Category Archives: explorations

From competition entries to design proposals, these examples showcase the creative process and design thinking that is the backbone of KITE’s approach. We find opportunity within each project’s circumstances, whether it is a historic structure that is boldly re-imagined, new construction that respects its existing neighborhood, or design moves that amplify the user’s values and priorities.

Business School Competition

KITE Architects was invited to participate in a funded design competition to design a new home for a business school on a New England campus. KITE’s entry took inspiration from key buildings on campus for the form and imagery of the new additions, and developed a design that integrated useful components of an existing building.

The most striking feature is the large central atrium which contains a lounge that is usable as a event space. Collaboration rooms and informal meeting rooms ring the open atrium on three floors, creating an active hub. The interiors are light and airy, and draw inspiration from structure used in industrial maritime buildings.

The axial entrance to the atrium creates a formal “front door” to the rest of campus, while the side is open to a large outdoor collonaded courtyard that creates a more informal “side door” and active zone for engaging student traffic. An architectural garden-folly in the center serves as a highly visible hub for student clubs.

images 1 & 2 by StudioAMD

Historic Downtown Building Renovation

KITE worked with the developer on studies for the renovation of this historic brick building to market rate apartments. KITE developed design alternatives for incorporation into the pro-forma and renderings in advance of presentation to investors and the approval process.

Academic Building

KITE conceived a proposal for a new campus academic building that employed strategic siting to take advantage of relationships to the existing campus. The design positioned the building on the corner of its urban site in order to define a small courtyard which would be the terminus of an active path. The building then used views onto this south-facing courtyard to set the stage for views of an existing historic building, and create a more gracious entrance to a tall mid-century modern building. A shady path along the north side of the building completed the pedestrian network, and provided opportunities to have quieter contemplative green space outside offices and seminar rooms. The balance of public and private in the way it defined this edge of campus as well as within the building grew from the key move of siting the building.

Staff Lounge

KITE’s design for this lounge is an example of how a windowless basement space can be transformed into an appealing and relaxing staff area for dining and collaborative interactions. Located in an existing educational building without opportunity for natural daylight, KITE proposes using light, color, and a custom wood ceiling structure to create an inviting setting.

The space would include an0 exercise area, a staff kitchen, and include a variety of seating and computer areas for flexible work options.

Sin Bakery, 1326 Westminster Street

KITE partnered with Libby Slader Design to help Sin Bakery develop their proposal for a cafe and bakery on the site of a former gas station on a major neighborhood commercial corridor. The redevelopment was intended allow their business to grow while adding an amenity to the West Side neighborhood.

Classroom Building Roof Terrace

KITE prepared this design for the rooftop of an urban university building to take adavantage of magnificant city skyline views. The design used carefully arranged planters, seating areas, and shade structures to subtly divide the space and highlight key views. A covered outdoor structure would provide sheltered space. Larger planting areas integrated rainwater collection and were placed to amplify the indoor-outdoor connections.

New England Hotel

Planned as new construction in a vibrant commercial area, design explorations this 100 key hotel was designed to complement its established neighborhood and provide amenities to local patrons, as well as offer visitors access to highly walkable retail area and convenient access to institutions of higher learning. A limited number of long-term residences, a full conference center, below-grade parking and neighborhood oriended restaurant and retail spaces organized around an internal courtyard optimized the size of its urban site.

Herreshoff Marine Complex

KITE has worked with the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America’s Cup Hall of Fame to analyze their historic maritime buildings with the goal of creating a technology transfer and incubator campus for marine businesses using green building techniques.

The intersection of sustainable design and historic preservation make this a technically demanding venture that celebrates the legacy and spirit of innovation of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company while creating a meaningful and economically viable asset to the community.

Factory Expansion

KITE explored this design direction for a fast growing manufacturing company who needed additional space by both adding to their existing facility and creating new construction to house separate administrative offices.

Creating a new image appropriate for the progressive company on an aggressive timetable and with economical construction were key priorities. KITE proposed a cladding system that used inexpensive rainscreen system as a way of quickly and inexpensively re-imaging the existing building and tying it to the new building.

Narragansett Bay Commission Operations Building Addition & Renovation

In 2007, KITE completed a comprehensive Master Plan Study for the Narragansett Bay Commission Field’s Point Water Treatment Facility. An interactive and thorough programming process addressed the unique needs of each department including: Plant Operations and Maintenance, Pretreatment, Environmental Monitoring and Data Analysis (EMDA) Offices and Laboratory.

The first phase of the Master Plan included a 16,000 sf renovation and 7,000 sf addition to an existing operations building. The project houses the treatment plant control room, administrative offices, lunchroom and locker room facility. For the design of the EMDA Laboratory, KITE worked closely with NBC engineers, scientists and technicians, to develop optimal lab areas for water sampling and analysis. The design integrated state of the art HVAC systems and controls. Materials and finishes were proposed to provide optimum levels of chemical resistance and durability.

The site is designed to maximize reuse of existing site materials such as existing asphalt paving and concrete structures. Existing abandoned concrete ash tanks are reused as large planting beds that demonstrate technologies for controlling storm water and improving water quality. The use of native coastal plant communities minimize irrigation and maintenance requirements, and create a green oasis in the midst of an industrial landscape.

This proposed design was ultimately superseded by plans for new construction which was designed by KITE and completed in 2013.