A Weaver's World
project type | residential, business, retail
location | 1857 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA
keywords | sustainability, adaptability, retail, residential
software used | Revit, Enscape, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator
project description | This project prompts students to innovate retail within a live/work model, using three shipping containers for a sustainable space dedicated to handcrafted textiles. Post-pandemic, the live/work concept gains relevance, offering flexibility and reduced overheads. Integrating sustainability and mobility, the design accommodates both physical and online commerce, ensuring adaptability to evolving market dynamics and health regulations.
note | This project was submitted as 1 of 2 students for the IDEC Student Design Competition 2021.
Research
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Geometric motif, diagonal lines
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Connection of public and private spaces to reflect nature of Navajo weaving
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Sustainable lifestyle reflected in material selection
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Colorful fusion of Pueblo, Spanish and Mexican influences
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Beauty, harmony, interactions with the world
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A tool of communication
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Emergence of ‘Eyedazzler’ style from Mexican Saltillo serapes in last quarter of 1880’s
The history of the Navajo reflects a colorful fusion of influences of several groups, translating in the evolution of styles throughout the years. Weaving is considered an ancient and sacred practice of their people. It is a poignant tool used to express their relations with life, the land, and the universe. Hózhó encompasses the sentiment of beauty, harmony and
local order that the Navajo wish to translate through weaving. It is a tradition that comes from within, reflecting their interactions with the world. The loom is essentially a tool to communicate with others. Different colors and patterns of each era
reflect how individually each group influenced their people. During the last quarter of the 1880’s, there was a difficult period of transition for the Navajo that resulted in Mexican influence of the ‘Eyedazzler’ style. Borrowing elaborate serrate diamonds of Mexican Saltilo serapes, the ‘Eyedazzler’ style was considered a lively artistic development out of an arduous transformative period.
Location Rationale
The 27,520 sq. ft. corner lot is embedded in the urban landscape of downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Surrounded by a mix of residential, commercial and educational buildings, the site’s building will contribute to the fabric of the existing holistic community. Residential homes line the north end of the site, allowing for private entrances off S 18th St. The lot is adjacent to art-related businesses, making the integration of the client’s work/home building natural. The client’s business will naturally fit the art district profile of businesses of the area. It is currently used as a gravel parking lot for nearby businesses, however, the landscape will change dramatically with the integration of landscaping to enhance the corner profile of Government St. and S 18th St. Accessible sidewalk connections to the main street’s existing sidewalk will be made to allow pedestrians and cyclists to easily approach the business side. As the main street, Government St. is highly accessible by bikes, vehicles, sidewalks and multiple street connections. Located on the bus route, the site is an ideal and accessible transit location. The mixed use building will be a natural fit within the community as well as the arts district alike. Transportation is readily available nearby. Located on the corner of the block, the architecture of the shipping containers will be optimized to enhance the existing landscape.
Design Rationale
Following the Mexican influence of the ‘Eyedazzler’ style, diagonal lines and a defining geometric motif is distinctive throughout the design of the spaces and the overall architecture of the building. The shorter lengths were placed at opposing ends of the longer length to faintly form a diamond likeness. Oriented at 45 degrees, the building’s public facade follows the lines of the main street and the adjacent street. The striking angles would invite curious passerby to enter the space. Connection is a principal notion in which decided the arrangement and adjacencies of spaces like the direct connection of the public space to the dining/gathering area of the private space. By having a centralized and accessible transition between the two spaces, it demonstrates the fundamental nature of Navajo weaving. Thread by thread, the weaver expresses their connection with the world. The client’s sustainable lifestyle dictated the careful selection of materials in which would reflect this principle in conscious manner while maintaining the beauty of the space.
Concept Development
Blocking diagrams were utilized to investigate flexible transitions between private and public areas. Inspired by Navajo weaving, the design embodies a fluid spatial flow, enhancing connections with end-users and the community. A focal point of the dining, gathering, and working space is the gallery wall adorned with imagery of Navajo culture and artwork.
Brand Development
Employing a spectrum of reds and blues found in Navajo weaving textiles, alongside geometric lines crossing into opposing sides, symbolizes the interconnectedness of the earth and worldly realms. Transition is depicted through gradient colors, while the diamond shape evokes the iconic 'Eyedazzler' style.
Materials Rationale
Materials were selected based on their sustainable qualities while serving as a functional and aesthetic element within each space. Recyclability of the material was also considered as the client pursues a sustainable lifestyle. The chosen materiality of the work and home building reflects their green lifestyle. The materiality lifespan was a factor in deciding furnishings like the Broom Chair which is made of reclaimed wood and is recyclable. With the chosen materials, it upholds and effectively reflects the client’s sustainable lifestyle.
Floor Plan
Posters
