Space Planning

This design conveys a sustainable live and work model where the artist and business owner can conveniently operate under the same roof. The Northern section of the layout has been designed primarily as a residential space where the artist and their life partner can host up to 12 guests for dinner parties; a guest bedroom has been included to accommodate overnight guests. An overlap section of the layout has been designated as a back office where the residents can work on both business and personal tasks. The Southern section of the layout has been defined as the business sector. Here, the artist has ample space to create their textile goods as well as showcase and sell them.

Sustainability

Sustainable and ecofriendly elements have been implemented in this design through the inclusion of vertical gardens, green appliances, and the utilization of net zero design techniques. Vertical gardens not only provide homegrown herbs, but they also have been proven to reduce mankind's carbon footprint by filtering pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide, and decreasing heat absorption to minimize the use of air-conditioning (Newman, 2016). Green appliances, such as the SMEG refrigerator illustrated in the kitchen perspective, promote energy efficiency and focus on applying materials that have been repurposed or recycled (Sustainable Jungle, 2021). Finally, a net zero design approach was employed to capitalize on the extensive element of sunlight the site provides. Expansive accordion curtain doors were installed on the South business entrance wall to allow for efficient sun exposure to reduce electricity costs as well as to allow fresh air flow into the business space to minimize cooling costs. Net zero designs ultimately reduce energy consumption and promote a minimal carbon footprint to benefit the environment (Levins, 2021).

Additionally, shipping containers are sustainable in several ways. As a structural form, they are recyclables of their own since most containers have already been used to transport goods across the globe (Lynch, 2019). Total energy consumption and costs are significantly decreased as well since there is less space to heat, air condition, and light (Lynch, 2019). Shipping containers demonstrate versatility through their unique style, affordability, and resistance to weather (Heath).

Site Selection

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that is currently ongoing, the more space there is between people, the better it is for everyone. Having an open layout that is over 400 sq ft ensures that personal distancing can happen, as well as providing mobile cash wrap tablets. The flooring in the store is Saltillo tile, which is intentionally placed to provide a southwestern aesthetic that is easy to clean. Countertops are an Acacia wood, which is a hard and mostly non-porous surface as well as the other surfaces, such as our displays and storage. Everything is intended to be easy to clean and sanitize to help keep the number of germs down and keep this business happy and healthy during the pandemic.