Architectural DrawingsArchitectural drawings are the essential communication tool for clients, engineers, architects, and contractors. It is inoperative that these diagrams be clear, concise, and complete. The various orthometric and isometric drawings are used to provide the necessary views to adequately describe the building's multiple systems. Site drawings are created for massing purposes, while electrical, mechanical, and structural drawings provide detailed specification and fittings for engineers and contractors. These drawings must be so exact that the construction workers and professionals know exactly what needs to be done, without wasting precious time to clarify details on the plots. Yet it is also essential that architects work to create artistic renderings to sell their client's ideas to buyers, municipalities, and developers.
The scope of this assignment requires our group to design a functional space, and communicate our ideas through floor plans, elevations, sections, and a 3D rendering. Although these plots may not be as detailed as necessary in practice, they will serve as effective tools to communicate ideas and needs to the structural and mechanical engineers.
The following image shows the public floor plan for the current National Archives Building in Washington DC. Notice the large open spaces, clear circulation paths, and variety of uses. We certainly used this plan as inspiration while conceptualizing our structure's layout.
The following 3-dimensional rendering shows the current National Archives Building in Washington, DC. We encourage you to open the attached file and fly around this very detailed rendering. It shows not only the extraordinary detail of the monumental structure, but also the rendering capabilities of Google Sketch-Up.
National Archives Building.skp This site plan shows the ground floor, and how it relates with the site. Note that the occupants would enter the building up the main front stairs. There is an accessible access in the rear a ramped for wheelchairs. The drives are all right-in right-out for ease of access. Also, a loading dock has been added to the Eastern facade for unloading of documents and exhibits. Parking has been provided for the staff. A total of 30 spaces would serve the archives. Two elevators and a stair connect the main level with this garage. Basement Floor PlanThe basement floor plan shows the lowest level, which is purely for storage purposes. Four passenger elevators and a freight elevator provide access to this floor. Three emergency staircases provide means of egress. The maximum travel distance is about 200 feet, which is well below the required distance. Thus, the plans are safe and functional. The large pillars that are shown are meant to support the dome above. These pillars will transfer weight from the dome into the foundations and subsequently into the soil underneath.
Ground Floor Plan
Note that the occupants would enter the building upthe main front stairs. There is an accessible access in the rear aramped for wheelchairs. Also, a loading dock has been added to the eastern facadefor unloading of documents and exhibits. Parking has been provided forthe staff. A total of 30 spaces would serve the archives. Twoelevators and a stair connect the main level with this garage. First Floor PlanThe first floor plan shows the main lobby space, with security and ticket sales. The domed space would be used for exhibitions, as well as event space for galas, fundraisers, or balls. Space has been allocated for the staff offices, break rooms, lounges, and conference spaces. The gift shop and the cafe will serve the visitors who want souvenirs or refreshments. Most importantly, a three very open, flexible exhibition spaces will display the archive's treasures. Movable display cases or boards on tracks could be used to cater to each exhibit's needs.
Second Floor PlanThe second floor is reserved for storage, and access for staff and authorized visitors only. This would be achieved by requiring keys for all elevators, and roping off or providing security at the staircase.
ElevationsThe elevations for the National Archives building show the monumentality that this building will have. The massive columns and elegant stairs up to the first floor of the building provide a historic feel for visitors. The Doric entablature on the exterior of the building is a reference to early Greek architecture. The interior progresses through the orders to include Ionic and Corinthian detailing throughout. Since this building will house many archives of the United States, our team felt it was appropriate to model the building after other historic monuments such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the existing National Archive building in Washington, D.C. By incorporating the three classical orders into this building, our team is appealing to the historic style of architecture seen across the United States.
This diagram represents how the visitors move around on the first floor of the National Archive Building. Most people will enter the building from the south, however there is an ADA compliant entrance on the north end. Once in the building the mass of people will separate to either the west or east side ticket kiosk. After their tickets have been purchased they then can filter to the bathrooms, the cafe and gift shop, the main exhibition, the northwest exhibition space, the northeast exhibition space, or if they are an employee they follow the blue dots to the administrative offices. The idea is to have the visitors see the main exhibition first, then move throughout the side exhibitions and finally to the gift shop and cafe. Visitors are only permitted on the first floor and entrance to the rest of the building is access alarmed.
The diagram on the right shows the spacial allocations of the first floor. The floor is broken out into four colors. The green represents the cafe and gift shop which is mercantile space. The orange is entrance space containing the main entrance, ticket kiosks, and restrooms. The red area represents the exhibition space where the visitors are free to roam and view all of the items on display. Lastly, the blue space is the administrative office where only the staff is permitted. DetailsClose up of Cafe and Gift Shop on first floor.Close up of entrance and lobby on first floor.
Close up of Administrative office on first floor.
EXTRA CREDIT
This Google Sketchup model was completed for the extra credit portion of this assignment. It shows a front isometric of the National Archives that we designed. From this view, we show the occulus,and skylights. Though this diagram may not show precise details, it certainly shows the overall proportions and massing that we wished to accomplish. As with many Greek Revival designs, proportionality plays a major role in the visitor's experience with the structure.
Likewise, this frontal elevation perspective shows the main entrance. Note the emphasis the monumental columns and pediment.
PLEASE NOTE:
As image scaling and line weights may be distorted on the website, the grader is strongly encouraged to open the files below in the attachment section to view the plans and 3D model. Specifically, the PDF attachment shows the level of detail that we aspired to.
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NationalArchivesBuilding.skp nationalarchives_ajs.skp |
