Monday, October 1, 2007
Seminar/Building Update 10/01/07
I am looking mainly at the Kress/Levy Building and the Lyceum. They both have distinct architectural features, which may be the focus for my project. I would like it to be an eclectic mix of the Greek architectural elements and a more contemporary interpretation of the interiors. I do think that the historic character is important to preserve in downtown areas, but the area should not look neglected at the same time. I am debating on the focus being either historic preservation or sustainable initiatives (green design).
If it is feasible, I am very interested in the relevancy to urban planning, and I would like to incorporate concepts from Architecture 4062, Urban Planning, into my Senior Capstone Project. Part of this has already been incorporated into my design concept by observing the downtown area and the needs of the area. I think that a hotel would serve the area well if it has some other areas, such as a restaurant and bar with retail shopping area in a basement area of the hotel or somtething on those lines.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Seminar Research 09/28/07
http://www.delano-hotel.com/delano_hotel_meetings_plans.html#aptlink
Based on my intended uses of the hotel space, I am probably going to be interested in some of the buildings with larger square footage. The buildings that I am interested in as of now is The Hotel King, a portion of the Commerce Building, or the Kress building and its individual components. I am going to take images of the buildings and look at their relation to downtown this weekend and post images to this blog once I have done so.
One feature that I may have an interesting time in creating would be the pool area, because our location is downtown. There may be a way to get a view of the river, but I would rather preserve that view for an outdoor terrace. The Kress Building





Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Baton Rouge General Site Visit
Notes from Classmates on Baton Rouge General Site Visit
Mohawk Carpet = Stain Resistant
No straight lines
Besam = Glass Doors Break Away
Artworks Modular Services Company
Bringing Nature within the space
Fountains
Plants
Open Atrium – original to hospital
Neutral Materials
Emphasis on Daylighting
Designed as Outpatient Facility
Do not use spatter paint or faux finishes
Painted Finish – More serviceable
Stay away from reds and greens\
Focus on colors that make people feel good, such as gold earthy tones
Corian for Countertops
Lighting – Be careful with color of light
9’ Ceiling Heights
13-19 watt fluorescent
Carpet – Use only in corridors – not in high traffic areas such as elevators
Perma Grain
Wood Veneers (Mahogany and Cherry wood floors in patient rooms)
Balance between maintenance and atmosphere
Wood for base: can be patched
Core fabric – Concrete epoxy mix
Med N Tech Floor – Seamless floor with incorporated base
Waiting Room Seating is wood and vinyl.
Polished VCT in Clinic Corridors and Sheet Vinyl
Ceramic Tile in Bathrooms/Restrooms
The Pharmacy is located near the ER
Lab does not have to be near patient rooms
Friday, September 21, 2007
OBGYN Space for Healthcare Project
At the LSU Student Health Center, there are 4 patient rooms and 1 procedure room. There is an interest in a nurse's station or concentrated area for the nurses as opposed to office like spaces that are confined within a room. For every 2 patient rooms, there is a nurse assigned. There are currently 2 doctors housed in this area of the clinic.
An important emphasis was placed on keeping the doctor's office separate from a consultation area, so that the doctor has his or her own space. Another important factor is sterilization and storage for the space. There is a storage closet located across the hall from the patient rooms ass well as a sterilization room. The sterilization room is mainly used by the nurse's assistants, and it is about the same size as the storage cabinet. I think that this space would benefit better inside of a lab space. However, the LSU Women's Clinic does not have its own independent lab facility.
Welch Allyn is the name of a company that manufactures products for Women's Health as well as other physician office types. Another useful company for charting and medical records is a company called Kardex, which manufacturers movable shelving as well as carousel filing. The Carousel file option, called the Lektriever Series 2000, is being used in the main reception area at the LSU Student Health Center for the filing of patients' records.
Senior Capstone Project -- Building Options
2 floors = 15,000 sq.ft. per floor
Hotel King
200 Lafayette Street
Runs parallel to Third Street
Corner of Lafayette and Convention
7 floors and roof area is accessible
1st floor = 8,000 square feet
2nd-7th floor = 6,500 sq. ft.
Total: 46,500 square feet
232 Third Street
One that will house Chenevert Architects
Each floor is 4,300 sq.ft.
3 + stories
Total is about 15,000 sq.ft.
The Fuqua Building
Third and Laurel near the Wine Loft
3 stories with existing penthouse
Right now is an office
Each floor is about 6,000 sq. ft.
Total: 19,000 sq. ft. overall
The Commerce Building
333 Laurel
8 stories
1st and 2nd == 24,000 – 25,000 sq. ft.
3rd – 8th = 17,000 sq. ft.
Total = 180,000 sq. ft.
Third and Main
The one right on the corner is the Welsch Levey Building
3 stories
Each floor is about 4,700 sq. ft.
Total = 14,250 sq. ft.
Cannot do anything on the roof because it is pitched
The Knox Building
2 stories
Each floor is about 2,000 sq. ft.
Toal = 4,000 sq. ft.

Basically faces two streets with an entrance on Third and an entrance on Main
Third Street part is 2 stories
14,500 sq. ft. for each floor for the part that faces Third Street
The other space is 4 to 5 stories on the smaller side space. It was used for state offices. Each floor is about 6,000 sq. ft. Total = 30,000 sq. ft.
The entire Kress Building is about 41,000 sq. ft.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
DENTAL EQUIPMENT COMPANIES
http://www.a-dec.com/domestic.asp
http://www.pelton.net/
http://www.midmark.com/
www.sirona.com/
Downtown Baton Rouge
Mr. Rhorer began by defining the two downtown districts of Spanish and Beauregard Towns. Most of the developments are moving towards residential and mixed use facilities. The mixed use facilities are organized with residential spaces on the top floor, followed by commercial use spaces, and then retail on the ground floor. The goal in the development of downtown is to revitalize the area as well as promote the features that compliment the city, such as a convention center.
There was also discussion about the Facade Growth Program, which gives a new approach to streetscape with the intended user (pedestrian) in mind. For example, buildings are extending their awnings to include shelter from the rain and additional seating along the streets. Events are also being held to draw the community into the downtown area. Events, such as the Live at Five Concert Series, are held 8 times in the fall and 8 times in the spring. The idea is that after the three hour concert series, people will flood the streets and indulge in dining out.
Another innovative idea that is going to hopefully hit downtown Baton Rouge as soon as next year is a terrace that is extended into the river area. There will be 5 decks eventually, with a capacity of 3,00o people per deck.
Among other plans are increased residential spaces to attract the youth into the downtown district, as well as creating a town square. This town square is to incorporate a new Courthouse and the development of a City Hall as well. Currently, there are 2,500 residents in the downtown area, and the hope is to increase that to around 4,000 people.