South Mesa Trail, Boulder CO
As a Senior at The University of Colorado Boulder for my final studio course I undertook the design of a cultural center spanning 8,300 square feet, located at the foot of the Flatirons along the South Mesa trail in Boulder, Colorado. The driving force behind this project was to conceive a space that would serve as a center for creative individuals to gather, collaborate, learn, and exhibit their artistic endeavors. This cultural center houses a variety of functional areas, including art galleries, a café, an atrium, a theater, a library, workshop, and offices. A driving concern throughout my process was to ensure harmony with the natural surroundings and environment. I wanted to create a structure that not only avoids detrimental impact on the natural beauty but also aligns with sustainable design principles. I introduced two rammed earth walls that soar 30 feet in height and span an impressive 95 feet across the center of the building. These walls were thoughtfully positioned to leverage passive solar techniques, capitalizing on the sun's warmth during daylight hours and by positioning the structure to face the east. The captured heat is gradually released into the building, functioning as a natural form of insulation. I designed my structure in Rhino 3D software and completed a physical model out of frosted acrylic, using a laser cutter printer.