Creative Eco-Systems
A collaborative project with David Argue and Stephanie O'Shea
Our integrated studio space with transparent qualities enables one to see through the entire design process. This space encompasses a culmination of ‘homely’ environments integrated with factory inspired workspaces to strike a balance within a creative eco-system. In order to achieve such, we have strived to not only balance the overall space between task-orientated zones, or stages within the design process, but also with providing social spaces. By forming ‘green boxes,’ it enables social gathering for students to step into a new environment to take a break. With task-orientated zones throughout the building, it encourages people to move throughout the space and utilise all facilities provided for their individual design processes. Considering proximity during the development of our design, we have ensured that the making zones allowed for analysis and reflection spaces as well as spaces that can be used for 2D, or 3D making that is not reliant on the use of a machine. To elaborate, we have divided the studio into two floors, the first of which is the Makers Floor and the Gallery. The Makers Floor provides a balance between social and focused work spaces. With transparent boxes, each box within the space has a focused use or facility. This provides contrast between machine-operated rooms and social green spaces. Our Gallery has been designed with presentation events and exhibitions in mind. It has a grid structure which allows for versatile hanging options for student work, along with a range of plinths and plenty of wall space. The second floor houses the Conceptual Zones and the Cafe. The Conceptual Zones are areas that facilitate and consist of brainstorming booths for brain dump ideation processes, and focused spaces, with more isolated desk space for computer and 2D making processes. The Cafe is situated within close proximity of the Conceptual Zones. We saw a connection with the fact people gather in a cafe for meetings in a less formal setting as it is considered a neutral space. We envision that students should be able to incorporate their conceptual process within such an environment also.
Our studio space provides an opportunity for cross-pollination and uses of facilities across disciplines. By dividing up the space by process rather than discipline, it opens up the opportunity for students across disciplines to utilise any 3D making facilities. Furthermore, it allows students to work in a shared space relevant to task rather than discipline or year level. To connect with both students and the wider community, we wanted to situate our building around the proposed main gateways into the Massey Campus. Our studio space then, in turn, becomes a main thoroughfare for students and the wider community moving through the campus. By taking advantage of this opportunity, we have developed the studio’s design by enabling passersby insight into the design school making process and gallery space as they walk past.
