Today (1st of March) we are holding one of our final preliminary reviews with Redux. The recent design process has required us to create a scaled model, at 3/8″ equal to 1′. It is composed of both the front gallery space and a partial continuation into the studio spaces on the western side of the new building. In our review today, we will be incorporating the model with printed boards to show our design solutions for the different spaces.
The visual components of the review rely more so on how we convey our ideas through the models, varying in scale. Those at the 3/8″ scale are meant to provide a visual for how our proposed solutions orient themselves within the overall space. Models at a larger scale are meant more so to show some of our preliminary understanding of materials and how the solutions might actually be created through different methods of construction.
I look forward to seeing how members of Redux, alongside those of the architectural board overseeing the new site, help to drive the process of design forward. We may work on multiple projects in the end, or focus solely on one that is deemed the most important/promising by our partners at Redux.
The projects are as follows:
We are proposing that there are two sliding gallery walls, one which becomes a divider for the front gallery space, allowing for two shows to occur at the same time with a greater amount of fluidity. It can also be used in general to divide the space when there are other events. The other gallery wall sits against the bar niche and behind our proposed space for the reception desk. It slides into the back of the reception area as a means to expose the bar, when in use. It’s width helps in optimizing more gallery space.
The current solution for the reception space is a geometric desk that can be turned when the second sliding gallery wall is active. One of the designs also incorporates a bookshelf, for more storage/accessibility to office supplies.
The stage design involves the use of triangular tiles, which can be optimized for variations of the size of the stage area. The only limitations, as introduced by Jesse Smith, are the overall space and the imagination of the designer. The ability for multiple configurations would allow for the pieces to serve in a corner, in the middle of the gallery space, as well as against a wall.
The exterior signage of the new site has been guided towards the northwest corner of the building. One solution would be to create a sign that hangs off the side of the building. The other involves a rigging system for the various mural that could be painted on top of a material with REDUX printed, or painted, on to indicate the name of the arts center.
We plan to present the approximate costs of the various solutions during this part of the design process.