a place to read

The New Perspective: the design process


The design of the space is broken down similarly to the stages that as designers and as students use to work through the design process. The repetitive nature of the design process is manipulated or altered to encourage a new perspective towards the repetitive steps we follow.

Step 1:

The first space serves the function of observation, in that it is minimal, directional, and evokes new thought. Contemplation and observation are enhanced with an expansive field of view and an opportunity for new viewing points of the current space.

Step 2:

The second designated space is a transitional space expressed both in form and in function. An introduction of the spatial form encourages the contemplation of the space and the narrowing of ideas. Provided seating suggests a place of extended thinking, the beginning of the precedent and process stage.

Step 3:

As the final destination the third defined space further narrows the though process and encourages individual directed thoughts. An emphasis on focusing the mind no longer allows one to be exposed to generic thinking. The modularity of this space draws the student designer in and evokes the comfort of their individual studio spaces, while ultimately introducing a new perspective to the design process.

Diagrams

Physical Model

Albemarle Belk Building

concept development: phase 2

daylight study

Design Phase 2

first floor plan

second floor plan

first floor rcp

second floor rcp

Heather and I have made some changes to our design that we are now confident about. We are working with the concept of funneling, because Duke has funneled in CBI into Durham and CBI will now funnel in design oriented people into downtown Durham. Funneling helps inspire the form of our space. When walking in you immediately are in the showroom and then moving further back in the space you are funneled through the change of horizontal ceiling heights. Different scenarios of funneling occur based on the type of person is using the space.

CBI showroom: design phase one

Our concept has changed and hopefully for the better. Heather and I looked at the idea of a hourglass (as suggested from a classmate). Instead of looking at the symbolic meaning of a hourglass we choose to use the form and the action as inspiration. We found the neck and the two bulbs of the hourglass very interesting and unique. We choose to layout the space in this manner by compressing the reception area using stairs and the bathroom and then representing the lower bulb through the showroom. We also enjoyed the linear quality of the sand as if falls from bulb to bulb and found that in a way the people or customers represent the sand.