For the second part of the semester, our class will involve ways of re-visioning the Gatewood Studio space. After listening to the research presentation from Friday, I have more clarity as what the various users of the studio space need/want. Seeing precedent images of other successful office and studio spaces also helped me think of ways our class can modify the space.
After seeing the results from the survey questions, I realized that most students desire spaces that are cozy and comfortable. One finding I was surprised at was how few students utilize the library space. The class discussed reasons for the lack of use noting the culture of the space limits how comfortable one feels and the air quality within the space makes it feel stiff. Along with this discussion, other students suggested additional spaces for the studio such as a rendering lab, coffee station, quiet space, and areas for people and community to gather. I enjoyed listening to Tommy’s story of there being a kiosk that sold coffee every morning where people would gather, converse, and mingle. Other noteworthy suggestions form the survey was for more storage, comfortable seating, and better lighting in their ideal personal space.
For me, one of the biggest insights I took from Friday was student’s lack in taking initiative. I think as designers, we should feel inspired and creative in our workspaces. We should not feel timid or shy about improving on a space. People are scared to make any alterations or changes to a fresh and new space. However, who keeps students from painting the walls, for example. Tommy asked us, ‘ How much is provided for you and how much do you do yourself?” The freedom to change studio must stem from somewhere; I hope this project can catalyst that interest in other students.
The presentation on Friday got me thinking about customization of space, basic human needs, and the needs of groups and individual. The one thing that kept coming up for me was the lack of social gathering and community areas. I love areas where people naturally sit, enjoy a cup of coffee and talk, study, people watch, read, or listen to music. These are the spaces where I feel inspired. I think a space like this in studio would ultimately bring people together. Our program is all about making connections and bringing people together. We strive for authenticity; more areas for students to sit and chat with one another would create a more at ease feel within our program. For this project, I want to design an area for sitting and relaxing where students can gather and converse with one another. This would provide an area different from their desk space and computer lab, enabling students to enjoy their time better in studio. Noted in the survey, people enjoy the cozy and comfortable seating of the library but not culture of the space. For this project, I propose a cozy seating space that brings people together, yet offers spaces for sitting alone. Addressing the lack of social gathering spaces will add interest within studio and ultimately create an area where creativity, communication, and learning can occur.
