Oklama Lounge
Norman, Oklahoma
35.227522° , -97.23548°
Studio: Design V
Professor: Tony Cricchio
Typology: Cafe
Construction: Steel + Concrete
CONCEPTUALIZATION
Oklama: a saying from Native American terminology, within which okla means people; and ma, symbolizes an imprint when addressing someone. When the root words are combined, they become a way of addressing the people or ‘my people.’ The lounge aims to enhance a sense of community in an ever evolving landscape in the heart of Oklahoma. Using key elements such as Cutting the land and sinking the transition path, so that a visitor can directly be imbedded into the site allowing for an immersive and evolutionary experience. When paired with funneling forms one's views are directed to the calming panoramic views which allows for personal moments that can be experienced from the different planes that are created by the cutting planes of the lounge into the land. The personal and communal evolution of the lounge can be seen as a reflection of Lake Thunderbird as it too has evolved over time. By using the ideas of Oklama and the utilization of the natural evolution of the landscape, The Oklama Lounge is a union between structure and land with a new concept of experiential evolution for the enrichment of the surrounding community.
