Presentation Ideas...

Precis 5

Precis 4

USG Ceiling Tiles: Anti-Mold & Mildew

USG Ceiling Tiles: Anti-Mold & Mildew

Stained Concrete: An Acid Alternative

Stained Concrete: An Acid Alternative

Kennel Details

This image is absolutely beautiful, I love the material choices as well as the level of detail for joinery.

The use of stone in outdoor spaces are highly ideal, for they are very absorptive of any exposure to liquids. Rain or waste, the stone will absorb the fluids and return it to the earth. Exposure to direct sunlight is also highly beneficial, as the contact of stone and sun are self disinfecting--great for a dog run!

I also want to take note of the setbacks/reveals in relation to the stone walls, the metal columns, the overhead trellis, and the plants. The stone walls are separated from the metal columns, creating a reveal that allows the opportunity for plant growth. Above, these columns support an overhead trellis for spacial qualities. Once the plants around the columns have reached a higher maturity, they will continue to grow along the trellises, providing great light filtration.

For my project, this is image fabulous in helping me define details. I love the stone walls for its absorptive qualities, its self disinfecting, and its potential for absorbing sound. The reveal has inspired me of how to separate the dog facades from the human walkway. I want it separate enough to feel safe and relaxed, yet close enough to experience the emotional qualities of each dog. Having the continuous overhead trellis and the embracive qualities of the columns help demonstrate my desired effect.

Schematic: Cat Atrium Interior

Before I list the details of this drawing, I would like to explore the design possibilities of the cat atrium.

Q. There is current argument that shelter animals should each have their own room, inside.
A1. First I would like to remind one that this is a shelter, where operations function primarily from volunteer workers. Because this shelter is no longer owned by the county, is privately owned, the shelter does not receive financial help from the government and therefore must rely on goodwill, donors, and sponsors.

A2. Second, I would like to stress the relationship of an unorganized facility with its nonfunctional design that promotes a poorly maintained & unhealthy facility.

A3. One plus Two equals the Third, having individual rooms for each animal is ideal and luxurious, but simplicity and economical is the primary goal. Also keep in mind by having individual rooms and incorporating the cleaning staff circulation rounds...this could potentially eliminate the ever so important window factor!! Windows could be compromised for storage and clean up space...

Now I am starting to question myself. I'm not sure which is the best answer...individual "cages" that have the opportunity to explore into the atrium jungle with other cats...or individual rooms that house a group of cats?

Perhaps my best solution is to meet with my contact, Dana, at the GCAS and ask her opinion.

To be further investigated...


"I am now inside the cat atrium, and my direct line of sight is a miniature atrium housed with cat trees and toys. The cats seem to be having fun and are highly stimulated with each other and with the view. Looking past the atrium, the view extends to some trees with birdhouses and bird feeders—no wonder the cats are so excited! On a beautiful day like today, the atrium window can be open to the fresh outdoors…and that’s about one inch closer the cats can be to those birds! Beyond the miniature cat atrium and surrounding cages is this textured reed grass wall. An excellent choice of material considering cats love to sink their claws into reeds, and it helps for me too as it absorbs sound and has a nice earthy and farm-like feel of hay mows."

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."

"A Child's First [house] Drawing "