Calhoon Compositions
Fluid Crevices
Chicago, Illinois
Creating a dynamic workplace which meets the needs of various working styles while incorporating architectural acoustic elements to enhance people’s experiences in the spaces is this project’s goal. Research informed how office typologies have evolved through time to enhance group engagement and productivity. The book Acoustic Ornament by Zackery Belanger asserts that architecture can be built to intentionally define acoustics. In this project, acoustical noise control has been aesthetically disguised through visually pleasing architectural design elements.
The fluidity of architectural elements in the office and recording studio space is central to this project.
This space includes private offices, open work desks, and open collaborative spaces for musicians and artists to learn, practice and grow in their talents.
Plaster models were created to inspire the space. The models were developed by stitching individual knots into pieces of fabric. These knots would vary their placement between each other and their individual knot tightness. When plaster formed in this fabric mold, it filled the gaps between the knots and created an undulated surface. This creates a series of pinch points along the mold that are connected by intricate crevices.
The three smock patterns showcase the varying levels of grooves and depths that directly correspond to the acoustic quality of the spaces.
Pattern 01 has the greatest density and sound absorption quality and thus is placed in recording studios, offices, and conference room spaces.
Pattern 02 having a moderate texture, is placed in Level 3 having main access to E North Water Street.
Pattern 03 has the least amount of texture which is placed in the collaborative and auditorium spaces.
Record Library
The buildings’ structure is informed by the plaster study model.
This is specifically seen in how light passes through the crevice of the model and how it is mimicked in the glass atrium between the two halves of the structure. The windows are formed to speak a flowing language between the floors that resembles the grooves of the study model.
Atrium Space
Throughout the day, sunlight shines in the atrium and intriguing shadows are cast.
Music Lounge Collaborative Space
Section Part Model / Physical
Office (top floor) + Classroom (bottom floor) / Physical Model: Record Library
