FINAL
PROJECT
Case Study Paul L Cejas School of Architecture
Content Research, Renovation Solutions, Program
Designers Alexandra Fernandez, Andrea Moreno, Desiree Vazques
“This extraordinary building will
be a landmark on our campus,
it’s imaginative, it’s unique and will attract
visitors to the university and Miami-Dade County”.
-Modesto Maidique
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1 COVER PAGE
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1 - RESEARCH
9 PROJECT DETAIL
overview, objectives and methods
needed resources and deliverables
3 BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
background information
areas of study
5 USER IDENTIFICATION
6 SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
statement of problems
statement of successes
solutions and goals
12 RESOURCES AND
PART 2 - RENOVATION SOLUTIONS
20 RENOVATIONS
level 1
level 2
level 3
PART 3 - PROGRAM
13 PROGRAM SHEETS
gallery room 140
pin-up room 241
multi-purpose room 240
pin up room 341
17 PROGRAM SPECIFICATIONS
REFERENCES
23 RESEARCH REFERENCES
24 FIGURE REFERENCES
2
Background Information
Areas of study
RESEARCH / BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
Building Information
Building name
Designed by
Project Architect
Design group
Location
Year designed
Year completed
Size
Client
Total cost
Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture Building
Bernard Tschumi Architects and BEA International
Anne Save de Beaurecueil
Over 30 architects, 10 engineers, 1 landscape
architect and a couple construction managers
11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL, 33199
2000
2003
102,000 square-ft
FIU School of Architecture
$16,000,000.00
Brief Synopsis
Not only was the design selected from a competition, but some of the participating designers are affiliated with or part of FIU faculty and
staff. The new building had to create an identity and act as a generator, activating spaces as well as defining them (Santana).
The Paul Cejas School of Architecture building is compromised of 5 individual buildings interconnected by walkways and bridges which
displays the idea of flowing energy. The complex has two linear pre-cast concrete wings, which are intended to evoke a feeling of
sobriety. They border an event-oriented courtyard that is activated by exuberantly colored polygonal generators that are clad in bright
yellow, orange and red tiles (Santana). The generator on the west side of the complex contains a lecture hall, while the east side
generator, which is awaiting the renovation plans, encloses an art gallery(140), reading room(240), and review/crit rooms (241,341).
3
Background Information
Areas of study
RESEARCH / BUILDING IDENTIFICATION
Areas of Study
The exuberant generator that encompasses the gallery, multipurpose room and 2 critique rooms, is currently under study and
being funded for renovation. It has three levels, and is clad in bright
yellow and light orange tiles. The west façade of each room has a
glass wall that extends from floor to ceiling. The west , north and
south sides have irregular angles and rectangular glass windows.
The spaces for possible renovations that we will be focusing on are:
1) GALLERY / Room 140
• large 2 story room
• located on the first floor
• displays student work produced throughout the school semesters
• occasionally holds meetings and exhibitions
• visitors, prospective students and guests of students take tours
throughout this space
2) MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM / Room 341
• entrance is located on the second floor
• interior space extends to the third level
• complex space
• serves multiple functions
• holds meetings, exhibitions, project presentations and “pin-ups”
• some classes are even held in this space due to size and lighting.
• numerous types of occupants
3) CRITIQUE ROOMS / Room 240 & 340
• “pin-up rooms”
• where students display their semester work per project
• work is evaluated by their teachers or third-party panel
• students conduct presentations and await criticism from the panel
• when pin-ups are not in progress, students use these rooms to do work
• individuals use these rooms to minimize interruption
• groups use them to work on group projects in isolation
4
Users
Occupants that use these spaces are common amongst all three
spaces, what varies is the amounts and the time of day. Amount of
occupants change because of the function and/or size of the room,
while the time of day effects the use of the room due to natural
restrictions (e.g. amount of accumulated) heat or typical schedule
use of that room per day (e.g. busy during studio there may be a pinup going on, or A/C is shut off).
RESEARCH / USER IDENTIFICATION
1) GALLERY / Room 140
• used the least amount of times per day
• It has occupants that come in to view the work and immediately leave
• prospective students along with their families that are participating in a tour
• administrative personnel that serve as tour guides
• students viewing work on display (whether its their work or a classmates)
•any guests of the students as well as outside visitors
• teachers viewing student’s work
• faculty members
2) MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM / Room 341
• this space is used many time throughout the day
• teachers conducting classes
• students using the room for meetings or group work
• stakeholder meetings
• faculty and administrative personnel holding meetings and gatherings
• student organization members
• any other affiliates having presentations or exhibitions
3) CRITIQUE ROOMS / Room 240 & 340
• are used by a couple occupants at many times throughout the day
• students doing their own personal work
• groups of students participating in group work
• teachers and classes for critique and evaluation sessions
• critique panel may also include other students, faculty and members from
other schools
5
Statement of problems
Statement of successes
RESEARCH / SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Statement of Problems
These three spaces that are considered for renovation pose a
number of issues, generally stated as follows:
1) LIGHTING ISSUES/ artificial & natural
• track lighting is uniformly placed as opposed to by area of importance or use
• drop down fluorescent lighting is suspended very high from floor
• the morning light that comes into east façade of the reading room is very strong
and causes a glare, and tends to hurt occupants’ eyes
• during sunset, the sunlight shining through the west side facades of all 4 spaces
(mainly the crit rooms) is “unbearable” creating an extremely uncomfortable
atmosphere.
2) TEMPERATURE ISSUES/ HVAC
• natural light shining through the glass panes creates a change in temperature
• HVAC system is also erratic; sometimes it may be excessively cold or hot
• HVAC system is also very loud, and creates a loud or constant noise that causes
difficulty when listening to presentations
•“At times during the day, it sounds like equipment is banging, or objects are being
thrown.”(Rivero)
• the AC vent of the 2nd floor crit room is parallel to the reading room vent (its as if it
were a shared vent)which allows you to hear what is going on in the reading room
3) ACOUSTICS
• the HVAC system is the main complaint of occupants when it comes to ultimate
hearing capabilities, because it produces a loud noise that becomes a distraction
• the materiality of the floors and walls creates problems with acoustics
• the concrete floors in the gallery and crit rooms are concrete and exemplify the
sound of footsteps and shuffling chairs
• the majority of complaints accompanied echo problems belong to the reading
room, which become an annoyance during presentations (DeLeon)
6
Statement of problems
Statement of successes
RESEARCH / SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
4) OCCUPANT EMOTION & DISPOSITION
• occupants have complained that these rooms are very stoic and cold
• due to material and color choices
• the feeling the majority of students experience in these rooms(mainly the reading
room) is said to be “weird”, and even “unemotional” or “empty”(DeLeon, Diaz,
Rivero, Nawrocki)
• causes crits and pin-ups to feel longer and maybe less interesting
5) VIEW OR DIRECTION
• the focus in the reading room is said to be “lost”
• students have uncertainty when entering the room
• during presentations, occupants are confused as where to start
• an order of presentations does not exist
• furniture seems to be scattered
• the irregular wall angles also contribute to a messy, incohesive look
• the gallery also seems to be messy, the space planning is not optimized here either
6) PIN-UP WALLS / DISPLAY BOARD
• All spaces are lacking sufficient pin-up or display area
• material is old, becoming ruined
• rooms need spaces to display models
7) FURNITURE
• furniture can be changed to optimize the experience in these spaces
• smarter designs or furniture pieces that are multi functional
7
Statement of problems
Statement of successes
RESEARCH / SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION
Statement of Successes
As well as having issues, these spaces have successes or key
building features that are conclusive to the architects design intent.
These may be architectural features or positive use of natural
elements.
1) LIGHTING
• ample amount of existing artificial lighting in critique rooms and reading room
• track lighting is close to the perimeter pin-up walls in the critique rooms
• the morning light that comes into the spaces from the east façade is plentiful
• as well as the light shining through the west facades during sunset.
• gallery has clerestory windows
• large size and amount of windows
2) TEMPERATURE
• if heat from over exposure to sunlight is not accounted for, the A/C in each of the
rooms is at a decent temperature
• when its not compensating in making up for the heat gain, or under performing
3) ACOUSTICS
• the carpeting of the floors lessens acoustic problems in the reading room
• as well as the non-linear walls
• the installation of material of the pin-up walls allows an absorption of sound
• the open plenums of all three rooms also help with sound reduction.
4) OCCUPANT EMOTION & DISPOSITION
• the dynamism of the reading room is evident and can be exemplified, as well as
the gallery
5) VIEW OR DIRECTION
• the size of the gallery may allow a great flow of direction if added panels or walls
• the walls of the reading room may allow different areas of focus,
6) PIN-UP SPACE/DISPLAY
• gallery has a great amount of wall space that can be utilized
• existing pin up panels are a good size
8
Overview
Objective
Needed Resources
Deliverables
RESEARCH / PROJECT DETAIL
Methods
Overview
FIU School of Architecture has been awarded a grant to improve these specific interior spaces of the PCA complex. As
previously stated, these interior spaces are integrated into one of the two exuberant “generators” that possess a unique
identity and role within the PCA complex. The grant should be enough to cover furnishings, finishes and architectural
enhancements that will intensify the value of these spaces and attempt to solve certain inefficiencies. Our job as
designers will be to develop a sustainable and smart design that could be incorporated into these spaces, while
maintaining the integrity of the initial building structure and design intent.
Objectives and Methods
1) Building issues are to be experienced, to gain a better understanding of the resulting complications and how they affect the different
types of users. Since these rooms are open and available, personal time should be spent in the over the next weeks to gain personal
experience.
2) Research is to be conducted through interviews, for all types of users in these spaces, as well as designers of the building.
3) Furniture and substitute materials and their effects should be also researched.
4) Construction drawings would be ideal in analyzing the space and the opportunities to change it.
5) Building System components learned along the course should be identified: (Bingelli)
a) Structural: floors, ceilings, walls, doors, windows, staircases(elevators)
b) Thermal Comfort: HVAC, system components (vents, fans, ducts) Heat transfer, temperature qualities/irregularities
c) Acoustics: materials, absorption, noise reduction, sound transmission, open plenum, white noise, AC buffering
d) Lighting: maximizing or minimizing, glare issues, windows, light fixtures, light placement
e) Indoor Air Quality: All systems should be tested or under some sort surveillance so problems can be identified.
9
Overview
Objective
Methods
Needed Resources
Deliverables
RESEARCH / PROJECT DETAIL
Available Resources
• Rooms are public and open for viewing at any time
• Student users of the building can be found at any time and questioned about personal experience and views
• Administrative users can be questioned as well, can be found during the day in the offices
• Photos can be taken of spaces for further study
• Research of materials, products and furnishings is available
• We have the list of companies that produced or shipped the existing architectural elements, can always call and question for
further advice, product info and request
• Companies are available daily for questioning about products and furniture
Needed Resources
• Architectural floor plans and sections should be acquired for study and possible changes
• Contact with stakeholders will be necessary for design choices
• Budget needs to be acquired after selection of products
Deliverables
• PROJECT OVERVIEW
Discussing project guidelines, design intent and ideas for solutions. Turned in as power point presentation or pdf.
•PROJECT RESEARCH
Research should be conducted on all solutions including materials, acoustics, lighting, furniture, partitions, products, window
treatments. Research on costs and quantities of all materials, products, finishes and changes turned in as a power point presentation
• BUDGET AND TIMELINE
Estimated timeline of work that will be produced, and turned in as a 8.5”x11”word document.
•SELECTED MATERIALS
Final choices of materials, presented on a materials board, about 24”x36”, or multiples of 11”x17”.
• ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS
Floor plans, RCPs and FF&Es with added renovations and elevations showing renovations, produced in Autocad or altered originals
and turned in as a set of 8.5”x11” drawings.
10
RESEARCH / SOLUTIONS AND GOALS
1) LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
• Adding an opaque film to west facing glass facades
• Movable shades or blinds that will allow occupants to control amount of light
• Direction/angles of reading room windows can be altered to maximize light reflectance and direction
• Material added to window panes to saturate light
• Use of clerestory windows
• Track lighting and suspended down lights can be lowered and more direct
2) TEMPERATURE SOLUTIONS
• Vents could be added or direction and placement can be altered
• Heat transfer should be reduced
• Materials chosen wisely to help gain heat or lose heat depending on place
• Create a comfortable space for users that will be there for hours at a time
• West side sun should be taken into account
11
RESEARCH / SOLUTIONS AND GOALS
3) ACOUSTICS
• Materials should be suited to help sound absorption, especially floor material
• There should be a reduced echo effect
• Muffle AC sound if possible
• Open plenum should be kept for sound purposes, disperses sound better
• Parallel/shared vents should be changed so sound doesn’t transfer between adjacent rooms
4) OCCUPANT EMOTION AND DISPLAY
• Space should guarantee a positive experience
• Especially in the reading room that holds presentations with other professionals and prospective students
• Materials or color scheme should be inviting and harmonious
12
RESEARCH / SOLUTIONS AND GOALS
5) VIEW OR DIRECTION
• Room set-up should also fulfill class and presentation needs
• Way around room/circulation should create an easy flow
• Focus should ensure no distractions or confusion
6) PIN-UP SPACE / DISPLAY
• Pin-up walls should satisfy class needs to ensure easy going presentations
• Mobile or freestanding partitions should be added
• Material should be durable, long-lasting
• Pin-up space should be maximized
13
RESEARCH / SOLUTIONS AND GOALS
7) FURNITURE
•Furniture should suit occupant’s needs
• Swivel chairs should be introduced to help rotating/changing focus
• All furniture should be somewhat light-weight and easier to move around an easy flow
• All materials and products should be sustainable
14
PROGRAM / GALLERY / ROOM 140
POSSIBLE RENOVATIONS – ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS, FURNISHES AND FINISHES
GALLERY
The gallery was created as a space where students could showcase their work. The main entrance is on the
first floor on the east side of the building facing the courtyard. It was designed and should remain as an open
space where 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional displays could be reconfigurable and placed to the student or
faculty member’s liking.
Area Name
FF&E
Quantity
Minimum
Dimensions
WxDxH
Gallery Room 140
Double Doors
1
32” x 4” x 84”
Pin Up Panels
Adequate to cover
interior walls
44” x 72” (W x H)
Model Display
25
24” x 8” x 30”
Acoustical Panels
Notes
Hurricane Resistant
Glass that meet code
standards.
Self Healing
Magnetic Fabric
Attached to wall
White, easily
removable and
stackable.
Wall Acoustical
Paneling
15
PROGRAM / PIN-UP ROOM / ROOM 241
POSSIBLE RENOVATIONS – ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS, FURNISHES AND FINISHES
PIN-UP ROOM (CRITIQUE ROOM)
It is located on the second floor on the south side of the studio building. Room 241 was created as a pin-up room
for student critiques and as a meeting place for studio classes. These rooms should come equipped with an area
for projection, sufficient seating and sufficient desk space. The furniture should be reconfigurable and comfortable
in the case of long presentations. In addition, the surrounding walls in the room must be available for showcasing
the students work. That is the walls should look clean and be made of a material that can be easily punctured.
Area Name
FF&E
Quantity
Pin- Up Room 241
Window Treatments
4
Chairs
12
Pin Up Material
Adequate to cover
interior walls
Desk Space
Acoustical Panels
Minimum
Dimensions
WxDxH
SIZED TO FIT
APPROPRIATE
WINDOW
16” X 20” X 32”
Notes
Placed on WIndows
Comfortable/ Durable
44” x 72” (W x H)
Self Healing and Clean
(preferably white)
12 Linear Ft
Durable
Sufficient for space
16
PROGRAM / MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM (READING ROOM) / ROOM 340
POSSIBLE RENOVATIONS – ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS, FURNISHES AND FINISHES
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM (READING ROOM)
It is located on the third floor of the building. Room 340 was created as a room was people would read and study
in the space. The Room is currently used as a general room was class’s presentations and critics are healed. These
rooms should come equipped with an area for projection, sufficient seating and sufficient desk space, as well as a
partition wall that will provide space were projects can be displayed. The furniture should be reconfigurable and
comfortable in the case of long presentations. In addition, the room should also be equipped to hold presentation
without having glare problems or lighting issues.
Area Name
FF&E
Quantity
Reading Room. 340
Window Treatments
10
Chairs
25
Pin Up Material
Adequate to cover
interior walls
Desk Space
Acoustical Panels
Minimum
Dimensions
WxDxH
Notes
SIZED TO FIT
APPROPRIATE
WINDOW
16” X 20” X 32”
Placed on Windows, to
control light in and
glare.
Comfortable/ Durable
36” x 72” (W x H)
Self Healing and Clean
(preferably white) This
should accommodate
half wall, and adjacent
areas.
Durable
12 Linear Ft
Sufficient for space
17
PROGRAM / PIN-UP ROOM / ROOM 341
POSSIBLE RENOVATIONS – ARCHITECTURAL ENHANCEMENTS, FURNISHES AND FINISHES
PIN-UP ROOM (CRITIC ROOM)
It is located on the third/fourth floor on the south side of the studio building. Room 341 was created as a pin-up
room for student critiques and as a meeting place for studio classes. These rooms should come equipped with an
area for projection, sufficient seating and sufficient desk space. The furniture should be reconfigurable and
comfortable in the case of long presentations. In addition, the surrounding walls in the room must be available for
showcasing the students work. That is the walls should look clean and be made of a material that can be easily
punctured.
Minimum
Dimensions
WxDxH
Area Name
FF&E
Quantity
Pin- Up Rm. 341
Window Treatments
4
Chairs
12
16” X 20” X 32”
Comfortable/ Durable
Pin Up Material
Adequate to cover
interior walls
44” x 72” (W x H)
Self Healing and Clean
(preferably white)
Desk Space
2
12 Linear Feet
Durable
Acoustical Panels
Notes
Placed on Windows
Sufficient for space
18
PROGRAM / SPECIFICATIONS
1) SHADES (Interior Retractable Shades-Duo Shades)
-Polar Shades
-Dual Shades allow for light percentage values of 1- 10% openness
while saving on energy cost. They are mechanical as well so they be
can operated with the push of a button or by sun sensor.
-can fit in any opening from 30 inches to 20 feet and are custom
made to fit the appropriate windows
-cost varies as does size
FIGURE 3
2) PIN UP BOARDS
-Quartet® Prestige Plus® Diamond Mesh Fabric Bulletin Board
-Highly durable, densely woven magnetic diamond-mesh bulletin
board backed by high-density fiberboard effortlessly secures
documents with push pins or magnets.
-6' x 4‘
FIGURE 4
-$425.95 per unit
3) PROJECTION SCREEN
-Black matte, baked enamel casing features powder coated end
caps and a flat back design for simple wall mount or stable ceiling
suspension. It is easy to install and although hardware is not
included in price it can be easily mounted to any wall or ceiling
-96” x 96”
-$487.95
FIGURE 5
19
PROGRAM / SPECIFICATIONS
TABLES, CHAIRS, DISPLAY STANDS/ TRESTLES
- This furniture proposes various complementary typologies
of seats, and heights of work-top. In this particular case for
the students of the new building of the school of Arts and
design of Saint-étienne in the Cité du design; but it could be
imagined in lots of design studios or actually in every studio
looking for office furniture as modular as possible.
(http://www.dezeen.com/2009/11/07/saint-etienne-bysophie-franc%CC%A7on-and-franc%CC%A7ois-mangeol/)
-
6’ x 7.5’
3’x 6.6’
2.5’
3.3’
FIGURE 7
3.3’
1.5’
3.5’
FIGURE 8
3.5’
1.5’
2.3’
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10
20
PROGRAM / SPECIFICATIONS
7) GALLERY BENCH
- The Return Bench from Gus* Modern is rugged yet simple
making it perfect for a clean modern interior design. The
illusion of a solid beam floating in mid air accentuates the
smooth, hand-applied finish of the light Zebrano wood
veneers over a solid wood construction.
- 60"L x 16"W x 18"H
-$722.50
8) CARPET
FIGURE 11
-Jumbo Tiles are the perfect solution for medium to larger size
spaces. These tiles are the heaviest industrial grade
available. They wear like Iron in the highest traffic conditions.
-Manufactured in 1 meter size (39.0" x 39.0") = 10.56 sq/ft each,
they install quickly and easily.
-$9.99 per tile
-Company: icarpettiles
-Color: 175122
-Style: block weave
FIGURE 12
21
PROGRAM / LEVEL ONE
Gallery Bench
Projector
Model Display Stand
Projector Screen
Duo Shade
22
PROGRAM / LEVEL TWO
Shades
Reconfigurable Table
Stackable Chairs
Display Stands
Stackable Chairs
23
PROGRAM / LEVEL THREE
Same Window
Treatments Apply
Same Furniture Applies
24
RESEARCH / REFERENCES
REFERENCES
Werne, J. (2004, March). Build it, and they will come!. Hispanic Magazine, 1-3. Retrieved from
http://www.hispaniconline.com/magazine/2004/march/Features/fiu.html.
Penton Inc. Florida International University, Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture and Building. American
School & University Magazine, 1. Retrieved from http://schooldesigns.com/ProjectDetails.aspx?Project_ ID=1679.
McGraw-Hill Company. Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture Building. Architectural Record, 1. Retrieved
from http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/archives/0310school.asp.
Santana-Bravo, M. FIU presents the Paul L. Cejas School of Architecture Building, 2-5.
Retrieved from http://www2.fiu.edu/~soa/cejas/architecture.html.
Binggeli, C. (2010). Building Systems for Interior Designers. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Rivero, Carmen. Architecture student, Graduate Design 1.
DeLeon, Mauricio. Architecture student, Graduate Design 1.
Nawrocki, Zak. Architecture student, Graduate Design 1.
Diaz, Andres. Architecture student, Graduate Design 1.
25
RENOVATIONS / FIGURES AND REFERENCES
FIGURES AND REFERENCES
FIGURE 1 - Werne, J. (2004, March). Build it, and they will come!. Hispanic Magazine, 1-3. Retrieved from
http://www.hispaniconline.com/magazine/2004/march/Features/fiu.html.
FIGURE 2- http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=17219&minisite=10022http://www.leviton.com/OA_
HTML/ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=17219&minisite=10022
FIGURE 3- http://www.polarshade.com/photo_gal.html
FIGURE 4- http://www.acco.com/productdetail.aspx?s=0&pid=B443A#
FIGURE 5- http://www.ergoindemand.com/manual-pull-down-projection-screen-96-x-96-wall-or-ceiling-mounted.html
FIGURE 6-10 - http://www.modecodesign.com/search/modular+school+furniture+sophie+franc
FIGURE 11- http://www.furniturestoreblog.com/2009/01/11/the_industrial_styled_return_bench_from_gus_modern.html
26