The holiday season is my favorite time of the year! Not only do we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, but we also get time to spend with the ones we love the most. I am SO thankful that I am able to spend the majority of my Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks with my family in the Carolinas.
My mother and father-in-law live in Brevard, North Carolina- which is about 30 minutes away from Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville is known for its cultural arts, food, and break taking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. One of the most famous American Estates is located in Asheville: The Biltmore House.
I have been so fortunate to tour this home three times over the past few years. The Biltmore is stunning. I can’t even put into words just how beautiful it is- you will have to go visit The Biltmore for yourself!
Some history of The Biltmore House:
In 1888, George Vanderbilt visited Asheville with his mother for the first time. Mr. Vanderbilt was originally from Staten Island, New York. George had found the perfect location for his “country home”. (Now, when I think of a country home, I picture a small cottage! Mr. Vanderbilt had quite the imagination!)
The next year (1889), the construction of The Biltmore House began. As of 1889, The Biltmore was the largest undertaking in Residential Architecture and Interior Design. It took 6 years to complete the home. Craftsmen from all around the area came together to build The Biltmore. It opened on Christmas Eve of 1895, and Vanderbilt hosted an incredible Christmas celebration with his friends and family.
Construction photos:
Mr. Vanderbilt had a railroad built up to his home in order to bring materials in for construction!
250 rooms TOTAL
35 bedrooms
43 bathrooms
65 fireplaces
French Renaissance Chateau style
4 acres of indoor floor space (That’s 174,240 square feet!!!)
3 floors and the basement level
In 1900, the construction began for the Main Dairy and Horse Barn.
In 1914, George Vanderbilt passed away (he was 51). He left an enormous philanthropic legacy. He wife Edith sold approximately 87,000 acres of the estate to the United States Forest Service for less than $5 an acre.
In 1930, Cornelia (George Vanderbilt’s daughter) and John Cecil (son-in-law) opened The Biltmore House to the public.
In 1942, The Biltmore House stored priceless works of art from the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC during World War II.
When you go on a tour of the home you will see vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more that tell stories and illustrate the lives of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees.
-Original Art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent
-16th century tapestries
-Library with 10,000 volumes
-Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling
-Indoor pool
-Bowling alley
Almost all of the priceless objects that you see throughout the house are from George and Edith Vanderbilt’s original collection.
What’s even more spectacular about the home is visiting it during the Holidays. The Biltmore is decked out during the Christmas season, just as it was when Mr. George Vanderbilt lived in the home. Here are some photos:
So what does it take to decorate The Biltmore Estate for Christmas?
-68 Christmas Trees
-30,000 lights
-12,000 ornaments
-5,000 feet of fresh Fraser fir garlands
-1,200 feet of silk/dried garlands
-125 candles
Around the estate:
-125,000 lights
-12,000 ornaments
-1,500 feet of garland
-500 wreaths.
-55 additional decorated Christmas trees (Winery, Inn on Biltmore Estate, Antler Hill Village, and restaurants)
The largest is the 35-foot-tall Fraser fir in the 72-foot-high Banquet Hall. It features a North Carolina Fraser Fir. The Banquet Hall tree is brought in to Biltmore House by hand, carried by 30 to 40 Biltmore staff members. Oh my goodness! To decorate the Banquet Hall tree:
-500 giftboxes
-500 ornaments
-500 lights
The Biltmore Staff uses a combination of fresh-cut Fraser firs and artificial trees for fire safety and protection of the collection in Biltmore House.
I can’t wait to go back to visit this home! Happy Holidays, friends!
Last week I attended a group exercise class at the new Auburn Recreation and Wellness Center (I’ve blogged about it before). The class I take is similar to Zumba, and is called Dance Jam. During the last song of the class I came down on my foot sideways and busted my rear ON THE FRONT ROW. Talk about embarrassing!!! Not only did I hurt my pride, but I have a Level 3 Foot Sprain. I left the Orthopedist Monday with a boot and on crutches. Goodness gracious!
Let me tell you, you will never really appreciate ADA Accessibility until you have to get around on crutches (or a wheelchair). Especially on a large college campus such as Auburn! Some of my classes are 15 minute walking distance from each other when I have 2 GOOD feet. On crutches- it’s nearly impossible. Have you seen Monsters University? It kinda feels like this:
So back to the Orthopedic doctor…
I now understand why Healthcare Design IS so important- not only in hospitals but in all types of healthcare facilities! Here is the room I was put in while waiting to see the doctor:
Examining Table
Artwork
Storage/Sink and view of flooring
Cabinetry
Seating for the doctor
Door
This space was not exciting, nor did it have any windows for natural light. AND it did not help that I was stuck in there for almost 45 minutes.
I have not taken my Healthcare studio yet- that’s next semester. And I cannot wait! I know the design of spaces can have a HUGE impact on the healing and overall well-being of patients who are treated within them.
I want to take the EDAC Exam once I complete my Healthcare studio. So what exactly is the EDAC?
Evidence-based Design Accreditation and Certification (EDAC)
“The Center for Health Design’s internationally recognized EDAC program awards credentials to individuals who demonstrate a thorough understanding of how to apply an evidence-based process to the design and development of healthcare settings, including measuring and reporting results.”
The Mission and Vision of EDAC Program:
Mission: To develop a community of certified industry professionals through education and assessment of an evidence-based design process.
Vision: A world where all healthcare environments are created using an evidence-based design process.
“Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
8 STEP PROCESS:
Define evidence-based goals and objectives.
Find sources for relevant evidence.
Critically interpret relevant evidence.
Create and innovate evidence-based design concepts.
Develop a hypothesis.
Collect baseline performance measures.
Monitor implementation of design and construction.
Measure post-occupancy performance results.
Many studies have proved that physical environments have a significant impact on patient stress, patient and staff safety, staff effectiveness, and quality of care provided in healthcare facilities.
“Basing healthcare facility planning and design decisions on this evidence to achieve the best possible patient, staff and operational outcomes is what evidence-based design is all about.”
So who can be EDAC certified?
-Architects and Designers
-Hospital Executives
-Healthcare Providers
-Academics/Researchers/Students
-Engineering & Construction Professionals Product Manufacturers
I would much rather be in these spaces:
Hope y’all had a good laugh today- and be careful! Those dance classes are hardcore! 😉
We are now deep into FOOTBALL season! My two favorite teams have winning records- the Auburn Tigers are 8-1 and the Carolina Panthers are 5-3! And no- I don’t like Carolina JUST because Cameron Newton came from Auburn to Charlotte the year we won the National Championship (2010). I was born and raised in the Queen City!
I grew up going to many Carolina Panthers’ football games- during both good AND bad seasons. (Yes we’ve had many bad but hey- we ALMOST won Super Bowl XXXVIII with good ol’ Jake!) But I never realized until I was much older that Interior Design plays a huge role into the design of ALL the stadia in the WORLD!
The Bank of America Stadium opened in the summer of 1996 and was designed by HOK Sports Facilities Group of Kansas City, MO (the company is now called POPULOUS). The stadium is located in Uptown area of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Bank of America Stadium can hold 73,778 Panther Fans (which is less than Auburn’s Stadium!) and contains all natural grass. The stadium was designed to be the self-contained headquarters for the Carolina Panthers Franchise- and it includes training facilities, practice fields and administrative offices.
So here are the Bank of America Stadium dimensions:
Stadium Footprint (900′ L x 800′ W): 15 acres
Public Area Surrounding Stadium (including plazas, walkways, etc.): 11 acres
Practice Fields (two natural grass, one artificial): 7 acres
Total Stadium and Adjacent Landscaping and Practice Fields: 33 acres
The ACTUAL size of the stadium:
Height (from field level to top of scoreboard): 13 stories (180 feet)
Internal Space (covered space): 1,600,000 square feet
The Seating Capacity for the Bank of America Stadium:
Lower Bowl: 22,714
Club Level: 11,209
Suites: 2,717
Total Lower Bowl/Suite Seating: 36,640
Upper Bowl: 37,138
Total: 73,778
There are 1,394 seats for guests with disabilities and are distributed as follows: (ADA Guidelines!)
Lower Bowl: 701
Upper Bowl: 693
Total Wheelchair Seating: 1,394
“Bank of America Stadium is in full compliance with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and strives to further accommodate the individual needs of guests with disabilities. Seating for guests with disabilities is provided. Additionally, a parking shuttle and drop-off zone are available to fans with disabilities. Fans requiring special assistance should refer to guest services or guests with disabilities.”
Now for some Interiors! The Gridiron Club:
Created by Turner Construction Company in Charlotte, North Carolina
20,000 square foot premier club facility
Located in the luxury section at the North end of the stadium
Modern Industrial Design
“Chic Club” atmosphere
Unique finishes and materials from Italy, China and Brazil
The Training Room:
The Locker Room:
Other spaces:
I will be going to the Bank of America Stadium on December 22 to watch them beat the New Orleans Saints! I will definitely post some more interior shots after the game.
Wow- today was completely exhausting! We walked ALL over downtown Nashville- and now my feet are propped up on a pillow! I want to share all that we did today!
Visited the Omni Hotel:
Because the Hotel Managers originally told my professor we would NOT be allowed to walk around the hotel, I did not take any pictures here. These are the renderings from the conceptual designs of the hotel. The hotel looks just like them! It was beautiful! The hotel opened a week ago.
Lobby of the Omni Hotel.
Another view of the Lobby of the Omni Hotel.
The Omni Hotel Pool.
And my beautiful professor!
Visited the Nashville Music City Center:
The Green Roof at the Music City Center.
Conference Rooms at the Music City Center.
Artwork at the Music City Center! Those instruments are all to scale- it was incredible!
That’s ALL paper- artwork at the Music City Center! Please excuse my poor picture taking skills!
Lighting at the Nashville Music City Center!
Close up of the Lighting at the Nashville Music City Center.
Visited The Hermitage Hotel:
Casually getting our shoes shined in the 1930s Art Deco Men’s Restroom. That’s my friend Sara!
The 1930s Art Deco Men’s Bathroom at The Hermitage Hotel. Yep- that’s a urinal!
The 1930s Art Deco Men’s Bathroom at The Hermitage Hotel. Love that black and green toilet!
Ceiling detail from the lobby of The Hermitage Hotel.
The ceiling of the Grand Ballroom in The Hermitage Hotel. Look at all that Greek Key! The light fixture is original to the hotel.
Grand Ballroom at The Hermitage Hotel. The walls were crafted in Russia and are original to the hotel. They were made by the same people who did the walls on the upper deck suites on the Titanic! AMAZING!
The lobby ceiling at The Hermitage Hotel.
Had Lunch:
We went to Pub 5 for some amazing sandwiches, burgers, salad, and pasta!
Really cool industrial lighting at PUB 5.
After lunch we walked around downtown and saw the Tennessee Titans’ Stadium. Right on the River!
I got my girl a pair of Cow Girl Boots! I can’t wait to see her reaction when I get back home and give them to her 🙂
We met Elvis!!!!
Visited The Ryman:
We went on a Backstage Tour! We learned a lot about the history of The Ryman and Country Music!
And saw the AT&T “Batman” building!
Visited the Union Station Hotel:
The Union Station Hotel- Which used to be the Railroad Station for Nashville!
And then we went back to Opryland:
As we were walking back to catch the bus, I took a quick picture of Broadway Street!
Three days until we leave for Nashville! I decided to research a little history on one of the hotels we will be touring- The Hermitage Hotel!
“Get a taste of Tennessee tradition. Southern hospitality and all of the comforts of home combine at The Hermitage Hotel, in the center of downtown Nashville, TN. With a deep respect for Nashville and Tennessee, The Hermitage Hotel is committed to preserving the region’s heritage and practicing the traditions that make hospitality synonymous with The South.”
The Hermitage Hotel was commissioned by 250 Nashvillians in 1908. The hotel was named after Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Estate. When The Hermitage Hotel opened its doors on Saturday, Sept. 17, 1910, it contained 250 rooms. The hotel advertised its rooms as “fireproof, noise-proof, and dustproof, $2.00 and up.”
The Hermitage Hotel was the first million-dollar hotel in Nashville and the state of Tennessee. The hotel became a symbol of Nashville’s emergence as a major Southern city. The hotel was the preferred gathering place for the city’s socialites as well as visitors and politicians. From the when the hotel opened its doors through the 1940s, “Meet me at The Hermitage” could have been deemed the city’s slogan.
In June 2000, Historic Hotels of Nashville, LLC., purchased The Hermitage Hotel. The hotel underwent a $20 million renovation of the guest rooms and public areas. The renovation was completed in 2003. Through this renovation, the average size of guest rooms increased to 500-600 square feet.
Since the renovation, an additional $5 million has been invested in further upgrades which include the addition of iPod docking stations and large flat screen televisions in both the bedroom and the bathroom. Currently, the hotel has 122 rooms and suites. Many of the rooms overlook the historic State Capitol building and downtown Nashville.
Amenities of The Hermitage Hotel guest rooms include:
Spacious marble bathrooms with double vanities, a deep soaking tub, a separate shower and enclosed water closet, and 20-inch LG Flat Panel television.
Molton Brown bath gels and soaps
Oversized towels and robes
Elegant linens and down-filled duvets
iPod alarm clock docking stations
DVD/CD player
42-inch flat panel televisions
Three two-line phones
DVD/CD players
Complimentary high-speed wired and wireless Internet connections
Complimentary local calls
Full housekeeping service twice a day, including nightly turndown service (with complimentary water and fresh baked creations from the pastry chef)
Complimentary newspapers delivered to the door each morning
Upscale magazines in every room
This sounds wonderful already! I would love to come back to Nashville on a separate trip and stay here!
The amenities for The Presidential Suite at The Hermitage Hotel include:
Presidential Suite is 2,000 square feet and overlooks the Tennessee State Capitol in downtown Nashville.
One or two spacious bedrooms
Two full, marble bathrooms
Wet bar and service kitchen
Formal living room with 42-inch television
Formal dining room with seating for eight
The Hermitage Hotel also has:
A sun-lit fitness room featuring treadmills, cross-trainer and stationary bikes each with personal televisions, as well as strength equipment.
Spa Services. Massages, wraps, and scrub treatments are available.
Meeting rooms that can accommodate parties from 14 to 500
On-site business services with computer station, printer, copier and fax machine
Full secretarial services and notary services
Award-winning Capitol Grille
The Oak Bar
If you have a Fur Baby- don’t worry, The Hermitage Hotel is Pet Friendly!!!
No pet weight or size restrictions
Daily $50.00 pet fee includes: a custom bed in the room, treats, and nightly turn down service
Dog sitting, walking, and massage services
In room dining menus created specifically for pets
Awards:
The Hermitage Hotel has won many awards, including Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond hotel (the only hotel to do so in Tennessee). The Hermitage Hotel has been consistently listed on the Travel & Leisure World’s Best list as well as Travel & Leisure top 500 list. The Hotel has also been named “Best Pet Friendly Hotel” by TripAdvisor users. In 2008 the Men’s room at The Hermitage Hotel was voted Best Restroom by Hermitage Hotel fans and Cintas Corporation.
Did you know The Hermitage Hotel is famous? Various movies and videos have filmed at The Hermitage Hotel.
The Hannah Montana Movie
Josh Turner’s “I’m Your Man” Video
Country Strong Movie
Revlon Commercial with Sheryl Crow
Nashville- Television Series on ABC
I will also post some pictures the day we visit the hotel! I can’t wait to see it in person!
In a week and a half my Hospitality Studio is going on a field trip Nashville, Tennessee! I am really excited to get to experience the City of Country Music! We have two days packed full of tours. The plan is to see different hotels, restaurants, and the Nashville Music City Center (MCC). The MCC is LEED Silver Certified!
The Nashville Music City Center is in the middle of downtown Nashville, surrounded by hotels, historical landmarks, fine restaurants, great views, honky tonks (I am especially excited for this), The Ryman (HELLO- the BIRTHPLACE of country music AND the Grand Ole Opry!), art museums, and the Tennessee Titans’ Stadium!
The Music City Center had its groundbreaking on March 22, 2010 and opened in May this year. More than 7,300 people served on the construction team! The building is constructed of 110,000 cubic yards of concrete, 11,000 tons of steel, and 12,000 tons of rebar. The total building square footage is 2.1 million square feet! Included in this number are the following:
-353,143 square foot Exhibit Hall
-90,000 square feet of Meeting Room Space (about 60 rooms)
-57,500 square foot Grand Ballroom
-18,000 square foot Junior Ballroom
-1,800 Parking Spaces
-32 Loading Docks (provide ease & flexibility for convention planners)
-22 Elevators and Escalators
OK we get it. IT’S HUGE! So why is it LEED Silver Certified?
The Music City Center has a Green Roof to reduce the building’s Heat Island Effect. Heat islands are defined as thermal gradient differences between developed and underdeveloped areas (USGBC). The purpose of the Green Roof is to reduce heat islands to minimize the impacts on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats. Basically, dark colored roofs (which you can find a lot of in urban areas) make the environment REALLY hot because the Sun’s rays are being absorbed. Light colored roofs (those with high Solar Reflectance Index Values or SRI Values) make the environment much more comfortable because the Sun’s rays are being reflected back into space. The Green Roof on top of the MCC is the LARGEST in the Southeast, totaling at 4 acres! What’s even cooler is that it was designed to mimic the rolling hills of Tennessee. There are 14 different types of vegetation on the roof, all native to the state. The plants help to absorb rainwater which helps with reducing storm water runoff. The roof helps to absorb heat and insulate the Music City Center, which drastically helps to save on heating and cooling costs throughout the year. There is even a guitar on the top! I could go on and on!
The Nashville Music City Center is committed to supporting and encouraging sustainable practices, including the hosting of environmentally-friendly “green” meetings in the facility. The Music City Center has used the following practices to minimize its carbon footprint:
donation of unclaimed lost/found items to the local rescue mission
Other things to contribute to the Music City Center’s LEED Silver Certification are:
Solar Panels– 200-kilowatt solar panel grid made up of 845 panels
Rain Water Collection Tank– 360,000 gallon tank that provides water to more than 500 toilets and urinals in the building and the irrigation for the outdoor landscaping
Water Consumption– The rain water collection cistern combined with the water saved by the low-flow toilets, urinals, and faucets have reduced the building’s water usage by 40%! That is incredible for such a large facility!
Recycling plays a very important role at the Music City Center. MCC provides recycling containers for:
-Cardboard, Mixed Paper, & other Paper Products
-Aluminum
-Plastic
-Pallets & Wood Waste
-Toner/Print Cartridges
-Batteries
-Fluorescent Light Bulbs
-Food Waste
-Electronics
It’s so great to see more and more buildings becoming LEED Certified. The Music City Center is a state-of-the-art facility! I will be sure to post some pictures after we go on our visit!!!
IT IS OFFICIAL! The last day of my Senior year is April 25, 2014!!! My family has decided to treat me to a week FULL of fun at Walt Disney World to celebrate my 5 years (yes, 5 long years) of being a hardworking college student, mama, and wife! All 10 of us are heading to Florida May 3rd! I think I’m most excited to see Kate’s facial expression when she gets to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse!
But besides seeing Mickey and Minnie, what else draws us ALL to the “Happiest Place on Earth”?
The attractions and rides? The entertainment and shows? The dining experience? The shopping? The hotels and spas?
Kids of all ages (even those adults who are young at heart) will have a different response to my question. But have you realized? Each choice is greatly impacted and influenced by Interior Design!
Interior Design is like a “HUGE umbrella” covering all different aspects of the design field. For example, we’re currently studying Hospitality Design. This includes hotels, restaurants, and spas. Retail would fall under Commercial Design. Interior Designers even play a big role in Set Design.
Here’s an example of a Retail Concept created by FRCH. This store is located in Orlando and is called Worlds of Disney.
Here’s one of my favorite rides of all time: SPLASH MOUNTAIN! This ride is an example of Set Design.
I told Kates that once Mama finishes ALL her homework for this next year, we get to go to Disney. No wonder she has been constantly telling me “Do your homework, MOMMY!” Only 216 days!
As I’m sitting in front of my computer with my “TO-DO” list out, all I can do is sigh. The first exams of the year have begun. The studying is real. The stress levels are rising. It’s time to buckle down and get ready for yet ANOTHER sleepless semester. This is about the time when I start to question my career path decisions…
Why am I completing this major? Why do I do this to myself? Why does it matter? WHY??!!?!!?!!!?!
In the United States, schools that receive accreditation by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) are considered to hold the highest standards of education that practitioners deem valuable for future employees. Many, if not ALL firms seek employees that hold degrees from these accredited programs. I’m so fortunate to be a part of Auburn University’s Interior Design Program. Did you know, in 2012, we were ranked the #1 Interior Design School in the NATION by DesignIntelligence Magazine?! That’s some serious stuff. No wonder my classes are so challenging AND time-consuming. I’m learning how to be the BEST from the BEST instructors!
Interior Design is so much more than “making things pretty” or picking out paint colors OR that dreaded word…”DECORATING”.
Interior Designers use the Americans with Disabilities Act as a guide to implement Universal Design. By designing spaces “universally”, we are to able create accessible and safe spaces for those who are handi-capabale, making it easier for them to carry-out everyday tasks. Have you ever had to get around in a wheelchair or on crutches? Or had some sort of eye condition that limited your sight? In one of my studios, we had to do various exercises to see what it would be like to get around in a wheelchair or to have an eye disease, such as glaucoma. (I can’t believe I’m about to post these pictures- I look silly with these goggles on…) Universal Design is SO important, and as an Interior Designer, I make it my first priority.
Another topic associated with Universal Design is “Aging in Place”. Aging in Place allows older generations to remain in their homes longer instead of moving to a nursing or retirement home. Aging in Place improves our ability to live safely and comfortably in our homes as we get older. Homes that are suitable for aging in place are those that are “accessible” to us as our mobility decreases. Single story homes are considered very safe and accessible for older generations because there are no stairs to climb to a second level. Stairs can be very dangerous for older people. However, multi-level homes with a master bedroom on the first floor or homes with an elevator are also accessible and are suitable for aging in place. The most common features of accessible homes are the absence of stairs, good lighting, wide doorways (for walkers and wheelchairs), walk-in showers or baths, and appropriate handle bars for the toilet and shower/bath areas.
As a designer it’s also very important to create better schools to help our children and young adults learn. 20% of America’s population goes to school every weekday and school buildings represent the largest construction sector in America. Students are able to achieve more by thriving in well-designed, safe, and healthy environments. By focusing on classroom acoustics, master planning, improved ventilation, temperature control, mold prevention, daylighting/lighting and other issues we are able to provide high-performing facilities which results in high-performing students! When following the standards set by LEED for Schools, Green Schools are built and designed with strategies that aim to improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which is directly related to improved student health and attendance, higher test scores, and teacher retention.
Which takes me to one of the most important topics associated with Interior Design: Sustainability. “Sustainability is based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to making sure that we have and will continue to have water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment.” Sustainable design is also known as environmental design, environmentally sustainable design, environmentally conscious design, etc. Sustainable design is the philosophy of designing the built environment to comply with the principles of social, economic, and ecological sustainability: The Triple Bottom Line, also known as the 3 Ps: People, Profit, and Planet.
I’m currently in the process of earning a minor in Sustainability. I earned my LEED Green Associate Accreditation this past May (2013) and would like to become a LEED Accredited Professional. Sustainability is the ability to support local communities, save resources and help protect our environment. As designers, we owe it to our community, our clients, and future generations to reuse, recycle, and make wise design choices when it comes to our use of materials, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
So ALL of the above are reasons why I want to pursue a major in Interior Design. And ALL of these sleepless nights will be SO worth it when I walk across that stage and receive my diploma!!!
Video: Why Interior Design Matters- Radford University
As I was reading through some news headlines tonight, I came across an article from CBS News about the largest stand-alone building in the WORLD. I immediately clicked on it and then my jaw hit the floor.
When I heard LARGEST building in the WORLD, I started thinking “Oh goodness, not another huge skyscraper…” But I was so, so wrong.
Meet the New Century Global Center, located in Chengdu, China. Move over, Mall of America. Yes, this is a SHOPPING MALL. But it’s more than that. The developer has plans to create a hotel, an IMAX theater, an aquarium, as well as a water park with a beach inside. Did I tell you the beach has nearly a thousand feet of coastline? It has nearly 1,000 feet of coastline!!!
SO…just how large is the largest building in the world? 1.9 million square meters (Yep, that’s more than 20 million square feet). 329 Auburn Football fields (Go Tigers!) could fit inside this building. The article says the Global Center could fit 20 Sydney Opera Houses or 3 Pentagons!
Are you wondering WHY the New Century Global Center was built? Me too. According to the article, building “big” is a sign of success and achievement in China. Other than that, no reasoning was given behind the construction of this gigantic structure. From a sustainability standpoint, it does not make much sense at all.
At the beach, guests are able to view an oceanscape on-screen courtesy of a giant 150-meter wide LED screen. That is twice as long as the Statue of Liberty is high. Yes, two of these beautiful ladies!
Have you ever seen Disney’s movie Wall-E? The beach space reminds me of the Space Ship Axiom’s pool area. The large LED screen from the New Century Global Center reminds me of the “sky” on the Axiom. What do you think?
I recommend watching the video below. I have never seen so much marble in my life!
As a senior in Auburn University’s Interior Design program, it can be hard to find the time to take care of myself. There have been many nights where I have struggled with the decision to work more on a project or to catch a few more Zzz. However, this semester I’ve made a commitment to myself to take the time to work out and relieve some of my stress. What a better time to start, now that I’m a senior, right?! I guess it is better late than never!
This fall, I signed up for a class called Active Auburn through the Physical Education Department. Basically, you go to three group fitness classes a week and take quizzes on different topics pertaining to various physical activities. And guess where these fitness classes are? Auburn’s BRAND SPANKIN’ NEW Recreation and Wellness Center! The facility was designed and constructed by Robins & Morton of Birmingham, Alabama.
“The Auburn University Recreation and Wellness Center provides approximately 240,000 square feet of recreational space for Auburn students, faculty and staff to use in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle.”
240,000 square feet?! WOW! And let me tell you- it is BEAUTIFUL inside! I am so lucky to be able to experience one of the best recreation facilities in the country.
So here’s what is inside:
1/3 mile indoor walking & running track
Cardio/fitness training areas
Weight training areas
8 Basketball courts
Outdoor activity & leisure pool
Rock climbing wall (three stories HIGH!)
Group exercise studios (yoga, spinning, mind-body, Zumba- my FAVORITE, etc.)
Golf simulator room (has all the golf courses on the PGA Tour, except for the Masters)
Racquetball courts
The Recreation and Wellness Center complies with LEED standards but did not receive building certification. (I am not sure if they actually applied for certification of if they just went by the standards set by LEED. Certification can be really expensive!) Auburn University has made a pledge to make sustainability one of the guiding principals on campus.
The major theme of the Recreation & Wellness facility was the “marriage” of the indoors and the outdoors. In its center is a courtyard full of plants, benches, fountains, and fresh air. It is a great place to relax after a good workout before getting back to studio work.
All of the graphics throughout the building are from pictures taken from the Auburn area, primarily in Chewacla State Park.
Here is the link for the video for the Recreation & Wellness Center:
The video shows the Auburn REC Center renderings from the design phase. I HIGHLY recommend checking them out! You will definitely get a feel for the space.
AND here is the link for the webcam facing the Recreation & Wellness Center:
Kathryn R Jones 