PATRICIA PYRAMASTER’S NON-THESISSPRING 2010

Kansas State UniversityInterior Architecture + Product Design

“Creating Intimacy in a Public Social Setting”

- Or -

“How to Make Different Personalities all Feel Comfortable in the Same Space”

Overview

Summary of Research

Preliminary Design

Final Proposal

Psychological Aspects

Social Aspects

Market Research

Site location

Initial Sketches

First Proposal

Floor Plans

Diagrams

Interior Renderings

Thesis Abstract

The original objective of this project was to create a seating element that adapts to different personalities, but expanded to the redesign of an existing lounge space to accomplish the same goal. The scope of the project changed from the original intent because the research and goals of the project directed me to implement the ideas in a larger space. Instead of a piece of furniture changing to suit the needs of a patron, a patron will have choice of what level of interaction they wish to partake in depending on the zone they occupy. The methods used to come to this conclusion were observations, behavioral and psychological research, along with a study of existing bar and lounge spaces. Market research into the targeted age group (18 to 26 year olds) and proportioning studies were also used to aid the final proposal. The results were a design that incorporated existing elements and proposed ideas to be more applicable to the age groups. A layout was created with a main circulation path along one side, and all the main spaces tangent to that line. Spaces exist for those that wish to socialize, those that wish to keep to themselves, and people in between the two extremes. The conclusions drawn from the process and final design were that design is not always a linear process. It can take several dead ends and explorations in defunct ideas before the “best” one is found.

Lawson, B. (2001). The language of space. Oxford ; Boston: Architectural Press.

Lawson, B. (2001). The language of space. Oxford ; Boston: Architectural Press.

Prel

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sEssentially, the more personal the sensation, the closer it is the body.

This diagram shows the type of interaction based on the distance between individuals.

These pages represent a small sample of the research accumulated at the start of this project. If more information is desired, the full non-thesis project can be provided.

Proportion Study

Preliminary Research

This diagram, located in the book, “Personal Space, the Behavioral Basis of Design.” illustates how intimacy in a conversation is determined by the location of the participants in relation to eachother.

Several types of popular cell phones and mp3 players were analyzed to detemine any discernable proportioning system. The result was that several used the golden section. The proportion square root of 2 to 1 was also prevalent.

Rank Order of Closeness

Site Plan

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

Facade

This establishment was continuiously considered throughout the design process; first for the clientele and style, then for its front seating area, and then finally as the site for the final proposal.

Build

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Initial Ideas

These sketches show the application of the research accumulated up until this point, translated into pieces of furniture, through varying heights and movable modular pieces.

Using Panels to Divide the Space

A Table Idea that Stores Extra Ottomans

Initial Sketches

A modular unit that uses different heights and existing furniture

A 4-person ottoman with adjustable seat backs

PROJECT : CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE WITH VARYING LEVELS OF INTIMACY

CONCEPT : VARYING DEGREES OF OPEN-NESS

HOW ? : LEVEL CHANGES | CEILING HEIGHTS | LITTLE NOOKS | LIGHTING LEVELS | COLORS | TECHNOLOGY

First Iteration Project and ConceptPr

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Zoning plan and explanation

View from Upper Level

View of Area of Focus

Preliminary Proposal

Current Plan of Area of Focus New plan

Final Project and Concept

PROJECT : FOSTER OR INHIBIT INTERACTIONS!!

CONCEPT: DIFFERENT LEVELS OF INTIMACY!!

HOW ?: PROMOTE INTERACTIONS | CEILING HEIGHTS |CIRCULATION | COLORS | TECHNOLOGY

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Final ZoningFinal Zoning

The new plan incorporates a single main path from the front to back door, and levels of intimacy are determined by the level of enclosure in a particular space.

Schematic Design

The first idea was to introduce angles so the line zig-zags, but after some thought and discussion, it was determined that the angles were a little to harsh, and might become hazardous. So, curves were used instead, and they created a nicer pattern, and made more visual sense with the use of round tables and chairs.

Final Plan

Floor Plan Evolution

The floor plan has evolved from a fairly open space with a front area, bar, pool table area, and stage, but all read as distinct spaces. The proposed layout has maintained the openness of the original plan, but has the spaces flowing from one to the next, and better tie visually and architectually with each other.

Circulation

The design intent was to have a clear circulation path from the front entrance to the the back door on the stage.The other spaces are all adjacent to the main circulation, and most spaces can be seen from anywhere in the lounge. The main circulation is also one flooring material (wood flooring), to increase flow, and have the path read as a space as well.

Reflected Ceiling Plan

The Entrance

The ceiling above the entrance is lowered til one gets to the curved wall on the right for 2 reasons. First, it forces the patron to move to the open space because it feels cramped, which will reduce congestion at the front door. The second reason is to borrow an idea from Frank Lloyd Wright, and to make it feel as if a patron is “Emerging from the womb.”

View of Interaction Area

The main interaction area houses the Microsoft Surface tables, and the LCD tables. This area is meant to encourage interactions, and to incoroporate technology, a large selling feature for the target audience (21-25 years old)

LCD Screen Tables

The LCD screen tables are three tables have each have their own LCD touch-screen. The screen would have visualizations, soft music, games, and movies and television shows for each table to enjoy and create their own experience.

The Bar

The bar features an illuminated counter top from the Corian Illumination series. This was chosen to add ambient lighting to the space, and to draw attention to the bar area.

View from Stage to Front of Lounge

This view shows the span of the lounge from back to front. In the main bar space, no high walls were used to allow for the servers and bartenders unobstructed views, and to have the entire space visually read as one. The ceiling is lowered over the tables in the bar space to give them presence.