Presentation Ideas...

Presentation Charette & Final Site/Floor Plan

Precis 5

Threshold

Interior & Exterior framing by columns.

Breath In, Breath Out

Here we have an image of a conservatory, an excellent way to engage the indoors with the out. The view of course is breath taking, relaxing, and revitalizing of our inner instincts with nature. In all areas of my design, I hope to somehow incorporate this emotion to give the Guilford County Animal Shelter a healthy image.

I see "threshold" opportunities in this image, especially by the use of gates framed by an oversized wall. The viewer is standing inside with an open invitation to experience the beautiful "outdoors."

Schematics: Breezeway Connector

"I am going to visit the cat atrium, and through my journey, I am directed through a breezeway. On one side, there is a full wall with an exposed raw cinderblock foundation and extending upward are vertical textured striped cinderblocks, similar to what the facility once was—or still is. Slightly above my head are small square windows with a single grid in each pane, bounded together with a rich striking red cladding that matches the paneled door in front of me as my destination. Guiding me is the same beautiful stained and textured concrete walkway that once inspired me outside at the entry. And to my right is the same beautiful view that had caught my attention, framed by screened in columns. The coordination of inside to outside correspondence reminds me of a park, or as if I am on a farm, where the landscape is so notorious for its tranquilities."

Schematic: Entry Way

This is a more developed facade of what was posted below.


+Stained concrete pathway: SoyCrete Acid-Alternative
+CMU block wall construction
+CMU textured block finish (original)
+Stained concrete "plaster" walls
+Storefront Aluminum Doors
+Operable windows: awning & double-hung
+Cupolas! Must be inter-designed with windows
+NC friendly trees: drought resistant, easy to grow, easy to maintain, deciduous & coniferous

"Upon approaching the main entry, my eyes take note of my surroundings. I can see a glimpse of a large polygonal building hidden behind deciduous and coniferous trees, filtering dog barks and the accompanying odors. The sight relaxes me, especially the variety of rich dark evergreens, saturated maples of red, green, and yellow leaves, and the white burst of dogwood florals to remind me of our beautiful state of North Carolina. Extending from the polygonal building I see a breezeway, which surely must appreciate the same view of abundant trees, leading my eyes to the main gable front entry. The shape is very simple and completely symmetrical, reminding me of a child’s typical drawing of a house—a farmhouse, at that. The entry façade is supported with exposed cool grey cinderblock walls, alleviated with a light warm brown plastered center, and accented with bright red windows, doors, and cupolas. The exposure to raw materials makes me feel healthy and grounded, especially when I look down to see this beautiful stained and textured concrete walkway that pulls together all materials and sights."

Schematic : Overall Idea

In this rendering, I have assembled my research in an overall idea. The bottom right is the visitor parking. Once parked, the visitor approaches the main entry, which is showcased with a front steep pitched gable. Recessed in the back are the breezeway passages, connecting on the left to the cat atrium and to the left leads into the dog kennel polygon. The overall style is farmhouse, the cupolas above each major area is per ventilation research, all windows are operable, materials must be impervious to moisture as per code: concrete floors, CMU textured wall construction (original), slate alternative roofing, and NC-friendly trees.

Schematic Floor Plan [see post below]

The existing structure is the backward "L" block near the center, with the existing employee parking lot to the far left and the existing driveway along the bottom edge. In the center of the "L" block, I have added what will become the new main lobby/reception/entry for all visitors. Once checked-in, one can choose to go left toward the cat atrium or one can choose to go to the right and enter the dog kennels. Notice the breezeways that connect these spaces...especially the simple geometry as that of functionalists & farmhouses. The key to farmhouse design is simplicity and function, where life thrives from occupants (animals & people) upon its beautiful landscape.

I'm excited to say that I will be using "farmhouse" style and barns as my "concept!"

Breeze [2] way

This is a great connector piece to divide workers/volunteers and visitor traffic, especially because volunteers may be very dirty or soiled from cleaning kennels.

or

This is a great connector piece to divide & decide per weather conditions. If its nice, walk outside! If its not, walk inside!

Breezeway Connector

Per each threshold of sequence of space, I have proposed to have an extended connector piece that will function for a variety of well-being purposes. First, I hope to have this connector piece feel like a breezeway, where fresh air & plant life landscaping will relax tensions from the anxieties of the adoption field. Second, such introductions and opportunities of fresh air & landscaping will improve indoor air quality. In conjunction, designed use of air flow and landscaping can help relax tensions & anxieties by improved air quality, promoting better moods with a healthy atmosphere.

For materials and code, impervious surfaces are required per the Animal Welfare Act. Because this area has the potential to be either a "sealed" interior space or an "open" interior space, I wonder what my options are:

If the breezeway is interior, than I must have impervious surfaces. I have researched either concrete or porcelain tiles to be the best of choice. Porcelain and ceramic are essentially the same thing, porcelain being of commercial ratings and performance. Concrete is concrete, but fun applications are available to enhance appearance and feel. Whatever the choice of surface, radiant floor heating will be applied for comfort and sanitation (fluids will dry up, preventing unwanted transmission of disease & etc). Large operable windows can help bring the outdoors in, achieving the hopes of an open breezeway, as expressed below.

If the breezeway is an open breezeway to the outdoors, than I wonder if the materials can be porous? This would make logical sense since natural materials, such as limestone or brick, absorb water and nutrients. Cleaning can be achieved through pressure washing, and also, the benefit of sun exposure to limestone is a natural disinfectant--perfect! Having an open breezeway would require thought to inconvenient weather conditions, such as precipitation--which can be moderately controlled with an overhead roof and radiant floor heating. Grates will also have to be incorporated to prevent puddling. Also, threshold transitions from this open breezeway to "sealed" interiors (cat atrium or lobby) can create drafts if not cohesively planned/designed. Drafts kill. Although the emotion and feel of an open breezeway would be more desirable, practicality may not be in favour...