Depot Design - Natural Movement

The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot in Pullman, WA. was an adaptive reuse project that was designed for Tom Degroot, who is a painter from Seattle, WA., and his wife, who is legally blind. The residential space needed to be <800SF that allowed universal design and accessibility.

The inspiration of the design was a flagpole holder that was attached to one of the windows at the historic depot. Degroot's philosophy statement was combined with the elements of the inspiration. The luminous, silkiness and richness of his paintings were applied to the design through the lighting and color on the walls; his abstract compositions of color and naturalistic patterns were applied to the organic and asymmetrical movement.

Depot Study Models

Before building the final model of the Depot, we had to make three study models, as shown below. These study models were very rough drafts because of the materials we used. We used trace paper and card stock paper that were easy to cut. Using these materials were so rough that it was quite hard to actually see how the space would work, but at the same time, it helped us visualize what we were working with. During this process, it helped me choose what worked for me and what didn't, such as, knowing where to place the residential, studio, and gallery. The small windows were hard to cut out, even on card stock paper. Trying to make it perfect and not cut more that what was needed was a challenge. I was aware of this and did a careful job with the museum board for the final model.

The final Depot model is shown below. Using museum board was stronger and easier to make everything stand up. Even though museum boards can easily get dirty, I made sure that my hands were clean through out the process. I used the hot glue gun because it was stronger and helped hold everything in place. My goals for this model were to end up with the clean model and clean cut lines. I used a ruler while I cut out every piece to make sure everything was straight. Also, I measured everything carefully before I glued everything together. I think that my depot model was successful because I was able to achieve my goals.

The only part that I would try to do better is the exterior landscape design that I drew. I could have worked more with the shape of the sidewalks and give it a better shape.