The train depot project had several facets to the design program criteria. First was the adaptive re-use of the historical train depot, built in the late 1800's. next, was incorporating an artist's studio and gallery display space, and a 1200 sq. ft. living space into the structure. The third criteria was to add ADA, vision impairment and universal design requirements. Finally, the program was to include my design concept, and inspiration from my artists work.
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The inspiration for this design was a crack in the concrete foundation of the depot. I focused on the elements of line, texture and contrast, and through exploration I came to a final parti design.
This design was re-sized and colored in photoshop, then put into a pattern to develop my textile. I found this to be very rewarding, as receiving my fabric was the first time I have seen one of my designs come to life! I definitely improved my skills in photoshop during the textile design. I would like to continue to improve, as photoshop has so many options and things to know about the program and how to design with it.
Another part of the design process I really enjoy is concept development. The 2-dimensional parti was used to create a 3-dimensional concept model. During this process I made several process models, until I finally came up with one worthy of making into a final model. I focused again on texture, line and contrast. I also had in mind the idea of the structural concrete form with a very organic crack in it. The idea of random versus a prescribed path came to my mind. We all have a trail through life, and wonder if it is predestined or simply random. Our paths with cross, diverge and intersect with each other. I thought about the paths of people that had taken the train to Pullman years ago to attend WSU. I thought of my own path, this new path of going back to school. The title of my project derived from this compilation of thoughts, and my model was titled "A New Path".
I learned through all of this that I could translate a very personal concept to include general themes. After all, we all have hard times and fears to deal with along our path.
Another step in my design process was to incorporate my concept, the research on universal design, ADA and vision impairment and blend it with my artists' work. The colors I chose came from the artwork directly. I challenged myself to use orange, a color I don't care for. Space planning was incorporated, and the design started to take shape. I began with small idea sketches,and worked on a couple of large perspectives. Details were added and changed along the way to create a harmonious design. In my gallery space, I designed every component, from the lighting, the cloud to the moveable walls and reception desk. I even designed a stream to run through the floor to incorporate my organic path. I learned that with some experimentation and design work, I could use a color I dislike to create a design I love!
Then came the final model. This was a challenge for me. The model is at 1/8" =1" scale, so it is small, and difficult to capture the details, especially when all the cutting is done by hand. Add to that the many doors and windows, the sloping eves, the parapet walls, and you have a complicated model. Oh yes, and building a roof to fit! The model was not easy, but I exercised patience, and methodical measuring. My model turned out well, and I learned that I could figure out the geometry with only minor flaws.
I also continue to learn how to solve design problems. The ADA bathrooms in the gallery area were a puzzle for me. There was enough footage for two bathrooms, but the existing windows proposed problems when trying to divide the space. My solution was to divide the space diagonally, making sure I had a 60" wheelchair turnaround, places to locate grab bars, and a t least a 36" counter for a sink. In the real world the design may not work, but at least I solved the problem in a way that met the requirements for the space.
Overall I feel I improved in several ways. First, my time management was much better, I never felt stressed or behind. I also incorporated a concept with historical preservation in a design I am proud of. I have not worked in a historical context, so this was new for me. Finally the scope of the design was larger, and on several occasions I needed to come up with solutions to design problems I solved the problems to the best of my ability, and stretched myself to create something unlike anything I had done previously.
