Waterfall At Waterloo
Type of Work: Spatial design, Experiential Design
Duration: 3 months
Designers: Nicole Prasetia
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Project Overview:
Waterfall at Waterloo is the result of a brief centered around creating a social interactive experience within Waterloo Center. Known to be located at the heart of Singapores Art District surrounded by educational institutions, its dual function as a residential area on the upper floors and arts center on the lower floors puts it in a unique location to engage or even help the surrounding communities.
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This unique opportunity inspired me to create an experience that could help ease the suffering of overworked workers from the nearby offices, the burntout students going for another all-nighter, and everyone who needs space and comfort within their darkest hour.
With this goal in mind, I designed a 24-hour space where people can come in at any time surrounded by comfort. This environment will engage the five senses to give variety and focus on the act of taking a pause (a break) when making coffee and then finishing their work. We cannot stop people from suffering in life and pulling all- nighters but we can provide a little relief in the times they feel most down.
Research
Waterloo Center
Waterloo center is currently a multi-function building with the top floors housing residential HDB flats and the lower floors used as a commercial business area. The shops are a mix of dance studios, art studios, design firms, specialty stores, pottery studios, and more.​
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Burnout
A result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress. It is commonly found when dealing with the same work/job/problem over a long period of time. So a sense of variety should be provided.
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Coffee Concept
A space that is open for 24 hours where students can make their own coffee, a source of comfort for most and do work in a conducive space. It engages the five senses to give variety, and encourages taking a pause (a break) through making coffee and circulation.
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Nature
The use of plants specifically snake plants, spider plants, and golden pothos were chosen as they produce oxygen even at night. The plant's ability to reduce humidity was also considered to save energy as the space will be used even at night.
The Site
The site is within walking distance of educational institutions such as SMU, NAFA, and Lasalle and offices such as Lazada.
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The Circulation
The circulation of the building is mostly centered around a pathway that cuts through the entire building. This pathway is mostly occupied by f&b stores and I have chosen the tail end of this path to be my chosen location.
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The Community
Aspects of the construction itself such as the plants, coffee, and pastries could be sourced through businesses already present within the fabric of Waterloo Center.
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Capturing the flow and movement of the space, the stair cases and height capturing the movement of people​.
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Movement of the people thorough the f&b pathway. The imagery of the journey that people would take to reach the site.
Outcome
Floor Plan lvl 2
Floor Plan lvl 3
The Vision
To allow people to work better by taking periodic breaks to release pressure. The space would encourage users to make their own coffee/take care of themselves through a selection of preferred methods.
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The Mission
To allow people to work better by taking periodic breaks to release pressure through the process of making Coffee.
The Objective
To give space where people can work in a relaxing environment where they can take breaks and be comforted in hard times.
Lvl 2
Lvl 2 Individual Study/
Coffee making area
Lvl 2 Lounge Area/ Floor Seating Area
Lvl 3
Lvl 3 Individual Study/
Coffee Making Area
Lvl 3 Group Study Area
Lvl 3 Study Area/
Semi - Private
Final Remarks
In this project I feel like this kind of space can be developed further from a business perspective as well. This 24-hour space produces income all day every day and if placed within the right area will be constantly in use. By playing into people's love of making coffee, the space would not require a large group of staff to operate. Another business model to consider could be a commission based where other smaller cafes, bakeries, and convenience store around waterloo center could sell their products in this space. This would be especially appealing as cafes and shops in Waterloo Center close early and usually have smaller spaces.
Furthermore, to make this idea work realistically the problem of electricity usage and even wastage needs to be addressed, specifically air conditioning and trash management during the night. The night is not as hot or humid as the day but some sort of cooling system should be provided. Some of the things I looked at other than plants were algae inspired by ant studios award winning sustainable cooling system. Its holding structure is made out of clay which can even be commissioned to Waterloo Center's poetry studio to create.
Make Way NAFA Exhibition 2022