The project’s intent was to create a multifunctional space with the hydroponic growing systems as the main focus, to educate and attract people to this sustainable practice. Additionally, we were asked to look for an environmental artist for inspiration and link our concept to their way of thinking.
The space should include a market to sell the products, a restaurant and bar to serve them, an art gallery and all the respective service areas. 
As I started to research about hydroponics, one of the first things that caught my eye was the root. Root systems are a natural wonder that can rarely be appreciated, since they are underground. They have a beautiful color and a very interesting texture, features that reminded me of the Patrick Dougherty masterpieces. This environmental artist creates ephemeral sculptures on such a great scale that people can interact with them.
Studying the roots I decided to use the microscopic cross section of a root to understand its parts and functions, that would later help me to place the different objects and programs on the building.
And for the section point of view, I decided to use a side view of a root system, following the shape of some trees where the roots are a mirror of the tree-top and branches. To create the main design feature of the project I used the stairs, which spread into the space as roots and transform into the market tables (main floor) and restaurant tables (second floor).
As you entered the space you would find a very white and clean atmosphere contrasted with the warmth of wood. All the space is created with the intent to be polyvalent and to have mixed and combined functions.
First you would find a lobby with some down lights to create a nice atmosphere. This space is going to be created with the rear side of the bar. As you enter the space the main design feature would be the light wooden stairs. As they go up, they also spread through the entire main floor space, going in between the hydroponic cells, and transforming into the market tables. The hydroponic cells or growing centers are going to be created with glass walls, so it is possible to appreciate the roots and to allow people to peak in as they walk around the main floor or go up the stairs. We are also going to find an elevator, ADA restrooms and the service area.
In the second floor you would find a small lounge, and the various communal tables, which are coming from the stairs and spread around the second floor. One of the hydroponic cells is going to go all the way to the second floor to create a stronger connection between the floors, give more opportunities to the costumer to enjoy the growing centers, and conceal the office and kitchen entrance from the main area. To maintain the polyvalent idea throughout the space the restaurant is going to be capable of being fully or partially transformed into an art gallery. 
First you would find a lobby with some down lights to create a nice atmosphere. This space is going to be created with the rear side of the bar. As you enter the space the main design feature would be the light wooden stairs. As they go up, they also spread through the entire main floor space, going in between the hydroponic cells, and transforming into the market tables. The hydroponic cells or growing centers are going to be created with glass walls, so it is possible to appreciate the roots and to allow people to peak in as they walk around the main floor or go up the stairs. We are also going to find an elevator, ADA restrooms and the service area. 
In the second floor you would find a small lounge, and the various communal tables, which are coming from the stairs and spread around the second floor. One of the hydroponic cells is going to go all the way to the second floor to create a stronger connection between the floors, give more opportunities to the costumer to enjoy the growing centers, and conceal the office and kitchen entrance from the main area. To maintain the polyvalent idea throughout the space the restaurant is going to be capable of being fully or partially transformed into an art gallery. 
In the reflected ceiling plans we can appreciate the decisions made in the lighting of the space to continue with this vertical, linear and spreading concept.​​​​​​​
Following the lines created by the stairs, the “Running Magnet” is going to be placed throughout the space: in the main floor in three different directions and in the second floor in one direction. The versatility of this lighting system will allow the space to transform from restaurant to art galley (adding some spotlights). This system is going to be mounted in conjunction with the AS Hanging System to hang the art pieces from the ceiling with some thin cables.
From the double height to the lobby we would find the Vibia - Wireflow fixture that goes along with the verticality concept and recreates the cables used as guardrails in the stairs and balcony.​​​​​​​
In addition, some LED lights would be used in the hydroponic cell and some fluorescent lights in the service areas.
Project's finishes, materials and furniture.

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