LTU - Architectural Design Studio 5 - Art Center

          This was one of my last studios at Lawrence Technological University.  The idea behind this studio was to create an art center in downtown Plymouth, MI.  Everyone in the class had to pick a different kind of art center to create.  I chose to go with a photography center.  The reason I chose photography is because I believe photography and architecture are very similar.  Both photography and architecture consider many of the same elements when taking a picture or designing.  The main element in both is light.  This is what I based my design off of.  As you can see from the exterior perspective below, I created two distince sections of the building.  The front entry, and display area is full of curtain walls to allow light into the space.  The curtain walls continue all the way up to the second and third floors where a smaller display area and some studios are located.  The back side of the building has less windows because this would be the area where there are dark rooms and also some private residences.  Although these areas are darker for the privacy they each have a balcony that would open up the area to the exterior. 

***Rendering Created Using Sketchup and Artlantis***

          The rendering below shows the interior of the entry and display area.  Since my main focus was on light, I created a huge light tube that ran from the bottom floor all the way up to the roof.  This large circular area was open all the way down to allow light in every area during the day.  On the first floor I incorporated a water feature that will create a fun effect on the walls and ceiling when the sun is shining straight in.  The large atrium area below has high ceilings which also open up to a smaller display area on the second floor that over looks the main area.

***Rendering Created Using Sketchup and Artlantis***

          The section below shows the different areas of the building and how the two main sections actually have a seperation between them.  You can see the light tube in this section on the left side.  It goes straight from the roof down through each area to give off light where it is needed.  The green areas are the private residences, while the red and tan areas are studios for photographers to work in.  The blue area is obviously all public areas including the display areas and a coffee shop.

***Created Using Sketchup and Photoshop***