The project that I am working on this fall in Senior Studio is a Bio-Med Research facility that encompasses science, art and community. By bringing these three topics under one roof, this allows for progress in all areas.

Below is an excerpt for the project requirements.

“Based Module 1 – the level of investigation and application is to design the Bio-Museum & Research Institution with ten weeks. You will primarily reference your visual concepts through literature, geometry, spiritual connections, the nature of values, place values, ecological values, and aesthetics with the environment of your choice. Other factors beyond Bio-Design may include cultural diversity, territory, and desire for belonging. This design embraces a “sense of place” as it relates to contemporary techniques & activities for a public site. Indulge in future experimentation so long as the space concepts remain “realistic” as to reflect current construction methodology & concept intent. This project relates to BIO-Design roles within a community. The social, political and economic information shall include a plan, site experience, and expression. Provide images or examples of how this information or relationship is significant to your site.

Carefully analyze and compare information and images to add more experience of a “sense of place”. Your expected design material selection must also consider today’s available materials, craftsmanship & techniques. Along with a process book, a PowerPoint/KeyNote presentation is required to express your research, methodology and rationale for these methods.   Studio explorations as follows: Site observations, field drawings, spatial measurements, and physical observations for providing human factor activities in theory endeavors. Focus on utilizing all Design phases (programming, schematic, & design development). Explore applications for a Main Lobby, Research Labs, Bio-Prototyping Labs, Public Galleries, Library & Offices & Retail opportunities by illustrating your research & investigation as it is called “evidence base design”.

Address the site as a problem solving attempt for present & future community gathering places. Your site is to remain a public site and managed by its existing property owners. Therefore, any new proposed design concepts & structural requirements must adhere to the relevant city codes. The American Disabilities Act is to be researched and implemented during the design exercise. Present this project in professional media (Design Drawings by Hand, 3DMax, Sketchup, AutoCAD, Scaled Model) of your choice while adhering to standards of professionalism. Your final presentation will also be presented in a similar venue of a “town hall atmosphere” with the general public and critique panel of curators, designers, and scientist.”