Michaela Heigold

LIMINAL MOTION

RESTAURANT | NIGHTCLUB | WOMENS GYM

"The name "Liminal Motion" is related to the state of dreams. The word liminal connects to the the circumstance when the conscious and the subconscious come together to create a new world. The goal of this project was to create a space that fosters an environment of fun where users can let go and escape their everyday world. The space is meant to feel energetic, playful, and vibrant. This is mostly achieved through the use of color as well as various uses of organic shapes throughout. The space should feel open and welcoming. The colors used while bright, tend to lean more toward soft tones that help make the space feel a bit more approachable opposed to bold and intimidating.

I chose to include in this space, a restaurant, as well as a transitional space that is a women’s gym during the day and a nightclub at night. Due to the nature of nightclubs, they often sit vacant during the day, however the gym space will not only fill this vacancy but will also provides a well rounded experience that contributes to the surrounding community, more specifically the women in the community, at all points of the day. The restaurant is supplementary to these two occupancies as it creates an environment where connection can occur, whether it is before of after a workout, or before an evening out with friends. When deciding what spaces to design for my thesis project I wanted to create a project that allowed me to push myself and my creativity. With this project I also wanted to design a space that empowers women and allows them to be bold in a space the feel comfortable enough to do so. This is why I made it specifically a women’s gym. I wanted it to feel accessible and non-intimidating while giving women a space to get in shape and also learn tools such as self defense. "

-Michaela Heigold

The images above are works of art by artist Blake Kathryn. These pieces were a large inspiration for the conceptual direction of the design. These works transport the viewer into a fantasy world where they can be lost in the bright pastels and the whimsical shapes. The design for Liminal Motion captures the same whimsy and fantasy, transporting its users into another land.

Concept |

A protective environment that fosters the expression of fantasy and

wonder. An experience separate from its surroundings, creating an

oasis for community to thrive. Energy and motion ungulate,

empowering a sense of freedom and power.

FLOORPLANS

Level 1

When one enters the space, they are able to either turn right and enter the restaurant or turn left intercepting with the reception desk and coat check area. Within the restaurant users are first met with a check in counter and then may proceed into the dining room that has many different seating types and groups. The washrooms are located near the back of the restaurant past the kitchen doors to provide optimal privacy. If upon entry users are going to the gym or nightclub, they may proceed down the hallway at which point they will have their ID’s checked. On the right side of the room there is a changeroom. This is the only area of the design that does not transition into a use for the nightclub and remains separate for the gym. The lounge space of this level however can be used for both occupancies as the bar transitions into a juice bar when in the gym mode. Located centrally in this area is the curved stairwell which connects to the remainder of the gym and nightclub zones.

Level 2

Up on the second level users exit the stairwell facing the majority of the activity zones. The floorplan you see here is in the gym setup with a bungee workout and silks located on the right and a self defense class area on the left. There are also heavy curtains that pull across in order to separate the activity zones, which when in nightclub mode tuck away into the walls and columns. The exercise equipment such and the bungee cords and silks get pulled up towards the ceiling turning the floor area into the nightclub dance floor. Where the self defense classes are, the matts get rolled up and placed in storage with cocktail table put in their place. The washrooms in this space are universal with one common room where the sinks are located. Not only does this create a safer area for use when the space is a nightclub, it also allows for all of the washrooms to remain in use when there are just women present during gym hours.