major project

So today was the first day of my "Directed Studies" class, aka 'major project' class. We have 8 weeks to create a complete package for a project. We were given a floor plan, and what the project is supposed to be. What is it we're designing you ask? We're designing a 3,800 square foot Visitor Center at the "Windward Island" ferry terminal (it is a made up location, but it's supposed to be on one of the Gulf Islands). So the project is not some amazing beach front resort that would be extremely fun to design but I think I have a pretty solid concept. In our scenario, it is mentioned that "residents and visitors come to hike, kayak, sail, bike, and just enjoy the laid-back island lifestyle. Part of the island is a bird sanctuary, and attracts avid bird watchers". So, I won't flat out tell you my complete concept but I can tell you this, I will probably be designing around the concept of the bird sanctuary.

Our specific package will have to include:

Design concept statement.
Floor plan, fully rendered and labelled. Hand drafted.
RCP (reflected ceiling plan) with lighting specification.
4 elevations, fully rendered.
A section drawing, going through the entire building, fully rendered.
A perspective drawing, fully rendered.
Furniture board.
Colour & material board.
Millwork drawing.
Sketchbook, showing design process.

And at the end, a presentation of our project in front of a panel of professionals, who happen to be instructors from school (at least they will be familiar faces). Boy, am I ever overwhelmed. I have a lot of work ahead of me the next two months. I hate to say this but I'm somewhat stressing over this project already. We shall see how everything unfolds.

xo