Adaptive Reuse

This project was an exercise in developing eloquent, informative, clear construction documents. The design itself is an adaptive reuse project of an existing laundry facility. The building was repurposed as a center for the cinematic arts, and as such a building with a double height theatre space was developed. The structural system is made of concrete, which feels natural with the existing building being concrete as well. The building contains approximately 15,000 sf of interior space which could be characterized as industrial loft with an 18-foot-high ceiling. The building is divided along its width by 3 column bays and along its length by 14 such bays with no interior bearing walls. The center is to be open to the public and is intended as a place for fans, the curious, the enthusiast and the scholar. To fulfill this intention the center includes the following areas: library and archives; exhibition space for both permanent and traveling exhibits; a gift shop with books, CDs, scripts; a large screening room for film and digital projection and 5 smaller viewing rooms; a gallery for motion picture art, graphics and memorabilia; administrative spaces; meeting/conference/seminar rooms and support areas (toilet rooms, mechanical areas, storage spaces, catering kitchen). In order to offset costs, the operators plan to make the facility available as a unique event venue.