GSA Showcase 2021

After conducting the site visits, I realised that what I am going to design not only benefits the people who can pop-by every now and then, but I am designing for inclusivity too. As I was conducting the site visits, I realised that some migrant workers or deliverymen who tuck at this corner to rest on the steps and they are not seen at the huge stairways in front of ION. As this space is more tucked aside, they probably wants a hideout from the crowds as they might not feel like they belong there. Hence, it made me want the space to cater to them as a form of acceptance, rather than exclusivity.

Playing with different wall heights allows me to alter the amount of privacy for the people too. I have to consider how would people want to feel in the space and since it is for resting, minimal amount of distractions should be made and felt in the space. Also allows me to control the lighting in the space as I wanted to have less lightings in the space so that people could immerse themselves by engaging other senses in the low-lit space. With the different wall heights of 2400mm, 2150mm and 1650mm, I take in considerations on how people could maneuver around in the space at ease. As having gaps beneath, people can easily see through the space and would know that if it is occupied. Gap above is to allow the existing site condition like light, air and sound to be incorporated into the space with moderations.

As wayfinding in a low-lit space is important, different floor textures are incorporated into the design to assist people with their movements. Wide to narrow spaces are there to allow people to focus on the path and wonder but eventually entering a narrow space to focus on the area itself.

The layout of the designed space has three levels on the existing stairway. It goes from Public for the resting space to Semi-private for the Tea space then Private for the meditation space. As the sound would affect the meditation space, I placed it on the 3rd level so it could be slightly away from the noises and also with the designed surfaces, it would help block the noises away. Also, the tea and resting space are for people who want short period of rest time so it is more accessible in the sense where it would be at the ground floor and halfway through the landing of the stairs.

Warm lighting is chosen for the space as it is less harsh than white light and it provides a cozier and calmer setting and environment especially for the people who is trying to escape from the jarring white lights around in the city to the designed space. The space would be lowly lit with lights running under the walls. The light also provides the people to maneveur in the space easily too, even though it is to reactivate their other senses, but with their vision being taken away completely would not evoke the same emotions for relaxation.

A meditation space for users to relax in the space. The space is designed for the users who wants more alone time and longer breaks and they can head up to level 3 to settle down for relaxation. The bamboo plant that accompanied the space from the exterior provides a sense of privacy for the users too.

A space for the users to have some tea and unwind in the any time of the day. The space is designed to cater for users who wants short breaks and could just finish their tea and leave the space immediately.

A meditation space for users to relax in the space. The space is designed for the users who wants more alone time and longer breaks and they can head up to level 3 to settle down for relaxation. The bamboo plant that accompanied the space from the exterior provides a sense of privacy for the users too.