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

Precedent Analysis: Group Review

For this assignment, the class was to pair off into groups and research two showrooms: one actually visited and one found in a magazine or online. For each showroom, we were to create a precedent analysis, determining many aspects of the space. After interacting with the site, or else viewing images of the showrooms, we were to find the concept and how it relates to the circulation, zones, and various structural integrity. 

Once we finished our own precedent studies of the showrooms, we were to critique the content of the other groups' work. The various sites had similarities and drastic differences, but the overall notion of the Showroom purpose kept them connected. 

Concept: It seems that the Showrooms' designs were more about function and circulation than they were clear and abstract conceptual statements. Salone Del Mobile displayed its concept in dramatic designs and the various Apple Store used branding as Conceptual Marketing. The other Showrooms more revolved around the display of the space client perception of the products. 

Generally speaking, the circulation and zoning layout of the Showrooms are influenced by the products as well as the public/private space. The customers and clients are able to interact with the products and move freely without accessibility issues. Other similarities that predominately all spaces had were the color and fixture choices; the showrooms were visually neutral and simple as not to detract from the products. 

From the review of the various groups, we are able to understand the design and conceptual aspects of various Showrooms. It will aid as reference in our continuation and exploration of our product and subsequent design.