DESIGN BRIEF

The design brief for Rice Institute was to create an atmosphere that is tranquil, inspiring and iconic. The two-level office was conceived around a central lounge which would be fed by learning studio on the ground and library and staff cabins at mezzanine floors.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

The two areas are separated by a double height corridor. Above a bridge creates the connection between  either side .The initial requirement was to double the real estate by creating a mezzanine floor throughout. The materiality of the spaces emphasize differentiation of entities. The entrance to the space is formalized by a portal of brick, glass and stone. The front lobby is a large expanse of pramatrically floating exposed brick wall. The stone floor also wraps around the sitting spaces into the corridors areas to create continuity. Tall cylindrical lights hang from the invisible ceiling to cast a dimmed effect. Natural light from the glass facade at the end of the corridore  create a blue hue and tints the glass differently.

Note: *ANKIT was one of 3 member design team for this project while at SALT.