THINK BOARD
Exploring and creating the client’s project stories
Southern Exposure with ADU
The Ely project story, represents a new single family residence. The main objectives entailed: 1. maximize southern exposure, 2. create a crystal clear functionality, 3. Do not want garage to appear as a priority, the entrance needs to be front and center. 4. future guest or ADU opportunity separate from main living area— must not appear as after thought
The proposed provides a cost-effective design solution that created a central structural spine which provided a design clarity. We also placed the garage and service entrance at the side. (often this is front and center) This design placed far more importance on the formal entryway to the home. A simplified, yet elegant solution
Additionally, the deign provided maximum southern exposure for natural light to fill interior spaces. This presented opportunities to balance the objectives and establish a meaningful order and flexibility to the internal functionality. The program simply provides a simplified function which enhanced the day to day operational and room relationships, as well as providing access to the exterior wrap around deck.
The Ely project did reveal to me, that more than any design style, the importance of having clean, crisp and elegant ‘lines’ can provide a way to create elegant design solutions; were less is more. Further. all the better when the homes functionality is simplified and operational performance is enhanced. Provides a strong character and way of creating substantial value.
''Cookie Cutter' Design Problem:
The project began with a call from a local builder / developer who requested design services for a new town home project that bordered a Golf club. The builder was looking for ways to improve his same old cookie cutter plan. (contractor design not shown) I told him I don’t do cookie cutter plans. He said, if I could improve his box it would represent opportunity for me to influence and improve several additional units along the course
Applying strategic design thinking to an existing project represents one of the worst and most challenging projects to take on. In large measure all the major design decisions have been made and ability to create value is limited. I proposed creating a small scale study model, as shown above which proposed design improvements to the roof structure, simplifying and enhancing the function + aesthetics.
I began my work and changed the rear of the town home with a dual view design that created a ‘v’ at rear to maximize the views to the existing golf coarse. (Note. the contractor’s model was just a box)
The next change concerned reorienting the garage so that it created more natural light to enter at the main entry and also provide greater visibility from the home. Unfortunately most of traditional suburban developments puts the garage out front and center! (note, contractors plan had the garage blocking entry) To be fair its often driven by an outdated zoning code, but there are solutions to this, which deserves a separate post
Using a scaled massing model, I was able to quickly convey complex design issues and use it as a way to propose concepts that could be quickly interpreted and evaluated.
Information Kiosk @ Normandale Community College
Project design challenge began with a request to design a new information Kiosk at Normandale Community College. However the real challenge was to develop a solution with a limited number of available materials. The information Kiosk was required to utilize only the ‘spare parts’ that existed on the college campus storage facilities. And the proposed kiosk was required to be a minimum of 90% sustainable.
The Kiosk houses a computer terminal and allows for user interaction and interface with the campus network system. The elevation side view (drawing) on left depicts various ellements that were included in the project.
The project was designed as an independent system and crafted as a piece of furniture. With the exception of a new computer system, and applicable fasteners. Most all of the materials were harvested and reutilized from on site storage. The project became a one of a kind sustainable piece of equipment.