architecture
FILTERING THROUGH THE FOLIAGE
FALL 2010
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Mt Vernon IL
Art Center
Cedarhurst Center for the Arts is a premier regional arts institution which provides public visual and preforming arts programs year-round. In search for more space, cedarhurst invided my studio to understand and observe their daily activities and needs. After observing, it was clear that the project required a new clay studio, glass studio, pre-kindergarten room, and a grand gathering room.
Layering
The buildings design imitates the structure of a tree. Not only can the structure be seen on the exterior walls with limbs and branchs acts as masses and voids, but it can be see through the layering of the building. The vine like structure runs the entire ceiling, connecting each individual space. Layered on top of the ceiling is the roof which has voids which are shaped to imitate leafs. When put together, the layering mimicks the effect a tree summit creates.
Tree Taxonomy
Branch Analysis
Geometric Analysis
Tree Summit
Geometric Analysis
Inspiration
Inspired by the 90 acre site covered with art and nature, a geometric pattern was developed by studying the dappling effect of how sunglight filters through a tree's foliage. Another pattern was also created by studying the structure of a tree and how it reacts to sunglight. These patterns create a skeleton-like design which acts as an external shell that protects the buildings interior, similar to the way a tree provides a shaded place.
First Floor Plan
Location
Looking through the foliage is located in Mt Vernon Illinois at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. This project is located behind the shrode art center through the wooded area to allow the students to feel closer to nature and more inspired from what the environemnt has to offer. In addition to feeling closer to nature, the trees provide a barrier from the outside chaos and peaceful nature.
North Elevation
West Elevation
Education & Nature
Children are impacted by nature through their experiences. The environment impacts all aspects of their being from their health to the curiosity of their minds. Children learn about their nutrition through nature. They are also affected by nature through activity, stress, intellectually, and socially. When environmental support is provided, children succeed.