The End of Mechanics: Smart Materials and Adaptability
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Winter, 2006
http://www.robotecture.com/endofmechanics
Units: 2.0:  Lecture / Location: F 10-12am, Building 3 Room 110
Instructor: Michael Fox (mafox@foxlin.com or michaelfox@csupomona.edu)

Exercise_03: Designing the Workspace
Due Friday, 02/03

The exercise will be assessed on the following criteria:

60%        Content
30%        Presentation
10%        Timeliness

Overview:
Now that we understand the design criteria of an office workspace to a certain extent, you will each take on the short task of designing your own workspace environment.  You will have two weeks to complete this exercise. Following this exercise we will collectively combine and design a singular office which we will integrate various materials of interest. In your designs I am interested in both the physical attributes of the design and design elements and the ways in which the space is used and the potentials therein. I urge you to think three dimensionally about the work environment.

Design Program:
(You have flexibility to allocate square footage as you deem appropriate)

_Architectural work Desks/Environments for 8 employees
_Two offices for senior people
_An entry with Reception and waiting
_A Conference room/area
_A copy/printing/collating area
_A lunch area with coffee/refrigerator
_A restroom

Consider the Following in your Designs:
General layout, Organization and Circulation
Furniture types (Where/how one writes/draws/uses computer and wiring)
Materials (Colors, Textures, Wall, Floor and Ceiling Coverings)
Day lighting / Artificial Lighting
Privacy /Views
Storage (for drawings/ files/ personal items)
Acoustics  / Temperature

Site information:
As the primary intent of this two week design exercise is to understand specific needs for material applications the scope is quite small to allow you to  investigate and reveal through your designs a sufficient level of detail. We are primarily concerned with interior design issues but you also should consider the interface of the skin between the external contextual conditions. The building is 24 feet wide (East-West) by 40 feet long (North-South).  To the south, the building is facing a busy street with a sidewalk and pedestrian activity.  The south façade is currently completely glazed. The interior space currently has a 16’ high ceiling with dropped fluorescent lighting at 9’.  You are recommended to propose different lighting. To the North the building faces an alley with an access door.   You are allowed to redesign this façade and place windows if you deem appropriate.  The view to the North alley is not to be considered desirable.

You are free to present by any means you see fit as long as it can be viewed from a distance, if you use digital means then bring a CD or USB card.