Astral Space

2019 Academic Project

Architectural Design Studio 4

Duration: 10 Weeks

Astral Space was an interesting project with a unique site and a relatively loose program. Located in Deep Ellum, Texas the program revolved around creating an urban garden facility that promoted the growth of tea. The project has a heavy focus on an impressional entry sequence. Relation to the site was also of high importance, and instead of using the classical rustic brick façade in Deep Ellum, the structure goes polar opposite using brutalist materials like concrete and steel. The design also features interesting forms that invoke interest and emotion in the visitor. The use of minimal materials don’t distract from, but emphasize the design. Tea has a significant importance in cultures across the globe. Throughout many centuries, traditions have grown from one another. The site offers an experience that induces the classical Japanese tasting, including Japanese tea rooms, offering a taste of culture in the heart of Texas. The exterior spaces contain ground terracing allowing for a variation of tea leaves, and fruits to produce “farm to table” tea tasting.

Renderings

The rendering above is exemplifying the interior walkway leading to the tea tasting rooms. The design concept explores the interconnection of blended interior and exterior spaces.

Rendering above showing tea tasting center.

Model Photos

The figure above exemplifies the designed exterior circulation pathways from structure to structure.

Figure above showing the entry sequence from the sidewalk.

fig below

Exterior circulation generates unique views of Downtown Dallas while privately experiencing an enriched tea tasting experience.

Sections

The figure above is a section drawing of the growing center. The space being portrayed is an interior circulation element, breaking through the tilted plane.

The drawing above is a section of the tea tasting structure. The room in the center containing a tree is a new impression on the classical Japanese tea room. The testing rooms are concrete, with an open ceiling to let natural light in.

Floor Plan

Spaces

1. Tea waiting room

2. Tea tasting room

3. Tea tasting room

4. Sitting Area

5. Waiting Area

6. Restroom

7. Restroom

8. Hydroponic Growing Center

9. Lecture room

10. Restrooms

11. Entry Vestibule

Materials

The material palette is simple and minimalistic, focusing on the blissful experience of tea tasting. The materials differ from the surrounding buildings to create a break from the Deep Ellum district, losing the attachment to everyday city life, and focusing on the taste of perfectly steeped tea.

Design Process

01. Volumetric Layout

The layout and relationship of the forms are provided by the program, while sizes and dimensions are decided by programmatic elements and design decisions.

02. Programmatic Destruction

A response to the programmatic elements and hierarchy phasing of the function and circulation of the spaces.

03.Twisting Volumes

Creates unique experiences, within the site due to form and access points.

04. Access Sequence & Form Development

Circulation paths start on the parallel streets touching the edges of the site

Program

The program contained three main elements: cultivation, education, and testing. These three principles gave a premise to the design principles shown above, splitting the building into three separate structures. Allowing the user to experience an end to end experience of design.

Elevation Sketches

Line Drawings

Line drawings are a stage of my design process to get an idea of human scale and understand the sequence of human experience.