Halcyon

What was the concept behind the project?

The concept behind this project was to emphasize the accessibility and availability of outdoor spaces for student's enjoyment. Access to the outdoors and potentially to outdoor greenspaces allows for a higher quality of life and has even been shown to improve cognitive abilities, essential for students in an environment of stress and studying. The configuration provides a separation of spaces between the lower public space and the separated upper patio space. Students and the public can move through and experience the space underneath the patio which also allows for circulation through the site to continue freely after construction. The pockets in the space are created by the Tetris style stacking of the containers and create interesting spaces and views to walk through. 

What was the intent behind the organization of elements across various levels (Architectural, Site, Urban)?

The first and third floors on site function as the bedroom and study spaces for individual students. Each student has access to a window with a view outside of their bedroom above their study area. The second floor on site includes the living room, kitchen, and bathroom for the students to use as a common area. This floor has direct access to the large patio extension outside of their container. This patio connects all of the modules and provides a large area to host student gatherings or a place to hang out with a group of friends. There is a ramp along the interior of this space that provides ADA access to the second floor as well as provides and experience travelling from the common area below to the patio above.

Configuration iterations

What/How were the materials chosen?

The materials used on this project were used in attempt to connect the shipping containers back to their roots. The railings mimic the railings of a ship and transform the space to look like the original vessel of the containers. The white wooden palettes on the side of the containers allow for heat to be reflected off of them as well as continuing the theme of recycling old and used materials. The paving pattern used is a further continuation of the Tetris ideation that out container configuration is based off of. 

What is the expansion plan of the project?

The addition of additional containers can be configured to expand outward and upward with our flexible three part module. As the demand for more student housing increases the module can create extra housing to connect back with the other spaces. 

How will the project transform with the passing time? 

The project could eventually be turned into townhomes or apartment style living with a strong selling point of community within a city environment. The central patio space provides a gathering space that can be used for more than just college aged students and provides a community gathering space that is isolated from the lower more open and public area.