PROJECT Spectrum: Activating the Urban Streetscape

LOCATION Silver Spring, Maryland, USA 

PROJECT COMPLETION DATE  12/18/2015

PROJECT CATEGORY  Community College

PROJECT TYPE  Studio

ENTRANT  Amalie ElFallah
TEAM MEMBERS  

SCHOOL  Montgomery College

FACULTY SPONSOR  Shorieh Talaat, Professor / Architectural Technology

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

The Peterson Companies, clients for the design competition, asked each design team to synthesize a solution that creates an alternative environment for office clientele in Downtown Silver Spring. Teams were asked to design an outdoor office space that will serve the surrounding office community and public along Ellsworth Drive. The space must be a demountable unit that can be transported from a nearby storage location daily. Other requirements by the client included a recommended $100, 000 estimated budget and 10'x40' requirement that would allow emergency vehicles to drive along Ellsworth Drive. As a team, we engaged the challenges which included providing easy transport and assembly, accessibility and safety, functional public environment, provision of essential services, durable structure, and a design that is another colorful and animated public node to activate Ellsworth. The initial program was broad in order to permit elaboration during design development as the clients vision evolved.

STUDENT'S STATEMENT

Our design approach engages a novel concept in working environments allowing the opportunity for office clientele to escape the cubicle. We sought to design an outdoor working environment that would inspire those who utilize it while activating the urban streetscape of downtown Silver Spring. The architecture will provide an alternative work space that sponsors a diverse, dynamic, and vibrant outdoor environment. Increased daylight and an informal setting promotes effective group communication to “synthesize” ideas for work and project solutions. Design development began with site analysis which included multiple visits to understand the diverse patron background and activity. We clarified the challenges we faced and began research regarding construction. The design developed from a complex "kit of parts" assembly into pre-assembled units ready to connect and mount for daily usage. The project cost is estimated under the recommended budget including material, construction, and labor costs. Besides the structure itself, the units include adaptability to solar power charging stations, ADA compliant furnished space, and stock furniture to enhance the clients space. As a team, we engaged the challenges which included providing easy transport and assembly, accessibility and safety, functional public environment, provision of essential services, durable structure, and a design that is another colorful and animated public node to activate Ellsworth. The initial program was broad in order to permit elaboration during design development as the clients vision evolved. Spectrum, another animated node to Downtown Silver Spring, serves as a "transformative" outdoor working environment and activates the urban streetscape on Ellsworth Drive.

IMAGE CAPTIONS & CREDITS 

IMAGE 1:  File Name: Spectrum_high res image1.jpg Caption: Spectrum, Activating the Urban Streetscape Image Credit: Amalie ElFallah (ArchiCAD Render, Photoshop, Photography)

IMAGE 2:  Image File: Spectrum_high res image2.jpg Caption: Descending Exploded Axonometric of Assembly Image Credit: Amalie ElFallah (ArchiCAD Render & Photoshop)

IMAGE 3:  Image File: Spectrum_high res image3.jpg Caption: Southwestern Interior Perspective Image Credit: Kaira Farrell (Photoshop) & Amalie ElFallah (ArchiCAD Render)

IMAGE 4:  Image File: Spectrum_high res image4.jpg Caption: Northeastern Interior Perspective Image Credit: Kaira Farrell ( Photoshop & ArchiCAD Render)

IMAGE 5:  Image File: Spectrum_high res image5.jpg Caption: Fenton Street Perspective Image Credit: Amalie ElFallah (ArchiCAD Render) & Kaira Farrell (Photoshop)

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MEDIA FOR DOWNLOAD

Project PDF