment and in close proximity of nature. The shrubs on the side supplement the plain air experience while the pink flowering plants are subjected to the activity of gardening. Overall, the open environment alleviates both the subjects to comfortably carry out their respective activities, making it psychologically pleasant and aesthetically pleasing.

Spotting and doing pre-natal yoga

Diagrams and renderings of a space for spotting and doing pre-natal yoga

Spotting and doing pre-natal yoga

Emily Battaglia & Arundathi Dakshinamurthy
ARC620 | Fall 2020

A poche was created by making the ceiling lower and using large sliding doors leading to the outdoor to create a personal space for doing pre-natal yoga, with views to the exterior. The space required for spotting gymnastics is much larger, and needs a higher ceiling height, because of the vertical activity. Skylights were placed above the space for spotting because natural light is needed, but outdoor scenery can be distracting. A resting, neutral zone where both activitites can come together is incorportated in the middle of the space. Individuals can relax and rest. The roof is slanted, with a sun-light that has wooden shutter shades so that light can be controlled. The slanted roof also signifies the transition in activities.