February - May, 2017
- Viktoria Dekany
- May 25, 2017
- 16 min read
DEGREE PROJECT
Journey Of The Biophilia Inspired Co-Workspace Design
DESIGN STRATEGY
JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 2017
THE BRIEF...
Today’s workspace design and office workers’ health and well-being is a current issue worldwide which needs addressing both thoughtfully and strategically. My extended research revealed a number of shocking statistics related to employees perspective at work, and it covered many problems and needs surrounding of the design of our workplaces. The Biophilic Co-Workspace Project was inspired by an intensive six-week period of research into the current issues and demands in our work environments, the key factors in the development of effective and successful workspaces as well as the existing solutions that have a positive impact on office workers health, well-being and productivity.
After the 6-week intense research into Biophilia and the different design of co-workspaces, I feel even more passionate about my degree project. I think I targeted a worldwide issue which needs to have improvements all over the world as people spend their 1/3 lives in their work placement. I believe that by providing the suitable environment for workers is beneficial for both employers and employees. General health and wellbeing, productivity, creativity, motivation... these are just a few benefits that the nature integrated functional spaces can develop on us. I hope that I can create a very meaningful project during the next few months.
DESIGN CONCEPT...
The project main aim is developing the initial idea of nature in a collaborative office environment with experimentation of different contemporary methodologies and human focused ideas to ensure that health and well-being becomes a priority, therefore it provides a more positive work experience for employees, building users and for a wider community.
The proposed design main focus is creating a sustainable, energy and human efficient environment with the integration of natural elements. The new facility aims to assure a creative co-working space that enable people to effectively collaborate and communicate with each other, and it also focuses to break office worker’s inactivity by providing several opportunities and amenities, as well as linking biophilic design with health & fitness programs at work.
TIME MANAGEMENT...
One of the most important thing which I learned during my four years of study: PLAN, PLAN and PLAN! I purchased a very good time planner book and it helps me to organize my ideas and the never ending "to do list". I start every morning with a 5 minutes brainstorming what I would like to achieve on the day and setting goals. Luckily, I usually tick all the elements in the list at the end of the days :).
RESEARCH
FEBRUARY, 2017
LOOKING FOR AN APPROPRIATE SITE/BUILDING...
The first step now is to find the perfect site/building for the project. I started to look properties on different websites and I found some good ones. There are lots of warehouses which would be suitable for a workplace but I'm still looking if any other better come up.
As I previously discussed, my main aims are to improving the current issues in workspace design increasing human health & wellbeing, helping to build people own enterprises with the creation of creative collaboration spaces, which is also helps the planet through the design principles of Sustainability & Biophilia. To successfully achieve the goals, I was looking for a big building with good transport and amenities. After the review of several webpages, I have chosen an existing abandoned building in South Manchester which is fulfill all requirements. HEATON MOOR SUBSTATION, STOCKPORT, MANCHESTER, UK. The building is a huge Grade II listed and has a typical English design.
SITE VISIT...
As I believe that undertaking a feasibility study and the review of the site's information is indispensable in any design project, I went to visit the building in Stockport. It was really useful to see the building in real and taking some measurements.
CASE STUDY OF CENTRAL-WORKING MCR DEANSGATE...
To develop my concept design, I went to visit one of the best co-workspace in Manchester. 'Central-Working' is located in the heart of the city, in Deansgate. The ground floor's cafeteria has a public access but the first floor level area can be used only by the workers. I had a pleasure to meet with the owner of the company and he gave me an extended tour around the building. It was really helpful to see the different functional areas and gave me a good starting point to develop my design concept.
Below are the images which I took during the tour:
INSPIRATION...
I collected some images to get inspiration and to start the design process. I really like the idea of having a live plant wall in some parts of the building both in the interior and exterior. Integrating grass and trees into the building would be also unique and could create the desired natural environment. Using of wood is 100% as it's one of the most natural material. I also looked at the different types of working areas. I would like to provide three main spaces for working: fully open collaborative spaces, seperated semi-open group spaces and fully seperated individual spaces. I will have to design very carefully these areas in the floor arrangements based on the noise and acoustic. Next step is developing the initial concepts into a functional design and finalise the floor plans, making decisions on finishes, furniture, lighting and general scheme for each main interior space and then producing detailed technical drawings, notes on the site specifics. I think I will be "kind of" busy in the next few weeks!!!
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
FEBRUARY - MARCH - APRIL, 2017
SKETCHING THE FIRST IDEAS... FEBRUARY 5, 2015
After the analysation of the existing building's elevations and floor plan, I started to sketch my initial ideas and developing the project objectives.
STARTING THE 3D MODEL... FEBRUARY 15, 2017
Based on the first sketched ideas, I started to create the building in SketchUp. I started with the main walls of the existing building, then I added my own ideas. I did an experiment to extending the rear side of the building but I realised it wasn't the best idea. The building is already huge and I decided to focus on the existing building developments and make only a few changes on it.
EXPERIMENT WITH STAIRCASE DESIGN... FEBRUARY 30, 2017
I started to think about the staircase design and I spent quite lot hours to figure out how and where I should plan it. First, I was thinking to take both the stairs and lifts to outside and connect them with the main building with a roofed corridor. I declined this idea as the exterior space was not enough and people should have walked too long to reach it. The next idea was a simple staircase and a "fun" seating step together.
DEVELOPING THE 3D MODEL... MARCH 5, 2017
I tried several ways to figure out what works the best with the staircase but I wasn't happy with the results. Then, after my tutorial with Trevor, I decided not to focus on taking the stairs into the centre of the building. The focus is on the different types of workplaces, so I put the stairs simply into the corner. I think that works really well as the lift is still in the centre of the ground floor. After the staircase issues, I was developing the interior design of the building.
DEVELOPING THE 3D MODEL... MARCH 15, 2017
I divided the ground floor into three main spaces - noisy, quiet and silent areas. I was also thinking to find a name to the new building, and ended up 'SmartUpHub'. I want to find a name which reflects to the creative and effective characteristic of the collaborative space but also to electricity. 'SmartUpHub' is just a permanent name, as it does not have any connection with electricity. Below are the current developments of the interior spaces, such as the reception area, cafe/bar, working areas and the kitchen facility:
THINK HARDER... MARCH 30, 2017
Oh no! Is it already Eastern?! Time is flying so quick as always and we arrived for our 3 weeks holiday time at university. As I haven't seen my family since Xmas, I traveled to my home city in Hungary. I was really happy about it because I felt I need some environment change around me. I think the different atmosphere inspired me very well as I came out some good ideas.
After the last tutorial before the holidays with Trevor, I decided to focus on breaking the building's harshness and smooth the existing building rectangular characteristic to create an overall lighter atmosphere of the site. I started the idea of integration of some curved elements around the building, which represented by the design of pathways, benches, and the greenery arrangement. As both the front and back yard will have a wide variety of trees, plants and flowers to create a calm and relaxing environment around the building, I thought I could incorporate them into the curved arrangement by separating them by colors or types. To break the boxy style of the site, my main idea was to follow an oval shape. First, I started to play around the form only in the garden arrangement, then I experimented by leading the curved lines through the building's floor plan too. After several attempts of how to use the curved lines in the site, I decided to integrate it into the building floor and ceiling system too. The next step was sketching, sketching and more sketching to see what would work the best.
CURVED SHAPES IN THE TECHNICAL DRAWINGS... APRIL 5, 2017
After I sketched my ideas on paper, I wanted to see them in accurate so I was working on the technical drawings of my building. It was a bit hard to draw every single of curved line in AutoCad, but it was worth it. I mainly tried to figure out the first floor design.
I also spent some hours on experimenting with the first floor's furniture design. I wanted to design a special element to the networking/social area where people can work but socializing at the same time.
DEVELOPING THE INTEGRATION OF CURVED DESIGN... APRIL 15, 2017
Well, I supposed to have a holiday but during my three years at university it has never happened, haha! Everyone knows it's just a formal thing - I still work on my projects every day besides the fact I don't have a chance to consult with my tutors which is a bit frightening. So, I hope I am doing well and I am happy that my family is always around me if I'm in a design crisis. Even if they aren't always a big help in design decisions, they want to make sure I have enough energy in my system, so my mom is making the most amazing cakes every day!
I continued to work on the curved shapes in the model and on the furniture design. First, I want to decide what elements I do need for sure and which would be the perfect area for them. The additional first floor level was quite challenging as I wanted to have it in a curved shape. After days of experimenting with the idea of having a curved handrail, I decided to stick with a rectangular form. The curved shape didn't fit into the first floor as it restricted the furniture opportunities so now I just focus on the integration of curved shapes in the floor and ceiling design. I think it was the right decision as I want to keep the balance between the different geometric elements.
KEEP IT UP... APRIL 24, 2017
After the holidays, I got back to Manchester with a fresh mind and with even more motivation to complete the project in the highest standard. Throughout the easter break, I had a chance to spend a little time with my loved ones but I never stopped working on the project. To be honest, I had some bad days due some technical issues and I felt I wanted to give up. Luckily, these feelings went away in a second because I always keep my goals in mind. So, no matter what, I will survive this 3 weeks (even in half leg)!
I've been focusing on my Sketchup model and tying lose ends together, making sure things look appropriate and focusing on finding the right textures to use before it is all sent to Atlantis studio to be rendered. My main concern is focusing on the different types of workspaces, collaboration areas and also the garden arrangement with different seating options which would be targeting the general public.
After a discussion with Trevor, I decided to leave the current design of the exterior and focusing on the development of modern interior design. We agreed that it could be more interesting and have the 'wow' factor if people see outside a typical old English building however they step into a modern and creative environment. Hence, throughout the week, I have been carrying on with the site on Sketchup to remodel the current exterior of the building which is now around 90% completed. My next aim is to add the rest of my model, such as the plants, trees, flowers.
The latest development of interior spaces mainly focused on the ceiling and wall system. This includes the oval shaped lighting/ceiling above the cafe/bar and on the first floor. I also added some wood lath above the windows.
DEVELOPING INTERIORS... APRIL 30, 2017
I was trying to incorporate all the greenery both inside and outside of the building in the past few days. Greenery plays one of the most important factor in the overall design theme of the workspace so it is important to have them in the functional spaces while it's still well organised aesthetically. I definitely spent more time on it as I thought I would and it's still not fully completed. Due that the deadline is almost here, I had to force myself to move on to other bits of the project, such as the restoration spaces and bbq area. I have to confess that the fact I have to submit my project in 10 days, really makes me stressed! The technical drawings are almost done, just a few bits left to finalise, furthermore the 3D model is almost fully completed, besides the plants. It takes quite a long time to arrange them as SketchUp is freezing too often. I had a few ideas how to organize them in the first floor level. The past few days improvements below:
DEVELOPING INTERIOR SPACES... MAY 2, 2017
In the past few days, I started to freak out as the deadline is almost here. Luckily, I manage my time very well but there are still so many works to do to achieve the highest level of my production. As I worked so hard in the past 4 years at university to learn all necessary skills, I feel like this project is the last chance to prove my commitment and passion that I want to become a successful interior architect. I think I have never wanted this hard anything before.
I continued to work on the main interior areas of the building, such as the Reception, Cafe/bar and its seating area, meeting rooms and restoration places.
I also spent a few hours of experiment on the welcoming area's 'Welcome Wall' where I incorporated the logo into its design. I quite like the way how it looks now comparing to the beginning.
DEVELOPING TECHNICAL DRAWINGS... MAY 4, 2017
I need all my strength to complete the technical part of the project. I can feel that my eyes are not able to focus all day as I have to look hundreds of lines in AutoCad. But... almost done!
I've talked with some of my classmates and they might had an easier job with the technical drawings than me. SketchUp is able to export the model in *dwg format, which is a good thing, but also a kind of cheating :). I think it's better to draw everything by myself in AutoCAd instead of exporting the lines from SketchUp as I can be more accurate. I think it's going to look good at the end, I was even drew the greenery. Drawing the sections is a bit exhausting, but not too much left now.
BRAND IDENTITY
APRIL - MAY, 2017
It was quite challenging to pick a representative name for my workspace. As the building was an electricity provider before, I started to brainstorming with the idea of 'GENERATOR'. After a discussion with Trevor, I have chosen the name of 'OHM' for my building. The word 'Ohm' ( noun /əʊm/) is the standard unit of electrical resistance in the International System of Units (SI), defined to be the electrical resistance between two points on a conductor when a constant potential difference of 1 volt between them produces a current of 1 ampere. I think this name is perfect as it has the connection with the electricity. Not to mention, it's similar to the world 'home', which is another connection with the new building design as the purpose of the building is to create a 'second home', a comfortable and cozy environment to the workers.
Below are some quick sketches of the logo design, which was inspired by the shape of OHM symbol: Ω and a bulb. I had quite lot ideas then I started to experiment with the forms in SketchUp to finish the welcoming area's signage board.
REPRESENTATION
APRIL - MAY, 2017
MOOD ***This is how I render the first visuals of my project. I'm using four computers to save time!
QUICK VISUALS...MAY 5, 2017
Below are the the first renders in Artlantis. I discovered some issues of the model so it was worth to see the current development in visuals.
CLIENT PRESENTATION MAKING...MAY 8, 2017
I think, one of the most important element of the design process is the client presentation. No matter how great is your design idea, if you can't sell it to your client. You have to be confident and supportive with your design decisions, and if you show this through a fantastic presentation - you win! That's what I believe in.
In my recent projects, I always make sure that I produce a high quality presentation of my work, which tells the story logically and also looking aesthetically great. To make the most out of the work, I start every presentation making with sketches. I think about how I want to build up the whole design process/story, what particular elements I should include, etc. Sketching my initial ideas helps me to visualise the slides and saves me loads of hours of work!
Below are my ideas for the presentation/booklet design:
After I planned the theme of each slides, I collected the special elements which needed to include. Obviously, I wanted to show the location and the analysation of the existing building, design mood and concept, then the proposed design, such as floor and ceiling plans, functional spaces in detail, furniture specification and the technical drawings at the end. Below are some of the slides of the final presentation:
FINAL VISUALS...MAY 11, 2017
Below are the first visuals of the final design. It took me only 1 hour to make these images, so I am quite impressed by my skills development. However, I am going to revisit each images and make the final touches on them to the Degree Show's posters.
POSTER MAKING...MAY 13, 2017
After the submission, we required to do some posters of the proposed design. I had only one day to create the posters below, as I had to fix some of the technical drawings first. My idea was to show the location, the minor changes, floor and ceiling plans, functional spaces and specified furnitures. I think my computer skills have been developed very well as I could create quite good visual representation in a few hours.
After I presented my client presentation and these posters to Trevor and Juli, I have some ideas how I want to make the final posters for the degree show. Instead of having the proposed building at the first slide, I will show the existing building and create a design journey from the first slide to the end while showing the particular elements. I also want to create better visuals of the building and choose only the best ones. I had some issues making visuals in Artlantis - this is something what I have to figure out how I can use effectively at this time. Overall, Juli and Trevor were satisfied with my work, which made me very relieved. I have never worked so hard on any of the project like on this one! It's not because I did not like the others, it's because of the short deadlines and my incredibly commitment. I wanted to get the most out of this project. I definitely gave my best and I hope it's going to be recognised in my final works.
MOOD ***Here is one of my favourite teacher, Paul, who helped me a lot during the time spent at university, as he was responsible to teach all the necessary computer skills. Huge thank to him!
3D MODEL
MAY 15-19, 2017
A design project is only fully completed with a 3D model. Well, I had many ideas how to represent my building. Trevor suggested to make the model out of cardboard and only including some parts of the building (as it's huge). Juli really liked the 'Welcome Board' of the reception area and she suggested to make only that one. I liked both ideas but I think, making the overall building represents better the whole design project than only a model of the reception area. So I printed out some of the elevations and purchased all the materials what I needed to create the model. Honestly, I thought it will be easier to make it! I spend four full days on it from morning till late night. I really had to be exact with everything, even if I was wrong with a millimeter, I had to start it over. I think the final model is quite good, it shows the main parts of the building and looks good. Below is the design process and images of the final model.
Model Making Process...
Final model...
MOOD *** I am so releaved! The model is done and submitted at university. It's time to sleep finally more than 4 hours at night, then slowly start the degree posters! :)
ATTENDANCE
MAY 19, 2017
Personally, I think attendance was very important during this three months. Trevor and Juli were always there to help us and get the most out of our skills. I had some issues in the first few weeks but thanks to their support, I easily found the right path to continue the project. Luckily, I attended in all of my tutorials :)
REFLECTIVE JOURNEY
MAY 20, 2017
Looking back to the past few months, it has been one of the most intensive period of my life.
During my three years at university, I realised that I have a passion for nature integrated and sustainable design, so it was obvious I wanted to focus on this in my major project.
Today, we don't have too much green spaces in our cities and people almost fully lost the connection with nature. This is sad, as nature has so many positive benefits both for people and for our planet. As a designer and an environmental advocate, I focus on offering innovative solutions that can help in the reduction of pollution and can make people's live better and healthier.
As people spend their 1/3 lives in their work, I thought it would have been a good idea to design a workspace with natural elements to highlight the positive affects of nature. Today, some of the best modern workspaces are based on a collaborative basis which also has several positive side, thus I mixed this with the biophilia terms.
I've chosen a quite big existing building for this project, which is based in Stockport, Manchester. Over the months, I fell in love with the site and I'm happy that I had a chance to work on it. I had several attempts to change the existing floor plan, it was an exciting journey until I reached my final idea. Fortunately, I spent numerous hours of experimenting with each ideas and I picked the most logically idea at the end. This was the same with the overall design process.
I am very grateful to Trevor and Juli, as they were always so supportive during my design journey. There was a time when I wanted to give up, I cried, I slept only a few hours every day - But it was all worth it! I was really into this project, I gave my heart and biggest effort to make my ideas happen.
THANK YOU FOR READING ME!
If you have any supportive critique or feedback, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below!
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