Cassidy Eden Gawalko

Eden Exchange is to acknowledge that each individual’s experience with mental wellbeing varies, and has a vision to create a safe space that encourages supportive listening between all. By creating a multipurpose space that promotes meaningful conversations, compelling individual narratives, and a fundamental sense of belonging, the goal is to ease the uncertainties, insecurities and loneliness that accompany the quarter life crisis. The project is divided into three functional spaces based on levels of commitment in correlation to the permanence of visual artistic expression. With the first level being a social zone; Ambrosia, the intent is to create a space that encourages open discourse, meaningful connections and entrepreneurial opportunities. Ambrosia is an ambient lounge that is transitional by nature to allow for a variety of workshops, social events and conversational groupings. The second level of commitment will be a sustainable clothing reuse boutique; Morpho Atelier, that provides users the opportunity to investigate their commitment to sustainability and foster meaningful narratives through visual expression. Specifically, a combination of a collective studio and retail space will give artists the opportunity to permanently paint clothing that is designed and manufactured in an environmentally friendly way, and distribute it to the community accordingly. The third level of commitment is attainable through a tattoo studio; Onyx Studios, with a series of individual and collective tattoo studios that will provide artists a live canvas, and allow clients the chance to permanently alter their skin’s appearance; highlighting connection and vulnerability between two entities.

At Eden Exchange, it is our mission to provide equal, accessible opportunity to young creatives through the implementation of an apprenticeship program. Artists that specialize in fine arts, tattoo artists and apprentices pursuing artistic knowledge, otherwise referred to as the “artists” of the space, will work collaboratively between one another and their clients to bring individual narratives to life. There is something to be learned from everyone, any conversation, any idea, and where mutual respect exists, meaningful relationships will flourish. Through the creation of

meaningful relationships, young creatives will gain confidence that will propel their sense of motivation and purpose moving forward.

Because there is great value in accountability, Eden Exchange charges artists an affordable monthly membership fee to utilize the spaces and contribute their services. Research findings have revealed that recurring interaction between the artists and their interactions with clients are the best way to form meaningful relationships. This process gives young creatives a schedule and a sense of stability in the work that they are doing, and reliability towards the peers that surround them. Through accountability and structure, our mission is to give young creatives something to rely on and look forward to. Ultimately, a reliable, supportive network of social relationships created on the basis of face-to-face interactions will ease the mental health struggles that accompany the quarter life crisis.

Inspired by Pantone® ; the first method of color communication, each functional space is identified and communicated through color and a corresponding color code. Because Eden Exchange intends to promote meaningful conversations between users, aside from the Eden Exchange color coded signage displayed in each space, wayfinding for the public will rely heavily on conversing with employees, or between artist members. The soft contours of the walls promote a fluid circulation system that is organic in form, enabling users to experience a calm approach to wayfinding.

Eden Exchange would like to preserve the sustainable integrity of the building structure (Non-Certified LEED Platinum), as well as contribute to sustainable design from within. The design focuses on three primary sustainable design building goals with the aim to analyze and implement additional sustainable principles throughout the building process.

The first goal is the incorporation of recycled materials within the space. Given that the premise of the clothing reuse service provided in Morpho Atelier is based upon the reuse of materials, specifically post-consumer resources, it is important to continue this theme on an architectural scale. Following an in depth exploration of possible materials to incorporate into the space, It was recently discovered that recycled denim content (denim shoddy) has a higher Noise Reduction Coefficient than commercial glasswool at approximately one tenth of the cost. Utilizing recycled denim content as an innovative method of acoustic control reflects the nature of utilizing post-consumer resources in the creative process, and saving raw materials and energy that would otherwise be wasted in other materials.

The second project goal is the incorporation of materials that have a low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and toxicity content. Because adhesives, sealants, paints, and coatings are used in most spaces and may contain VOCs, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals, Eden Exchange sources mindful materials to ensure the space is safe for all users. Because Onyx Studios must remain a clean, sterile environment, It becomes all the more important that harmful emissions are eradicated in these spaces where there are small abrasions on the skin’s surface. By selecting products that have few or no harmful gases, Eden Exchange will reduce harmful emissions and improve user wellbeing.

The third goal is to design the space with the intent to reduce the need for replacement of materials and furniture. Similar to the sophisticated, simplistic nature of an art gallery, Eden Exchange is minimal and primarily neutral in the creative zones like Chrysalis Collective in order to avoid visual competition with the artistic creations that will be created, worn, and displayed within. Timeless design that focuses on the quality, durability, and longevity of the life cycle avoids the need for any renovations in the near future.