We designed a building around the main idea of combining the Architecture, Safety and Product Design (SPDI) majors at Keene State College. During this project, we were required to study the boundaries and limitations of the site, as well as challenge ourselves to think about the different needs of each portion of the program. Initially, our design began with a centrally located social space. We wanted a space for students and staff to be able to congregate and share ideas that was also located in a convenient space for all majors. We also wanted this space to be open and inviting and to be located on an axis to the center of campus. After deciding on a circular space, we came up with the idea of a whirlpool affect. A whirlpool is a powerful circular current or vortex often causing a downward spiraling action.

As a group, we developed this idea by making the central hub the "vortex" of the whirlpool. We designed the circulation of the building in a way that would pull a person into the center of a large social space. The staircases in the hub also correlate with this idea in the way that they are curved along the same axis as the circle. Also included in the social area is a smaller spherical space where students can congregate to share ideas, pin up work and give feedback to their peers. This space can also be used as a critique area for classes. Since a major access way (Duffy Court) will no longer be available for students to walk through, our two main entrances are placed in strategic areas to pull students into the building from both the north and south sides. Furthermore, we developed the facades of the building to also show the whirlpool affect. From an exterior perspective, we gave the central hub an extruded height in order to emphasize the idea of the social space. The large windows on the north facade, as well as the roof, also pull your focus to the central hub.

Overall, our development of the program and social space focused on the idea of pulling all three majors together and creating a communal meeting place. We wanted to encourage the integration of the three programs and also produce an open and welcoming feel to the building.