Textile Workshop

Situated in an alleyway measuring less than 20 feet wide in Downtown Blacksburg, the workshop must encompass an exhibition space to showcase the textiles that are made in a loom studio, a gift shop that sells merchandise made in the studio, and a residential apartment that houses a weaver all while not blocking pedestrian traffic through the alley. The alley sits between DP Doughs and Hokie Hair and serves as a shortcut from heavily trafficked North Main Street to the slower back roads right off of Virginia Tech's campus.

This study model shows how windows on surrounding buildings along North Main Street are placed at different heights (even windows on the same building have different elevations), signifying various periods of development in the area.

Brown cardboard masses represents builidngs that are older than the newer buildings represent by white foam core masses.

The narrow and deep alley will struggle to maintain a light-filled and airy pathway when a structure is built upon over it.

This study model shows the level change west (rear) of the alley. Opposite of the white paper masses is North Main Street.

Due to the tight and narrow site, the design was led to combine vertical circulation and exhibition into the same space. Hung from the ceilings, textiles drape down through the floors and allows visitors to view them from various heights. Next to the stairs, besides the railings, on the stairs, and on the landing, the textiles follow the linear axis of the site to efficiently utilize the space.

The fourth floor loom studio allows visitors to have framed views of Downtown Blacksburg and Virginia Tech campus while allowing visitors to view the textiles and tapestries.

The textiles and tapestries hang through the floors. Double story windows are on the third and fourth levels (above the heights of surrounding buildings) to allow natural light in the workshop.

Textiles and tapestries are displayed on the sides of the third floor loom studio.

View from fifth floor apartment balcony.