balboa park nature center proposal

program: create a 10,000 sq. ft. nature center that will be a place to showcase the nearby nature along with the history of balboa park and the greater san diego area. the site is located at the east end of balboa park and extends across florida street over the canyon.

the goal of my nature center was to create a place where visitors could experience nature indoors and out all at once. i used the concept of "displaying nature" to drive the man details of my design. being indoors, one experiences framed views of either interior exhibits or exterior elements. i wanted to give the viewer direction in places where i felt views were important. for example, a visitor would stand at one of my window nook areas and have a framed view out to a specific group of trees or roses. i wanted to highlight specific areas outside as much as interior items.

*a few of the framed views that are created by the wooden curtain wall

another concept i incorporated was "organic growth." i wanted the building to look natural in its environment while at the same time showing the characteristics of a display case. the materials were evidence of this. i used mainly wooden 2x4 members, steel posts, glass, and wooden paneling; all of which are found in common display cases.

*detail of the material in the wooden curtain wall

the nature center serves as a flexible space where a vast amount of events can take place. such events consist of themed exhibits, large audience lectures, business lunch meetings, conferences, class field trips, and day trips. elements such as large open floor plans allow the nature center to be used in any way it is desired. however it is mainly set up with the interior exhibit space being a gallery for showcasing items/art/displays/informational placards/etc.

i wanted the nature center to flow with the current landscape and incorporate a strong interior/exterior relationship. glass walls establish a visual connection to the outdoors at all times and winding paths create a physical connection between the interior spaces and outdoor landscape. the first level (entrance) has windows that frame views to the outdoors along with an exit leading to an outdoor trail. this trail winds around the site making its way out to the nature while at the same time connecting the exterior amphitheater and gift shop to the primary building. the path also makes its way under the primary structure where it truly connects the nature center to the outdoors. visitors taking a seat at the downstairs cafe enjoy a truly active area with a large open floor plan with plenty of seating and at the time the trails direct bikers/runners/walkers around and under the building.

*site plan showing development of entire site given

the final main element to the building to mention is the wooden wall that wraps around the north to east side. this element is used in 2 main ways: 1) establish the framed views to exterior nature for visitors up on the first level, and 2) create a semi enclosed space on the second level where the cafe and seating area is located. the wall is made of 2x4 members layered with an even space in between the next 2x4. it diffuses light coming into the space as well as creating a possibility for implanting ivy growth. the wall is successful in creating a more enclosed space on the second level. i wanted the second level to be a place where visitors could come to have lunch and experience the outdoors. the wall element still enables for an outdoor experience and at the same time a more relaxing and comfortable one as well.

*building section showing spacial relationships and scale

* detail of the window nook.
center wall is used to define 2
individual spaces and frame an exterior view

*the final board is 36" vertical by 72" horizontal
(click on the image to see it enlarged)

MODEL:

i built my model using 1/16" thick basswood sheets at a model size of 1/8"=1'0". i spent two full days working on the model and was very pleased with how it turned out. it took me somewhere around 30 hours to build the model. i used a thin layer of plastic to represent the glass as well.

this was the first model where i put in every little detail from doors to each individual stair in a staircase. to really bring it to life i used an artificial grass material to represent the vegetation of the surrounding site. all in all i spent about $30 to build the model as i purchased the basswood, super glue, xacto blades, super glue accelerator, the cardboard, grass, plastic and tacky glue as well.

deadline approaches

my deadline for the nature center deadline is approaching. right now im doing pretty well with having all of my stuff done. i got A LOT of my model done on thursday which is clutch for me because i still need to complete a few more drawings and put together my presentation board. i plan on finishing up the drawings tonight and tomorrow and maybe try to set up a rough draft board for a critique on monday but well see if i can move that fast. setting aside all of tuesday to finish up the model and board. i plan on getting a bunch of movies, drinking a lot of of coffee, and chewing a lot of sunflower seeds. here goes!!

change in concept

ive had a breakthrough tonight! so upon leaving studio today i realized that my concept was not very strong for my nature center. ive been wavering with my concept this whole time and thought i had a good baseline with it but was sadly mistaken. HOWEVER, taking time from my other class material i stumbled upon my new concept; a concept where i can derive all of my forms, functions, and materials from. although it sounds a little funny, this is my new concept: a display case.

what do you picture when you think of a display case? glass, wood, the framing of a specific object, metal supports, a square shape...? all these things are going to drive my current design. its going to refine some of my more thorough ideas and completely enhance aspects of my design that were lacking.

what i hope to accomplish with my design is as follows: its going to be a display for natural history indoors and out. inside the center will be a place for stationary displays to be put up where visitors can walk around and view. i will set up areas where displays can be placed for shows and conventions but keep the space very flexible for any use necessary. the thing i want to definitely accomplish is a cohesiveness between indoors/outdoors. if youre inside i want you to be able to look outside and learn something at the same time. with this, i have specific areas inside my structure that will serve as personal retreats where a visitor can experience the great views to the outdoor nature. for example, i will have a window that specifically frames a plant or grove of trees outside and on the inside of the building i will have a placard that will explain what it is that you are seeing. this will create an experience where there are things to learn at every corner of the building and you are constantly surrounded by nature.

the project is due in a little less than two weeks and still on my agenda is...pretty much everything. tomorrow i am free from school and work so all day i am going to be working on this. i plan on having my site model done along with a concept model (to accompany a rougher concept model that i already have) and some elevations/perspectives. i already have the floor plans completed and am happy with how they look so thats a plus. hold tight and ill have more of my progress up in a few days or so

what keeps me going

this beverage is truly what makes me get through the long nights of doing work. i think 380 cups will last me a good week or two with the rate im going at haha