ISLAND OF SENSES
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN CORE STUDIO II
FINAL PROJECT
SPRING 2025
This project dives into the relationship of site-context, site-development, and the generation of a program narrative as the design’s guiding framework. The project began with the assignment of an imaginary site and a sensory condition. The site is a fictional island with site conditions similar to the Elizabeth Islands, adjacent to Martha’s Vineyard. The sense I was assigned was the sense of touch. To focus on the sense of touch, the island is programmed as a therapy retreat based around physical sensations. To fully immerse in the island conditions, the retreat's therapy activities focus on natural physical sensations such as heat, wind, and earth. The program includes safe individual spaces for private contemplation and rejuvenation.
SITE PLAN
SITE PLAN WITH INTERVENTION
program:
WELCOME CENTER: Located at the north end of the island, adjacent to the dock, convenient for arriving guests. Second floor lookout is elevated over the island's rocky low-tide zone.
GUEST HOUSING: Situated along a path south of the welcome center, the guest housing is on the eastern side of the island, providing ideal morning sunlight to guests.
FIRE PIT: On the tallest peak of the island is a fire pit where guests can collect and talk about their experience on the island and with therapy.
ORCHARD AND VINEYARD: Across the island, between the island's two peaks, is an apple orchard and grape vineyards. This location has the ideal sunlight for plant growth. Here, guests feel the tactile sensation of earth and the fruit. The area also features a garden shelter set within the orchard and elevated to see the view over the vineyards.
WIND FUNNEL: Facing south on the island is a wind funnel structure. The structure manipulates wind for an amplified sensation within.
FRESHWATER POOL: Located within the natural tide pool of the island is a freshwater pool. This lets guests sit within the salt water while having a physical boundary from the ocean.
WELCOME CENTER
The welcome center features a counseling center and a dining area for guests. Within this building is a staircase up to an elevated lookout with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade that frames a view of the rocky Elizabethian coastline. This building also houses staff, including therapists and a chef.
GUEST HOUSING
The guest housing is situated along a path south of the welcome center, on the eastern side of the island. The lodging includes individual units for up to 6 guests. The housing is fitted with a green roof that extends down to lattice walls that separate the units’ decks. The curve of the housing follows the topography of the island, and the outside two units are extended to create a communal meeting area at the entrances of the rooms.
WIND FUNNEL
Facing south on the island is a wind funnel. At the entrance, guests feel an amplified feeling of wind. Guests walk through the structure on a platform as the funnel opens to the south. The platform has holes in it to prevent turbulence. The exterior of the funnel is covered in reeds, adding an auditory effect to the therapy. Under the reeds are holes and tubes leading into the structure, amplifying the wind within.
complete island model
WEST SIDE
EAST SIDE
