Chollas Creative Arts & Cultural Information Center
- Shelley-Ann Jules-Plag
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Project Type: Residential
Status: Biomorphic/Biophilic Architectural Design Competition Entry
Architect: Shelley-Ann Jules-Plag
Size: 40,000 sq.ft.
The concept behind this design is The Organic Influences the Artificial. A building is not organic, but it houses organic inhabitants which by their mere function, circulation, diversity, and growth in the space almost require the building to be intuitive to the needs of the inhabitants, thus giving the building an organic requirement.
The community at Chollas Lake in San Diego requisitioned the design a design for a Creative Arts and Cultural Information Center for its diverse community. The building is to be sited at the Collas lake - a much loved park by the community because it is one of the only places where they can commune with nature within their urban setting. The park is filled with families during the day coming to experience the rejuvinatize properties of nature. With the desire to continue this interaction with nature for the community, Jules-Plag took a biomorphc/biophilic approach to the architecture.
After spending a lot of time at the park observing the interactions, the nature in the environment and many dialogues about the program required it was clear to Jules-Plag that the building should function like something in the existing environment. The concept focuses on a strong connection to the environment and the impact of the building on the human inhabitants. It also had to be iconic, to make a statement fo rthe area as we transition into the future. The program consisted of a 40,000 sq.ft. space that incorporates a Library; Exhibition Hall; Multi-media amphitheater; Art Work Studios; Craft Development spaces; Cafe and Kitchen; Meeting Room; Administrative and Support spaces and adequate parking for 500 patron events.
According to Jules-Plag, "this is the type of project that you wait your whole life to do". The performance-oriented approach to the design took on a skeletal structure of a snake. This structure allowed for the building to sit gently on the site. It also allowed for the structure increase and decrease volumes and heights where necessary to accommodate the program.
Structural draping of tesselations and glazing was inspired by the Milan Trade Fair, Milan; Nardini Exhibition Center & Auditorum, Vincenza, Italy; Eastgate Center, Harare, Zimbabwe and the joy and wonder in peoples places in Zeil Mall, Frankfurt, Germany. A major goal of the design is to make optimum use. of the views to the lake. This is achieved by creating a high vantage point and positioning the building on the south west corner of the site. Another goal is to create a sense of drama in the exhibition space through the development of an indoor/outdoor experience. The impact of shadow and light in the space is a major element of the experience in the space. Climatic conditions were a major consideration. Sustainability is atthe Ccore of Jules-Plag architecture. Consideration was given to the porosity of the skin to maximize the passive heating and cooling design elements of the design.
Another sustainability factor consideration is that San Diego has a limited water supply and although the planned landscaping will consist of the plants that are indigineous to the area design steps were taken to promote water collection and retention. The structural draping facilitated the Vitruvian tenants of function and delight. The skin drapes into a funel at the center staircase and when it rains it creates even more drama and delight. A visceral experience for the visitors.
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