OVERVIEW

Axon/Overview - showcasing the modular design and highlighting the stairs allowing views of the city as people ascend to the patio on the seventh floor.

First floor Interior - demonstrating an open floor plan while showcasing the theme of trees that I allow for a biophilic design.

Second Floor Interior - an opportunity to overlook into the first floor and provide the small exhibition pace the opportunity to be tall and seen from high above.

Level 3: Interior showcasing the office floors. Demonstrates how the structure follows the room layout and the relationship to the ceiling.

Level 1: Two main entrances, bathrooms and stairs on each side. Open floor plan to allow people to explore the exhibition space, cafe, and gift shop. Double height to allow a comfortable experience and four atriums that inhabit trees to allow light and nature inside.

Level 2: Allows access to look at first floor and open space for users to sit down and enjoy the view.

Level 3: This floor is dedicated for office and meeting rooms.

Level 4: Open floor to allow flexibility for larger exhibition spaces.

Level 5: Meeting and multi-purpose rooms. Open space located near them to navigate user traffic.

Level 6: Floor dedicated to exhibition and multipurpose rooms to allow a flexible and functionable space

Level 7: Rooftop patio that mimics first floor by bringing in trees. Lots of open space and seating to enjoy the view of New York City.

REFLECTIONS

Replace this text with your reflections on your design journey through class from a higher level and share your insights about the entire experience. What were:

Key / Essential / Unique Design Features that you explored in your project.

The main design goal I had for this project was creating a structure and floor layout that was modular and allowed flexibility and diversity in the floor plans. This design allowed me to stack bathrooms, stairs, and the elevator. This was important because with the integration of systems, it allowed for an organized approach. Another design I’m satisfied with is the four triangular atriums that allowed me to bring trees into the building but also served as a way to bring in light to each floor. This was a unique feature because since we are surrounded by high rises, we are overshadowed and need as much light as possible. I’m also happy with the double height atrium because it creates a unique entrance that allows people to socialize from floor one to floor two. Finally, I’m happy with the placement of my stairs because the glazing allows for what could be a boring experience and transforms it into a wonderful journey from each floor accompanied with the view of the city.

Your Big Successes -- what worked very well and what features you're most proud to share as examples to inspire others.

I really enjoyed the feature of the trees on the first floor which then turned into light and air atriums on the following floors. I was inspired by the importance of biophilic design - especially in a dense city like New York. I believe it is important to bring nature whenever possible, and it fits perfectly into the role of sustainability this structure was promoting. If I had more time, I would have loved to keep exploring this and seeing how else I could bring nature inside.

Your Big Challenges -- what aspects of the project created the biggest challenges and what would you do differently (in hindsight) to avoid or overcome these challenges.

The hardest part for me was figuring out the structure. This was my first time experimenting with implementing structure into a building. The hardest areas to provide structure were the atriums and the stairs since I had to cut out. Overall, implementing the systems were all a new experience for me, so they came with their challenges but I’m glad I learned how to do it.

Lessons Learned -- what sage words of advice would you share with other students who are embarking on a similar project.

The biggest lesson I would share is have an organized layout. I would start with a bubble diagram and see what room relationships you create. I would also recommend being “realistic.” We have about 8ish weeks to complete this and you are learning how to integrate systems along the way. This can be a lot to juggle so focus on a minimal design and use the systems to elevate it! Have fun and remember - this is not a real building that is actually being built - therefore there are no consequences.