Above: Building Renders

Helix

Introduction

“Helix” is a dynamic, science-themed bookstore. Inspired by biomimicry, the practice of learning design strategies from living organisms, the space features organic forms, including a spiral staircase, a curved bookshelf, and helical window framing.

Goals

The goal of this project was to learn how to make construction drawings.

Materials and Methods

SketchUp Model

We had to first create a massing model of the existing building on SketchUp. Next we had to make the complete existing building on Revit which included modeling staircases, floors, walls, oddly-shaped balconies, wall types, beams, and site-plans.

Designing the Fishbowl

Next we needed to design the exterior and interior of the fishbowl. For the exterior, I knew I wanted there to be an interesting patter, but I didn’t know which pattern to go with. After several iterations, I finally chose the curved helical shaped pattern. For the interior, right before going into Revit, I needed to come up with the space planning.

Moving into Revit

Limitations

There were a few limitations while creating this project. First and foremost, we needed to comply by ADA standards. This means that, since we could add a mezzanine in the space, we would need an elevator. Also, having never been in Revit before, I needed to ask for help with how to add custom-made extrusions - especially for my custom bookshelf and my custom window mullions. The last limitation was that there was a oddly placed diagonal beam cutting through part of the fishbowl interior, and we had to keep that beam in our structure. Above: Oddly placed diagonal beam