Reconnection Journal - Emma Louise Fullerton

.introduction

Human connection is the soul of this project. For my expert area of interest I decided to focus on the heart of this project - the reconnection and socialisation of students experienced through the physical centre of this project: the oasis and atrium that acts as the connection point through all the levels of the building.

.research .case

.proposed down-takings .zoning & accessibility .the third space .nature reclaiming it’s place .section .oasis detail .experientiality of void .transition spaces .concept model

.concept

Throughout my four year journey of studying interior design, I have always had a keen interest in the connectivity of space and how the user interacts with it, and I wanted to explore a particular design element within my proposal that would evidence and support this interest. The design element I will be exploring is the proposed central atrium and ‘oasis’ I am introducing to the space – I want this feature to be the metaphorical ‘heart’ of the project as the tree placed in the centre symbolises the life force of the student hub.

I first explore the zoning and potential demolition of walls and floors that could enhance the space and increase the experientiality of the space, a major tension within this concept is the conservation of the existing building and its history and I wanted to ensure that I am not removing the ‘story’ of the building in the process of renovating it as well as considering the impact it may have on the environment removing these features. However, there does have to be a balance when you are adapting an old building, will it have a positive impact for the long-term future and does that impact outweigh the environmental impact of the demolition. I believe that the benefits of the proposed demolitions will have a major positive long-term impact on the space – it will bring the building back to life and create an immersive well-being experience for the users. The introduction of the void on the first level allows the whole building to be connected as one through the centre of the building.

Next, I explored the construction of the ‘oasis’ in more detail looking at the embedded plant bed and the underground watering system that will ensure the plants stay healthy. The introduction of nature and biophilic design is also a key point of interest within this proposal and I want to make sure the plant life is also spread out throughout the entire building not just the void as well as considering what is happening in the outdoor spaces of the site. Although not the main focus of the project overall, I believe it is important to consider what activities and spaces will be introduced to the outdoor space and the transition point between the urban environment and the entrance wellness hub – I want to achieve an atmospheric difference and maintain a relationship between the indoors and outdoors.

As a final output for this area of interest I have produced a physical scale model that conceptually conveys the introduction of natural elements to my proposal. Using clear acrylic enabled me to show the layout of the interior space as well as showing the old structure of the exterior architecture - the contrast between the old and new, maintaining the history of the building. This model plays a key part in conveying the concept proposal as a whole as it shows the changes that have been made and also shows how the space is interacted with.

.supporting 500 words .concept logo

.biophilic design

Biophilic design has always been design inspiration for me as is apparent throughout my studio work over the past four years. The attraction is not only aesthetic but it is rooted in the well-being benefits of the design process. It is scientifically proven that biophilic design improves cognitive function and lowers stress levels.

There are six elements that make up the methodology of biophilic design:

-Environmental factors such as natural materials or natural light that provide a direct connection to the natural world.

-Natural shapes such as curves that imitate a ‘flowing’ throughout the space.

-Repeated patterns that replicate nature such as archways that lead you through a space.

-Lighting - with a particular focus on natural light and something I particularly want to introduce to my project.

-Connection to the space such as using existing elements of the surrounding area and introducing them to the interior space.

-The relationship between nature and humans - which is the main focus of this expert area of focus.

These six elements have been the main focus of this process as well as my design process throughout the whole year.

.adaptive reuse

Adaptive reuse has always been an interest of mine but particularly this year as I have been renovating a derelict building. Although I am reinstating an educational facility within my site it is a mixed-use site and I’m taking inspiration from existing adaptive reuse projects.

I believe it is important to use existing structures and reinvigorate them, a particularly growing problem in Glasgow is the amount or derelict building left to basically collapse and go into disrepair - it is a sad sight to behold.

My site was particularly attractive to me in this sense because it is the last building of its time left standing in the area it is in and it has slowly been surrounded by modern 21st century buildings and my site is beginning to crumble - I think it’s important to rescue this structure and retain its memory.

.case study one | kampung admiralty

singapore designer: WOHA

Kampung Admiralty caught my eye when I was researching biophilic design and this case study made an appearance on several occasions as a success story. The section that particularly interested me was the outdoor garden space that you can see through the windows in the main seating area. This is the effect I am trying to achieve in the interior of my project - a central natural feature that you can see from all directions on the site.

The project also uses great use of double height spaces and mezzanines using the natural light to its best potential and also creating mixed used spaces that create a energetic atmosphere and the energy between activities spread throughout.

“The community Plaza is a fully public, porous and pedestrianised ground plane, designed as a community living room. Within this welcoming and inclusive space, the public can participate in organized events, join in the season’s festivities, shop, or eat at the hawker centre on the 2nd storey.”

- WOHA Architects

The description ‘community living room’ really inspired my vision, it is a perfect description of the space I am trying to create - similar to the concept of a ‘third space’

.photos credit: archdaily - patrick bingham-hall

.case study two | ayr grammar

south ayrshire, scotland designer: BDP Ltd

This project caught my eye as the atrium area reminded me of my site and I was interested on how they used their skylights as a key focal point in the design. The double height space in this project gave me confidence to leave my double height space quite open and airy as before I thought I needed something to ‘fill the space up’.

The typology and adaptive reuse is also closely related to mine - the building was originally a primary school and is now used as a education led mixed use space promoting adult learning opportunities and activities.

“This new education hub is a great example of how to bring the community together in one facility. The creation of a new public amenity that overlooks the river Ayr, and offers active frontage to South Harbour Street, provides the town with a real multi-generational offer that breathes new life into a fantastic historic building.”

- Lindsey Mitchell , Architect Director BDP

I’m particularly inspired by their passion to retain the history and story of the building - a true homage to the surrounding area.

The use of all the natural materials such as wood has also gave me confidence to be more bold with my use of materials as I am using quite a limited material palette.

.photos credit: scottish design awards

.proposed down-takings

I wanted to be considerate when deciding to add new voids and demolish walls, the original plan was to conserve as much as possible but it was too constricting on the design process. So I decided it was better to open up spaces to allow the space to flow better.

Walls and floors that have been removed will have to be re-supported to ensure the structural integrity of the building so structural beams will be introduced where structural elements have been removed.

I would like to retain as much of the existing original white and blue tile as possible, to ensure there is a nod to the history of the building.

.lower ground as existing | scale 1:250

.demolition

.new voids

.upper ground as existing | 1:250

.demolition

.new voids

.first level as existing | scale 1:250

.second level existing | scale 1:250

.third level as existing | scale 1:250

.roof as existing | scale 1:250

.third level

.second level

.first level

.zoning & accessibility

The four elements at the core of the concept - movement, social, mind and spirit - are purposefully not constrained to a floor each but mixed throughout to create a high energy atmosphere.

.upper ground

.lower ground

.outdoor space

The mixed use of all the levels encourages the users to interact with other activities in a visual manner as well as increasing the opportunity of random meetings as the users travel between spaces.

Accessibility was also a major part of the design process to ensure that all users had access to every space and have equal opportunity to engage. The lift that has been proposed will ensure connection through all levels as well as ramps that have been added to the existing entrances to ensure ease of access.

Extending the void through the first level as well as introducing a double height space creates the feeling of openness and promotes connectivity.

.movement

.social

.spirit

.mind

.visual of entrance

.visual of skylight area

.third space

I want this project to feel like a fun and atmospheric place to be for students. This place is what is known as a ‘third space’, the first two being home and on campus. The third space acts as a buffer space between these two extremes - a place to hang out and socialise and still having the choice to work on coursework or take part in a fun activity that is offered within the space, or even coming here for a small break away from it all for a moment.

I feel this visual of the existing skylight and proposed interiors is very successful in communicating the atmosphere I am trying to achieve.

.nature reclaiming its’ place

The main inspiration behind this area of interest came from the first visit I took to my site where I captured images of the nature starting to ‘take over’ the building almost engulfing it and the playgrounds. I was interested in keeping the concept of ‘nature taking over’ and I believe the way I have introduced nature to the space has symbolised this vision.

I am particularity attracted to this phenomena in an urban environment as it’s like the history of the environment is making a comeback and gives the space an extra element of character.

.image from site visit

.section of void

This section provides an insight into the scale and experientiality that the proposed void would introduce to the space.

.oasis detail

An in depth look at the main feature of the project, the large embedded planter with watering system and a bespoke high table.

.bar seating table detail

| scale 1 : 50

| scale 1 : 50

.exploded isometric | scale 1 :100

.planter water system detail

underground pipe path

The pipe will lead to the maintenance room on the lower ground level where the water storage and pump will be stored.

external diameter : 8160

wall thickness : 100

planter plan | scale 1 : 50

The watering system will run automatically to ensure plants are kept alive and healthy

Underground water storage that pumps water into faucets overall sizes:

Height - 350 Width - 1000 Depth - 450

The user facing part of the planter will be made from treated oak.

The underground section of the planter will be lined with a lining that retains moisture and protects the rest of the interior.

300mm steel reinforced beams under planter for structural integrity.

.experientiality of void

The addition of the oasis and cutting the void the whole way through the building adds an extra experience to the building as a whole. Whether you are studying, rock climbing or even just waiting for a friend the singular tree will always be in eyesight - reconnecting the user to nature as well as connecting the user to every other user in the building at the time.

The existing skylight floods the space with light during the day, then at night the new light additions provide a warm and atmospheric atmosphere in the interiormaking the space comfortable for studying for long periods of time but also for any physical activity.

Retaining the original bannisters and tiles in the void spaces on the second and third level creates that connection between old and new I was aiming to achieve - the introduction on the new bannister with the industrial scaffolding handrails on the first level creates a high impact contrast between the old and new.

.transition spaces

I wanted the project to have a clear connection between the outdoors and the interior, as the existing outdoor spaces are the old playgrounds, they were just concrete and cold. I considered adding parking but then decided against it as the city centre is moving against cars in the centre anyway.

Instead I have introduced nature and a variety of activities to the space - this of course would mean the concrete would have to be removed / altered to accommodate these changes which is not environmentally friendly. However I believe this is a good design decision as it will have good impact in the future of the area as well as well-being.

The outdoor space provides activities such as a small park, amphitheatre, seating area and allotments that all provide an opportunity for engagement and conversation whilst also engaging the mind with reconnecting with nature. All outdoor spaces are wheelchair accessible to insure no one is left out of any spaces.

.concept model

I wanted to have a physical representation of my expert area of interest so I decided to make an acrylic model so you could see the central tree growing through the building and connecting all the spaces together - it also indicates the nature happening on the outside connecting the inside and outside.

.visual of concept model | view from back

.conclusion

This journal has explored my expert area of interest focusing on human interaction with space and how the interior can affect the mental and physical well-being of humanity. It has also explored the detailed aspect of the central void and atrium and the introduction of biophilic design.

The Glasgow School of Art | 2024 | Interior Design