Cobblestone Arts Center • Farmington, NY 14425

ARCH-731 Architectural Studio I: Site Fall Semester 2021

Precedent Study/Case Study

In reponse to the proposal of the expansion on Cobblestone Arts Center, this section is an ex-
ploration of prior examples of recreation center and various ADA compliant design features to
investigate solutions that have previously been done by other architects. Key factors to study
are listed below:

1. Limitation on site profile (right-angled triangle)

2. Reservation of woodland (potential for future expansion)
3. Accessiblity e.g. travel distance, layout etc.
4. Sensory impacts on users
5. Safety
6. Sustainability

The design total area is to be determined by desired space types, amount of activity and class
sizes. The only concern and constraint is deforestation of the land since the entire site is wood-
ed. The idea is to provide users a community space for educational and recreational use. On
top of that, a sustainably operated community center could possibly educate and influence
people to be more aware of the environment.

The precedents are intended to provide solutions to designing a community center that pro-
vides users opporunity to socialise and have fun.

Project Mentioned
Shanghai Vanke Qichen Community Center 2018
Location: Shanghai, China
Architect: Shenzhen Huahui Design
Area: 46037 sq. ft.

Synagogue and Community Center C.I.S.

Location: Santiago, Chile
Architect: Gabriel Bendersky, JBA, Richard von Moltke
Area: 2.5 acres

Reference Mentioned
Designing for Special Education – Best Practices for Special Needs Learning Facilities
Editor: NAC Architecture

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Master of Architecture Program Course Instructor:
Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Julius J. Chiavaroli, Architect
Cobblestone Arts Center • Farmington, NY 14425
ARCH-731 Architectural Studio I: Site Fall Semester 2021

VANKE QIZHEN COMMUNITY CENTER

`Baoshan District
(China, 2018)
Shenzhen Huahui Design

Materials:
Ceramic panels, glass, steel, concrete

This structure emphasised public entrances and interior spaces with functional organisation of north-
south and east-west axes respsectively, as well as having a balanced open and enclosed areas with piloti
in response to the street. There are many open spaces for users to relax and have fun around corners, to
make most use of the bottom space. The glass facade on third floor introduce sunlight into classrooms.

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Master of Architecture Program Course Instructor:
Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Julius J. Chiavaroli, Architect
Cobblestone Arts Center • Farmington, NY 14425
ARCH-731 Architectural Studio I: Site Fall Semester 2021

SYNAGOGUE AND COMMUNITY CENTER C.I.S.

Santiago
(Chile)
Gabriel Bendersky, JBA, Richard von Moltke

Materials:
Wood, glass, concrete

Parti:
“Grouping programmatic pieces in different
buildings, consequently categorizing the diverse
uses and imposing thematic orders and hierar-
chies within the same spatial ensemble.”

This structure focus on the combination of hybrid programs on the site, along with varying building siz-
es and materials. It embraced different areas for different purposes where the concept can be adopted
onto non-religious architecture as well.

The layout consists of open and enclosed areas, along with an underground
parking where it “virtually disappears under a huge garden slab.”

3
Master of Architecture Program Course Instructor:
Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Julius J. Chiavaroli, Architect
Cobblestone Arts Center • Farmington, NY 14425
ARCH-731 Architectural Studio I: Site Fall Semester 2021

Conclusion
From studying existing projects that focuses on layout and ADA compliant features disability,
there are simple ways to aid this design to provide joy to users with special needs, and there
are innovative elements that would be fun to incorporate into a community center design.

There are elements suitable to be applied to this project, then of course there are some that
should be avoided.

Key Learning Features

Shanghai Vanke Qichen Community Center

1. Partially open courtyards for general public use..

2. Balance between community space and “private” classrooms.
3. Make use of corner spaces.
4. FUnctional organization will aid the purposes of each part of the structure.

Synagigue and Community Center C.I.S.

1. Combinations of uses can look different but be in the same area.

2. It is okay to leave nature on site e.g. woods.
3. Make most use of elevations e.g. underground.

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Master of Architecture Program Course Instructor:
Rochester Institute of Technology Professor Julius J. Chiavaroli, Architect