Harmonious Balance- Atrium Space in IT Building

Harmonious Balance- Atrium Space in IT Building

     We got a chance to design the atrium space in Information Technology Building. This atrium space used to be an outdoor space that connects to the natural environment; however, due to the new construction of the VIP Building for football game, the atrium became an enclosed area and it can no longer achieve natural daylight. As designers, we were asked to come up with design solutions with focus on workplace design, place theory, and light and color effect. Our goal is to construct a new atrium that meets the needs of office users and becomes a place where design classes can be inspired from. Because there are lots of office units surround the atrium space, the interaction between these two space is very important and thus we need to make sure the activities happen in the atrium will not interfere with people working in the office and people inside offices are willing to open up their curtain to enjoy the innovative atrium.
     In order to understand how officer users feel about the change from an outdoor atrium space to an enclosed are, we conducts several interviews to discover problems and possible solutions. We also showed clients our preliminary designs to see what we can improve. Working with real clients helps us understand the important role of being an interior designer. Interior designers are responsible to take clients' needs into consideration and come up with the design strategy that is beautiful while practical. 
     
      My idea came from "Rainforest Cafe" where people enjoy dining in a rain forest environment with aquarium surround. I would like to use this concept to develop the current atrium and let it successfully mimic the atrium of the past and remind people of the natural world. I would let the atrium become a wonderland where people can find inspiration, innovation, and creativity. I hope the atrium will be a place where people can rejuvenate themselves and become productive after a rest in the atrium. The artificial plantings and trees placed on the ceiling establish the rain forest atmosphere and because they are not real, people do not need to take good care of them. The aquarium bar counter further reinforce the idea of a wonderland. 

"Light in Action" Physics Principles

“Is it real” is the most impressive experiment which a solid frog seems to appear in front of our eye but it is actually inside a bowl beneath the virtual frog image we perceive from above. I am going to use this concept on the base part of the water fountain. Putting objects like star, fish, inside this reflective bowl and let people who see beside perceive the virtual image. However, when people try to touch it, they will understand this trick. 

“Color Mixing” is another lighting idea I am going to installed around the water fountain. Having different light beam surround the fountain, the result will be marvelous as different light color mix with each other and present a new color. 

Boundary County Library Project- Personal Poster

Boundary County Library Project- Personal Poster

We are asked by Boundary County Library to help them with the extension project which have planned for several years. Boundary County Library is one of the most important facility of the town and it is an essential element for reinforcing their education. They believe that education is a way for their generations to establish a better future. We actually went down to the library and talked with representatives from other facilities suc as university of Idaho, Boundary County Economic Development, and Northern Idaho College to make a further understanding of their expectations. Because of the culture and spirit of the town, they are not looking for something like Seattle Central Library but something moderate but express their spirit very well.

Workplace Case Study

Workplace Case Study

     Because we have a chance to design the previous atrium space in Information Technology Building at WSU, it is better for us to do a case study regarding innovative and creative workplace design in advance. This workplace design is based on a limited budget, the result turned out to be very modern and energy efficient. What I learned from this case study is that there are possibilities of constructing a marvelous workplace even though the budget and the space is limited. It also lets me think about an effective air ventilation for the atrium design. Case study helps me think outside of the box and have a thought of designing something different. I would say case study is an essential part of the design process and it is the element that makes the design successful and practical.