Avenue Resting Pavilion

TEAM: Lila (Lee) Lourn, Adam Boyko – NSAA

Lets face it – university life can get hectic. For university students especially, endless lectures, assignments and examinations can feel downright exhausting. Despite the fact that the average adult needs 8 hours of sleep, the average university student only gets around 61. In times such as these with mounting stresses and activities, a simple nap can arguably make all the difference, having profound effects on our moods, energy and productivity levels.

As two recent Dalhousie University architecture grads, we understand that whilst sleeping on campus is not traditionally encouraged, the development of an on-campus sleeping space could promote both the physical and mental well-being of students. By proposing a public ‘resting’ space, our team hopes to work towards solving a problem faced by almost every post-secondary student at some point: Where can I safely grab a quick nap without having to go all the way back home?

The design’s focus surrounded creating a public Pavilion that promotes rest, relaxation and comfort. Open to both the public and university students, this pavilion is the perfect social setting for catching a quick nap in between lectures or on breaks. The proposed Pavilion is situated at the end of University Avenue aligned with the axis of the Henry Hicks building on the Dalhousie University campus, a linear university campus stretching through Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

In congruence with this location, the space is centrally located and free to use throughout all seasons. Its linear structure provides a variety of conditions perfect for hosting and promoting rest. This includes elements such as hammocks (including hanging cocoon hammocks), sleeping nets and couches. A perforated building envelope creates a calming lighting effect throughout the space. By varying the amount of perforation, the Pavilion becomes gradually darker as one makes their way towards the rear of the structure. Here, a sunken lounge space features soft seating creating a great area for those who prefer a more familiar and public space for napping. Towards the front of the structure, three track- mounted cocoon hammock systems allow members of the public to position pre-existing hammocks wherever they feel the most comfortable.

An exterior truss creates a semi-enclosed outdoor structure, which also supports sleeping nets and hammocks. Coloured glass panels break-up the space while adding a playful splash of colour for a younger audience. Glass overhead doors allow for the appreciation of nature and during warmer weather these doors open up blurring the line of inside and outside. By using a flexible design combining differing conditions, the space would allow all users to feel comfortable to rest and relax when needed. The intent for the proposed design is for this Pavilion to improve student and community life, and promote an increase in energy and overall well-being.

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