School of Design | Graduate Interior Design
Students: Xinyue, Li, Nuo Li, Hanhui Guan
Faculty: Michael Zuckerman
The project proposes that to improve the lighting and acoustic conditions can greatly impact students’ human-comfort-related experience in the space. An axonometric diagram can better show the relationship between motion and space under new intervention.
This intervention project is held at the 3rd floor exhibition space of Steuben Hall in Pratt. The exhibition space in Pratt is a multi-functional intersection space for the community. The intervention includes lighting, acoustic and sustainable adaptive reuse sustainability features to improve interior environment quality.
The axonometric diagram of the intervention project shows the rendered view of the site after the intervention. As a multi-functional activities area, circulation & exhibition space needs to satisfy certain construction criteria to support the functional system. The existing condition of the aged building has a lack of treatment on acoustic protection and lighting conditions for students’ daily use, thus, the intervention would focus on these two functions to reconstruct. In the new construction, we need to improve the sound insulation in this area so that we can keep the space independent from each other. Also. due to the age of the building, artificial lights are limited and toneless, which needs to upgrade the selection of lamps. On the other hand, the direction of natural light coming in could not provide enough light, so the gap between natural light and artificial light needs to be covered.
By installing the movable modular installation, it can help to transform the space into students’ and faculty’s needs with quality acoustic protection and artificial lighting provider, and natural lighting reflectors.
The corridor space on the 2nd floor of the Studio Building in Pratt is a multi-functional intersection space for community bases, it is also a vital exhibition and presentation space for students and teachers. The render shows the new structure of the foldable exhibition station including acoustic and lighting treatment, involving strategy in material, shape, and lighting fixtures. It is not only a lighting and acoustic supplement to the existing condition but also a space for design work display.
1. These pin-up stations are made of three parts, the red one is unremovable, which means they are connected directly to the existing structure, serving as a track and supporter for our movable panels. We installed the linear ambient lighting and track accent lighting for this part to provide a more comprehensive lighting condition. The material is mirror-polished stainless steel, which is sturdy for installing curtains (the green part), and lighting, and reflective for sound and light. The green part is the moveable sound isolation curtain, the material is wool or polyamide. Which could be easily stored and moved. The central blue part is the moveable and foldable writing panel with a smooth and reflective surface. The side blue part is the moveable and foldable acoustic panel, which is made of recycled pet fiber.
2. This section shows a combination of the materiality and functionality that play together in the space. The function of the new intervention supports diverse ways of presentation and the sharing of public space, by the motion of the curtain open and enclosure, this could define the activity in the space. This private and public space control also creates a flexible environment for students and faculties to work better in the area.
3. (i) left: The existing exhibition corridor does not show its function during off time, and shows less encouragement to put up exhibitions.
(i) right: After our intervention, the space would be preferable to welcome people to join and put up shows here. The space is more dynamic and functional, it gives more attention to the gathering community.
(ii) left: A space without presentation protection and spotted lighting fixtures for exhibition
(ii) right: After installing the modular installation, we can see the presentation space has been well developed and managed for the presenters. The booths are flexible to control for its private and public needs.
(iii) left: This is a small conference and presentation space that can also transform into a classroom.
(iii) right: By installing the movable modular installation, it can help to transform the space into students’ and faculty’ needs with quality acoustic protection and artificial lighting provider, and natural lighting reflector. The sound panels and foldable boards could create an initiative room for meetings and classes, and also be easy to uninstall and store, which can save space for public use.