Here are some adjectives that describe the current conditions of the site: barren, concrete, heavy, blocks, orthogonal, cold, vast, expansive, flat, rigid order/control, solid
These are adjectives that describe the conditions of what I hope to achieve on the site: organic, vivacious, lightness, intimate, animated, authenticity, implied control, dynamic, warmer spaces, hierarchy of space
Standing at the top of the LaSalle parking garage the first word to come to mind is expansive. From the bottom looking up the colossal structure is almost impossible to take the structure in its entirety from the street view. However, despite the seven stories it contains it is not as tall as one might expect from a seven story building. This is an aspect of function that allows more vehicles to use the space with less material. So the imposing nature of the building is likely due to its hefty latitudinal qualities as well as the almost entire concrete façade. The strong visual component of concrete adds weight to this structure as well as a cool tone to the overall feel of the space.
The next word that comes to mind is order. The entire design has a box-like quality that is broken up into several planes that each defines the spaces of their respective floors. The large flat floors give a strong horizontal reading as they convey adjacent space. Ramps in the center lead vehicles up and down the structure but they also serve as reveals to the floor beneath. Also the design is nearly symmetrical; this factor alone gives a strong indication of controlled space.
Some may see the parking garage as absent of design as it is rather plane in nature. At first encounter the large open space holds many of the same void-like qualities as that of a blank piece of paper. However, this is not the case. Although this structure was designed with a utility first kind of program an architect still designed it to relate to the context of its site. Simple nuances serve to tie the garage to its surroundings. The longer I stare at it the more visual signs of this are evident.
Abita Brew Pub
Many People have enjoyed the refreshing taste of an Abita beer, the most popularly recognized being Purple Haze, but few journey to the small town where the renowned flavor was born. For Abita Springs, Louisiana the Abita Brew Pub holds a strong cultural significance. Strategically located in the center of town the Pub stands as a marker for the city it is framed on one side by the Tammany trace; a 31-mile asphalted trail and parallel equestrian trail that connects five communities--Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell.
The Abita Brew Pub has attained a level of authenticity in the community. From the many festivals such as this year's Abita Springs Crawfish Festival on April 17-18 or Louisiana Bicycle Festival held the Saturday before Father's Day. Other events such as the Abita Pub Crawl make the name of this small town familiar to people in larger cities. However, the real display of authenticity lies in the Pub itself. An unassuming exterior allows the building to blend in with the rest of the community. The height of the structure itself is sympathetic to its surrounding buildings, yet it still holds a place of understated prestige as its central location is detached from the strip shop pattern of businesses surrounding it. It’s as if the connected buildings point your eye in its direction. White picket fences on either side lead to the front door as a large oak shades the entrance. Inside the theme of genuineness is continued throughout. The front door opens up to the aged wood of the bar where many of Abita’s beers are freshly on tap. Further into the restaurant you can see a wall mural that depicts the old brewery and the trace beside it and the stainless steel equipment that still gleams proudly in the back of the restaurant. There is a real feeling of connection to a legacy when you are in this place. It is certain that the town would not exist as it is today were it not for this establishment.
