This building, an exhibition hall in Madison, Wisconsin called the Alliant Energy Center, has been successfully designed from a pragmatic standpoint. Because they house such a variety of events, exhibition halls must be able to adapt to many different users from a multitude of backgrounds, and they often house an extremely large number of visitors for any given event. In this case, the neutral grey tones of the entire space lend themselves well to adaptation for different events, as the grey can bridge the gaps that bolder colors may not be able to. Although the color scheme is more achromatic, the wide range of shades used help to delineate spaces within the building and add interest. Also, the use of large walls of windows brings in more natural light to soften the space, which could otherwise be considered very sterile. Extremely wide walkways leading to hall entrances can accomodate the large number of users moving in and out of the space to avoid traffic jams. This keeps circulation within the space moving freely. Next, each entrance to a hall is marked by a protruding sign that can be changed to display the event which is being held inside. This signage helps to guide visitors to their destinations. Another object used for wayfinding is the large cylinder stationed above the main staircase. This creates a strong focal point within the space and draws the visitors toward it. It makes access to the next level easy to find, and also provides a strong landmark within the large, open area. Benches along the walls provide resting place for visitors who have been on their feet for an extended time, or who are waiting to meet someone. Overall, the lobby space is very accomodating and easy to read.
Next, the interior of each hall within the space is extremely plain when not in use. It was successfully designed this way in order to allow for the customization for the different events held in the space. Designed in such a way, with bright even lighting, it can be completely transfromed for the events held there. This can be seen in the two examples below, one of a banquet, the other of a Garden Expo.
Based on the design of this exhibition hall and how it can adapt to a variety of users, can you think of any other buildings that must demonstrate a great deal of versatility within their design? What are some other ways that this versatility can be acheived? In your opinion, onsidering such varying uses for the building, would the addition of color detract from the design? Please explain.
Exhibition halls are great examples of buildings that rely heavily on pragmatic design. Like Jenna said, they are often transformed into a variety of themes based on the function and activity being held within them. Another type of building that I thought of that uses this same design approach, not to this extensive scale though, is school buildings. My mom is an elementary school teacher and at the end of every school year we have to take down all her belongings in case the administration decides to switch rooms and/or grades around. Then, at the beginning of each year she has to go back in and redecorate and set up her room in the way she wants. She has found that it is important for each classroom to be adaptable to whatever grade level/teacher that is placed in that room. It is up to the teacher to decorate and create a less “sterile” environment for her students.
ReplyDeleteSome other ways in which versatility can be achieved is through the use of different flooring or wall material in different locations of the building. This will help section off specific places and create boundaries. If colors were added to these multi-functional buildings it may cause distraction and limit the possibilities of change. People may be more concerned with the interesting pattern of colors on the walls than looking at the product, paying attention in a banquet, or focusing on the teacher in front. With a neutral or achromatic color scheme you eliminate these distractions.
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ReplyDeleteAnother example of a building or area that needs to be versatile and open to interpretation is a civic center. This building is back home, now called the Big Sandy Arena, it houses everything from concerts to bridal expos. Versatility can be achieved in all sorts of ways from the materials and finishes used to the sizes and location of each space. Yes in my opinion i believe that the addition of the placement/use of a color other than neutral tones would destract from the spaces versatility factor and its design, because the color might clash with an event being held in this space, or might discourage a client from using the space all together, which would not be good for business or help sell the buildings versatility factor.
ReplyDeleteThis specific building truly reminds me of my group’s Cumberland Falls design. The emphasis in the gift shop is specifically on the products; therefore, my group chose to use an achromatic color scheme in order to allow the products to stand out. Also, within that color scheme, we used variations of grays, which was successful in adding interest. A possible argument against this color scheme, like the one in the following building, would be that because the environment is so minimalistic, the space may evoke an uncomfortable and exposed feeling from its visitors.
ReplyDeleteIt is very important for exhibition spaces to be flexible with each occasion, so the color scheme within the space does meet this specific goal. However, if I had to make one change I would like to see an accent color. With this addition, the space would remain simplistic, but way finding and emphasis on certain areas would be more apparent.
I agree with Molly, When I first saw the pictures posted i thought of your project design. I think it also has a connection with the Gugenhiem museum in New York where the architecture is a piece of artwork in it's self and because the color scheme in the space is achromatic it allows the art work hung to standout. It doesn't take away but instead enhances everything displayed in the space. It also allows a variety of different pieces of artwork to be hung without any distractions.
ReplyDeleteAn example of a space that requires versatility would be maybe a gym or recreational area. A gym not only has to accommodate a large group of different people. Those body builders who lift for three hours a day, people there it run, whether that be on a treadmill or a track, swimmers, basketball players, classrooms for yoga classes, kids area, etc. This become necessary to address this many different users because people have different ways of working out. With all of these different areas in the space different materials, temperature, and lighting would have to be used to accommodate the different functions.