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Problem: Thesis Site for Women's Wellness & Health
Hello,
I'm having a problem finding a good site for my thesis project. I'm designing and health and wellness center for women in NY. The purpose of the center is to empower women to take control of their lives and future by providing a space that enables women to focus on their mental and physical health.
The facility will have a bath house (sauna, steam, plunge pool, salt cave and etc.), spa, fitness gym, meditation/yoga studio. There will be a portion of the space that focuses on educating females about mental and physical health, contraceptives, fertility and childbirth, nutrition and etc. Nothing formal and clinic like but just a haven for women to get answers, relax and learn how to live their best life.
I believe I will need about 7000 to 10,000 ft.². of space. I’m not sure if the busyness of the city is the ideal place for it perhaps somewhere like Brooklyn.
SPA - 2000 SQ FT
Steam Room
Sauna
Himalayan Salt Cave
Infra-red Therapy Room
Chromo Therapy Room
Floatation Therapy Room
Acupuncture / Massage Room
Ice Room
SPECIALIST & EDUCATIONAL SPACE - 2000 SQ FT
Offices (3-5)
Learning space
FOOD & BEVERAGE - 1000 SQ FT
Cafe
Juice Bar
Bowl Bar
Tea Room
Kitchen
Cooking Class Space
LOUNGE - 800 SQ FT
Meditation Room
Sleep Room
FITNESS - 1500 SQ FT
Studio no.1
Studio no.2
STORAGE - 500 SQ FT
Lockers
RESTROOM & SHOWER - 900 SQ FT
Restrooms
Shower
MAINTENANCE - 900 SQ FT
Maintenance Closets
Plumbing
Electric Closet
Another question I have this site in mind it is a landmarked building. 1 Nassau Ave Brooklyn, NY. I have found photos of the building with renovated facade suggesting that the exterior can be changed. However I was under the impression that if it landmarked it can’t be changed?
Any suggestions would help!
Thanks!
Selin
1 Featured Comment
Two suggestions: more and flexible classroom spaces, and a high-quality child care on-site. One of the main things keeping women from finding wellness time for themselves is it hinges on finding a goddam babysitter first.
All 8 Comments
It depends who landmarked it as to who has to review the changes made, if anyone. But if this is a thesis, does that aspect really matter to your professors?
Himalayan salt cave is one for the "construction terms that sound dirty" thread imo.
Don't forget to dedicate an entire wing of the building to woo. Will the lobby sell those Jade eggs I keep hearing about?
You could pick the top of the Empire State and it wouldn't matter so long as you have some reasonable justification within the project.
I know someone who picked Big Ben for their thesis. Made no sense to me but profs seemed to be impressed by it. :-\
I ran a similar line in for my thesis. The over-cautious students were not comfortable with the approach but it made for wonderful design opps.
Everything matters for my professors, location has to be near trains, very accessible to the users and have in depth reasoning as to why it's the perfect location.
What about working out design problems by yourself without lazily resorting to crowd-sourcing? Is that important to your professors?
I'm looking for helpful suggestions not snooty remarks.
this is for free - women that go to day spas don't ride trains.
Not a day spa, you got the wrong idea. Spa and wellness things are not just for the rich. It's for everyone that understands the importance of doing something for yourself. I go to spas and ride trains!
that's why you're not rich.(just kidding) as for a site, why not IN the water? you know, create your own site, a floating spa in the hudson.
I like JLC's idea. Use the water in the Hudson for your spa treatments. Or put it in the Gowanus - that would be hilarious.
I know the perfect location for this project, but you will have to pay me first.
Dont forget the methodone clinic. Kidding. You know how I'd find the site? By hitting the pavement. Start at the transit station, circle out. Find what it is you are looking for as it reveals itself to you.
Two suggestions: more and flexible classroom spaces, and a high-quality child care on-site. One of the main things keeping women from finding wellness time for themselves is it hinges on finding a goddam babysitter first.
Thank you for your help, your suggestions are very much appreciated.
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