THE PEACH
On Peachtree Street
A Proposal for a SCAD Residence Hall
THE PROBLEM
Mental Health
In recent years, mental health has been more welcomed as a topic of conversation, but what needs to be addressed is how mental health affects college students, especially first- and second-year students that are on their own and away from home for the first time.
THE SOLUTION
Mental Health Awareness
Changes in lifestyle, technology, and relationships lead to stress, depression, and anxiety which causes alienation and confusion. The rapid growth of technology has created a lack of authenticity and real-life connection. Furthermore, creating less of a connection to nature and physical activity.
PROJECT STATEMENT
Mental Health in College Students
The project proposes a residence hall for freshman and sophomore SCAD students with amenities that benefit the students' health and wellness as well as ease them into the transition of college life. The design for the residence hall will focus on the mental health issues of stress depression, and anxiety in college students, assisting in the improvement of the overall college experience.
FULL TIME USER
Client
SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (SCAD - ATLANTA)
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a private, nonprofit, accredited institution, was founded in 1978 in Savannah, Georgia. The university’s goal is to “prepare talented students for creative professions through engaged teaching and learning in a positively oriented university environment.”
Needs
15,000 SF scope
New CS3 facility - SCAD’s counseling & wellness facility
Incorporates Bee Well throughout the building
Goals
Place attachment theory - a home away from home experience
Close-knit community amongst residents
Encourage and welcome students to seek the help they need
Help students balance college and adult life
Incorporate color theory to help improve mental health
Daylighting and connection to nature
Full-Time User
THE RESIDENTS
Residents at The Peach are freshman and sophomore students at SCAD. They are newly away from home, away from their friends and family, and their comfort zones. Attending SCAD is brave - not only did these students uproot their lives, but they’re pursuing their dreams. SCAD isn’t just a university. It’s where one goes to specialize in what they love. The first two years of college are hard, not necessarily due to the rigor of the classes, but especially because students are on their own and taking care of themselves for the first time in a new place and community. The stress of schoolwork and feeling like they’re alone adds up.
By having a residence hall where a student feels like they’re at home, connected to a community of people with similar interests, and with available help or someone to talk to, it would make the transition into college life easier and improve the overall college experience.
The Peach
1665 Peachtree St
The building shell is the famous Peach building on Peachtree Street adjacent to the SCAD Atlanta campus in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. The Peach was originally built in 1962 as an office building. Its design reflects the characteristics of the Art Deco style. Chosen due to the location’s convenience, this building will be an adaptive reuse project. The Peach will house not only freshmen and sophomore, undergraduate students, but also spaces for all SCAD students to come and use.
CONCEPT
"The unalome is a symbol that derives from the Buddhist religion representing the path to enlightenment. It illustrates that “the path isn’t always straight, perfect, or even in the ‘right’ direction. Our paths to awakening are filled with missteps and lessons to learn.”
PROCESS WORK
Bubble, Block, Test Fits
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |
PLANS
Furniture, Reflected Ceiling, Life Safety, Rendered
Furniture Plan & Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
Furniture Plan
Life Safety Plans
Furniture Plan & Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
RENDERINGS
Perspectives & Sections
 Level 1: EntranceMural by SCAD student (right), living green wall with wood hexagon tile (behind reception desk) |  Levels 1-2 SectionReception & laundry lounge view; mural by SCAD student |  Level 4: CafeLive-edge wood tables; Appalachian mountain range behind banquette |
|---|---|---|
 Level 4: Study Lounge SectionMural by SCAD student; ceiling mimicking the mountain range in the cafe |  Level 4: Work Room SectionMural by SCAD student |  Level 4: The Study |
 Level 4: Meditation Room |  Level 4: CS3 Private OfficesImplementing SCAD student art & calming colors |  Level 5-11: Central Community SpaceMural by SCAD student (back left) |
 Level 5: Single Suite |  Level 12: SectionMulti function space & gallery |
SYNTHESIS
Pillars of Wellness, Materials & Sustainability, Color Theory, Place Attachment Theory, Art & Accessories, Acoustics, Thermal Comfort, Security Study, Value Engineering
 SCAD's Pillars of Wellness |  Application of Color Theory |  Application of Place Attachment Theory |
|---|---|---|
 Art and Accessories |  Security Study |  Acoustic Study |