Cypress Event Center
Senior Architecture Studio
Fall, 2019
Slidell, LA
The Cypress Event Center was our last design on the Garrett Fields site in Louisiana. We as a class were challenged to design an event venue space that could house events ranging from weddings to fundraisers to local community events. This was accomplished through the inspiration the Bald Cypress gave me and its ability to grow and house different ecosystems within it, just as special events do.
The 10,000 sqft event center draws inspiration from the Bald Cypress. From progression through the space to the structure of the building. When progressing through the space you start in a wide entry hall that represents the wide base of the Cypress. Then, the main ceremony and reception space is meant to represent the widening of the canopy to give the space a more natural feel. The main structural columns of the building are directly inspired from the structure of the tree and from Tadao Ando's Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth. The outside patio is covered by a wire trellis that is meant to both provide shade and embrace the natural environment through its ability to grow Spanish Moss from the wires. The materiality of the building is meant to be subtle to allow the natural components of the design to stand out and be the focus of the space.
The reception area for the event center is important to be able to be adaptable to the setting it needs to provide, whether it is hosting a wedding reception of fundraiser night. The space allows for many different set ups to be able to hold many different events.
This main section through the building is meant to show the difference of space between the main entry building and the reception area.
Located within a large group of trees on the southside with a large field opening to the north the event center is positioned to be able to blend inside to outside and create large public events, or remain within itself for small private events.
The reception area for the event center is important to be able to be adaptable to the setting it needs to provide, whether it is hosting a wedding reception of fundraiser night. The space allows for many different set ups to be able to hold many different events.