kliP
Fall 2020
Team
Individual
Skills
Revit, Enscape, Photoshop, After Effects, Grasshopper
Course
DEA 2201 - Magnifying Small Spaces Studio
Goal
Create a functional architectural design system using shipping containers.
The Process.
With the problem being to create a program and structure that maximized interior space, and the studio being held virtually during the pandemic, one of the first things I considered was the capability of shipping containers to not only be modular in terms of movability, but also modular in the programs they could potentially accommodate. I used this concept to develop a diverse set of user personas and the programs that would accommodate their needs.
Realizing that a modular organizing system could lead to immense flexibility of programs and configurations of space, I further explored methods of standardizing the modularity into a robust design language.
Preliminary sketches of shipping container modules, using sub-sections of 20’x8’x9’ and 40’x8’x9’ shipping containers
Going forward with developing detailed concepts for my preliminary user studies, I chose three companies — Google, Supreme, and rapStudy — to carry forward in the development of their kliP spaces. This involved conducting more research into company size and culture, as well as potential locations that shared characteristics with the companies themselves.
Why rapStudy in Seattle?
rapStudy’s music and culture can complement the rich artistic history of the city, and even has a potential nearby network in Cornish College of the Arts. Additionally, rapStudy as a young company could gain exposure by inviting its artist network to play at its kliP location.
Why Google in Philadelphia?
Google does not have an office location conveniently near Philadelphia, which is the 6th largest city in the United States. Also, when compared to the distance between the Los Angeles and San Diego Google locations, the location of the New York City office — the closest Google location to Philadelphia — falls approximately the same distance away.
Why Supreme in Toronto?
Supreme currently has 12 locations worldwide,, sprawling across Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, London, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka. Toronto would maintain Supreme’s lack of intense distribution, while also introducing a location in a trendy international city.
The Business Model.
kliP is a company that implements a design system involving the use of pre-fabricated modules to assist clients in creating a unique architectural space for themselves.
Each 40’ shipping container is separated into 5 8’ X 8’ modules.
Each 20’ shipping container is separated into 2 8’ X 8’ modules and 1 8’ X 4’ module.
kliP CUT
The 2 smaller shipping containers are separated to create smaller, private spaces.
kliP UNCUT
The 2 smaller shipping containers are brought together to create a larger space that is more conducive to showcase or collaboration.
The process to create one’s very own kliP structure is four-fold:
Pick your building’s modules.
K (CORRIDOR) Modules
Used for facilitating the main programmatic spaces of the structure, such as workstations or larger multipurpose areas.
L (LIFT) Modules
Used for travelling to different levels of the structure. If no building code is violated, the client can opt to have just a staircase (L2) to travel across floors. If this is not permissible, they can use the elevator (L1) instead.
P (PIVOT) Modules
Used for attaching different modules to the central axis (the I module) of the structure. It permits the rotation of modules if the floor plan accommodates the movement.
I (INTERSECT) Module
Used to hold an L module in position, and acts as a central axis for the kliP rotation to take place.
I-L1 Model: In Depth.
If the client chooses to use the elevator (L1) module in their design, one of the critical features of circulation through the space is the dynamic elevator and shaft (I) design.
Elevator movement playthrough built in Grasshopper
1. In the kliP CUT condition, the elevator is open to permit double-sided entry.
2. The elevator, when closed, fully protects the user in a static capsule.
3. In the kliP UNCUT condition, the separate elevator and shaft components reconfigure.
4. The new configuration, when open, allows for a single-sided double entry.
Pick your modules’ variations.
With kliP’s modules, most of the walls can be chosen to the client’s desire, making the space variable for any chosen configuration. This is possible through a system of segmented partitions, derived from shipping container walls, that provide variations in wall composition and the position of circulation or window openings.
kliP also features variable options for occupying the I module. Either a lift (L1) or stairs (L2) can be inserted to provide alternative circulations within the same footprint.
Tailor the structure to your physical needs.
The ability to desired modules, as well as their individual variations, allows clients to create an architectural program to accommodate any program they desire.
Brand your structure with your identity.
After constructing the architectural form of the building, the client can then choose to decorate the exterior facades however they desire, taking the structure the next step forward aesthetically in becoming the client’s own.
The Buildings.
The mission of the kliP x rapStudy office is to offer a growing company the facilities needed to accommodate growth and presence within a rich artistic fabric. It features more departmental and separated spaces, with the first floor intended to be split for the Design/Engineering and Music Development teams. The second floor is designated for meeting and office spaces.
Exterior render
Axonometric behavior diagram
Interior render - Music Development Room
Interior render - 2nd Floor
The mission of the kliP x Google office is to offer a collaborative and dynamic space that can adapt to suit any needs of the company.
It features a first floor that can be rotated to accommodate a larger collaborative environment while also having the ability to separate for more departmental work. It also offers a larger fixed open office space and meeting room on the second floor.
Exterior render
Axonometric behavior diagram
Interior render - 1st Floor Workplace Module
Interior render - 2nd Floor Open Workspace
LEVEL 1 Program Diagram
LEVEL 1 Plan - kliP CUT
LEVEL 1 Plan - kliP UNCUT
LEVEL 2 Program Diagram
LEVEL 2 Plan
The mission of the kliP x Supreme store is to offer a fashion brand a new location within a popular destination. It features a showroom and register space, with storage and meeting units located on a smaller second floor.
Exterior render
Axonometric behavior diagram
Interior render - Cashier
Interior render - Showroom
Reflection
Throughout this project, I wanted to think outside the box and leverage the constraints in such a way that the result could have maximized impact. While this led me to a unique and motivating solution, I had to generate 3 distinct user cases and structures to best communicate the design potential of the system. This meant that I had 3 times the amount of work expected for the project, as the prompt called for 1 structure.
This project taught me that thoroughness typically leads to the most developed and clearly-communicated designs. The effort I spent researching distinct companies/users, identifying their needs, and designing their structures paid off in the sense that each use case made the design’s multifunctional capabilities clear and the overall modularity of the design system could be showcased.