Seminar 1: Learning from architecture

Cathryn Ploehn
Sep 5, 2018 · 3 min read

How would a person interact with a coffee house in a house, particularly through the lens that each layer of a building changes at different rates, as used in Stewart Brand’s How Buildings Learn?

Brand asserts that different parts of a building will evolve at varying rates. For example, the site of a building is “eternal” (the lifetime of the building) while the furniture inside is extremely ephemeral (can change every year).

The idea of opening a coffee house within a structure that used to serve as a residence requires a transformation within the six timelines of a building that may involve an interaction designer to . Furthermore, it would launch the house into a more volatile timeline; Brand asserts commercial properties transforms “kaleidoscopically.”

I’ve encountered several houses transformed into coffee houses in my hometown of Dallas, TX, such as The Wild Detectives. Interestingly, this example even incorporates a book store into their concept.

Exterior, The Wild Detectives coffee shop + bookstore in Dallas, Texas Source: Jessy H. from Yelp

An interaction designer would think about the space in terms of possible behaviors and interactions in the space (getting coffee, browsing and buying books) and how to reconfigure the building to facilitate these new goals. How would a person relate to the several timelines embedded within the coffee house within a house?

Site

With a new coffee shop opening in a residential neighborhood, street parking causes parking concerns. For example, residents and coffee patrons may conflict about parking space. The contested space may be cultural. If the neighborhood is becoming commercial, is the new coffee shop bringing in outsiders or current residents? Do these groups of people get along, or do the outsiders displace original residents.

Parking, The Wild Detectives coffee shop + bookstore in Dallas, Texas. Source: Kevin K. from Yelp

Structure

People entering the coffee house may encounter creaking floors and a shifting foundation — evidence of wear. Load-bearing columns/walls may obscure travel of people flowing through the space.

Skin

If an interaction and interior designer enhance the features of the house, does a coffee patron appreciate the history of the space? Conversely, do the features of an old house inhibit or enhance the coffee drinking experience (asbestos, etc.)?

Interior, The Wild Detectives coffee shop + bookstore in Dallas, Texas. Source: Lisa B. from Yelp

Services

If the new coffee entrepreneurs have enough investment capital, the electric and plumbing can be rerouted for a logical position inside the house. Otherwise, coffee may be served in an awkward corner of the building. Are there enough bathrooms to serve everyone?

Bathroom, The Wild Detectives coffee shop + bookstore in Dallas, Texas. Source: Megan C. from Yelp

Space plan

How will behaviors (getting coffee, fixing it, sitting down, socializing, reading, etc.) operate within the space plan? Will the walls need to be torn down?

Stuff

The interior design often enhances or re-imagines the culture of the building. The overall atmosphere may depend on the type of furniture. Single-seat mid-century modern chairs invite one type of interaction with the space while second-hand couches invite a casual vibe.

Menu excerpt , The Wild Detectives coffee shop + bookstore in Dallas, Texas. Invites a playful yet intellectual atmosphere. Source: thewilddetectives.com

Sources

  1. Stewart Brand, How Buildings Learn: What Happens after They’re Built
    Cathryn Ploehn

    Written by

    Carnegie Mellon School of Design, MDes candidate

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