Design Development 1

The concept of this design solution is that of a sound wave. It provokes interest in all that it reaches. Sound makes us turn our heads and take notice. It is this quality that will be imbued in the design in order to make other communities take notice of Albemarle, and more to the point, it will make Albemarle citizens take note and interest in their own downtown.


This bubble diagram illustrates the basic relationships of the building as proposed. The major spaces of the building (entrance, dining floor, and bar area) all have a view to the stage area. Other adjacentcies and relationships exist, however it is this central stage that became the pivot point for the design proposal.
The floor plan of the street level also incorporates a large portion of the basement due to the floor being cut out to unify the spaces around a two story dining room and venue space. From the dining floor, the bar situated on the first floor becomes "upstairs" and an entire new perspective of the building is gained. The ceiling will incorporate an undulating form over the dining room to allow for enhanced acoustics as well as a great view from the hostess station as well as the bar and venue space.
The upper two levels of the building will be converted into small efficiency apartments. Square footage was kept to a minimum in order to keep the rents lower in order to be in a wider markets price range. They will feature an open floor plan with minimal permanent walls. The apartments are thought to be "expanded bedrooms", this shift in viewpoint allows much different design choices, providing the inhabitant a much more energetic and enriching downtown living experience, while maintaining the benefits of a small city.
The section view illustrates the relationship between the basement level and the first floor in creating the dining space. HID lights will be installed above the undulating indoor trellis to create a filtered light condition on the floor, as well as a more dynamic ceiling treatment for individuals who are moving through the space. The passageway and vertical access to the upstairs apartments is private and accesses the street directly. It has an overlook which provides a view looking down on the trellis from above. This feature allows the ceiling to be encountered from both sides from both groups of primary users.
perspective view upon entrance from the street on the first floor.
View from the lounge area looking out over the dining space towards the front entrance.
Dining area view, directly in front is the stage area.
This view illustrates the view from the catwalk looking towards the lounge area. The catwalk along the side of the building will provide the primary circulation pathway from the front door to the lounge, it also affords a view of the lower dining room.
The upstairs apartments have very large windows, in relation to their modest size, these will be taken advantage of to allow as much natural daylighting as possible, making the space feel much less cramped. Some new windows will be proposed in order to serve certain apartments not adjacent to pre-existing fenestrations. Also an exterior ladder fire escape will be added as a supplemental egress route for residents in case of emergency.