The ramp experience through seamless procession

The Ramp was the result of a term long study asking "what is urban?" This was explored through a series of exercises, readings, and lectures along with simple observation. I arrived at the conclusion that urban is the chance encounter, the intrigue, and the community. It's the diversity and depth of a varied and dense settlement that draws people to it. The ramp explored these conditions and possibilities through level changes, street front experimentation, public open spaces and the careful arrangement of program along a central spiraling circuit, all containing a top lit climbing wall that winds its way through the building providing glimpses into itself. The image above was the genesis of its form, two strips of paper with a gradient representing privacy curving in on itself and skewing slightly. 

The gym is meant to be a place to exercise through exploration and circulation. The walking path cuts a step spiral through the interior of the building pulling light into its depths and views from one side of the project to the other, this also allows for connection to the outside to be exaggerated. The path terminates in a rooftop terrace with views of the West Hills, North Park Blocks, and the surrounding Pearl District.