Interpretative Center, 2023
WHERE WE MEET
Tasked with the issue of creating a mass timber building on the coast of Gulfport in order to support both a research center and interpretative center came the idea of circulation being the core connecting both centers.
Conceptual Models
To start the process of creating the interpretative center, the first step was to imagine massing on the site. For that three simple models were created using four different materials in order to distinguish the elements deemed most important. Those being pedestrian circulation, vehicular circulation, paved lots, and building mass. These elements were chosen due to the nature of how they all interact and influence one another.
Exploring
Moving more into scale, the use of digital modeling was used to create a programming mass derived from a rectangle. As shown on the right the rectangle went through a process of being split and extruded to create two different but similar volumes for both centers.
Elevations
Floor Plans
FLOOR PLANS
The three floors of the research center and four floors of the interpretative center are shown in the following plans. Here all spaces of both the interpretative center and research center are listed by square footage. Most noted are the main program spaces, these being the IMAX theatre and diving tank.
The entrance to both centers are located in the center of the mass due to the use of the exterior stairs. These stairs serve a purpose in intriguing people to take a stroll through the building whether it is just to reach the exterior courtyard space connecting both buildings or actually walking inside them. From research studies of the site all that used to exist was a patch of grass where pedestrian circulation was at large. Due to this a big point was to create this exterior environment using the stairs and a courtyard to give residents another place to enjoy the site while still giving them the view of both the marina and beach they are used to
Lastly the site plan shown demonstrates the paved sidewalks to the egress and grand staircases. Along with the environmental drainage systems that are to be implemented. Slight changes to the sire include making a two way street and removing all parking minus a handful of spots for the research center
STRUCTURE
This axonometric drawing takes apart the research center to better show how the mass timber would work into the structure. Looking closely one is able to compare the high ceiling lobby in relation to a typical floor and from there looking at the typical floor structure to the IMAX’s curved roof. Along with this all exterior elements such as the green wall and raised concrete column grid are further highlighted.
