Harmony House Presentation

 Harmony House Project

The inspiration of the design is an amusement park carousel because it is fun and inviting, and represents life at its best possibilities. Seattle is known for many different attractions and land marks but in particular for having the first Carousel in Woodland Zoo Park in 1918. The wooden carousel has hand-carved horses and highly detailed decorations. The horses on the carousel stand three abreast with the most elaborate steeds on the outside ring are the largest and most elaborately carved. It is one of only about 150 vintage hand-carved wooden carousels remaining in the world. These elements are what I included within my design.

The floor plan of the building of the Harmony House was simple and that is what I kept with designing the layout. In designing the Harmony House, in terms of the floorplan, the use of simple layouts kept everything clean and to the point. Keeping rooms and furniture in rows make very clear and apparent routes of traffic, creates a clear and concise layout. Carousels are simple and not complicated with their seating arrangements. On the first floor, the service counter is made very apparent and the main focus of the room. It was important to make it the focal point because that is where the business will reside. The simple design of the furniture helps create that main view. This goes for the second floor as well. Everything is grouped together like the resident’s rooms, the common areas, and the bathrooms or shower room. I made sure each group had their own area.  The simplicity is another factor that will help with the comfortable environment of the Harmony House. When it comes to the selection of the furniture and fabrics, is where I could get more fun and experimental with my design. The details are what will make a carousel so beautiful, colorful, and fun.  That is the reason for getting creative with the upholstery, the shapes, and colors of the furniture.

The use of bright and fun colors within the design will help provide a positive healing environment. If the environment can be fun and exciting, it can promote the need for positive change. The more use of different colors and patterns will help the youth feel these happier environments. Carousels are classic and the characteristics will help make a homier feeling in the Harmony House. The simple layouts and the use of classic furniture like plush sofas, rugs, and comfortable rooms will help the youth realize their need or want to have a place that is home. The goal is to make the youth realize that home is where they want to be because not only the establishment of a home but also the comfort of a family. This will help promote the desire to re-unite the youth with their families. Sustainability is the capacity to endure through renewal, maintenance, and sustenance, or nourishment, in contrast to durability, the capacity to endure through unchanging resistance to change. The use of sustainable features such as natural wood, stone, and natural lighting can help promote sustainable living as well as sustaining their home lives. Sustainability not only promotes green living but healthy living as well.

This concept of a carousel will provide the Harmony House with what the youth need. It will create the mission of the Harmony House Foundation; which is to inspire, uplift and bring about positive change. Everyone has been on a carousel and it is something that everyone can relate to or have their symbolizations for the amusement park ride. Not only is it well known but it is also found in many books that many youth can read and understand. Counselors can use this as a part of their counseling sessions.