Thursday, March 5, 2009

A Place to Bathe... for an Olympic Athlete

My Inspiration...
When first discovering the details of our next studio project I really thought about the life of a handicapped individual. When I think of the hardship that these people endure everyday I sympathize for them. Growing up next door to Amanda, an paralympic athlete I have now discovered that is the last emotion they want us to feel. Amanda is an individual that amazes me everyday and her willingness to not settle for anything and go for the gold, just like she did in 5,000m race in Beijing in the 2008 Olympics. When hearing the project she was the main thought in my mind, making this a space usable to her as an Olympic Athlete.
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/0UMs1e9B54W/Paralympics+Day+6+Athletics/Fu5gcedZ2Xc/Amanda+McGrory
http://www.modeldmedia.com/galleries/Default/Story%20Images/Issue%2023/pool.jpg

http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/images/2008/02/05/water_cube_interior.jpg


http://blog.loaz.com/media/blogs/timwang/water-cube-03.jpg






I played with several different designs and ideas with a bathing space as a functional, yet relaxing place.
Materials Zoom In




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Floor Plan
From this view you can see the linear ramps and benches that I designed with inspiration from the lap lanes in not only track races, but swimming races as well.
Reflective Ceiling Plan
When designing the lighting I wanted something simple, but bright to add light into the space. I decided on a simple strip running through the center of the pool mimicking the linear "racing lane" concept of the bath. I also wanted to add highlights to the fountains on either side of the pool to add light to the centerpieces.
Section Cut
In this view you see the wall fountain that lands straight into the pool on the optional seating. It also shows the ramp leading into the pool as well as the doorway exiting the space.
Elevation
This shows a similar view to above, but shows more detailing of the "step" fountains. When designing these I was inspired by the racing blocks in swimming races. I really enjoyed the idea of incorporating heighth within and outside of the pool, especially to someones that does not get to experience this very often.

First Perspective

In this perspective you can see the focal point of the room is definitely the two identical fountains located on the edge of the pool. These are magnifed with lighting and the extreme use of scale.



Second Perspective