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RECENT BACK OF HOUSE STUDIES REVEAL SUBTLE INTRICACIES OF RESTROOM & LOUNGE SPACES
Why is it that certain theater and concert hall lobbies operate exceedingly well, creating successful transitions between spaces, while others fail miserably? Moreover, how does the lobby become an integral part of the “theater” of any given performance? These are the over-arching questions we’ve set out to answer –both quantitatively and qualitatively– to inform the design of ConstellationCenter.
One litmus test for evaluating the success of a lobby experience requires an understanding of its performance during intermission; have you ever tried juggling the litany of intermission “duties”—reading the program, people-watching, enjoying cocktails and conversation, after waiting in a painfully slow concession line, only to realize you had yet to visit the restroom? This typical intermission scenario reminds us that a lobby’s success or failure is not solely the result of the grand design scheme, but depends on the well-integrated design of smaller supporting elements, such as vending areas, coat checks, and the restroom/lounge areas.
With this in mind, one of our most recent studies focused on Restroom and Lounge spaces. Not only were these spaces documented with photographs and measured drawings, our site-visits also aimed to understand the quantitative and qualitative aspects of space by analyzing various spatial aspects ranging from efficiency and ease of movement, to the effects of certain materials and lighting:
- How can a sequence of distinct spaces create efficient circulation?
- How can lounge seating provide respite and help ease circulation paths for large numbers of people?
- Can lighting and mirror locations create a sense of privacy/personal space?
- What are the recurring critical dimensions for creating comfortable personal space and dynamic communal space?
- What amenities seem to work, or get the most use? …toiletries, writing surfaces for note-taking, areas for phone calls?
In the process, our team visited and studied airports, department stores and hotels, as well as restroom/lounge spaces in music halls, both large and small. These visits have provided design strategies and tools for creating captivating and efficient spaces for ConstellationCenter.
- David DeCelis, Research Architect
161 First Street
Cambridge, MA 02142-1247
Tel 617.939.1900
Fax 617.939.1911