Student Design Challenge
Semi Finalist #3
Novaya Politra & Andrew Court
School: Carleton University, Architectural Studies (Design)
Category: Smart Storage Ideas
Opening Canvas
The main idea behind the design is looking at the floor of a building or room and interpreting it as a usable storage space by just giving it a depth of 1.5’. The floor is often ignored in buildings and is usually flat, uninteresting surface. The design we have come up with is made up of a flat floor that holds various size containers. Trapdoors cover these containers and these can easily be opened by any one person while bigger compartments are machine operated for stability and ease. In these various containers, there is a series of storage spaces, which can be used in place for big cupboards or dressers that may take up space. The floor begins as a flat surface, which could be considered a bedroom, but one person can easily open up all doors to put various items in storage. Other ideas that could go under the floor could even go as far as a bed, bookshelves and a tv.
The concept behind the design is the idea of making more space of what is already existing. Instead of making a brand new building, it could be possible to rip up the floor of a building and install the new idea into it. The idea is to use the maximum amount of space in a building and this could help with small rooms or people who might need more storage. The idea is to simply convert the room so it has multiple functions.
Novaya Politra
Email: novaya.politra@gmail.com
Instagram: peppalitra.png
I am originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh where the raging poverty leads to an absence of proper planning and good architecture in the average household. Architecture can in many ways be a guide to a healthier lifestyle and that is what I aspire to do through my studies. Architecture to me is a study of society’s impact on the environment around us. I am inspired by how much our lifestyle, cultural values, and social norms are interpreted into the space we inhabit and how loudly its volumes speak to a unique narration.
Andrew Court:
Email: ajcourt13@icloud.com
Instagram: andrew_courty
I have lived in Canada my whole life. I have always had a particular passion in architecture. Even from a young age, I have always been interested in building. I am very excited to be in the architecture program because learning about various techniques and other necessities inspires me to think of new ideas and expand my knowledge. When I think of architecture, I think of the future and what life will be like then. I have always wanted to change the world, and being in architecture is one interesting way of doing that, one building at a time. I always enjoy studying buildings and places as I journey around the world and wonder what it would be like to have my own ideas in the society I live in. I am very positive about how I look at the world. The Reina Challenge is both of our first architectural design competition. We were both particularly interested in this project because it inspired us to consider much the efficiency of our living condition can impact our lifestyle, our productivity and our relationships. We enjoyed brainstorming interesting ideas that may have not been elaborated on before. This challenge allowed us to think outside the box and seek solutions in unlikely places.