Design Build: ArchiLounge

Design Build: ArchiLounge 2023

As the only university in northern New England to offer integrated professionally accredited programs in Architecture, Business, Engineering, Construction, and Nursing, Norwich’s Design+Build Collaborative calls on students to “act as well as conceive” and create solutions for local, regional, and global challenges.

About the Studio

The ArchiLounge was designed to be a multi-purpose space to best suit the students of the School of Architecture + Art. From community feedback, we were able to determine that the space needed to function as a lounge with comfortable seating, a mini-kitchen where commuters could prepare and consume light meals, and a place to complete group work.

Final Renderings

Re-Branding

As part of the ArchiLounge Design Build project, there was a focus on the School of Architecture + Art branding. Inspired by the colors in the School of Architecture + Art logo, by Black Dog Design, each floor in Chaplin Hall is color coded on the elevator and studio doors. The team has also incorporated mosaics above water fountains and entrance, along with large printed logos.

Building and Fabrication Progress

Precedent Study

Each Team member selected a precedent to explore through research, and physical modelling. Over the course of a week and a half, each member focused on a single precedent, and were able to explore the aspects of the precedent in relation to the lounge.

Surface + Joint Exploration

The Surface and Joint investigation explored the inherent qualities of different materials. Plywood, Felt, Concrete, Fabric. The joint focused on the connection of one material to another, highlighting the beauty and difference between the two. We explored ideas of interlocking, slipping, folding, etc. as techniques.

About the Crew

Donors + Supporters

Thank you to the following people and businesses, without whom this project would
have been impossible:

RK Miles

Vermont Natural Coatings

Atlantic Plywood

Fabric Warehouse

Big Duck Canvas