Designing Public and Commercial Spaces for Community Impact
We approach public and commercial architecture as a way to engage with the city. Our goal is to create landmarks that serve the community and stand the test of time through thoughtful, context-driven design.
A film showcasing the 'Figured Ground' University Sports Arena, a project that sinks into the campus landscape while presenting a bold face to the city. The design uses the site's natural gradient to integrate a large-volume structure harmoniously with its surroundings.
The tiered seating inside the 'Figured Ground' sports arena, with vibrant green and orange seats creating a lively pattern against the concrete steps. The exposed steel truss roof structure spans the entire hall, allowing for an unobstructed view of the court.
The tiered seating inside the 'Figured Ground' sports arena, with vibrant green and orange seats creating a lively pattern against the concrete steps. The exposed steel truss roof structure spans the entire hall, allowing for an unobstructed view of the court.
Athletes in motion on the basketball court of the 'Figured Ground' arena. The expansive interior is designed to facilitate a variety of sports, with durable surfaces and excellent lighting creating a professional-grade athletic environment.
Athletes in motion on the basketball court of the 'Figured Ground' arena. The expansive interior is designed to facilitate a variety of sports, with durable surfaces and excellent lighting creating a professional-grade athletic environment.
A lone athlete stretches on the vast court of the sports arena, highlighting the scale of the space. The clerestory windows along the upper level allow diffused natural light to fill the hall, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
A lone athlete stretches on the vast court of the sports arena, highlighting the scale of the space. The clerestory windows along the upper level allow diffused natural light to fill the hall, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day.
This video captures the artistic and athletic spirit of the 'Figured Ground' project. It highlights the dynamic interaction between the human body and the architectural spaces we designed, from the vermilion-hued corridors to the expansive main court.
A bold, folded red metal form marks the entrance to the University Sports Center. This sculptural doorway creates a powerful sense of arrival and sets the tone for the dynamic and colorful interior spaces within.
Our 'Figured Ground' project was featured on ArchDaily, a testament to its innovative design. The publication highlights how the building merges with the landscape and uses its sectional shift to create a unique architectural statement.
About Public & Commercial Spaces: Shaping Community Experiences
When we approach large-scale projects like the 'Figured Ground' arena or the 'Hoverspace' office, our focus remains on creating a climatic buffer that allows the building to breathe. By using elements like expanded aluminum mesh or sectional shifts, we turn functional requirements into spaces where light and air actively participate in the user experience.
Designing for the public realm demands a different rhythm than a private home. Whether we are planning a university sports arena or an office extension, our goal is to create landmarks that respect their surroundings rather than imposing upon them.
Take our 'Figured Ground' university sports arena. Instead of placing a massive volume on the landscape, we used the site's natural gradient to sink the structure. This sectional shift allows the building to merge with the campus, while the vibrant vermilion interior creates a distinct identity. It is a lesson in how institutional architecture can serve the community by being both functional and physically integrated into the urban fabric.
In our 'Hoverspace' office project, we dealt with the challenge of creating a climate-responsive envelope. By wrapping the building in an expanded aluminum mesh, we created a buffer that filters harsh light while providing a semi-transparent view of the city. We celebrate the structure by highlighting the red steel trusses, keeping the office interior column-free, and creating a space that encourages collaboration.
Our process is grounded in:
- Contextual Concept Design: Developing narratives based on site geography and user movement.
- Climatic Responsiveness: Using natural ventilation and light-filtering materials to reduce energy needs.
- Human Scale: Prioritizing proportion and comfort even in large, open environments.
- Architectural Consultancy: Providing detailed Good For Construction (GFC) drawings and site supervision to ensure the design vision translates perfectly on-site.
We believe that even the largest commercial projects should feel personal, transparent, and built with intent.
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