PROGRAM
The RISD dormitory project called for a vibrant center of student life spanning from North Main Street to Benefit. A defunct railway tunnel was situated in this challenging terrain, along with C2 commercial zoning, a height restriction of three stories, and a complex program. RISD desired a mixture of suites including double and single suites with and without kitchens, faculty housing, dining hall, gallery, and lounges. A public external path was paramount.
RESPONSE
I began by building the ground of the site to scale and slicing through it. I explored tectonics and grain by sliding, lifting, and dropping the ground to create the spaces of the program. A dorm space, for example, is shifted to a mezzanine level in relation to work space. These shifts were created to make the different uses visible, and emphasize the connection between living and working at RISD.