Inspired by Aires Mateus, the cubic hub is a student hub that incorporates three moments taken from his project: wall as perimeter circulation, repeated volumetric in a void and light diffusion. My goal in doing this project was to give students a fun, functional, and dynamic environment. The hub serves as a study space, restroom, kitchenette, counseling room, rage room, and changing area.
The first moment was the perimetral circulation, the intent is to keep all functions on the side: the kitchen, bathroom and the stairs leading to the upper volumes; keeping the rest of the space free. The flow within the space is optimized to ensure efficient circulation across the hub by aligning the major functions, paths and staircases along the surrounding walls.
Another big source of inspiration was repeating volumetric in a void. In order to maintain the void as a dynamic spatial experience, I developed volumes on multiple levels. The arrangement of the volumes serves the main functions. The dining space and the relaxing area are allocated beneath the upper cubes.
The space is made dynamic by the varying volumetric heights. The open space beneath the volumes creates opportunities for free movement and visual connectivity, which enhances the hub’s overall free flow. Strategic use of light diffusion directs circulation across the volumetric volumes and around the outside walls.