Happy Holidays from our workshop! Thank you for your continued trust and collaboration as we wrap up another year of designing in our community.
Rush + Judy Dixon | Rush Dixon Architects
Rotational Symmetry | What it is and why we love it
If you went to architecture school, you may have had that professor that liked to take your drawings or cardboard models and flip them upside down. While it may have been insulting at first, the forced change of perspective often did result in unforeseen and hidden moments of inspiration. It's amazing how often the "flip” finds its way into our daily design process. "Rotational Symmetry" is one such flipping technique that is all around us. You’ll see it in graphic & logo design, industrial design, product design, and even the occasional building. Sometimes the solution is purely aesthetic and symbolic: think of the Yin & Yang symbol or the Recycling logo, each element wrapping around itself. Sometimes the solution is purely functional: think of the repeated blades of a wind turbine or the cogs of a gear. We find the notion of repeating a single component in a not-so-obvious way to create whole new forms, geometries, or spaces to be endlessly fascinating.
Examples of Rotational Symmetry in 2D graphics and 3D objects:
Craighill’s Venn Puzzle is a die cast stainless steel example of rotational geometry.
Examples of Rotational Symmetry in Architecture:
Symmetry and balance have been revered as architectural tenets for centuries, going back to Vitruvius’s Ten Books on Architecture circa 1st century Rome and before. When people say something has symmetry, they are usually referencing the use of an implied “Line of Symmetry” where each side of the object is a mirror to the other. Rotational symmetry goes one step further with repeating a form or mass around a fixed point. Intrigued by the notion of ‘complexity within simplicity’ and creating a measured dynamic, we studied historical precedents that inspired many of our recent designs.
DAYFIELD PARK
The design approach for Building B at Dayfield Park, a soon to be commercial destination in the award-winning Nexton Community, is rooted in strong massing, innovative detailing and creating an inspiring place to work and do business. The program included providing space for offices and retail tenants in a single story building while creating a unique and modern business park that engaged with adjacent green spaces and supported the current day work place expectations. The resulting design used rotational symmetry to leverage the square footprint by creating a central courtyard and through two overhead ‘thresholds’. The dynamic suggestion is amplified by angled walls and highly textured surfaces. Click here for more about the project.
RDA’S SUBMISSION FOR THE NORTH CHARLESTON FLAG
Earlier this year, the City of North Charleston launched a public design competition to select a new City flag. One of the symbols used in our submission was a reference to Park Circle (a derivative of a Garden City urban plan). By deconstructing the graphic and using rotational symmetry, we were able to invoke dynamics as if in rotating motion. Click here for more on our flag design.
CAMP HALL PARK PAVILION
Santee Cooper’s Camp Hall is a next generation commerce park where “people, nature and productivity connect.” With state-of-the-art manufacturing in a setting of vast natural beauty, the design concept of “Nature and the Machine” permeates the built environment. Like the vehicles and machines produced in Camp Hall, the Architecture is intended to embody precision, sleekness and innovation. The building forms are abstract interpretations of the patterns, colors, and figures found in nature. Specifically, the Park Pavilion uses rotational symmetry to create a subtle dynamic-ness of the roof planes. Click here for more on the project.
FIREFLY DISTILLERY GIFT SHOP FIXTURES
Part of our scope when we were designing Firefly Distillery’s new facility in North Charleston, SC was to carry the building’s design concepts to the gift shop merchandise fixtures. Using barrel lids, steel pipes, and rotational symmetry, a simple solution was created.
View of Dayfield Park A from Brighton Park Boulevard and main office park entrance with Dayfield Park B in the distance
Dayfield Park Buildings A + B
Dayfield Park is a soon-to-be, modern day office park and commercial destination in the award-winning Nexton Community, in Summerville, SC. The design approach for these two commercial buildings is rooted in strong massing, innovative detailing and creating an inspiring place to work and do business. The development will ultimately include multiple buildings by several local architects (like our friends at Bello Garris) creating a varied interpretation linked by the same departure points: relevant and marketable commercial spaces, innovative yet locally inspired architecture and connecting the buildings with the thoughtful site design focusing on outdoor gathering areas for patrons and workers.
The project was subject to the Nexton community design guidelines which prioritize the following:
Architecture, land planning and landscape drawn from local and regional traditions but look to the future regarding specific design.
A commitment to sustainable design focused on protecting what we are here to enjoy and the creation of an overall healthier living environment.
Architecture - purposeful building designs that incorporate new and innovative building materials, systems, technologies and architectural expressions.
Use materials in innovative and unexpected ways.
Use clean, simple shapes in both massing and details.
Emphasize the relationship and flow between indoor and outdoor environments.
View of Dayfield Park B from the central gathering space
So what is a modern interpretation of a suburban office park? Today’s workforce wants to be connected to multiple uses, amenities, food + beverage options and outdoor space. Outdoor space can be passive, specific or flexible for all ages, uses and times of day; this also provides the ownership with an amenity to use for special events if desired. The blending of inside and outside is a strategy to allow patrons and workers to feel connected to the outdoor environs. Sidewalks and bike parking are important to offset the needed parking and vehicular pathways. During our research we found this interesting article from the New York TImes “The Suburban Office Park, an Aging Relic, Seeks a Comeback” which speaks to some lessons developers and designers could learn from the past. (The 80s might have been great for some things but not urban planning.)
View of Dayfield Park A from office park interior
The architecture for the buildings cosigns a minimalist approach with materials familiar to the area. Exterior materials include a modified board and batten wall system with varied batten spacing, cypress wood accents for warmth and standing seam metal roof panels for durability on the high slope areas. Angling the walls at the building’s entrances create a dynamic experience and covered areas. Special thanks to our clients for allowing us to be a part of this endeavor and the design team members we collaborated with:
Site Design: Seamon Whiteside
Structural Engineering: ADC Engineering
Mech, Elec, Plumbing Engineering: Charleston Engineering
Branding: Obviouslee
View of Dayfield Park B from the central gathering space
Judy Dixon Included in CRBJ's 2021 Architects Power List
This year’s statewide Architects Power List curated by the editorial board of the Charleston Regional Business Journal and SC Biz News includes our own Judy Dixon. In their words, “Our editorial team analyzed industry data and considered the individuals who demonstrated vision and action in serving their profession, as well as the professional excellence that commitment provides to our places of work and life.
After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1993 with a Bachelor in Architecture, Judy Dixon started her career a year later as an intern with SMHa, Inc., rising through the ranks to become a principal in the firm. She left the firm to join forces with her husband, first with Rush3 Product Design Studio and in 2014, she officially joined Rush Dixon Architects. Dixon has built a diverse portfolio, with projects that include the Daniel Island Recreation Center, Firefly Distillery and Santee Cooper’s Camp Hall Village. A registered architect in South Carolina, Dixon also is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accredited professional by the U. S. Green Building Council. Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of leadership roles, including on the board of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and as chair of Leadership Charleston. She also supports organizations including the ACE Mentors, Turn90, Fresh Future Farm and the Paul R. Williams Student Scholoarship. The latter honors the first licensed African-American member of the American Institute of Architects by supporting African-American architecture students.”
2021 ARCHITECTS POWER LIST HONOREES (in alphabetical order)
Robby Aull, SSOE | Stevens & Wilkinson
Louis P. Batson III, Batson Associates Inc.
Cindy Benjamin, LS3P
Joel Carter, Jumper Carter Sease Architects
Keith M. Clarke, MCA Architecture Inc.
Judy Dixon, Rush Dixon Architects
Douglas E. Fraser, JHS Architecture
Scott Garvin, Garvin Design Group
Myles Glick, Glick Boehm and Associates
Tara B. Hile, SHLTR Architects, Inc.
Scott Johnston, Johnston Design Group
C. Dinos Liollio, Liollio Architecture
Margie Longshore, SMHa, Inc.
Marc Marchant, LS3P
Heather Mitchell, Boudreaux
Doug Quackenbush, Quackenbush Architecture
Ron Smith, McMillan Pazdan Smith
Michael W. Spivey, Spivey Architects Inc.
Gable Stubbs, SGA | NarmourWright Design
J. Michael Taylor, DP3 Architects Ltd.
Marc Warren, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood
Edward T. Zeigler Jr., Craig Gaulden Davis, Inc.
Our 9 Favorite Things about North Charleston
Firefly Distillery
“Good times. Great Spirits.” We were lucky enough to design Firefly’s new facility located at 4201 Spruill Avenue. Visit them Monday thru Saturday from 12-6pm to tour the distillery, sample spirits in the tasting room, or chill on their lawn with a cocktail and food truck fare. Also check out their website for their summer concert series.
Ink Meets Paper
“Text less, write more. Let’s make the world more human, one card at a time.” If you follow our stories you see some love for Ink Meets Paper every few months as we reorder. We like our technology but hand written cards are our love language. Each card is handmade with a letterpress printing process using an antique Chandler & Price platen press from 1923.
Turning Leaf
“A Proven Path to Success After Prison”
Turning Leaf founder, Amy Barch, has created a non-profit that is dedicated to reducing the recidivism rate through working with men returning home from prison who are at the highest risk of re-arrest. Turning Leaf combines behavioral therapy, one-on-one counseling, on-site transitional employment, and job placement to offer a proven model of prison reentry with a 78% success rate. Learn more at the link below and support them through donations, print shop orders and t-shirt purchases.
Mixson Market
As we have been renovating our studio space for the past several months, there were many a visit to our new neighbors, Mixson Market. Part restaurant, part pantry and part gift shop, the market sells many local products and makes a mean breakfast sandwich.
Lowcountry Rapid Transit
South Carolina’s first mass transit system will be a bus rapid transit (BRT) system serving the greater Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester. With a hub at nearby Durant Avenue, we look forward to the interconnectivity of the Lowcountry. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2023!
THE STATION AT PARK CIRCLE
“Reclaim your home!” Our good friend, Sharon Payer, created a reclaimed marketplace with over 40 vendors, crafters and artists. Several years ago we helped with the adaptive reuse and renovation of this former autobody shop located at 4610 Spruill Avenue. Check it out for vintage furniture, vinyl, art, jewelry, textiles, or accents.
Fresh Future Farm
“Growing the quality of life our neighbors deserve.” Chief Farm Officer, Germaine Jenkins, has created a non-profit farm located at 2008 Success Street which grows and sells natural produce and groceries. The farm serves Chicora / Cherokee, one of eleven neighborhoods experiencing food apartheid in North Charleston. Support them through donations, volunteer work days and merchandise through their website below.
Jackrabbit Filly
We are a bit late to the Jackrabbit Filly party, but we are here…eating their Biang Biang noodles…now. What started as Short Grain food truck (one of Bon Appetit’s Top 50 Best Restaurants, Eater Young Guns and Best Chef list, James Beard Rising Star Chef) has evolved into a fun, friendly neighborhood place located at 4628 Spruill Avenue. Named after owners Shuai and Corrie Wang’s Chinese zodiac animals, Jackrabbit Filly proudly serves heritage driven New Chinese American cuisine.
Iola Modern
Our favorite modern furniture store in town is located at 1021 East Montague Avenue. Both a brick and mortar and online store, Iola Modern offers collections for outdoor, workspace and lounging furniture; the owners and modern design experts also provide interior design services.
We've Moved!
We are excited to announce that Rush Dixon Architects has moved to 4491 Summey Street in North Charleston. It has long been a dream of ours to own our studio space and we recently purchased one of the original buildings (and our favorite!) in North Charleston’s Mixson neighborhood near Park Circle. Rush Dixon Architects will occupy the ground level of the building starting June 14, 2021.
Click HERE to find out our favorite things about North Charleston!
Click HERE to read more about the Mixson neighborhood.
Progress photo during renovation; stay tuned for final photos.
Camp Hall Village Park Pavilions
It’s coming up on two years since Rush Dixon Architects was selected as the architect and designer for Santee Cooper’s Camp Hall Village Center; since then we have helped imagine the masterplan layout, phasing approach and concept architecture for the future buildings of this “next generation commerce park.” The overarching design concept of “Nature + Machine” marries the manufacturing nature of Camp Hall’s partners (looking at your Volvo SC) with the surrounding natural preserves.
With state-of-the-art manufacturing in a setting of vast natural beauty, the design concept of “Nature and the Machine” permeates the built environment. Like the vehicles and machines produced in Camp Hall, the Architecture is intended to embody precision, sleekness, and innovation.
With bird protection and awareness as a major focus for Camp Hall, the Architecture likewise found its inspiration. The building forms are abstract interpretations of the patterns, colors, and figures found in native species. The “Avian Pavilion” hovers over the lake greeting visitors with outspread wings, encouraging visitors to take refuge from the sun, birdwatch, and learn more about Camp Hall’s mission. [Camp Hall website]
Click here for a video prepare by Seamon Whiteside capturing our building designs for the village center: https://youtu.be/utZ-tb50I-Q
Main Park Pavilion Rendering
The first structures out of the ground will be open-air pavilions located in the Camp Hall Village park. The programmatic function is to provide gathering areas, places for viewing passive play areas as well as recreational courts and fields. The architectural design language will be established in this first phase through sculptural forms articulated with geometric framework and clad in a manner that harkens to patterns found in nature. The park pavilions act as pieces of sculpture in the landscape. Origami was also an influence as demonstrated in the Main Park Pavilion ‘folded’ roof form. Collaborators ADC Engineering (structural engineering), DWG Engineering (electrical engineering), Seamon Whiteside (landscape architecture) and Choate Construction (general contractor) have proven once again to be great company to keep in bringing the first structures to life. Stay tuned for construction updates and future events.
Main Park Concept Sketch
Several shade structures will be placed throughout the park for passive play area and recreation activity viewing.
Early concept for the main park pavilion
The massing of the new Firefly Distillery in North Charleston, SC was inspired by the horse barn that the distillery first occupied. The exterior design marries the distillery’s history with the industrial vibe of the area and distillery manufacturing component.
Firefly Distillery | Good Times. Great Spirits.
When we began the design for Firefly Distillery’s new facility, the first step was to visit their existing distillery and tasting room on Wadmalaw Island, SC to learn their history, better understand their brand, see their process, and sample some spirits. (Spoiler alert: they’re good.) Before putting pen to paper, it was important for us to know how Firefly started, where they are going, how they differentiated themselves in the industry and thus what functional spaces and visitor experiences to help create within the architecture.
The next couple of years included distillery research (see our Distillery Homework blog), design iterations and construction. The new facility opened in February 2020 and enjoyed a few weeks of hosting a record breaking number of visitors before the pandemic dialed down indoor gatherings. Firefly was able to pivot their distilling efforts to produce hand sanitizer to meet the moment and are now able to safely host visitors at the outdoor courtyard, tastings on the porch and socially distanced outdoor concerts.
Highlights of our research and how it dovetailed into our design
Firefly is a locally owned, family business who was one of the South Carolina Lowcountry’s best kept secrets until their inspired collaboration with the neighboring Charleston Tea Garden yielded ‘Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka’. Ever since, they have enjoyed a national audience and are a destination for tours, tastings and events. Therefore the building program included a gift shop, distillery, bottling line, lab, a tasting room, spirits retail section and multiple places for events (weddings, receptions, smaller meetings and outdoor concerts.)
The Firefly brand is southern, approachable, and laid back in the best way possible; think sitting on your porch with a drink in your hand, friends nearby and bluegrass playing in the background. This told us that while this will be a brand new, code-compliant facility, there should be moments of patina and casualness. Specialty craftspeople really brought the ‘soul’ into this new building. Shout out to coppersmiths, Khalima Lights for their handmade light fixtures, Limelight for the signage installation, Gil Shuler for the branding graphics and Lowcountry Case + Millwork for sourcing the reclaimed wood and executing our barrel stave design.
The Firefly folks, while innovative and forward-thinking, are also nostalgic and rustic with a side order of DIY. This inspired us to deconstruct wooden bourbon barrels in the back of our studio and incorporate them into the bar and light fixture designs as well as source reclaimed wood for paneling and metal roofing from a former Firefly structure as an interior accents.
The tasting bar design was born from deconstructing wooded barrels and alternating the position resulting in a varied texture and color rooted in distillery life. Bar counter is a custom copper fabrication. Beyond the bar is the spirits retail display where visitors can purchase bottles. Custom display / cabinetry designed by Rush Dixon Architects and crafted by Lowcountry Case + Millwork.
Copper nails make up the Firefly logo behind the check out counter. (Shout out to Limelight Signs for the many, many, many hours of hammering to get this effect.)
The gift shop greets visitors with a soaring, reclaimed wood clad vaulted space.
The day we discovered Khalima Lights, a local husband and wife team that handcrafts custom light fixtures, was a good day. Located on Wadmalaw Island, they produced all of the specialty lighting. Shown here are deconstructed barrel stave “clouds” designed by Rush Dixon Architects with Khalima’s Waycaster pendant and Edison bulbs.
The gallery where tour groups gather to begin the guided distillery tour, showcases Firefly Distillery’s history and process. Gil Shuler and Limelight were the MVPs of the info graphics and execution.
The distillery and tank room where the magic happens. Special thanks to Vendome Copper and Dalkita.
After the distillery tour, visitors are invited to a tasting bar to sample spirits of their choice. The back bar was designed to allow for the current Firefly spirit products to be displayed. Reclaimed metal roofing and wood was utilized to provide a rustic feel.
Close up of the spirits retail display which needed to be locked down during events. Rolling barrel stave screens slide to secure the products while maintaining visual connection.
We don’t know much, but we do know how to keep good company. See below for some of the all-star collaborators and craftspeople:
Seamon Whiteside: Civil Engineering + Landscape Architecture
ADC Engineering: Structural Engineering
Charleston Engineering: Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Fire Protection Engineering
Dalkita: Distillery Consultant
Trident Construction: General Contractor
Gil Shuler: Graphic Design + Branding
Limelight Custom Sign Company: Signage
Khalima Lights: hand-made specialty lighting
Lowcountry Case + Millwork: interior millwork including tasting bars, spirits retail display, reclaimed wood paneling and barrel stave details.
Chris Smith Photography: All photographs