Humanistic Design
"We believe that the environment should reflect the warmth and the unique quality of the human spirit. To the degree that man can accomplish this aim, so will he expand his total resources in our complex contemporary world.”
Robert Mosher
We create exceptional places for human activity. Within the context of the client’s vision, practical and functional needs we strive to create architecture that engages the mind, inspires, and excites the senses through the architecture’s design, aesthetic language and incorporation of nature. We share and engage our clients in the amazing joy of making architecture. And we tap into our extensive programing, planning, and technical expertise to deliver excellence and quality in projects that are functional, cost effective and beautiful.
Connections with People
1. Understanding organization/movement - Connectivity
- Whole Campus Approach
- Location on CampusEncourage Involvement
- Hierarchy of Building Prominence/ Image
- Consolidate Circulation
- Safety and security
2. How to get there - Circulation/ Access
- Obvious Main Entry
- Campus Axis
- Visibility
- Focal Point
- Transition from Public Space
- Entry Progression
- Porch
- Inviting entry with “lobby”
- Visibility
3. Active /Passive spaces
- Hierarchy of Spaces
- Energy Level
- Visibility
- Engagement
- Flexibility for Future Uses and Technologies
4. Connection with Friend and community - Interaction spaces
- Cluster Programs in Lieu of Long Corridors
- Community
- Collaboration spaces
- Collaboration of faculty
- Exposure to activities, encourage involvement
- Encourage use of stairs
- See and Be Seen
5. Identify with a “Home” - Sense of place
- Home for School, department, program, “I’m Home”
- Entry Portals
- "Front Porch”
- Increase contact with departmental Neighborhood
- See and be Seen
- Attractive / Friendly Spaces
Connection with Nature / Sustainability
1. Sense of time - Daylight
- Daylighting
- Experience the sense of time
- Solar control
- Shade and reflection
2. Connect with the World - Views
- Visual connection to exterior
- Incorporate Views
3. Touching the Senses
Feeling:
- Natural Breeze Up Canyon
- Natural ventilation option
- Mechanical systems & controls
Sound:
- Acoustic control
- Balance/ reverberation
Smell:
- Landscape
- Avoidance
4. Use of spaces between buildings
- Use of Free Space Between Buildings
- Building Roofs
- Courtyard Spaces
- Patio / Display
- Shading / seating
- Use of Common Spaces
5. Indoor – outdoor spaces
- Flow from interior to exterior
Character of Space
1. Attractive / friendly - Image
- Friendly
- Spaces for students
- Fresh, Clean, Hip
- Student Success Focus
- Sustainability - Architectural and Attitude
2. Form / Pattern
- Style elements
- Forms, layout / planning
- Materials / Colors
- Texture
- Lighting
3. Materiality
- Long-term Building
- Durability
- Life-cycle costs
4. Details/ Colors
- Fit the character
- Refine details
5. Art
- Architecture as Art
- Art and graphics
- Artistic Counterpoint Elements to Attract and Define
- Integrate Art