Sunday, February 26, 2012

Coosing FE&E...and other Inspiration


When trying to decide what color palette I was going to use for my Pediatric Oncology Center, I came across this color palette and though that it encompassed the characteristics of my concept. With my concept being the honeycomb I wanted my color palette to derive from the source of the honeycombs production...flowers...and bees of course...but this image reminding me of spring flowers and I plan to uses these colors (with different hues and transparency) along with a light color wood to liven up and bring life to my space!
Let me know what you think? (note: thinking of using a more saturated version of these colors to make it less feminine)

 Love this idea for storage of patient belongings while they are receiving treatment...The white hexagons will be able to be accessed from the other side so that this divider can be used from both sides...
Hoping to use this in my changing area where patients can store their belongings while they are undergoing imaging or radiation therapy...love how some of the hexagon shapes are open, closed, and illuminated!
Because my chemotherapy area is open I wanted to use some sort of "transparent" barrier so that the patients are receiving some sort of privacy, but they are sill able to be monitored by nurse and other staff members
I wanted to separate my waiting area so that patients and their families felt like the waiting experience  a more intimate  and comforting...I appreciate this dividing element that you are still able to see to the next space...

Above are two options for continuing the overhead detailing of my reception desk (in previous blog post) I am wanting to use something thing similar and also incorporate wayfinding by adding color and extending slats down creating wayfinding signs as you go down main corridors... 






Some seating options for chemotherapy treatment...I like the idea of a chair and ottoman which can be used as a footrest for the patient or possibly a place for someone to sit...Also fond of the adjustable head  pillow in the orange and green chairs...The red womb chair is an option for a smaller child...I was having a hard time finding treatment chair for smaller children..If you have any suggestions please let me know...looking for one that reclines...

Please feel free to post your opinion on these ideas...your opinon is encouraged and appriciated 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Arrival Ideation...

Our first in class charette...As we are starting to develop our design we were asked to think about and come up with three different arrival spaces.  The goal of this charette was to portray what kind of experience we wanted to express upon entering our space and some how relate this experience back to our concepts.  In thinking about my concept, the honey comb, I wanted to convey the idea of a safe and comforting environment that incorporate color  and a strong structure.  Here are a few ideas that I came up with in class that are currently being modified:

This idea was centered around the structure of the desk and the idea that angle of the front of the desk guides you back into the next space allowing a since of wayfinding.  The element above the desk is a way of mimicking the shape of the desk gabbing your focus as you enter the building.



This idea was also an exploration of the formation of the reception desk.  In this sketch I tried to be more conscious of the height of the ceilings in this space (13') by creating a suspended ceiling over the desk to make this space more intimate taking away the overwhelming volume of the space.


This idea was an exploration of structure of the honey comb and incorporating the enclosing protecting aspect of each hexagon cell.  This element  both draws your eye as well as guides you towards your next destination which is the waiting area. This idea was the one that I though related back to my concept and therefore I developed it further in the SketchUp model below:


I love this idea but I am having trouble incorporating it though out my space and creating other ceiling details that do not clash or become too overwhelming. So if you have any comments or suggestions the are welcomed and would be appreciated!

Friday, February 10, 2012

Parti for my Pediatric Oncology Center:
I wanted my parti to relate back to my concept in some way so I decided to modify the shape of a hexagon in order to create a functional circulation path. With this parti in mind the next step is to create several block plans that implement the circulation of the parti.

A=Arrival Space
D=Districts (offices,exam rooms) 
C=Centers (more unique spaces such as chemotherapy area and activity space)
N=Node (point of intersection where one has to decide were to go next)

Parti


The next few images are examples of block plans were I was able to organize the location of the spaces with keeping the square footage in mind.  As I began to lay out my spaces I found it difficult to keep the circulation from my parti.  I was running into spaces that needed to be square or rectangular interfering with the diagonal of the circulation on my lower floor.  I was also running into creating wasted space that I needed to utilize in order to fit everything that I needed in my space.

I am still in the process of modifying and finalizing my final plan so if you have any constructive criticism about the plans that you see below please let me know.  But, keep in mind that these block plans are considered process work and by no means are they finalized so feel free to give me your feed back it would be much appreciated! (I believe you can click on the image to make them bigger if needed)

                                              First Floor                             Ground Floor
                                             






FINAL PLAN IS ON ITS WAY!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Pediatric Oncology Concept

HONEYCOMB
The concept of this pediatric oncology center is inspired by the configuration of the honeycomb.  When looking at the structure of the honeycomb, it is evident that its hexagonal formation is functional, efficient, and supportive.  The honeycomb is constructed of several hexagonal tubes that are connected in a web-like manner, each wall having to rely on the surrounding walls in order to create a strong cohesive structure.  This is also true in a pediatric oncology center where the focus is centered on offering quality palliative care.  In a palliative environment there are several different staff members, which will act as the supporting walls for this facility. Each position is important whether it’s a doctor, nurse, technician, social worker or therapist, they all have to rely on one another in order to offer functional and efficient support for their patients.
In a bee hive, the honey bees use honeycomb to store honey and protect larva as they begin develop protecting and nourishing them with the care they need.  By incorporating the honeycomb into the design of this pediatric oncology center the patients are able to feel like they are properly cared for, providing a sense of welcome and comfort through the use of straight, diagonal and enclosing lines.  The use of line should be used in a way that emphasizes importance of space while creating a sense of organized, structured movement.  The form and shape of the honeycomb should be utilized throughout the space to help articulate the idea of the supporting structure of the staff members.  When thinking about the colors produced by a honeycomb one thinks of pure, rich, varying colors. The colors of this space should resemble these characteristics through implementing varying colors that are found in nature.  Because honey is translucent, the use of natural light and the connection to the outside world will also play an important role in this facility.  By incorporating aspects of the honeycomb into the design of this facility, it is possible to physically show the aspects of quality palliative care.


 
Description of Images Left to Right
  • Because honey bees gather pollen from different kinds of flowers, the hue and transparency of the honey produced is always different. By incorporating this though into my design I will be able to use a variety of colors with different hues and levels of transparency.
  • The design of the honeycomb is centered on its strong structure similar to this crystal that is found in nature.  This image is also represents the penetration of light that is reflected and emitted.
  • This image is solely a representation of a structure that was inspired by the honeycomb and how design can transformed and modify its structure.
  • This image of a honeycomb puzzle is an example of flexibility of spaces and how offering patients a sense of control can them feel as comfortable and safe.  The ides of moving and modifying spaces in order to accommodate for all needs.
  • This image is an example of the protection of the patient. The way the trees curve in an embracive way but do not fully close allowing the patient to have a since of control.
  • This image of the multi-colored marbles is an example of the colors, hues and transparency that are derived from the many different flowers that create the honey in the honeycomb.
  • These cement blocks are an example of the structure and support that is needed in order to make the patient feel like they are being taken care of. This image represents the structure and support of the honeycomb.
  • This image is an example of a stable, yet flexible structure, which are needed characteristics in order to make a pediatric oncology center run properly.
  • This image of stacked spaces an example of transparency and support, which are two important factors in the design of a pediatric oncology center.
  • This image is an example of different levels of privacy as well as the types of colors that will be utilized throughout the space.  The openings represent public space and the solid parts represent privacy, while the transparent parts represent somewhere in between public and private spaces.
  • This image is another example of how structure and support can be transformed and modified throughout the space.
  • This honeycomb structure is an example of the equal support that is offered by each staff member and the idea that they all need to leaning on each other equally in order to protect the client.
  • This image of a wooden tree tunnel formed by artists is an example of controlling nature and one's surroundings.  This is a great visualization of the importance of patient control of nature (ex. sunlight, temperature) and their surroundings (ex.comfort, privacy).
  • This image is an example of the many different colors and variety of flowers that take part in the process of the honeycomb in order to produce honey.