Phase 2 Schematics

Design Concept:

From Jo Van Arkel's passage, What Falls From the Sky, the phrase, "Like falling out of the sky mid-flight", inspired me to design an area that creates an unexpected and sudden change, so that people are forced to rush, in order to show people an appreciation for normalcy.

Olin Library:

On the second floor, there are multiple areas that could be considered contemplation areas. I chose the window on the North side because its view isn’t disturbed by trees or a street. Above you is a big barrel vaulted ceiling that stretches from one end of the building to the other. Its view is of a tennis court where movement occurs. There is also movement of people walking to class. This couched area is definitely used by college students for contemplation as the read, or after they read a book they picked up from the library. A library is meant to have contemplation spaces, and the concepts used in libraries should be examined when trying to build a contemplation space.

FSC:

I chose the FSC’s top floor lounge area to study because it changes the ceiling and allows for you to view out windows. On the top floor of FSC there are multiple areas to sit, with a chair on each corner of a rug. Above some of the rugs, you can find a recessed ceiling. In the recessed ceiling there are lights that bounce off the white plaster and down onto the area of contemplation below. The recessed ceiling makes you feel like you’re in a larger area, where more ideas/thoughts can come to you. Also, if you sit in the corner, the seats near the bottom of my schematic, you have two different views out windows and are able to see a common walking area, without being surrounded by walkers. This contemplation space allows for ideas to flow smoothly and allows you to view from a distance.

HSA:

As you approach the lounge area on the first floor, South end of HSA, you are presented with a window that looks upon downtown Springfield. This might not interest many other people than architects, but this is an architecture building. This specialized lounge area is comforting to an audience of architecture students and teachers. Also, when you sit in this lounge area, you are able to feel free like when you’re outside, but also have an area to work and get work done. This area can also be for reflection, with display tables near the cushioned chairs.