The Glass Bubble Project
A community glass blowing center proposed in a partially abandoned warehouse adjacent to a large empty lot and bordered by a long masonry wall. The site was one of decay and yet opportunity; in the rear a community bicycle shop allowed people to donate bikes or build and keep a bike for the cost of a few volunteer hours. The idea for the glass blowing studio was to utilize the bike shop as a component of the shop, provide gallery space and artists residence quarters. The strategy for the design method, arose from the site itself, the layers of trash, car parts, and overgrown vegetation inspired a space of similar textures. In addition, the operation of glass-making set the framework in which the architecture could respond, ventilation, open space, were paramount to the program.