The Creative Labs Center (CLC) is located within the Center for Innovation and Creativity (CINC), north of East Campus as part of the University of Colorado at Boulder. The facility serves as a cornerstone of creativity for students and faculty of the Environmental Design (ENVD) program. It houses studio and communal work spaces, a computer lab and an advanced fabrication workshop. Students rely on these amenities to design and build their projects. Yet, students and faculty often voice negative opinions about the CLC, stating that it does not suit their needs.
I worked alongside a peer to research precedents, conduct a student body survey, and analyze the CLC, producing a booklet that outlines our recommendations to improve the space. I have since built upon our initial recommendations to further develop design solutions for the CLC and produce renders to supplement our initial findings.
The restaurant/lobby area is a nexus for activity, symbolic of the high energy of steam. Recessed strip lighting illuminates glass shelving that outlines the bar, causing the light to glisten outwards and draw patrons in. Blue tile on the bar face gives a subtle nod to the spa elements at the resort while contrasting with the warm-toned natural materials in the lounge. The lounge furniture pairings offer guests the option to sip coffee in the morning sunlight or relax by the central fireplace late into the evening. The overall ambiance greets guests with a warm welcome and energizes the start of their wellness journey.
The curriculum of ENVD relies heavily on the production of physical models as students iterate ideas. Students have little choice but to use communal tables as long term storage for their models. This creates two problems: The overflow of storage takes up valuable communal space, which in turn, puts models at risk of being damaged due to their close proximity to heavy use areas.
Addressing storage concerns, I implemented flat storage for base materials integrated with an adaptive shelving system to store models safely in designated areas. This strategy is scalable and can be implemented throughout the CLC to increase the amount of storage available for students.
Common complaints from the survey focused on noise control, general poor ambiance of the space and unfavorable location. My solutions include: Adding sound dampening panels that mitigate sound transmission between communal and private studio spaces. Vibrant orange paint creating a warm and energetic learning atmosphere. Task lighting to illuminate work surfaces.
Addition of lounge amenities consisting of food vending machines, dining ledge counter space and comfortable communal seating arrangements support long term visits, thus reducing commute times to the off campus facility.
