Project 3: Durham Fire Tower

CBI Showroom

edge : node : vista

The CBI Durham showroom is a space defined not only by the purpose of the company, but the surroundings of Durham as well. With wayfinding as the core of the design, the space suggests good organization and circulation.

Upon entering the space, it is soon apparent that the building is divided into sections with various purposes enclosed. Each section of the space, or node, is where the main activity takes place. These zones are further separated by the edges; the edges define the boundaries of the nodes. These entities also connect the layers of the space, thus performing as a guide through the extents of the building. As the nodes and edges progress through CBI, the visual sense of a vista begins to form. As one enters the space, the branding of CBI serves as the iconic view, whereas upon exiting, the view of the Durham Post Office reigns superior.

Each of the three components work together to create a space that is engaging, not only with the products, but the company, as well as the surrounding downtown Durham.

Conceptual Diagram:

Spatial Allocation:

Perspectives

Rendered Floor Plans: With Section Cuts

Floor:1

Floor:2

Sections

Finish Floor Plans

Data Plans

Reflected Ceiling Plans


Details

Animated Walk Through

Design Development 2

edge : node : vista

edge: boundaries between two phases, linear breaks in continuity

node: centers of attraction that you can enter. A node is a center of activity

vista:A distant view or prospect, especially one seen through an opening, as between rows of buildings or trees.

A view that defines the integrity of the space around it.

concept

The CBI Durham showroom is a space defined not only by the purpose of the company, but the surroundings it is submersed in. With navigation and wayfinding as the backbone for the design, the space evokes good organization and circulation. Upon entering the space, it is soon apparent that the building is divided into sections with various purposes enclosed. Each section of the space, or node, is where the main activity takes place. These zones are further separated by edges; the edges define the boundaries of the spatial nodes. These edges are far more significant than mere boundaries, for they also connect the layers of the space, thus performing as a guide through the extents of the building. As the nodes and edges progress through CBI, the visual sense of a vista begins to form. As one enters the space, the branding of CBI serves as the iconic view, whereas upon exiting, the view of the Durham Post Office reigns superior.

 Each of the three components work together to create a space that is engaging, not only with the products, but the company, as well as the surrounding downtown Durham.

Floor Plans

Sections

Cross Sections

Long Section 1
Long Section 2 

Details

Stair Details

Reception Detail

Reception Detail

Kitchen Detail

Wall Section Detail

Perspectives

Showroom

Chair Showpiece

View of Post Office and Reception Area

Lounge/Kitchen

View of Upstairs 

Node:Vista: Design Development

This past week saw design developement for the CBI Durham Project. With the aid of our program document, as well as any other information we had gathered, Leah and I started to design the space itself. Below is a compilation of our work. It is by no means finished, but it is a glimpse into what we have as of yet. The next phase is to further polish the design; it should be interesting. 

We are extracting the notion of a vista and translating it’s essence into a physical form that people are able to interact with. In this respect, the vista/architectural statement becomes a node through which people can walk. It serves to bind the two forces behind the construction: CBI and Downtown Durham. The NODE : VISTA will guide clients through the space as a means of way-finding, connecting all layers, levels, and pathways created.  

First Floor Plan

Second Floor Plan

Reflected Ceiling Plan

Long Section: East
Cross Section: South
Stairwell
View Of Showroom
Alternative View of Showroom
Conference Area

Kitchen/Lounge

Response to Group Work:

 

Today, Leah and I partnered with Kaytee and Toby to review our projects. So far, we have built the foundations of the project, and now we are schematic designing. With the aid of North Carolina Building Code, Site Analysis, and Conceptual exploration, the next step in the project is to analyze the spatial layout of the building. This step includes circulation and zone planning, spatial allocation, voids, and various other interior details.

            Kaytee and Toby’s concept is ‘Note Bene.’ Latin for ‘note well,’ their interpretation of the CBI showroom is defined by a central focal point. A spiral staircase serves as the focal point of the space as well as a circulation statement. Platforms and walls provide zoning and separation for each function. When we met today, they were in the initial layout design of the space. They were experimenting with various floor plans, as well as furniture layout.

            The first response we had to the design was the changing of the staircase. Leah and I felt placing the spiral staircase in the center of the space would promote and highlight the circulation and way finding. We then concluded that circulation could be the focal point that Toby and Kaytee wanted to emphasize. In turn, the space could radiate out, spatially determined by the various functions. In their initial design, they had platforms in the space. We thought that they should use platforms and wall heights to add layers to the building and further determine the spatial allocations. It would provide separation without unwanted privacy. Materials could also be used to determine way finding.

            Where they are in their project, there is no doubt that Kaytee and Toby have an interesting and innovative concept and design. Both Leah and I are interested in seeing the progress. 

Codes:

Basic Features

Building Classification: M (mercantile)

Construction Type: Type III B

noncombustible exterior

combustible interior supports

                        2 Exterior bearing walls

                        0 Interior bearing walls

 Exiting

Occupant load per floor:

            Basement: 53  

First: 53

            Second: 26

 Required exits for each space:

            2 per floor above grade

 Exit table

 Exit Access: Table

 Arrangements of width of exits:

            3’ minimum

 Minimum Travel Distance:

The straight path between two exits should be at least half the diagonal distance of the entire space (the longest diagonal possible)

 Distance between exits should not exceed 200’ without sprinklers. With the addition of sprinklers, the distance between exits can be increased.

 Corridors (minimum width): 3’

The staircase would be required to be rated, as it serves entire floors. A 1 hour fire rating is the minimum, as the occupancy is greater than 30 on 2 levels.

 Doors:

            Door opening minimum is 32”

 Barrier-Free Design (ADA)

Accessibility Route:

            Location: At least ADA compliable route from exterior

            Width: The minimum width of an accessible route is 36”

            Passing Space: 5’x5’ passing/turnaround space minimum

            Head Room: Space shall have 80” clearance

            Surface Textures: Surfaces should be stable, firm, and slip resistant

            Doors: Clear openings of 32” should be provided

            Egress: Accessible route from the exterior will be used as the egress

 Plumbing Fixtures & Toilet Rooms:

            Sinks: Sinks shall be mounted no higher than 34” above the finish floor

            Water Closet: The height of water closets shall be 17-19”, measured from the top of the                toilet seat.

            Drinking Fountains: 50% or more should be ADA compliable.

 Floor Surfaces:

            Surfaces should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant.

 Protruding Objects:

            Objects shall not protrude from walls more than 4” into walks, halls, corridors, passageways, or aisles.

 Detectable Warnings:

            Detectable warnings shall consist of a surface of truncated domes aligned in a square grid pattern. Contrast to regular surface is key.

 Signage and Alarms:

            Letters and numbers on signs shall have a width-to-height ratio between 3:5 and 1:1 and a stroke-width-to-height-ratio between 1:5 and 1:10.

 Seating (Accessible wheelchair spaces):

            If seating spaces for people in wheelchairs are provided at fixed tables or counters, clear floor space shall be provided.

 Plumbing System Requirements

Lavatory: 1 per 750 occupancy

Drinking Fountain: 1 per 1,000 occupancy

Other: Service sink

Signage: Legible sign designating sex shall placed in a visible location.

 Sound Rating Requirements

Indoor Classification Sound Levels:

Environment: General Office

Subjective Evaluations: Moderate

Sound Level (DBA): 60

 Schematic Design:

Wayfinding:

Node

Central Pathway

Glass wall displays the stars to the various levels

Furniture Arrangement

Lighting

Signage

Display Windows

 

Minimum Dimensional Requirements:

Reception: 144sf

Node: 60sf

Showroom: 816sf

Conference: 350sf

Office: 450sf

Lounge: 190sf

Bathroom: 72sf

 

2082

x  .25%

 

2602.5sf

Adjacencies:

   Desired Relationships:

                        Storage/Stairs/Elevator

                        Entrance/Reception

                        Reception/Showroom

                        Showroom/Stairs/Elevator

                        Stairs/Elevator/Office/Lounge

                        Lounge/Bathroom

Lounge/Office

Office/Conference

 

Zoning:         

            Private:                                              

                        Basement Storage                                           

            Work Zone:

                        Office

                        Conference

                        Showroom

            Semi Private:

                        Conference

            Public:

                        Bathroom

                        Showroom

Reception

                        Offices

                        Lounge

Users In Zones:

            Private:

                        Cleaning Staff

                        Employees

            Work Zone:

                        Cleaning Staff

                        Employees

                        Clients

                        Invited Groups for Events

            Semi Private:

                        Clients

                        Employees

Public:

            Universal

Spatial Allocations 

Perspectives

Node:Vista