ARH 619: Design Studio 2

Instructor: David Kesler

Project Type: School

Location: San Francisco, CA.

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The graduate school of architecture is an expansion to the Academy of Art University in 5th street. Both buildings share a common lobby for students to be part of the architecture community.

The concept of the building is sapling. Sapling means a young tree. Students represent of a young tree which rely on knowledge and instructions by the mother tree. As a small tree needs light and air, the placements of studios at the 4th level of the building would provide bright environment for students. Trunk of tree corresponds to the building’s structure and canopy stand for volume of the building. Sapling is also mirrored in the circulations throughout the building. Building users maneuver inside the main corridor as they are in the woods. Roof level provides students a shading area to relax and enjoy fresh air in an open space.

The extension building accommodates 500 users. It contains new studies, classrooms and administrative spaces, as well as a new model shop located in the basement, a gallery, and a 200-seat auditorium.