SOLANAVITAS

Assignment: Design a 10’x10’ room for prospect and refuge, a corresponding sculpture park, and a visitors center.
May 2022

THE ROOM

Designed as an outdoor installation, this room features a pair of 2.5’ x 1’ sitting steps, and an angled laying platform. The steps are positioned for enjoying the morning light from the east, and the laying platform directs attention toward the western sunset. The design also features a glass canopy, ensuring space can be enjoyed in any weather.

THE SCULPTURE PARK

Featuring the 10’ x 10’ room alongside various planar elements, arranged as an art installation with intent to immerse patrons in the sun’s dynamic effects.
1. A depressed base plane with a central sundial, surrounded by rising planes of  colored glass that correspond to different times of day.
2. An overhead rain basin with a lounging bench below, allowing sunlight to pass through the water and highlight the sun’s energy.
3. A pergola with planes of contrasting colors and transparency. Darker planes absorb sunlight, increasing warmth, while lighter planes filter light dynamically.

THE ROOM

Designed as an outdoor installation, this room features a pair of 2.5’ x 1’ sitting steps, and an angled laying platform. The steps are positioned for enjoying the morning light from the east, and the laying platform directs attention toward the western sunset. The design also features a glass canopy, ensuring space can be enjoyed in any weather.

THE SCULPTURE PARK

Featuring the 10’ x 10’ room alongside various planar elements, arranged as an art installation with intent to immerse patrons in the sun’s dynamic effects.
1. A depressed base plane with a central sundial, surrounded by rising planes of  colored glass that correspond to different times of day.
2. An overhead rain basin with a lounging bench below, allowing sunlight to pass through the water and highlight the sun’s energy.
3. A pergola with planes of contrasting colors and transparency. Darker planes absorb sunlight, increasing warmth, while lighter planes filter light dynamically.

THE VISITORS CENTER

The accompanying Visitors Center features spaces divided into three sections, each representing a different zone of the sun:

The Core – A circular visitor desk sits at the center, creating a space where guests naturally circumambulate. 
The Radiative Zone – Grade level paths aid in radiating visitors throughout the building, and a ramp allows access to the depressed event space.  
The Convection Zone – A single hallway guides guests up and out to the sculpture parkup, or alternatevly, down back into the Visitors Center and the flow of the main hall. This foot traffic and circulation mimics the natural process of convection in our Sun. 

THE VISITORS CENTER

The accompanying Visitors Center features spaces divided into three sections, each representing a different zone of the sun:

The Core – A circular visitor desk sits at the center, creating a space where guests naturally circumambulate. 
The Radiative Zone – Grade level paths aid in radiating visitors throughout the building, and a ramp allows access to the depressed event space.  
The Convection Zone – A single hallway guides guests up and out to the sculpture parkup, or alternatevly, down back into the Visitors Center and the flow of the main hall. This foot traffic and circulation mimics the natural process of convection in our Sun.