ΟΜΑΔΑ 16 // ΑΣΚΗΣΗ 5 // Window //

 

This window is supposed to be located on the exterior wall between the main lounge area and the outdoor space of a cafeteria. Designing a window for this particular space could be accomplished by a simple design which covers the needs of temperature, sound and air quality control. But considering the need to increase socialization between the users of the space, besides the comfort in it, we added a few extra key elements on its design. The cafeteria being a space for not only having a coffee or any other beverage but also being able to offer comfortable spaces where people could study or work in, guided us to offer extra table area to the users and provide them with extra shading devices in case of sun glare. With this set of goals being set we designed an elevating platform on each side of the wall which can be put on the preferable height depending on the persons needs, being used as a table or as a shading device. For example if children were to read a book, draw or play on it, it could be adjusted to their height (standing or sitting on small chairs) or when midday hour sun is too bright, the user himself can set the platform on a higher level producing a strong shading device for the indoor or the outdoor space (considering the existence of extra tables). Each platform (indoors or outdoors) is designed to be functioning independently and on user demand (sliding in rails on both sides).

As for the window itself, we chose a double sliding one. Each part opens vertically by sliding the upper or the lower part (upwards or downwards). The users in both sides, while seated, are going to have to communicate their way through the positioning of the window parts as it could form a totally open space, an “open border”, between them and encourage conversation or in other cases it can form a semi – open space, for example having only the upper part or the window open sound transfer should be decreased by the lower window while fresh air enters the indoor space, and on the contrary, having only the lower part fully open users can see and communicate with each other while protecting the indoor space from air speed or a huge temperature lost.