Owl Audiology
An audibly intimate audiology experience
Understanding the curvature of sound was a major inspiration for Owl Audiology. Adding texture and form to the primary circulation route and partition walls along the south wall of the space is both a reference to the deaf experience limited to touch and sight as well as referencing the repetition and sporadicity of soundwaves. The waiting area, progression from public to private and subsequently administrative to private is also based on the curvature of soundwaves. The lighting and wood panelling along the ceiling and wall serve acoustic values as well as offering a juxtaposed position against the primary focus of the curved wall and it's layered nature. Punched out of the organic curved "datum" wall are solid-wood door frames, necessary for a contiguous acoustic values within the private rooms. Overall, Owl Audiology aims to offer a comfortable as well as quiet and private space for visitors to have an intimate meeting with one of 4 audiologists, with two private rooms for hearing tests and analysis.
The logo designed for Owl Audiology, as can be seen on newsletters, letterheads, business cards, and email signatures from the offices of Owl Audiology.
Utilizing various wood types allows for a wide array of form in both seating and partition walls. Using the idea of a textured wall as a reference to the shape of soundwaves and how our dependence on our other senses would depict our movement if sound was absent from our lives.
Below are the existing building orthogonal drawings. As an introduction to Owl Audiology, the Design Studio IV class was put into groups to design the lobby of the same building. Three stories encompassing 2 offices on each floor for specialized practices (i.e., audiology, ophthalmology, etc.)
Below are my finalized plans, sections and detailed elevations for Owl Audiology. Note the organic and playful curved wall depicting the progression, as well as adhering to an axis, or datum, of the interior. Opposite the curved partition is a definitively linear wall, allowing for more structured patient development.
Below is the Longitudinal Section showing the progression of the curved wall and it's layered extrusions, similar to the construction of soundwaves.
The transverse section below shows the protrusions which still adhere to ADA standards as well as the continuous nature of the curved wall throughout the waiting area, stopped only by dropped pendant lighting.
An initial perspective shows the intimacy of the exam room, allowing patient-doctor communication through a glass fenestration, common in audiologist's offices. The wood panelling offers acoustic value, as well as a visual break from the exterior partition wall's organic nature.
The second perspective of Owl Audiology shows both the front desk, an area for merchandise sold within the office, as well as the entrances to each exam room. The lighting fixtures as seen on the right wall opposite the protruding, layered walls also adhere to ADA standards.
