IDE 401 Design Build
Project idea
This project is located in CAAD Building in American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE. The main goal of this design/build project was to refurbish a CAAD studio space. The plan was to rework the entire space and consider all aspects pertaining to the studio which include furniture, pinup spaces, storage space, common area, and a display area. These components are divided into two phases, we dealt with flooring design (wiring and flooring) and constructing all the furniture (new desks, storage units, communal table, discussion area and lounge spaces). In phase two, next IDE students will be designing and building the perimeter (pin-up boards, extra storage and displays).
Project description
The aim was to integrate advanced topics with conventional design development strategies; as well as examine issues of sustainability, accessibility, human behavior and spatial experience.
This project allows the studio to be used for different things at different times. First, during working hours, which is when students will most likely be at either their working desks if working individually, or they will be in the meeting area for group work. Secondly, during a review, the main part of the studio that will be used is the meeting area, where the tv is going to be used to present the student’s work. And in an effort to make this studio a paperless studio, we had to look for interesting ways to conduct reviews, this is where a VR station comes in. Lastly, after studio hours, the main part of the studio that will be used is the Lounge, where some student would rest on the tiered seating, work on the high desks, or work on their models.
Technical information
Verticality is added to the lounge area through the introduction of screens that provide the users with privacy around the high table and one of the seats. The vertical screens area and horizontal lounge area have exchanged elements in order to satisfy certain needs.
Horizontality is added to the screens through the introduction of a few benches that assist the users when gathered around the meeting table, and that allow users to lounge casually as well. The exchange of elements connects the two areas and prevents them from looking like two separate projects.
This space could possibly be used as a pilot study for future development to the rest of the school, and as a demonstration of a creative workspace that has the potential to improve faculty instruction in studios, and address current and future student needs, while also providing ample room to explore more ‘experimental’ design solutions.
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