portfolio
adam castelli
greenpoint research library and community center
Library
Staff, Organization Space
Common, Connective Atria
brooklyn, ny thesis studio project - spring 2014 advisors: kathleen lugosch, ajla aksamija
Community Building oriented along street front
The aim for the design of this library and community center was to provide a hub for bringing together the local community with researchers and activists concerned with the environmental remediation of Newtown Creek and the surrounding environs of Greenpoint while simultaneously acting as exemplar of sustainable architectural design. Located at the confluence of the East River and Newtown Creek, the project seeks to take advantage of the opportunities provided by this unique site, such as its relation to the waterfront and dramatic views to the skyline of Manhattan, by providing a valuable public resource in an area recently rezoned to facilitate large scale private developments.
Building form skewed to improve view from southeast facade and bring indirect light from north facade
Building programmatically split into three primary elements: library, community, organization and staff
Program elements spatially separated into distinct zones
The primary design move was to cluster related program elements into distinct volumes which were then separated by atrium spaces acting as both circulation spine and means to provide for daylighting of interior spaces. Outdoors, a series of terraces provide gathering spaces overlooking the waterfront. These are defined by a series of constructed wetland cells which act to provide for the treatment of building wastewater and recycling as grey water, a strategic counterpoint to that of the large-scale wastewater treatment plant which defines the eastern area of Greenpoint, as this system frequently results in contamination of waterways as a result of combined-sewer overflow during storm events. The design utilizes a number of other sustainable design features, and a major aspect of the thesis research has been investigating optimization strategies utilizing parametric design tools with environmental simulation software. A number of studies looked at how geometric variations of the building massing affected daylighting, solar heat gain and views to the waterfront. Additionally, similar parametric studies informed the design of exterior shading devices at the atria facade and skylight. Overall, the project aimed at an integrated approach to design development where data-driven analyses would inform conceptual design approaches, and vice-versa, in order to provide for an architecturally-compelling, yet high performance, building.
In-between space forms connective common space, circulation, and atrium areas to facilitate daylighting and natural ventilation
view from northwest Hunter’s Point, Queens N
East River
Library Community Common Staff, Organizations Mech.
Newtown Creek
Project Site
outdoor terrace spaces constructed wetland treatment cells
site location
axonometric program diagram
greenroofs
solar shading natural lighting
natural ventilation
constructed treatment wetlands radiant heating & cooling
wastewater recycling ground source heat pump
environmental performance design strategies view from northeast
daylighting simulation results visualization
obstructed view vectors
irradiation simulation results visualization
unobstructed view vectors
parametric massing study
view north from west atrium corridor parametric daylighting simulation study - sample of iterations
open to below
auditorium below
researchers’ workspace open to below
study space
rooftop terrace
teens’ study area
group study spaces researcher offices
meeting room
education classroom
mech. open to below
open to below
media room
mech. penthouse
media room
main book stacks researchers’ meeting room
children’ s learning area
2nd floor plan
4th floor plan
1/32” = 1’-0”
1/32” = 1’-0”
conference/community meeting room auditorium
cafe atrium
researchers’ workspace
browse stacks open to below quick look-up computers northeast entry
computer stations
researcher offices
education classroom
exhibition gallery
temp. book storage
study space
research lab
common
mech.
group study spaces
mech. open to below
info desk
staff break room staff meeting room browse stacks
1st floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
media room
main book stacks
researcher offices
3rd floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
view from dupont street section e-w 1/32” = 1’-0”
view north from third floor of east atrium section n-s 1/32” = 1’-0”
view west along commercial street
project model photos
south street seaport towers fulton st. [4,5]
instructor: ajla aksamija
project site south street seaport
east river ferry
N
pier 11 ferry terminal
site context
site plan 1” = 400’
- Vertical distribution of program elements provides daylighting and view access, with low-rise retail mall offering buffer zone between residential and office towers
view northwest from east river
office
res.
office
hotel
- Office tower shifted above existing historic commercial building
existing
retail
park
existing
recreation retail
fdr drive
brooklyn bridge
residential
The towers are literally multi-faceted, employing a computational method to tectonically minimize solar irradiation on the towers’ southern facades. This logic of optimizing the envelopes for the specific solar conditions of each elevation is carried through to the design of the building cladding. The residential tower utilizes an innovative system of glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels which are threedimensionally articulated to provide self-shading of the facade. The panels were parametrically defined to geometrically vary in depth and aperture width according to the specific gradient of summer solar irradiation on each face of the facades. The office tower envelope responds to environmental conditions through a strategic use of a dynamic double-skin facade system along the long, exposed northeast facade. Vertical shade fins at ventilation apertures in the outer skin are able to rotate and close-off this aperture during the winter. Thus, the facade allows for natural ventilation of the air-space during summer, with the fins also providing shading of the facade, while acting as a closed thermal buffer during the winter.
broad st. [j]
wall st. [2.3]
office
The primary programmatic elements are organized vertically rather stacked, with “connective” elements acting as bridges between the residential and office towers. The presence of a historic structure on site is accomodated by incorporating this building as a podium for the office tower which stretches skyward above it. The parking garage is elevated above the residential building lobby to act as a buffer to the noise of adjacent elevated highway. The design approach aims to respond to present conditions while meeting the needs of a new multi-use development in a specific context by means of the strategic organization of program and site-based sustainable design features.
east river
wall st. [4, 5]
retail
The design for the South Street Seaport Towers accommodates a mixed-use program at an important location along Manhattan’s waterfront, adjacent to the historic South Street Seaport District. Seeking to enhance this neighborhood by providing a hub for living, working, staying, and shopping, the project compresses these functions within a single city block. The complex is conceived as an assemblage of discrete yet connected programmatic volumes, each with its distinct function, but contributing to the composition of the aggregated whole.
fulton st. [2.3]
residential
manhattan, ny graduate design studio V - fall 2013
- Sky bridge hotel and recreation zones connect office and residential towers - Parking garage elevated above residential lobby, acting as noise buffer to adjacent elevated highway
- Program is divided into vertical strips: residential, retail, and office blocks
- Office block is elevated to preserve historic structure
- Connector spaces establish hotel and recreation zones at near the top of the business block and above the retail block
- Space between main towers maintains waterfront views from adjacent structure
- Shape is refined to reduce summer solar heat gain through strategic faceting of facade surfaces
- Massing provides shading to southwest facades of office block
view southwest from fdr drive
Base Surface
Optimized Tectonics
Solar Irradiation Mapping
Panel Type Distribution
Articulated Facade System
view north from street level
Insolation Analysis sample of 1,300 iterations
view northwest from fdr drive
Insolation Results sample of data table
Selected Facade Tectonics 10.88 kWh/m2 per typical summer week average insolation
office space
residential units conference rooms residential units
hotel lobby retail
project model photo
existing commercial space
parking
west residential lobby
hotel units
restaurant
2nd floor plan
33rd floor plan
1/64” = 1’-0”
1/64” = 1’-0”
swimming pool
conference rooms ramp to parking above
fitness center
33rd floor
retail space
residential units retail
east residential lobby
existing commercial space
entry atrium
office space
1st floor plan
11th floor plan
1/64” = 1’-0”
1/64” = 1’-0”
11th floor
2nd floor 1st floor
building section 1/128” = 1’-0”
sement operable casement window (as conditions fixed low-e double-pane glazing
Residential Hotel Office Recreational Retail
horizontal terracotta shade/protective screen
aerogel insulated panel with fritted interior glazing
Parking Existing
A-A detail plan 1/16” = 1’-0”
panel detail perspective 1/16” = 1’-0” B
aerogel insulated panel with fritted interior glazing A
southwest residential facade rendering
A
C
horizontal terracotta shade/ protective screen
operable casement window
B
B-B detail section
C-C detail section
1/16” = 1’-0”
1/16” = 1’-0”
C
office tower facade detail elevation
Residential Hotel
1/16” = 1’-0”
Recreational Retail Parking
gypsum wall board steel stud wall
fixed glazing
interior partition
operable awning window rigid insulation cladding support backing gfrc cladding
southeast elevation 1/128” = 1’-0”
aluminum-faced panel
D-D detail section 1/16” = 1’-0”
gfrc panel axonometric E
rigid insulation, a/v barrier
cladding support backup structure steel stud wall structural framing, gwb
operable awning window
return ducts supply registers
D
D
gwb suspended ceiling perimeter heating duct
office facade rendering
underfloor plenum
raised floor supports
wood finish flooring
E
southwest elevation
E-E detail section 1/16” = 1’-0”
residential tower facade detail elevation 1/16” = 1’-0”
1/128” = 1’-0”
operable casement window (as conditions allow)
G
fixed interior skin glazing
exterior skin glazing
G
automated vertical shade fin/ventilation opening (seasonally activated)
interior view of hotel lobby F-F detail plan
facade perspective detail
1/16” = 1’-0” G
automated vertical shade fin/ventilation opening (seasonally activated)
continuous ventilation space interior curain wall glazing
exterior curtain wall glazing
F
F
F
interior view of retail mall
ventilation duct
active chilled beam F
F
Residential Hotel Office Recreational Residential
Retail
led lighting fixture
Existing Conference
maintenance access grating
Hotel Office
suspeded ceiling
Recreational Retail Parking Existing Conference
G
office tower double-facade detail elevation
G-G detail section 1/16” = 1’-0”
1/16” = 1’-0”
Typical Floor
Chilled Beams
Air Handling Unit
Chilled/Heated Water
Supply Air
Exhaust Air
Chiller
Rooftop Mechanical Penthouse
Boiler
Exhaust Air
Air Handling Unit
Supply Air
Typical Floor
1/128” = 1’-0”
Chiller
Chilled/Heated Water
northeast elevation
Rooftop Mechanical Penthouse
Boiler
Heat Recovery Unit
Return Air
Heated/Cooled Air
Typical Floor
Typical Floor
Fan
Chilled Beams
Return Air
Heated/Cooled Air
Typical Floor
office double-facade perspective rendering
Typical Floor
Fan
Chilled Beams
Return Air
Heated/Cooled Air Fan
HVAC diagram - office tower
HVAC diagram - residential tower
northwest elevation 1/128” = 1’-0”
timber in the city design competition entry red hook, brooklyn, ny graduate design studio IV - spring 2013
cross-laminated timber panel shear walls
instructor: carey clouse collaborators: luke beck, samantha greenberg
glulam girder
glulam column
The design for this project in Red Hook, which consists of affordable housing units and wood product manufacturing facilities, seeks to reimagine the potential for a multi-use development sensitive to both the social and commercial needs of this diverse neighborhood. The use of timber throughout the building is not only structurally innovative, but also ecologically responsible. Glue-laminated timber columns and cross-laminated timber panels serve as the building’s primary structural system. These engineered wood materials are exceptionally strong, produce less waste during production and construction processes, and are composed of wood harvested from responsibly-managed forests. The building’s wood rainscreen cladding system, meanwhile, provides a dynamically patterned facade as a counterpoint to the more monotonous character of typical lowcost housing.
sprinkle er space cross-laaminated timber panels glulam column
plumbing & wiring space
glulam beam
stru st ruct ctur ural al sys yste tem m
stru st ruct ctur ural al ass ssem embl blyy de deta tailil
rain ra insc scre reen en pan anel el det etai aill
The project’s design also considers the relationship between design and ecological and human health. Incorporating a green wall and other native plantings into the site landscape serves to allow for pleasant outdoor spaces for occupants. Increasing onsite access and storage of bicycles simultaneously encourages clean modes of transportation and active, healthy lifestyles. Likewise, the neighboring Red Hook Community Farm serves as an additional asset to the community. The residential units have been carefully designed to frame views of the surrounding neighborhood and Hudson River, while directing views away from the large, commercial structure to the south. Conversely, exhibit spaces and the bike-share program are sited adjacent to the developing commercial corridor along Beard Street. Ultimately, the design for this site serves as a “hook”: collecting residents, visitors, artists, workers, and shoppers together while celebrating a rapidly-evolving area of the city.
view southwest from beard street
planning + de esign
producction recreation space
presen ntation
intersection of dwight and van dyke streets reccycling wood fabrication space p
classsrooms
perspective section
tyyypical floor plan
courtyard view
2nd floor plan
circulation flow
1stt floor plan
bike
residential
woodshop
studio
digital fabrication
1 bedroom
classrooms/ offices
2 bedroom 3 bedroom
views diagram
site plan
school of the built environment amherst, ma graduate design studio III - fall 2012 instructor: kathleen lugosch The program for this 100,000 sqf project consisted of a new academic building for the UMass Amherst campus which would house the departments of architecture, landscape architecture, and building construction technology. The design aims for an integration of the these related departments through a design which allows for flexibility, interaction with exterior spaces, and an adaptability to future program needs. The building is conceptualized as a continuous volume containing studio space supported on a heavier mass which contains faculty offices, classrooms, computer labs, and other spaces. The design strategy focuses on the need to maximize natural daylight into the studio spaces while minimizing glare and solar heat gain. Insulated channel glass would be backlit at night, revealing gradients of varying translucency resulting from patterns of fritting, etching or coatings on the glass. Clear glass channels are sporadically utilized throughout in proportion to the potential for glare and heat gain on a particular face of the façade. The end faces of the upper volume are fully glazed with clear glass to provide views towards the campus pond to the northwest and Pleasant Street to the south. In order to mitigate unwanted heat gain at the south end, the space is double glazed with the space between acting as a common lounge area. During the summer, heat from this space may be ventilated from the roof, while during the winter the space would act as a buffer zone able to retain heat for passive heating purposes. Overall, the design aims at a balance of visual effect and thermal efficiency while satisfying the diverse programmatic requirements of an innovative academic initiative.
southeast perspective
north thwestt perspecti tive
north heast perspective
classrooms presentation space
lobby
offices
studio space research center studio space meeting
presentation space
classroom
presentation space
2nd floor plan
4th floor plan
1/64” = 1’-0”
1/64” = 1’-0” green roof
computer labs
offices
lounge/common
woodshop
studio space
lab
green roof
studio space presentation space
auditorium exhibition space
site context
studio space
offices presentation space
studio space
lounge
1st floor plan
3rd floor plan
1/64” = 1’-0”
1/64” = 1’-0”
interior perspective
southwest perspective
east elevation 1/32” = 1’-0”
north elevation
south elevation
1/32” = 1’-0”
1/32” = 1’-0”
west elevation 1/32” = 1’-0”
restaurant/bar lighting design project building physics II - fall 2012 instructor: ray mann The goal for this project was to create an effective lighting design strategy which would serve to enhance a small existing restaurant. A cool ambiance is provide by means of an overhead installation of layered translucent sheets backlit by linear fluorescent fixtures, while the perimeter of the space is defined by a perforated metal screen whose patterning of apertures, based on a nested fibonacci sequence, and basemounted linear fixtures are suggestive of a twilight condition. Pendent lamps positioned over lounge and dining tables offer a warmer focal glow which contrasts with the cooler tones. Downlights at the smaller perimeter tables ensure adequate lighting, while the backlit bar and liquor shelf create an attractive focus for casual gatherings. During the day, a moderate level of daylighting is provided by letting in light through a clerestory positioned above and behind the perimeter screen wall.
interior perspective - lounge
interior perspective - bar and lounge
interior perspective - dining
reflected ceiling plan 1/16” = 1’-0”
section 3/32” = 1’-0”
north lane residential unit hadley, ma graduate design studio III - fall 2012 instructor: kathleen lugosch This project for a residential unit which would form part of a cluster of minimally sized dwellings located on the site of a river bend investigates ways in which environmental forces might begin to shape and inform the design of a building. The design for the facade employed a generative strategy in which surface deformations and perforations derive from the frequency of wind from the directions of each of the house’s four elevations. The street-side courtyard is envisioned as an outdoor extension of the necessarily compact interior living space. Folding glass doors on the north and south sides of the house allow the interior to fully open to the exterior and blur the boundaries between inside and out. A terraced common space on the north side of the house links the residence to the adjacent cluster units.
northeast perspective
southwest perspective
wind-frequency formed surfaces
remap domain
adjust amplitude
set threshold
1st floor plan
2nd floor plan
1/16” = 1’-0”
1/16” = 1’-0”
Speed (kn)
resulting surface
time
fre
qu
en
cy
ks) (wee
(%
)
loft sections within boundaries
loosen loft
smooth in v-direction
horizontal banded cast
south elevation
section
1/16” = 1’-0”
1/16” = 1’-0”
project fabrication and model
southeast perspective
northampton multi-modal centre northampton, ma graduate design studio II - spring 2012 instructor: caryn brause parking The intent for this project was to design a multi-modal centre which would act as a place of transfer between rail and bus services while also acting as a kind of gateway into the city center. At the front of the site, a commercial building accommodates retail on the ground floor and office space above, while the transportation building at the rear of the site provides waiting space, a cafÊ, and other services to travelers transferring between travel modes. A sense of fluid spatial connectivity is evoked while providing for a logical system of movement through and around the site. The canopy structure provides a screening enclosure for the building, acting as a shading device to reduce solar heat gain, while also shielding commuters on the rail platform from inclement weather. An existing bikeway parallel to the railway is maintained by dropping it below a pair of pedestrian bridges to the rail platform. The more angular form of the commercial building’s roof offers a counterpoint to the continuous surface of the canopy and serves the dual function of channeling rainwater for building use and interior air upward for efficient natural ventilation through the stack effect. Thus the project aims at an integration of form and systems thinking while accommodating the various needs of a mixed-use program.
bike path
bus stop
commercial building multi-modal building
rail platform
aerial perspective
southwest perspective from king st
north perspective from rail platform
northwest perspective from king st
support rail -related services common bus -related services
community
programmatic concept - 1st floor
open to below
offices
meeting room
office space
storage
staff meeting space
stor.
offices
jan.
public transit:
community:
rentable office space
community room, café
open to below
collective
waiting, tickets, info
individual
programmatic division - sectional multi-modal building - 2nd floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
rail waiting area north lobby
café space
community room
mechanical
stor. tickets
jan.
stor.
southeast perspective from platform info
bus waiting area
south lobby
multi-modal building - 1st floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
southwest perspective from parking lot
office space
ventilation water
meeting room
air systems concept- sectional
offices
commercial building - 3rd floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
reuse
private
mech. stor.
offices
public café
meeting rooms
retail offices
programmatic division - sectional
commercial building - 2nd floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
facade from king st
mech. stor.
café space
north lobby
retail space atrium
stor. south lobby
commercial building north lobby perspective
commercial building - 1st floor plan 1/32” = 1’-0”
center for research in the visual arts amherst, ma graduate design studio I - fall 2011 instructor: joseph krupcynszki The design for this academic research building aims at an integration of art, landscape, and architecture while establishing a resource for community and scholars to learn and connect. Primary design strategies for the project include: taking advantage of the beauty of the site by maximizing opportunities for views; providing spaces for introspection and study, as well as collective areas for gathering and exchange of knowledge, information, and ideas; and respecting the context of the neighboring residential zone by minimizing the height and apparent scale of the building.
northwest perspective
The upper terrace, at street level, allows visitors access to a scenic overlook, while the lower exterior space carves a social/ event space out of the site’s sloping terrain, while an interior courtyard for the display of sculptural installations is formed at the core of the building, between the gallery “bridge” and academic research spaces.
lower hall view
southwest perspective
lower terrace view
axonometric
east-west section
north-south section
1/32” = 1’-0”
1/32” = 1’-0”
library
upper terrace
lower terrace
gallery sculpture courtyard
scholar studies entry
stor.
lecture/ meeting space
entry hall view
lounge
lower level floor plan
upper level floor plan
1/32” = 1’-0”
1/32” = 1’-0”
upper terrace view
gallery view
multiunit residential project worcester, ma t.i.a. architects internship - summer 2012 The design for this small apartment building, which consists of two four-bedroom units, was largely dictated by the constraints of a small lot and the aim to maximize rentable income for the client. The narrow lot precluded the use of a driveway, so a scheme was developed to allow for the required two parking spaces per unit beneath the main living space. The roof is accessable with the intention of establishing a rooftop green space to increase insulation while providing an outdoor area to compensate for a small backyard. The design aims for a functional and modern aesthetic while maximizing the potential value of the constrained property.
DN UP
UP
DN
UP
1st floor plan
2nd floor plan
3/32” = 1’-0”
3/32” = 1’-0”
3rd floor plan 3/32” = 1’-0”
section 3/32” = 1’-0”
southeast perspective
hitchcock center for the environment south amherst, ma t.i.a. architects internship - summer 2012 For this project, a preliminary concept for a new education center was developed which would provide new classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces for an organization dedicated to providing the community with a greater awareness and understanding of the natural world. Accordingly, the center decided to pursue options for a more sustainable building complex.
south perspective
Our design pursued the strategy of breaking the program down into a series of smaller, related buildings with the intent of providing a more integrated fit into the environment of the site, while creating a more “kid-friendly� scale. The buildings cluster around a central space which could be utilized as an outdoor classroom space. In terms of sustainable features, the buildings would utilize passive solar orientation, wood for the building structure, high insulation values, and rooftop solar panels.
southeast perspective