MODULE 4
Spatial
Organization
PART ONE
Research
Jeanne Gang
American female architect, Jeanne Gang, has designed numerous incredible and unique buildings throughout her career so far. She studied at the University of Illinois and Harvard Graduate School of Design before starting her own firm, Studio Gang, in 1997. Not only is she widely recognized for her architecture, but also her push for gender equality and sustainability in design and the workplace. Gang closed the gender wage gap at her firm and continues to speak on gender injustice, arguing firms and workplaces should have to, "declare if they have closed their pay gap, the same way we declare the 2030 challenge for the environment for example." Her focus on creating environments that are equitable and sustainable for people and the planet, is undoubtably what makes her a leader and an inspiration in her field.
After exploring much of Jeanne's work, I chose three of her projects that I found very inspirational and interesting. I considered her own inspiration and the process she took to design for her clients and community needs.
Arcus Center
Social Justice Leadership building on Kalamazoo College campus, Michigan
Jeanne says this place is, "designed to embody the idea of social justice." The goal was to bring human rights issues out of "invisible places" and into public places for conversation and leadership. There are three wings branching out of the center radially, each allowing for circulation and different purposes. Goals for this design were to encourage transparency with lots of natural light while providing private spaces for the conversations people aren't ready to have yet. Also, the exterior is made with tree trunks stacked on top of one another, a very natural, organic design.
Populus Hotel
Hotel in Denver, Colorado
(Not yet built)
This building is called "Populus" (Latin term for "tree") because the exterior is designed to resemble the bark of a tree. These windows are eye-shaped and are positioned to let people sit in them and feel like they are outside while inside their room. The shape of the windows are designed differently for public versus private spaces because they give different amounts of sunlight depending on their angle. The roof is a hangout space and also a garden.
Writers Theatre
Performing Arts Center in Glencoe, Illinois, north of Chicago
The Writers Theatre started in a small small brick building with only 108 seats. With growing popularity and drawing in Chicago visitors, they needed to expand in order to grow their company. Studio Gang created this space to be an exciting and energizing new place for the community to enjoy. The goal was to create a welcoming place, and increase the intimate environment between the actors and audience to provide the experience the company hoped to. This space is modern, transparent, and glows at night time, or provides lots of natural light. It also has a green roof and hangout space on the top.
Sketches & Features
Sources for information and images:
Englefield, J. (2021, February 17). Studio Gang reveals design for hotel with scalloped facade in Denver. Dezeen. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2021/02/17/studio-gang-populus-hotel-denver-architecture/
Frearson, A. (2015, April 2). Arcus Center was designed to embody the idea of social justice, says Jeanne Gang. Dezeen. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2015/04/02/arcus-center-social-justice-leadership-jeanne-gang-studio-gang-architects/
Gibson, E. (2018, July 9). Jeanne Gang closes gender pay gap at her architecture firm. Dezeen. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2018/07/09/jeanne-gang-closes-gender-pay-gap-studio-gang/
Jeanne Gang to speak at powerhouse museum [Photograph]. (2019, September 26). Australian Design Review. https://www.australiandesignreview.com/architecture/jeanne-gang-speak-powerhouse-museum/
McKnight, J. (2016, February 16). Studio Gang wraps Chicago performing arts centre in glass and wooden battens. Dezeen. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.dezeen.com/2016/02/16/writers-theatre-studio-gang-arts-centre-chicago-usa-wooden-battens/
PART TWO
Design
Design Concept 1
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Design Concept 2
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Design Concept 3
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PART TWO
build
The variation and progression from the designing process to the model making was interesting to experience throughout this module. My finished and completed design ended up being very different from my ideas in my sketches. Beginning the model making process, I realized how many components of the design that I forgot to consider. The curves and the wall heights all required several measurements that I didn't think about until I had the physical form in front of me.
Here are some of the features from Jeanne Gang's designs that influenced my museum concept.
Design Concept
The Balance Museum is a creative effort to connect indoor space with natures' restorative and organic qualities. Using naturally existing forms and textures, the museum is a balance between modern structure and organic elements. The curvature should be an experience displaying strength and tranquility. Circular window forms bring in light and a visually interesting aspect, and provide a sense of being in nature. Many of the features are inspired by the architect, Jeanne Gang, who has incorporated many natural materials and forms that resemble nature in her designs. The museum is intended to spark curiosity through it's biophilic design.
