2010 ThesisBachelor of Applied Arts: Interior Design

A-PDF Merger DEMO : Purchase from www.A-PDF.com to remove the watermark

Adult

Living & Learning Facility

By Charissa Williams

Date: Fall/ Winter Semesters (2009-2010)

Project Synopsis:
Developing a single parent residential and learning facility with an enhanced element of integrating community involvement and connection.

Cumulative Solution

0Table of Contents

Introduction
Background Information
Site
Conceptual Thinking
Plan
Lighting Plan
Visual Connection
Conclusion
Technical Representation

Table of Contents

A LIVING AND
LEARNING FACILITY
DESIGNED FOR
SINGLE PARENT
FAMILIES WITHIN
THE COMMUNITY OF
HAMILTON...

With the devastating experience of entering a state of homelessness, families are faced with a multitude of stress and responsibility. Though most family

This type of facility will be especially beneficial the community of Hamilton. The community of Hamilton, known, for its once thriving Industrial Sector is now
the largest community within the overall city of Hamilton with the lowest median individual income. Hamilton also holds the highest population of families run by
single parents (Don Jaffray, 2008). Though rich in history and activity, the neighbourhood of Ward 3 in Hamilton has become one of the lowest income areas for
the entire city. This proposed site for this project is not only located within this slowly decaying sector of the city, but also near to those who may utilize it.
Katherine Kalinowski, assistant executive director of the Good Shepherd Centre in Hamilton, believes that this facility, since it is more diverse than others that
exist, would be beneficial to the community (Kalinowski, 2009). She also comments that the gardens here [in Hamilton] are for personal consumption, but the
idea of extending this concept to a social enterprise is certainly very interesting, (Kalinowski, 2009).
Information throughout this document describes not only the site, building, programs, and proposed intentions, but also delves into deeper research
regarding significant factors and implications of homelessness, homeless shelters, the changing face of low-income design, and significant the potentials of this
facility.

OIntroduction

shelters provide housing and minimal support services, self sustainment and growth rely on the fundamentals of education and lifestyle practice. This proposal
for a living and learning facility will address many of the issues and concerns associated with shelter living and re-integration back into society and community.
With privacy, dignity, autonomy, education, and communal values as its guiding point, programs offered in this facility will not only provide users with a sense of
hope, worth, and opportunity, but also equip them with specific tools designed to assist them throughout a lifetime. The promotion of a sustainable lifestyle and
education is addressed with the integration of a communal learning garden. Concepts of social interaction, participation, and activity experienced within a
communal garden space, all work to promote a healthy and economically sustainable lifestyle, enhance a residents experience within shelter living, and to
strengthen and build their connection with others within their surrounding community.

Introduction

(Don Jaffray, 2008)

(Don Jaffray, 2008)

1Background Information

(Don Jaffray, 2008)

Background Information

Existing Faade of Building

Picture Taken By: Charissa Williams

Original Map From:

http://www.hamilton.ca/NR/rdonlyres/05B7055E-00D4-46B6-BB00-5088D82A5CA5/0/ErosionMapLarge.jpg

The site is located at 181

Belmont Avenue in downtown
Hamilton, Ontario. The previous
use of this building was the Holy
Name of Jesus Catholic
Elementary School. Harboring
many activities both directed to
the students as well as the
surrounding community; such as
breakfast programs, public
environmental clean ups, cooking
classes, and religious masses,
this school was self-acclaimed as
a hub of its community (HNO
Jottings, 2009). This philosophy
was crucial in the idea of
implementing this facility into the
neighbourhood. Design elements,
programming, concept, views,
and experience are all reflective
of this philosophy and goal to
integrate the facility with the
community.

1Site

Image From: Google Maps

Site

2Site

All public spaces and

community access spaces are
located on the first floor in order
to provide ease of access, as well
as acoustical and traffic (high/
low) separation from the private
spaces. Visitors and users will be
able to access these facilities
from multiple entrances without
posing any disruption to privately
designated spaces. The learning
garden was situated in the space
with the highest ceilings to allow
for easier ventilation and
possible sun light through
implemented skylights. The
kitchen and lounge space is
located in connection with the
garden and learning centers. This
is also located adjacent to the
main stair well to allow for easy
access for all users. Users will not
have to pass through the
educational facility in order to
arrive at these areas.

Site

Enhancing the
Concept of
CONNECTION
through the Idea of
the RAILROAD.
As a railroad connects
the cities it travels
through and the people
within it, this motion
remains evident through
the circulation of people
through this space.

The Parti Diagram is influenced by specific aspects of the site. The

CPR railroad that crosses the site travels through the vibrant liveliness of
the city of Hamilton towards its destination at the more rigid and
structured characteristics of the industrial sector.
Similarly, in the plan, the more communal & lively areas are located
on the left, flowing into a more structured class and learning section, and
then gradually towards the more rigid characteristics of the counseling
and administrative areas.
The main circulation path is highlighted in red, acting as the railroad,
connecting all functions clearly and easily to one another.

Characteristics of
planning was significantly
influenced by the OMA ITT
by Rem Koolhaus. This is
seen through the
utilization of views to the
site as pathways that meet
and intersect with one
another to create
interesting spaces,
shapes, and forms.
* ALL IMAGES TAKEN FROM GOOGLE
IMAGE SEARCHES

0Conceptual Thinking

CPR Railway towards Hamilton

Industrial Sector

With influence from the

site, the school, and the
use, this concept of
Connection Evolved.
Connection is enhanced
throughout this project
on the levels of
connection to people, to
community, to spaces, and
to the environment.

Conceptual Thinking

Greenery is used to highlight the views to the site, to define parking

spaces, and to influence the exterior environment.

Top View of 3D Model showcasing the location of greenery amidst the original
asphalt

This diagram highlights the location of the remaining asphalt on the site.
This project intends to implement as much greenery into the existing
landscape as possible

Perspective View of 3D Model showcasing the relationship between

and asphalt in elevation

Scale: N/A

1Plan

greenery

Plan

Classrooms & learning Spaces are located centrally in respect to the conceptual programming of the space. There are a variety of different types of learning taken into consideration for these spaces: Formal Learning, Collaborative Learning, Individual Study,
and Computer Aided Learning.
1Informal Classroom
2 GED Classroom
3 Formal Classroom
4 Individual Study
5Computer Access Classroom

The more communal areas are located conceptually to the left of the plan. These areas
will foster much activity and socialization.
1Interior Learning Garden
2 Cafeteria
3 Kitchen

These areas are designated for the more administrative functions.

1 Reception
2 Counselling Rooms
3 Print & Storage Area
4 Collaborative Office Space
5 Offices

Scale: N/A

2Plan

Main circulation through the space. There are 5 Main Entrances; 3 are strictly for the
residents of the facility, and 2 are more celebrated public entrances.

Plan

Flooring:

Wall/Ceiling:
Expanded Metal Mesh

Accent Chair
Wall/Ceiling:

Tables:

Flooring:
Armstrong Luxury Vinyl Tile

Scale: N/A

3Plan

Furniture Within Space

Plan

Open To Above

5.

Armstrong Wood Grill Slats

2.

Armstrong Wave Ceiling System

6.

Expanded Metal Mesh Structure

3.

Armstrong Metal Mesh Grid System

7.

High Gloss Painted Gypsum Board

4.

Polished Concrete

8.

Custom Cylinder Design: Drop Ceiling

ighting within this space is intended to appear inLvisible.

Priority is placed on integrating the lighting
into the walls for cove lighting, as well as, into and
above the ceiling systems for indirect illumination.

Scale: N/A

0Lighting Plan

1.

Lighting Plan

Scale: N/A

1 Visual Connection

Interior:
Cafeteria and
Kitchen

Visual Connection

Interior:
Lighting Concept

Scale: N/A

2 Visual Connection

Enhanced spatial
experience through
hidden lighting,
glow, and design.

Visual Connection

Conceptual Form
Transitioning
through space and
connecting interior
environments.

Front

Side

Images of 3D Model

3 Visual Connection

Back

With the purpose of highlighting the transition from the liveliness of the cafeteria, to the more structured
atmosphere of the learning spaces, and finally to the rigidity of the office & administrative areas, this form was
developed to act as both a visual and physical representation of this movement.
The counselling areas, located within the red component, are enclosed and separated for privacy and confidentiality, meanwhile the learning space within the mesh structure is showcased and on display to promote a
sense of pride and involvement with the rest of the space.
This component is constructed of high-gloss painted gypsum board with metal framing and a sculpted
metal mesh. The metal mesh is utilized to resonate conceptually with the steel industry, meanwhile the red is
utilized in reference toe the vibrance of the city. This form provides functional space division, enhanced spatial
experience, and aesthetic curiosity.

Visual Connection

Interior:
Conceptual Form

Scale: N/A

4 Visual Connection

An experiential
atmosphere influenced
by exterior views,
lighting effects, and a
strong dominant form.
The fluidity and
undisturbed form makes
each end of the path a
significant destination
point.

Visual Connection

Interior:
Conceptual Form

Scale: N/A

5 Visual Connection

Elements overlapping
and intersecting one
another creating space
while defining place.
By-passers experience a
comforting atmosphere
as elemental planes
create an intriguing
encasing atmosphere.

Visual Connection

EXTERIOR

Exterior Elevation: View from Belmont Avenue

The amplification of the connection between the

interior and exterior environment is extremely important to the experiential atmosphere of both the
spaces inside, as well as, the experience gained
from outside the building. A key focus on enhancing
and exposing the play with proportion and placement adds to this intriguing view into the space.

Scale: N/A

6 Visual Connection

Greenery is also an important feature. With

the implementation of an inaccessible green roof,
the connection to natural environment is enhanced
for residents located on the third floor.

Visual Connection

EXTERIOR

Scale: N/A

7 Visual Connection

A visually &
structurally
captivating entrance
area, pulling visitors
and by-passers in with
a sense of curiosity
and intrigue.

Visual Connection

Posing another response to the interior and ex-

terior experience of space is the opposite side of the

building. This side offers a dynamic,
engaging,
and dominant entrance that is
highlighted by an
elongated orange wall and a processional ramp
down into the space.

Scale: N/A

8 Visual Connection

Greenery is evident on protruding roof planes,

entry areas, and designated areas within the exterior landscape

Visual Connection

EXTERIOR

Scale: N/A

9 Visual Connection

A multi-purpose and
welcoming landscape
offering areas of
retreat, relaxation,
and congregation.

Visual Connection

reenery is highlighted at the entrance points

on both the protruding concrete planes and at human level.
Residents on the second floor are able to view
out to the green space as well as to the entry way.

Scale: N/A

10 Visual Connection

This entrance is visually connected with the

learning garden to promote a stronger indoor/
outdoor experience.

Visual Connection

Interior: Main
Concourse
This dynamic entry
concourse offers
views into the dining
hall, out to the
exterior, learning
garden, and reception
all at once.

Scale: N/A

11 Visual Connection

There is a
heightened sense of
connection within
interior spaces as well
as connection through
views to the outside.

Visual Connection

12 Visual Connection

Scale: N/A

Visual Connection

EXTERIOR

Scale: N/A

13 Visual Connection

A captivating view of
the interior space,
experienced by visitors
and by-passers.

Visual Connection

Aspects researched related to preserving a familys autonomy, respect, privacy, and integration within the surrounding community, are highly valued within this pro-

posal for this project. Apartment style suites, access to educational services, day care services, and the integration of interior garden space all attempt to aid a familys transition into assisted living. Program aspects as well as design

decisions will help to reduce the worry many families feel regarding the loss of freedom, family rituals, routines, and privacy associated with shelter living. Education and hands
-on learning are designed to be the foundation of the programs within this facility. While providing a safe, secure, and stable environment for vulnerable families, unique ways
of offering housing, and educational support services are
addressed.

A focus on both male and female single parent families promotes the breaking down of gender barriers while encouraging independence and opportunity to a vulnerable
population. Enhancing the architectural aesthetic of the building will attempt to counteract any negative responses surrounding community members might feel.
This facility will provide a positive, nurturing, respectful, and educational atmosphere not only through program substance but also architecturally, spatially, and socially.

0 Conclusion

Building community values, support, and trust through easily accessible programs such as the adult learning centre and the communal learning garden, will help to enhance the lives and experiences of individuals utilizing the space.

Conclusion

Technical Representation
0 Technical Representation

A-PDF Merger DEMO : Purchase from www.A-PDF.com to remove the watermark