The final project of the second semester. The goal of this project is to create a retreat for writers. This proposal does so by giving the writer the ability to become one with nature. The structure blends into its environment with its wooden facade. It is placed into the center of the site for maximum comfort and views. The facade acts as blinds to partially block the view as well as let some of the light enter the space.The living cells face the lake, forest, and mountains. The inhabitant of the cell has the ability to adjust to the cell to one’s personal taste. The blinds that are on the cells can move. They can block the light when closed, or open to reveal the scene they keep from the inhabitant. Basically, the cells can transform into balconies if one wants some fresh air without leaving the cell. The access road splits into two levels. The lower level is for service vehicles. This road leads to the kitchen and mechanical room. the upper level is for the clients, who drive up to the entrance of the structure and the seminar space. There are also parking spaces for the clients’ cars. The library is placed at the top as the main space of the building. It holds views of the whole environment. The dining hall is located on the first floor. The individual can choose to access the courtyard through the dining hall. As the individual passes through the courtyard, one walks under the living cells and ends up on the giant concrete balcony. This allows the individual to separate oneself from the structure and come closer to the natural area. 

At first, one was asked to create two abstract models. The first had to show how an occupant would feel in the space physically. The first sculpture attempts to show that the occupant would be aware of his/her surroundings. The second abstract model had to show how an occupant would feel in the space emotionally. The second sculpture shows that since the occupant is now aware of one’s surroundings, he/she embraces the environment. Based off of these intended ideas, one was asked to design a retreat for writers, authors, or journalists. This retreat had to provide ten living cells, two restrooms for each gender, a kitchen, dining hall, seminar room, and library for the occupants. The site was an imaginary piece of land located in the Catskill Mountains of New York.

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