Inserted Void copy

Inserted Void

Spring, 2023
New Orleans, LA
3rd Year Integrated Studio
Cynthia Dubberley

Program: Hostel

Inserted Void aims to maximize natural light by inserting a large funnel oriented toward the sun through the center. The idea comes from rarities in the New Orleans grid that create grids inside of grids, which are translated into the concept of a thing within a thing. Elements of the hostel also follow this same general concept, with each room having a disconnected lid that also assists with maximizing natural light. Following through the center of the project is a monumental staircase that weaves through the funnel to the fourth floor. On the project’s North side is a second funnel that voids out a balcony and creates a spatial relationship between the two objects on the interior. Beneath this balcony is a small courtyard with small rain gardens to utilize collected water.

Concept & Design

Optimized for New Orleans sun exposure, the funnel situates itself in the center of the building.

Combined with a stair case that intersects the funnel, unique sptatial conditions are created with the adjacent wall which is from a site-sized funnel shape.

But a wandering passer-by cannot see what the building has inside...

Process

Situated between two buildngs and two major roadways, the project quickly became an internally situated object. With each room needing natural light, it was essential to include as much light as possible in the project, resulting in the creatio of the funnel.

Progression from this was the evolution of how the rooms and interior things interacted with the void situated around the center of each floor. The original concept included voids in the void that were eventually scrapped.

The final form was altered slightly to have a circular void on the edge rather than a rectangular one, still in conversation with the funnel. Materials were also selected and were examined in person.

Technicals

HVAC and MEP were considered for this project.

Drawings