KOLAJ
Kolaj is a space that welcomes and encourages experimentation, play, and creativity. Inspired by the word “collage”, Kolaj envisions an opportunity for people from any background to come together, collaborate, and celebrate the art of “making”. Kolaj is an adaptive re-use project that features three unique spaces where people can explore and craft with their hands: a Tapas & Wine Restaurant, Coffeeshop, and Makerspace.
timeline: sept - dec 2020
site: signworks building, ithaca, ny
programs: revit, adobe photoshop, adobe indesign, procreate
prompt to research, document and re-design an existing historic structure located in Ithaca, NY
the site
Located in Tompkins County, NY, Ithaca is a city that sits by the southern tip of the Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes Region. Some of Ithaca’s main attractions include waterfalls and gorges, hiking trails, eclectic shops, and farm-to-table restaurants. It is home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, bringing people from various backgrounds to come together and create a vibrant and diverse community. Ithaca also has a thriving arts and music scene with various community events exhibited throughout the year.
ithaca location diagram
surrounding site
The site that was chosen for this project is known as the Signworks Building, located on the west end of Ithaca right on the edge of the downtown Ithaca area. The adjacent buildings are mostly commercial, institutional, or public service spaces but most of the commercial spaces are limited to general stores or used for business offices. There are very few residential buildings currently located here. Most people visiting this area either simply pass through or only come here to visit a specific store/building. There is an opportunity for commercial spaces like restaurants, cafes, and workspaces to be incorporated into this area to extend the downtown environment and atmosphere to the Inlet, providing more spaces for community engagement and activity.
site diagram
site images
the idea
Based on the research done on the site, I wanted to create a program that would honor the history of the building and create a unique gathering space for the local community. The mission of this project is to redesign the Signworks Building in Ithaca, NY into a state-of-the-art, creative, engaging hub that cultivates and promotes learning and imagination, community engagement, and economic success amongst the locals and visitors, while also preserving the historical characteristics of the original building.
design concept & branding
Based on the concept of “making by hand”, I developed a visual brand to represent the idea of tactility and exploration. The amorphous shapes are abstractions meant to represent the playful process of experimentation while the fingerprint-like lines illustrate the tactile experience of creating things by hand. The logo represents handmade experiences, the act of creating, and coming together as one.
programming
mission
To redesign the Signworks Building in Ithaca, NY into a state-of-the-art, creative, engaging hub that cultivates and promotes learning and imagination, community engagement, and economic success amongst the locals and visitors, while also preserving the historical characteristics of the original building.
goal statements
Foster Learning & Creativity: The facility will support an environment that promotes and cultivates life- long learning, creativity, and curiosity for members and visitors.
Inclusive & Accessible: The facility will be a place of equal opportunity and will be accessible to any and all members and visitors of the site.
Maintain Historic Characteristics: The facility will preserve the existing structure and showcase the key historic qualities of the original Signworks Building for cultural and sustainable purposes.
Community Centered: The facility will support the community by providing spaces and activities that engage with the local community and embrace the local culture and heritage.
A Gathering Place: The facility will be a space that offers members and visitors a space where they can find new connections and develop meaningful relationships.
Promote Economic Growth: The facility will promote economic growth and development by providing individuals, groups, and businesses the space and resources they need to flourish.
programs
tapas & wine
Located on the first floor of the building, Kolaj Tapas & Wine is a fusion tapas restaurant that invites customers to mix and match a variety of cuisines to create a one-of-a-kind meal. Featuring an open-market style dining option as well as an à la carte menu, customers are welcome to select, assemble, and consume their own work of art.
coffeeshop
Located adjacent to the Tapas & Wine restaurant, the Kolaj Coffeeshop is a cafe where people have the opportunity to brew their own cup of coffee or tea. People have the opportunity to pick and choose the types of coffee beans or tea leaves that will that go into their cup, then brew their own coffee or tea with their hand drip kit.
makerspace
Located on the third floor of the building, the Kolaj Makerspace provides the space and tools needed to shape and bring ideas to fruition. It’s a space that encourages people to find joy, fulfillment, and meaning in the process of making, inspiring people to embrace the opportunity to feel and work with their hands.
design booklet
Based on the research, design concept, and programs research developed above, I created a booklet that showcases the final spatial and branding design solutions for Kolaj.
construction documents
In addition to the booklet, I have included construction documents that feature architectural plans, a reflected ceiling plan, and a data and power plan for the first floor and millwork designs.