c o m m u n i t y
color is a stimulant of change
Miami, FL
year: 2018
role: conceptualization, design, rendering, rendering post-production, modeling, presentation, product research, drafting
year: 2018
role: conceptualization, design, rendering, rendering post-production, modeling, presentation, product research, drafting
Dade county’s community resource centers offer social services to economically
disadvantaged individuals and families invested in achieving
self-sufficiency. Services include tax preparation assistance, farmworker
employment training, domestic
violence assistance, disability services for people living independently and computer training among others. This is a proposal a much-needed
revitalization of the Miami Little River Community Center.
Existing facilities display complicated circulation, disconnected spaces and lack of identity and wayfinding. However, the current presence of skylights and a small but impactful atrium guides the search for uniform and natural lighting. Challenges include an uninviting relationship to the main street to the north and the neighborhood to the south, as well as deficiency in natural light and colors for interior spaces to assist with identification.
A rejuvenated, colorful and vibrant social environment is the response, based on uniformly distributed light and colorful surfaces delineating each of the facility’s service areas. Staff and visitor outdoor areas, as well as an outdoor stage and seating areas aim to make the community feel welcome.
Accessibility for the elder and disabled by designating identity to facility functions is addressed through the selection of two main flooring materials: Color tile for public spaces in patterns, and high performance carpet for working spaces. Natural lighting orients the architectural solution: A translucent panel system commencing at the main entrance’s exterior and futher throughout the ceiling of the interior public spaces complements the existing skylights and the central atrium. Light is distributed evenly and efficiently, creating a state of wellbeing for staff and visitors and protect public and staff from the elements in the exterior.
Photovoltaic panels visible to the public communicate the county’s commitment responding to the imperative necessity of sustainable, connected communities. “Solar ducts” transmit natural daylight into public spaces into interior spaces with no perimeter glazing.
Providing staff and visitor spaces to gather while remaining separated from direct contact with the street allows integrative spaces. Stormproof, self-cleaning shading sail membranes are proposed at outdoor break areas to diffuse natural light and to provide protection from the elements. Integrating outdoor leisure games into the landscape (ping pong, foosball, chess, etc.) can improve the outdoors experience for staff and users.
Existing facilities display complicated circulation, disconnected spaces and lack of identity and wayfinding. However, the current presence of skylights and a small but impactful atrium guides the search for uniform and natural lighting. Challenges include an uninviting relationship to the main street to the north and the neighborhood to the south, as well as deficiency in natural light and colors for interior spaces to assist with identification.
A rejuvenated, colorful and vibrant social environment is the response, based on uniformly distributed light and colorful surfaces delineating each of the facility’s service areas. Staff and visitor outdoor areas, as well as an outdoor stage and seating areas aim to make the community feel welcome.
Accessibility for the elder and disabled by designating identity to facility functions is addressed through the selection of two main flooring materials: Color tile for public spaces in patterns, and high performance carpet for working spaces. Natural lighting orients the architectural solution: A translucent panel system commencing at the main entrance’s exterior and futher throughout the ceiling of the interior public spaces complements the existing skylights and the central atrium. Light is distributed evenly and efficiently, creating a state of wellbeing for staff and visitors and protect public and staff from the elements in the exterior.
Photovoltaic panels visible to the public communicate the county’s commitment responding to the imperative necessity of sustainable, connected communities. “Solar ducts” transmit natural daylight into public spaces into interior spaces with no perimeter glazing.
Providing staff and visitor spaces to gather while remaining separated from direct contact with the street allows integrative spaces. Stormproof, self-cleaning shading sail membranes are proposed at outdoor break areas to diffuse natural light and to provide protection from the elements. Integrating outdoor leisure games into the landscape (ping pong, foosball, chess, etc.) can improve the outdoors experience for staff and users.