I haven’t posted for quite a while, because it has taken me quite a while to complete my latest concept. This one is inspired by an actual development in this area, but I didn’t want to copy what they did (in part because I didn’t have many measurements to work from); I have made it according to some of my own ideas.
The Colonnade
The Colonnade is a complex of six structures, each unique, but with unifying design elements.
The concept is influenced by the vision of a walkable urban development. Each structure consists of shops and offices at ground level with residences rising above.
Northeast Overhead View
Parkland and greenways are part of the development plan, as are courtyards in each structure. Streets are intentionally narrow to discourage driving at high speed. Each structure has below-ground parking, but there is also street parking for guests and customers of the ground-level shops.
Southeast View
The structures in the complex are connected to each other by sky bridges, allowing residents to interact without going outdoors in bad weather.
Southeast Street View
South Street View
The external material palette combines dark brick with light-colored stone. Door and window frames are wood. Abundant glazing allows for lots of natural light.
View from Above
A goal of this project was to design for a dense urban setting that feels very livable and still maintains space for the natural world.
Senior Living Residences A
The Senior Living Residences provide one and two-bedroom units with balconies on six levels.
The other structures in the complex are similar, each one offering shops on the ground floor and apartments above. Where the senior-living residences have open balconies with iron railings, the others have screened porches.
Courtyard A
A courtyard in the center provides green space for sitting and walking.
Patio Deck A
This patio on the fourth level overlooks the courtyard on one side and the street at ground level on the other. Ample seating allows for gatherings of various kinds.
Senior Living Residences B
Connected to the prior structure via elevated walkway, this structure offers similar units in a different layout. Here is the main entrance to the residences, as well as dining options, gathering spaces and fitness facilities.
Upper Deck B
Two patios on the seventh level allow for gatherings with a view. A pergola moderates the late afternoon sun, allowing natural light with less glare.
Balcony View B
In this view from a balcony on the inner south wing, the residents can look down on trees as well as vehicles coming and going. An opening at ground level allows for cars that have dropped off passengers to descend into the lower-level garage.
Patio Deck B
In lieu of an actual courtyard, this patio on the second level provides lots of greenery and seating areas in the shade.
Café B
A spacious area on the second level with tables and seating allows for residents to grab a bite or share a drink from take-out restaurants on either side. Doorways on one side lead to balcony seating. On the other side is the access to the patio deck.
Take-out Counter B
Here is one of the take-out restaurants on the second level. Being located by the elevators makes it easier for residents to carry their meals back to their residence.
Elevator Lobby F
Here is a view of the elevator lobby on the top floor of the F Tower with the dome above providing natural lighting into the space below.
Public Park
Beside Tower F is a small park with playground equipment, a fountain and two pavilions for family gatherings. Beyond the park on the right side we can see a sky bridge connecting towers C and F. Two apartments are attached to the sky bridge - one on each level, with views overlooking the street below.
Credits:
Playground - Jose Luis B
Fountain with Pool -SketchUp
Door Components - SketchUp Labs
Ornamental Railings - Sero
Patio Furniture - Kath A
Flowering Lilac 3d - Brent L
Potted Plant - Daniel M
Low poly 3D tree bush (030) A - Max Achkovsky
Hydrangea - JBeasley
Trees - SketchUp trees collection
Shrubs - Diana
Textures - sketchuptextureclub.com