This 3rd year studio, titled “Auteur Evidence,” focused on the components of a construction document drawing and keep these components in mind when designing. We were put into groups where we shared a site in Downtown Knoxville and collaborated to create a space where a wide variety of tenants fit together to form a community. Our community consisted of a hair and nail salon, a gym and locker room, a wine cellar, 3 guest suites, a library, and a bar and mini golf, all inspired by the functions of a train and the aesthetic of a train station. I focused on the three guest suites which were designed to invoke the feeling of being on your own personal train car. Playing with views connecting each space to the next, luxury through intimacy, and unexpected customization, I was able to create that feeling.
The indoor mezzanine allows the visitor to look over at their whole suite, a view that is only visible while not accessing the suite, which is inspired by the inaccessible views one passes while riding a train. Windows between each suite also create views of the neighboring mezzanine, to invoke a similar feeling to sitting next to a stranger on the train. Luxury is brought in through intimate spaces such as the bed nook - something unique to hotel rooms. Rich patterns, textures, and custom pieces also bring in that luxury of a vintage train car.
