My studio has recently been combined with the other half of the 3rd year studio. We are joining forces to study and develop ideas to improve the space we spend so much time in together, the Studio. The first step of the project was research and documentation of the space as well as the people in it. This being said we were divided into groups and assigned different topics to collect information for. The groups are as followed: floor plan, survey and interviews, social and behavioral factors of Iarc, spaces and precedents, lighting, furniture, pin up spaces, electrical delivery, window treatments, teaching pedagogies, and meeting, reception, and gathering spaces.
Floor plan
While studying the buildings drawings this group compared the drawings to what was actually constructed within the Gatewood Studio Art building. While studying this they noticed that many of the specified aspects that were supposed to be in the spaces were engineer valued out. Our actual department had to spend the money on some of our specified necessities that never made it in the building.
Survey and interviews
This was the part of the research that I took part in. by doing surveys and interviews with the people who spend the most time within our space we learned that it wasn’t so much the space that worked it was the people in it who made it inspiring. Many problems were also pointed out during this process. We also learned about the student and how much time they actually spend in the space.
Social and behavioral factors of Iarc
This group concluded that “we” are Iarc. This being said the students create their own boundaries with what they are giving. People discover what works and what doesn’t through trial and error. Even though this is said we all have needs whether they are individual or group based. We have come to the conclusion that the makeshift things we create for ourselves can become permanent solutions if we do something about it. As young designers personalization is part of our character and when we realize what we are truly capable of it all comes down to “whose studio is it” and what do we want to do about it?
Spaces and precedents
When looking at what kinds of spaces should be included within our building, this group has come up with several solutions to our problems. Within a student’s personal space one needs storage and a space to personalize, create, and inspire. Spaces that are seen in our building are sterile and simply white. Adding colors and textures and using this within creative ways to solve problems such as noise who all a more enjoyable atmosphere to our space. In researching what works this group believe that the best space would be multifunctional in nature.
Lighting, furniture, pin up spaces
The space as we know it now is filled with daylight during the day, although it is beautiful and good for being productive the glare can sometimes be an issue. Also the electric light within the space are on timers and are on during the day (which isn’t necessary) and only partially on at night. Increasing task lighting would assist in creating a better work environment. The furniture plays a big part in the space. By making the space multifunctional furniture is a big issue. It is difficult to decide whether to have more individual spaces or community spaces. One thing is for sure we are lacking in comfortable furniture. Pinup space is needed within our major. It is a way to present and display the work we have produced. Modular panels would greatly benefit the space by allowing for flexibility. Pin up spaces could also bring color and texture into the space and offer a solution to our acoustical problem. It is also suggested that a pinup space could also be a creative.
Electrical delivery
At the moment our power source are floor pockets, these “holes in the floor” that become a hazard and are very impractical. There are many ways in which to solve this problem but figuring out which one is best for the space is difficult and can be costly. The rearrangement of furniture could be set over the floor pockets in order to provide power to work stations.
Window treatments
There is an abundance of daylight within the studio space but the glare that is projected from the sun makes the space uncomfortable. We presently have blind which are indeed ugly and either allows an abundance of light on the space of block it out completely. There needs to be a happy medium or at least a way to diffuse the light without completely illuminating it or even a way to use it to possibly collect energy through solar power.
Teaching pedagogies/ Meeting, reception, and gathering
It is encouraged that one should create their own experience. Within a space one should adapt and be able to inspire. Community is also a big part of this major. Creating a better community space allowing for larger groups to all sit cohesively together would enforce this sense all the students have with one and other.
“Small spaces come with imperfections but they are there” –Patty
So what should we do about it???
