process reflection

overall, i am happy with the final phase of the unity village project. it was interesting the way we narrowed our focus through the three phases from the entire range of residents down to a specific set of users. although i felt the project was a little rushed for the time frame we were allotted, i did learn more about how i work as a designer and the process i must go through. for example, using the trace paper to draw quick floor plan variations helped me step outside of the floor plan i thought i wanted to use and kept me from being stuck with one design. i also used this project to try a new rendering style. i printed out a sketchup perspective with textures. i then hand rendered over it, adding pen marks and shade and shadow using markers. it took several tries to get the final result, which i still felt could have been better. i would use this technique in the future with minor changes to make it look perfect.

looking back through the project, i appreciate the process work we had to collect because it is nice to follow the project from conception to realization. being able to see how the design developed is helpful not only for me as a designer, but also for clients. design is all about revisions because the first design is never the final design. after looking at the process books of my classmates, i realized how different everyone's process was. a good designer knows how to recognize which ideas can be developed further and which should be left behing. this semester has helped me improve this skill and appreciate the work and development that is required to create a good design.

floor plan development

i tried this floor plan in which the two students share a bedroom. although it seems to help with the layout and integrating the communal spaces, i realize the importance of privacy and personal space. college students want a sense of ownership over their room and a place to call their own.


... so i went back towards the first plans i developed with two bedrooms. after desk critiques, i was encouraged to integrate the poker and living areas. the shape of the space is difficult to create a cohesive room. i also have been struggling on how to make the poker table adaptable/storeable. in this floor plan, i had the table folding out of the wall. however, it would be difficult get all the seats around it when poker is in session. back to the drawing board...

more inspiration...

originally, i planned to use floor seating to manipulate the scale in the living room and create a new experience when viewing the television.


my idea for floor seating came from video game chairs. every guy i know that plays video games does so in a reclining position. my brother and cousins all have these game chairs, which sit on the floor. in the final space, i also will add ottomans as an alternative seating position. when i see people watch spots, including myself, they usually are in an upright forward position, often on the edge of their seats. the ottomans will offer that alternative in the living room.



i chose this kitchen because of the open shelves and simple colors that make it look clean and uncluttered. the contrast draws the eye to the countertop and emphasizes the horizontal lines in the room.

the entertainment center shelves are one continuous surface, which provides a fluid, integrated look. it also has a sleek, modern feel, which is what i want to bring to the space.

floor plan

this is closer to the final floor plan for the apartment. it includes a living room, bar, kitchenette, poker area, full bath, and two bedrooms. the struggle was working with the curves and angles to accommodate all necessary space while minimizing wasted space. it is still a work in progress, but this is the stage i'm at right now.

programming

living area development

in the living area, i wanted to create a multimedia environment that manipulated scale. there are four screens that can collectively show one picture (like a movie theater) or each can have a separate picture (great for watching multiple sports games or multi-player video games). the seating is at the floor level to make the user feel smaller compared to the screen
and the whole area.

these are the initial models done in sketchup. the top of the seat has an extended bar area, which can be used for dining.

a little inspiration for shape and scale...

space planning

phase III : clients and concept

for the final phase of the unity village project, my clients are grant jones and jamel clark. grant is a 23 year old undergraduate at uncg. he is an english major who needs complete silence when working on writings. he does not cook and eats most of his meals out. every tuesday and thursday, he hosts a poker night with his roommate. jamel is 21 years old, also an undergraduate at uncg. his major is computer science. he is captain of the lacrosse team and needs storage for his athletic equipment. he enjoys having friends over to watch sports and play video games. like his roommate, he eats most of his meals out or on campus.

based on the previous phase of this assignment, my concept about making connections between different times, styles, and people. in the design of the first floor, my group focused on using a mix of old and new elements, while also putting new twists on old ideas. i will push the latter idea further in the design of this apartment. i want to rethink the traditional atmosphere and feeling of an apartment and the elements within it... a new twist on apartment living.

collection of standards

[bedroom]
-minimum bedroom width : 2.1 m
-minimum floor area : 11.4 sq. m
-minimum size for secondary bedroom : 10' x 12'
-double occupancy bedroom : net area 14.7 sq. m
-24" for major circulation path (door - closet, etc)
-36" in front of dresser, closet, and chest of drawers
-42" at one side of bed for dressing
-6" between side of bed and side of dresser
-22" on one side of bed for circulation
-12" on least used side of double bed (lease used side of twin bed can be placed against wall)

[closets]
-depth : 2'
-length : at least 5 linear ft
-at least 5'4" of clear hanging space
-lowest shelf not over 6'2" above floor
-one shelf and rod with at least 12" clear space above shelf

[living room]
-minimum width of living/dining room : 11 - 12' (but preferably 14')
-minimum floor area : 180 sq. ft (but preferably 200 sq. ft)
-desirable conversation distance : 10' in diameter

[bathrooms]
-shower minimum size : 36" x 42" (24" door/entrance)
-minimum area (for bathroom with double sinks) : 63 sq. ft
-sink dimensions : 19 - 24" deep ; 37 - 43" above floor
-distance from front of sink to wall : 48" (with 36" circulation space)

[furniture dimensions]
-stools : H - 36" W - 18" D - 20"
-sofas : -apartment size : 72 - 80" x 32 - 36"
-sectional : 92 - 96" x 72 - 76" x 32 - 36"
-loveseat : H - 30 - 36" W - 60 - 66" D - 32 - 36"
-lounge chair : H - 30 - 33" W - 26 - 39" D - 29 - 36"
-beds : -twin : W - 39" L - 75 - 80"
-full : W - 54" L - 75 - 84"

my strengths as a designer...

my strength as a designer is in designing for the specific user group of the space. i strive to take a variety of elements into account and really design the space to suit their needs. in all that i do, i create an environment that is inviting and draws people into the space. i stay true to my concept and use that central idea to drive subsequent design decisions. the result is a cohesive environment that is tailored to the users.

user needs :: undergraduate male students