Spaces

Spaces

Here I would like to post a precedent study of spaces that I want to use in my building. Examples are obviously not exact to my intentions but they closely resemble the environment I’d like visitors to experience through the dimensions of spaces, illumination, equipment and furniture arrangement, and relative location to the circulation and to each other. I’ll record my expectations through the following narrative.

It was the last day of my vacationing in NYC. I’ve seen a lot, and, quite honestly, got tired of the business and noise on Manhattan streets. Today I wanted to relax but without having to leave the city. I’ve decided to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park again, but this time on a bike that is available for rent throughout the city. Unfortunately, Park isn’t big enough to enjoy a ride; fortunately, I noticed a pathway that, according to the description on the billboard, should lead me to a “remote” place that is only two miles away. Path wasn’t that exiting, but as soon as I turn to the Coffey Street (at the end of the path, near the shore of the East River) I was surprised to see my point of destination. It was located next to the Valentino Park, on the shorefront property. Architecture clearly welcomed me to experience the place. I wanted to prolong my admiration of the structure from the distance, so I walked the bike, and as I left the park behind me, I noticed that it wasn’t the lobby or the building’s entrance that welcomed me, but space that resembled glorified private fancy backyard; I would hesitate to enter it if I saw it coming.

I was about to drop the bike from being awestruck, luckily the bike rent station was right there; now I was free to explore the place by foot.

Big building without any observable entrance was on my left. Huge atrium was positioned along the Coffey Street on my right, nothing were blocking the view of the river ahead. I could choose to enter the lobby or keep going towards the water.

I knew that I wouldn’t last long if I didn’t eat, and I soon I thought that thought I saw a nice spacious cafeteria. It was part of the lobby, so I entered it; although I wouldn’t call it an “entrance” as it was too smooth of a transition. Cafeteria was very nice and bright.

At one point I could glimpse inside to see area where food was prepared; it wasn’t big but clean.

As much as I enjoyed the cafeteria, I didn’t want to stay there finishing my cup of chamomile tea with apple croissant, so I kept going. I passed a gift-shop which was also part of the lobby.

Wanting to go inside, I finished my snack on the nearby bench, under a flowering tree.

That’s it, almost ready to explore the place…

OK, now I’m ready.

If I didn’t enter the lobby the path would end by the water. “I’ll do that later”, I thought. Lobby led me up somewhere. I was intrigued. Going parallel to my initial path, but ascending, I came to the water front, but I was about 16-20 feet above the ground level, ramp was leading me to the left now. I crossed over the path of the ground level, and came to the entrance of the main building. It was an activity center. I had some time to spare, so I went inside.

Pool was a treat, comfortable, and serene, even with kids being naturally noisy.

Lecture hall, one floor above, was expecting visitors for the Bible Study. Some early birds were chatting at the hangout area nearby.

Other group of people was Zumbing around in the gym.

Their kids were having a blast with their coach in the “gym for kids” area.

A few members of the facility were working their muscles in the fitness center.

There was a place for kids as well.

As I went up on the last floor (which was actually incased in the glass roof of the building) I saw even more people playing team games.

Ramp lead to the roof as well. At its end it was protruding towards the water, creating an area where visitors could rest, and observe the park below, Verrazano Bridge to the left, Statue of Liberty straight ahead, and Manhattan skyline to the right.

I choose ramp to lead me down. As I finished descend, I decided to come closer to water, and see what my initial path has to offer. It too, just like a ramp, was turning left, around the building. Ramp formed the overhang above, creating a protection from rain and direct sun. I met more people here; they were enjoying tranquility of this isolated and cozy location. When I finished my walk around the building I visited the Valentine Park and walked the pier to admire the architecture from afar before heading back to my bike.