PARSONS DESIGN WORKSHOP - INFOWASH

Post Hurricane Katrina, the team was asked to design a facility that functions as both a laundromat and information center.  The students worked through nearly all aspects of architectural design and construction: critical path planning, budget, material ordering, structural calculations, code regulations, legal permits, subcontracting, publicity, etc. in addition to design, autocad drafting, digital and physical modeling, and representation expected of a conventional semester.

Two part construction process: The first phase took place in New York City where the team pre-fabricated a limited portion of the project. In late June the group traveled down to Mississippi to assemble the structure, exterior cladding and interior finish. 

The program is contained within two volumes separated by a breezeway. The building’s form was inspired by its dual role as refuge and information exchange.  A porch wraps the south corner offering shade and shelter over looking a play ground area adjacent to the building.