INDUSTRY:

MIXED-USE

YEAR:

SPRING 2024

LOCATION:

225 BOULEVARD OF THE ALLIES,

PITTSBURGH, PA 15222

Senior Capstone

the brief - adaptive reuse.

According to the Census Bureau, over 15.1 million buildings across the nation were vacant in 2022 - roughly 1 in every 10 units. How can we bring life back to these empty spaces? For my senior capstone project, I proposed an adaptive reuse plan for a vacant four-story building in the Pittsburgh area. The concept envisions a dynamic mixed-use space, where the lower floors are designed for public engagement, while the upper floors provide more private, tranquil environments. The design will prioritize modularity and adaptability, ensuring that the building remains flexible and functional, preventing it from ever becoming vacant again.

built for entrepreneurs.

The building is designed to be accessible to all, with a focus on serving as a dynamic co-working space for young entrepreneurs. The first floor is fully equipped with everything needed to foster creativity and collaboration. On the far left, three small concept kitchens are available for rent by aspiring chefs looking to build their culinary ventures before opening their own restaurants. To the right, a café by day and bar by night that offers a space for socializing, complete with window access for quick mobile order pickups from the outside. Adjacent to this, a gallery space that showcases emerging works from local artists. Both the café and gallery feature modular doors that can be opened and closed as needed, creating the perfect setting for art and wine nights.

Given that the building only features windows on one facade, it was a challenge to ensure the spaces at the back of the building received sufficient natural light. To address this, an open-to-below atrium gradually expands as you move up each floor, strategically designed to maximize natural light from the rooftop skylight. In addition to the skylight above the floor-to-roof rock climbing wall, this ensures that sunlight reaches every floor and fills the space with warmth and energy.

an effortless commute.

The second floor features an open-plan co-working space, ideal for those who thrive on collaboration and exchanging ideas, while the third floor offers a quieter work zone for individuals who prefer working alone. On either side of the third-floor work zone, you'll find small apartments designed for entrepreneurs fully dedicated to their startups, offering the convenience of living close to their workspace. The top floor houses larger apartments, perfect for those who wish to share a space, with the added benefit of being quieter than the level below. Each apartment is designed with a minimalist approach though, encouraging residents to step out of their rooms and engage with the dynamic workspaces on the lower floors.


Curious about what sparked the design? Check out the inspiration board here.

https://www.pinterest.com/sosapgh/coworking-space-capstone/

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