Jordan Biniker
Site Plan. This image displays Abe’s Happy Place within the site. The entrance to AHP is located on its southern side. The contour lines indicate that AHP is placed in an undulating terrain that has been flattened to provide Abe with outdoor space that includes a small soccer field.
Floor Plan. There are three main spaces within AHP. To the right or east side of the entrance is a space for lounging that is oriented to the east. A skylight and window on the west side of this space provide indirect light while the large window on the east side provides a broad, outward looking view. Traveling through a small hall on the northern side of AHP, which includes a tall window facing north where one might pause to take in the view, leads to a small reading room in the northwest corner of AHP. This room is oriented to the north and west. Because of its small size, the room provides a more interior feeling while still allowing for expansive views. Lastly, in the southwest corner of AHP is a small room for meditation. The room is filled with natural light due to windows on three sides. It is oriented exclusively to the west and provides a view that includes foliage in the near distance. The room includes a built-in raised platform that shields and encompasses the user.
North Elevation. The undulating terrain is more easily seen in this view. The tall window in the north hall and the window in the reading room predominate this view as well.
North Section. The fenestration and the built-in furniture are highlighted in this view. In the lounging room, a built-in seating area is shown. In the meditating room, the C-shaped built-in furniture piece is shown. In both areas, indirect light is produced by placing the furniture pieces in front of windows. The user is then oriented towards unobstructed views, in this case, in opposite directions.
East Elevation. This view highlights the cantilever aspect of the overall design. This aspect of the design allows the user to utilize the space underneath the cantilevered portion, which in this case, is being utilized as an outdoor area for meditation. Also, most prominently, the large window in the lounging area is highlighted. Because of the window’s size, it provides a more outward-looking interior space.
East Section. The user is seen lounging in the built-in seating area. The window facing west is highlighted, and contrasted against the built-in seating area, one can envision how the area would be filled with ample indirect light. Also highlighted is the window in the reading room facing west.
This image showcases all the elements in one visual field. The overlapping color blocks in the background are meant to convey the boolean operation at the heart of the form. The large image of Abe meditating in the background is meant to convey the overall calm and relaxed atmosphere of AHP. And the other images, from Abe approaching AHP, to Abe stretching his arms out wide, relaxed and happy to be back at AHP, to Abe ripping a shot on goal out behind AHP, are meant to showcase a few of the ways in which Abe might use the space.