MARJORIE VERLIN
This one story warehouse in Ypsilanti houses an AutoZone retail store. The building is oriented south toward Washtenaw Avenue. A wall of windows comprises the south end, facing the parking lot. The rest of the walls are constructed out of brick. A large plaster facade covers the top of the building and serves as an overhang for the entrance.
The interior of the building is open with a partition wall running north and south which separates office and storage areas from retail. The extrance is at the front and an emergency exit and garage door are located in the back. Steel trusses run east and west and serve as hanging mechanisms for the flourescent lights.
This kit-of-parts shows the various materials used to construct the building including steel trusses and window frames, concrete flooring, brick walls, flourescent lights, support beams, door hardware, a “rock” textured wall, and striped overhang.
My ANT mapping focuses on the chosen categories of pool and cosmetics stuff. The pool diagram starts by examining the lifespan of different types of indoor pools and goes on to specifically examine the actors and materials involved in fiberglass pool production and disposal. Other pool accessories and utilities are traced to understand their impact on the environment. The cosmetics diagram starts by examinging consumer behavior and psychology. It goes on to examine the various forces and business practices that shape the industry, and examines that effects of cosmetic packaging disposal on the environment.
Pool and cosmetic items have been combined to create a low-waste multi-use space. Disgarded fiberglass pool shells have been stacked and inverted to disrupt the open floor plan, creating six enclosures along the periphery of the building. Used PVC piping runs horizontally and vertically throughout the structure, connecting various drawer systems that hold bulk cosmetics.
A non-reflective image of a vanity mirror serves as the backdrop for the open area. The pool structure near the entrance contains drawers with reusable containers which can be used to collect bulk cosmetic products stationed throughout the space. Inside the drawer system, a cabinet of curiosities showcases items that reflect historical homemade cosmetic production practices. The two central pool spaces house equipment for cosmetic production. In the back is a recycling drop-off and sorting area. An overhang made out of used inflatable pool toys provides cover for recycling overflow.
On the east and west sides of the building, pool structures housing cosmetic production equipment break through the exterior brick wall, creating increased ventilation and pedestrian interest. PVC piping weaves the separate areas together. On the northeast end there are recycling sorting containers and along the north exterior wall there are recycling drop off drawers that allow users to drop off recycling any time of the day.
The flow of the space is characterized by repeating linear plastic elements that spread throughout the central open area and continue into the peripheral structures. The piping system operates horizontally and vertically. Drawer banks made from various forms of piping serve as vessels for cosmetic material. Pool noodles form an arched tunnel inbetween retail and production spaces. Bulk cosmetic products are stationed both inside and outside the pool structures.