This project involved designing a mixed-use space composed of three shipping containers on an open site in the Arts District of downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. The goal was to create a functional and expressive environment that includes a public facing art gallery, a visible working studio, and a private residence for the artist. The design needed to foster community engagement by offering opportunities for the public to interact with the artist’s work and process, while maintaining privacy and separation for the artist’s living quarters.

My design solution included site planning, building orientation, exterior and interior design, finish selections, and 3D modeling in Revit software. The constraints of the project were quite restrictive due to the limited size and form of the shipping containers, but I prioritized the functional needs of both the commercial and residential components.

The concept was driven by the client’s desire to reflect their Surrealist art style in the space. I focused on design aspects such as textured surfaces, exaggerated scale, organic shapes, and moments of surprise - making one question what is normal. The result is a layered and engaging environment that invites community interaction.