Program Matrix – Maritime Makers
Willamette River is one of the most valuable nature resources that flows through the city of Portland, its location and proximity to the river makes the city an ideal place to discover and experience this important river. By designing a boat making and researching space, the public can have a closer contact with river by sailing along the river in a vessel that is made by themselves; they can also learn different aspects of a boat during the making process, such as the materials used on various parts of a boat, shapes and types of boats. The facility will also provide an educational space as well as organizing some field trips for the public to learn about the history and ecology of the Willamette River – a river that plays a significant role in the development of the city. For the creation spaces, there will be two sections, both targeting different age groups and audience – a lower tech and higher tech section. The lower tech section focuses on families and the majority of the public, they will be able to design and create wooden boats by themselves – as a group or individually. They will learn to use wood milling tools and drafting tools, which are activities that require a lower level of scientific and technology knowledge, as this section aims to provide a relax atmosphere for everybody to enjoy their hobby. For the higher tech section, there will be machines and scientific equipment that help students and researchers to test or discover new findings in the area of marine, for example, finding materials that can last longer in a salty environment or designing a shape that is more efficient in the ocean – the higher tech section aims to provide a space for scientist and students to do their studies.
WaiChing, great to see you uploading your work to the blog. You have a very compelling vision for your boat-building center, and now a nice name!
You have a great start. Dividing your program into the different activities and clients is a very effective way to explain the parts. You could split up the high-tech and low-tech areas that you describe in narrative above. You could consider pushing spaces to a module (i.e. 200, 400, 800, 1200, 1600 s.f.) and sort out wet/dry, quiet/noisy, dusty/clean so it is easier to organize. The painting and varnishing area needs to be as large as your boats, so it could be increased or adjacent to a secure covered open area for larger boats.
Add restrooms, janitorial, mech & electric closets, perhaps break down the Admin into a few offices, conferencing space. Perhaps have a cafe with the lobby.