The Nature Lab redesign at Rhode Island School of Design is a transformative space of all glass cabinets that wholly immerses artists into the world of natural history. Rising out from the Nature Lab’s core, the visiting artists in residence housing tower becomes an unprecedented type in the urban identity of RISD through the subversion of one’s traditional tower perception. The rotation of the tower resists the notion of center and provides optimum natural light in the studio through the design of large windows. The transparency in both the nature lab and the housing tower integrates both programs to promote visibility at their point of intersect -- the roof terrace of the Nature Lab, which creates additional space to work outdoors, and gains significant public attention by placing the artists-in-residence and their exemplary work on a pedestal.
THE NATURE LAB AND ARTIST HOUSING
RISD SITE PLAN 1/64" = 1'-0"
INTERIOR ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE UNIT
ELEVATIONS
