austin media library
sound building studio
professor raimund mcclain
project media library and community center
client city of austin
location 9th and red river, austin TX USA
submission may 2001
The concept initially visualized a double volume space, where a solid and a flexible shape interact with the complexity of the site.
The first proposal of design created a second level auditorium as the most important volume in the project, all of it and the rest of the build covered with a pixelated glass facade that digitalized a view of the downtown and capitol area.
In the final proposal, the grid interacted with the energy coming from the creek, and the structural grid created a perfect three dimensional reflection of the idea, holding at the same time, the big digital screen that during the day time provided the interior spaces a mid light environment and during the night the option of reflection for digital images and shapes. The new era of the modern "movie theatre".
The second level auditorium covered by the screen. In this specific area the screen is able to create total opacity, and partial translucidness.
Also in the final project and structural and systematic section in 1/4 was created. The section provides information about the systems and the structural qualities of the building.
In structural terms the section creates a modern functionality between the cover insulated metal sheets and the steel structure, half inside half outside.
According to this technological movement, the local authorities need to promote the technology as daily thing. Technology is and must be a natural part of every citizen of this new century. The intention of this project is to create a multimedia library that provides digitalization to every part of the society. A technology center with facilities for children, parents, students, and professionals.
The site was located at a downtown area where a natural creek provides the site a perfect social nexus to the city.
As apart of the idea, the idealization of technology gave the design a digital aspect, the pixelation of the environment, the facade, the floor plan and the outdoor and green areas.
The second phase of design was completed with a more organic idea of space. The composition of two different elements was confirmed with the presence of a rigid orthogonal structure and a flexible and translucid colored fiberglass screen.
The main building facing to the creek showing the movement of the screen and the possible social spaces created between it and the creek.
The main building is formed by three different areas. The public area corresponds to the lower level areas, where the cafeteria, the library and the exhibition are. The semi private area corresponds to the auditorium and the audio and video labs in the second level. Finally the private area corresponds to the advanced computer studios in the second and 3rd floor of the building in the back, within the big screen.
The section shows the way the screen works, structurally and digitally.
The translucidness of the material was tested till it created luminosity enough to project and image on it. Fiberglass components, double sheet insulated Kalwall.
Designed by JAGP arquitectos