Renovation and Expansion of Wannan Gym at Sidwell Friends School - 2014 National High School Architecture Competition - Nikhil Chaudhuri
Link to higher resolution: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B25ZXLd6hQpYc0NSOFNtM0hkMjA/edit?usp=sharing ---------------------------------------------------------
The image above, left shows the symbol of the building - the eye. As you can see in some of the other images (see bottom right), the components of the eye shape are extrapolated laterally, but when viewed correctly, they come together as one form. I designed the structure with the idea of this changing effect in mind, and as you will see in some of the other tiles, I find architecture that changes from different views to be entertaining and exciting because you are giving the wanderer new and interesting experiences. The image on the left also illustrates the many windows on the north facade and the triangular shapes that divide the space and represent, architecturally, the physical decline in altitude from the upper school to the middle school. The top right image gives a good birds-eye view of the structure. As you can see, the structure is very transparent and really conforms to the site.
This Step
Comments
The building's prominent massing makes it a center of the campus; it certainly draws attention to the activities, a very intriguing and powerful design!
Thank you!
Your final design reflects the rigor and intensity with which you approached the project. It is evident throughout your presentation here (across all of the process pages from start to finish) that you feel very passionately about solving the real problems the faculty and your fellow students have with the existing gymnasium. You also clearly demonstrate a high-functioning ability to think and design in three dimensions (a rare trait, believe it or not), expressing your design intent throughout the development of the building across all axis through a strong parti.
I enjoyed walking through your careful steps of discovery and programming, through the "a-hah" idea of the eye of the storm, and then the very playful execution within the strict geometry you derived from the site.
My biggest criticism would be the slender design of the building frame you've intended to be made of concrete. Without reading the descriptions, I would have guessed it to be made of steel - but that does absolutely nothing to detract from the WOW. Excellent job.
Thank you Christopher! I loved your project. The design is very creative and the renderings are fantastic!
Hi Ms. Hardy,
Thank you very much for all of your feedback, especially your feedback concerning the material of the building frame! I really appreciate it.
Thanks,
Nikhil