Garrett Warner - The Lighthouse

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Education Renovation/Expansion
ARCH 4601
Dr. Saif Haq
16 Weeks

Our graduation class was told at the beginning of our fourth year that we would be taking part in a unique studio lottery in which all studios would work together on the same project, but from different angles: the College of Architecture and Art Complex's expansion and renovation. The real design teams that would soon begin working on the project were shown these ideas as inspiration for their own work and a gauge of what the students were after. My design strategy was to reestablish the architecture building's connection to the student body and the larger university. Since the original architect misjudged the future of architectural education, I thought the original design was a mistake. The design inadvertently isolated pupils, prohibiting them from observing and interacting with their surroundings, rather than encouraging candid communication and teamwork. By encouraging people to go through the complex and engage with the designers and the design, I want to turn it into a thriving center for creativity.

Internally, sightlines and vertical studio congregations that allow students to collaborate and share ideas are incorporated into the layout to foster collaboration. My design's second main goal was to encourage curiosity and inquiry about architecture in general. By utilizing a range of materials, styles, and assemblies, I aimed to create "teaching moments" within the building's envelope, encouraging students to frequently explore the area and observe the ideas they are studying up close. These ideas are reflected in the finished design, which includes additional art facilities, a grand jury hall, more studio space, and a repurposed patio for events, talks, and other activities.