Midterm Review - Axon & Review Summary

AXON - FACING NORTHWESTClick image for a larger view
This is probably the most "telling" image expressing what I'd like to do with the site.

The ~40' x ~90' courtyard space extends North-South to bring in as much southern light as possible. The units on the south are ~15' x ~30' live-work townhouses. The eastern-most live-work townhouse is 2-stories to allow more light to enter the courtyard while the other three are three stories.

The near (east) row of buildings facing the street are ~15' x ~40' commercial at the ground with ~15' x ~30' studio apartments above. The upper two floors are two-story lofts (also with a ~15 x ~30' floorplate).

It was suggested, during my midterm review, that a "rentable" space be provided for visiting relatives. I feel that a studio unit or two could be reserved for this type of use.

It was also suggested that the idea of preserving Zoo Tavern be abandoned as employees and customers are not likely to return after a year of demoliton and construction. While I agree that this would likely be the case I do feel that a commercial space can be designed to accommodate a new Zoo Tavern or similar business. The other commercial spaces will be equipped to house, ideally, small retail stores, groceries, and/or eateries.

Midterm Review - Floorplate Diagrams

Getting it all to fit together has been something of a challenge. I'm attempting to work in 15x30' modules but a 15 foot wide stuio with a 3' set of stairs leaves only about 10' of wall-to-wall space once utilities and wall thicknesses are accounted for. I may have to expand a bit to 16 or 18 foot units. This will diminish the density a bit but as long as I am over 40/acre I'll be happy.

The site is about 102' by 120'. Current unit count of 23 unites on 12,240 sf (or 80 units per acre) is certainly quite dense.

It might be beneficial to separate the units to allow air/light to pay between but the party-walls certainly make things more affordable in both construction and maintenance. (not to mention the heating/cooling benefits).

Midterm Review - Massing Model

The site is on the NW corner of Eastlake and Lynn in Seattle on the site of the Eastlake Zoo Tavern. This model shows my concept model at the center facing Northeast. The freeway is aproximately two blocks up the hill to the east and Lake Union is downhill three blocks to the west. The shadows are currently set for 5pm on October 20th.

Key elements of this model are the buildings to the north and south of the Eastlake Zoo. The northern building runs flush to the property line providing a 40' wall to the north. The southern building, across Lynn, is a new 40' condominium building called the Eastlake Lofts. (Unfortunately... it looks like that name is already taken...)