B.Arch Graduation Report by Ali Khan

National College of Arts, Lahore Department of Architecture

Thesis Report Transparency in Architecture:

Pakistan Genetic Resources Institute

Ali Sarmad Khan January 2013 Roll# 9001

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Transparency in Architecture:

Pakistan Genetic Resources Institute

Thesis Report Internal Advisor: Mr. Tariq Khalidi

Submitted by: Ali Sarmad Khan Roll# 9001

A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of bachelors in architecture.

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Transparency in Architecture Pakistan Genetic Resources Institute

Ali Sarmad Khan

This thesis would not have been possible without the unwavering support of my parents, my beloved sister, my friends, Uncle Bashir, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Kay Pennick, the advice of Professors Khalid Bajwa and Tariq Khalidi and the support and constant ear of Saad, Fawad, Talha, Anam, Arsalan and Ahmad.

In the loving memory of Salman Farrukh

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction

Abstract

Project

Client

2. Transparency in the Public Domain

Introduction

The Age of Wikileaks

A New Media

The Event

Wireless Signal Penetrability

Education Through Exposure

Modes of Transparency Introduction

Visual Accessibility

Inductive Redirection

Location and Context

Honesty of Material

Physical Accessibility

Modes of Transparency (Illustrated)

Tiers of Access

Conclusions

3. Case Study I: Plant Genetic Research Institute

Introduction

Drawings and Accessibility Analysis Ground Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

Area and Space Distribution

Photographic Documentation

Pros/Cons and Conclusions

4. Case Study II: Millennium Seed Bank

Introduction

Project Details Design

Systems

Structure

Access to Public

Layout

Pros/Cons and Conclusions

5. Site Analysis

Site Selection

Site Context

Twelve Year Timelapse

Views

Meso Site Analysis

Micro Site Analysis

6. Program and Design

Program Relationships

Program Area and Distribution

Flow of Information

Seed Bank Parameters

Glossary of Common Terms

Bibliography

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Flow of Seeds pg.14 Figure 2. Seed Bank Status as of 2013

pg.16

Figure 3. Staff Details pg.16 Figure 4. Tahrir Square - Photograph by Reuters

pg.18

Figure 5. Policy and Architecture pg.19 Figure 6. News Dispersal Timeline pg.20 Figure 7. Julian Assange on the balcony of the Embassy of Ecuador in London

pg.21

Figure 8. Pro-Assange Protests in front of the Ecuadorian Embassy

pg.21

Figure 9. Watching the Watchmen pg 21 Figure 10. Signal Penetrability Chart pg.22 Figure 11. Dissemination of Information pg.23 Figure 12. Paradigm Shift Timeline pg.24 Figure 13. Visual Accessibility (Illustration) pg.25 Figure 14. Tallinn Town Hall by Bjarke Ingels Group

pg.25

Figure 15. Periscopic View Tallinn Town Hall (from outside)

pg.25

Figure16. Tallinn Town Hall 2 pg.25 Figure 17. Periscopic View Tallinn Town Hall (from inside)

pg.25

Figure 18. Inductive Redirection (Illustration)

pg.26

Figure 19. Linked Hybrid by Steven Holl Architects

pg.26

Figure 20. Linked Hybrid Plan pg.26 Figure 21. Linked Hybrid 2 pg.26 Figure 22. Location and Context (Illustration)

pg.27

Figure 23. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao by Frank Gehry

pg.27

Figure 24. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 2

pg.27

Figure 25. Guggenheim Museum Bilbao 3

pg.27

Figure 26. Honesty of Material (Illustration)

pg.28

Figure 27. Center George Pompidou pg.28 Figure 28. Center George Pompidou 2

pg.28

Figure 29. Center George Pompidou 3

pg.28

Figure 30. Physical Accessibility (Illustration)

pg.29

Figure 31. School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University 1

pg.29

Figure 32. School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University 2

pg.29

Figure 33. School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University 3

pg.29

Figure 34. Modes of Transparency (Illustrated)

pg.30

Figure 35. Plant Genetic Research Institute

pg.36

Figure 36. Plant Genetic Research Institute Context Map

pg.36

Figure 37. PGRI View 2 pg.37 Figure 38. PGRI View 3 pg.37 Figure 39. PGRI View 4 pg.37 Figure 40. PGRI View 5 pg.37 Figure 41. PGRI View 6 pg.37 Figure 42. PGRI View 7 pg.37 Figure 43. PGRI View 8 pg.37 Figure 44. PGRI Ground Floor Plan pg.38 Figure 45. PGRI First Floor Plan pg.39 Figure 46. PGRI GF Area and Space Distribution

pg.40

Figure 47. PGRI GF Area and Space Distribution Pie Chart

pg.40

Figure 48. PGRI FF Area and Space Distribution

pg.40

Figure 49. PGRI FF Area and Space Distribution Pie Chart

pg.40

Figure 50. PGRI Inner Lobby pg.41 Figure 51. PGRI Courtyard pg.41 Figure 52. PGRI Shelfing Systems pg.41 Figure 53. PGRI Balcony overlookin courtyard

pg.42

Figure 54. PGRI Inner Corridors pg.42 Figure 55. PGRI Drying & Packing Room

pg.42

Figure 56. PGRI Seed Preservation Lab

pg.42

Figure 57. PGRI Original Seed Stock pg.42 Figure 58. PGRI Cooling Equipment pg.42 Figure 59. MSB View pg.47 Figure 60. MSB View 2 pg.47 Figure 61. MSB View 3 pg.47 Figure 62. MSB View 4 pg.47 Figure 63. MSB View 5 pg.47 Figure 64. MSB View 6 pg.47 Figure 65. Public Corridor pg.48 Figure 66. Sea Bean pg.48 Figure 67. Section showing underground Seed Vaults

pg.48

Figure 68. Planters with exotic vegetation outside the facility within public access.

pg.48

Figure 69. Scrolling Compressors pg.49 Figure 70. MSB Structure 1 pg.49 Figure 71. MSB Structure 2 pg.49 Figure 72. MSB Structure 3 pg.49 Figure 73. The Orange Room pg.50

Figure 74. Garden at entrance pg.50 Figure 75. Scientist working under the observation of visitors.

pg.50

Figure 76. Displays next to laboratories.

pg.50

Figure 77. Displays next to exhibition within the Orange Room.

pg.50

Figure 78. Seed Bank Chamber Layout

pg.51

Figure 79. Research Zone Layout pg.51 Figure 80. Orange Room Layout pg.51 Figure 81. Green House Complex Layout

pg.51

Figure 82. Processing Zones Layout pg.51 Figure 83. Considered Site pg.54 Figure 84. Chosen Site pg.54 Figure 85. Site Context pg.55 Figure 86. Site Context (Views) pg.55 Figure 87. Twelve Year Time Lapse pg.56 Figure 88. V1 pg.57 Figure 89. V2 pg.57 Figure 90. V3 pg.57 Figure 91. V4 pg.57 Figure 92. V5 pg.57 Figure 93. V6 pg.57 Figure 94. Dimensions pg.58 Figure 95. Circulation and Site Access pg.58 Figure 96. Figure-Ground Diagram pg.58 Figure 97. Landuse and Context pg.59 Figure 98. Foliage pg.59 Figure 99. Water Channels and Irrigation pg.59 Figure 100. Site Context pg.60 Figure 101. Visibility Spectrum pg.60 Figure 102. Solar Insolation pg.60 Figure 103. Nearest Bus Stop (Marian)

pg.60

Figure 104. Program Breakdown pg.64 Figure 105. Introduced Program and Modified PGRI Program Figure 106. Flow of Information

pg.67

pg.66

Introduction

Introduction Abstract The project is an experiment in introducing a traditionally semi-public building type like a Seed Bank to the public domain and thereby creating a new model for public buildings. It discovers the advent of WikiLeaks and its subsequent effect on social dynamics and proposes a change in architecture that supplements the aforementioned. One maxim that stands throughout the project research is that any buildings or projects that are funded via the public exchequer are to be made available to the public at various levels of reasonable accessibility. All decisions, design and otherwise, are made in light of this axiom.

Introduction

It is by the means of architectural interventions that this transition of access is to be realized. By successfully implementing such architectural reforms, it may be possible to empower the public in ways that may have consequences beyond the realm of architecture.

“

The architecture of a seed bank is architecturally liberated. Its design can be based purely off of science and function. No historical strings, no sentimental ornament, no Doric columns lining the front porch.

- Kevin Eckert

Project

Why are Seed Banks important?

The construction of a large scale agricultural research facility has potential to propel scientific development in the field of agriculture as well as providing employment opportunities effectively boosting the pursuit of higher education in the field. It can act as an action potential in unifying the agricultural research infrastructure of Pakistan, the largest of which being the National Agricultural Research Centre in Islamabad. The final project is to be centered around the Plant Genetic Resources Institute (PGRI) that houses not only a Seed Bank but facilities that support the preservation and preparation of seeds. Such institutes are generally colloquially referred to as just ‘Seed Banks’. A seed library can supplement the Seed Bank by giving farmers direct access to seed varieties and by providing a space to hold seed swaps which ensure that these seed varieties are thoroughly disseminated. What is a Seed Bank?

[1]

• Since climate change is an established fact, drastic change in the climate of a region can potentially wipe out entire species of plants and crops which have over time adjusted to that particular biome. A Seed Bank can provide insurance against the complete eradication of such species of plants/crops. • Natural disasters like tsunamis and disasters can destroy the ecology of an area, and consequently hinder food production there. Seed Banks can distribute different varieties of seeds to keep the food production process running. • Diseases may wipe out entire species of crops both locally and globally, Seed Banks ensure that in case of such an occurrence, backup seeds are ready to be distributed again, perhaps even with genetic modification that render the crop resistant to such diseases. • Man-made disasters/conflicts such as Chernobyl or the Gulf War can be devastating to the plant/crop life of a region, thereby rendering war-torn regions both without infrastructure and without a source of food to feed displaced war refugees. Seed Banks can ensure that even in the face of conflict, the basic human right to food is ensured.

Introduction

Seed Banks are ‘genetic’ banks that physically store samples of seeds, they may vary from seeds of food crops (as a precaution in the case of a global catastrophe) to a rare species of plant (for the preservation of biodiversity). Since many plants/crops are becoming rare because of climate change and/or preference for hybrid varieties, seed banks can help prevent them extinction by storing a genetic image of that plant in the shape of a seed. Since seeds are smaller in size, can remain viable for longer periods and are easily handled, they are the preferred medium of germplasm to be stored, more convenient than plants.

[2]

• A considerable amount of research can be done using stored seeds, ranging from the development of new hybrid species of seeds and the use of stored exotic plants seeds for medicinal purposes.

[1] Botanic Gardens Conservation International. “Seed Banks” Accessed March 14, 2013. http://www.bgci.org/resources/seedbanks/ [2] Debra, Ronca. “How Seed Banks Work” Howstuffworks Accessed March 14, 2013. http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/ seed-bank1.htm

Seed Storage To preserve the genetic integrity of crop/plant germplasm (genetic material) the seeds need to be stored under optimum temperature conditions. Seeds are also often stored in ‘Seed Vaults’ which are reinforced containers which protect the seeds from both natural calamities and global conflicts. At a micro-level, seeds can be stored in metal shelving racks inside plastic containers, within which the seeds are secured inside envelopes or appropriate membranes.[3] Seed metabolic activity and hence aging is generally slowed in condition of low temperature, humidity and oxygen content of the air.[4] The Pakistan Agricultural Research Council categorizes stored seeds into three different categories, depending on the use that they are to be put to: 1. Active Collection

2. Base Collection This collection serves as the conservation medium and is used mainly for storage for longer periods of time. Seeds here may be offspring of seeds received from germination of the original collection. Distribution is often restricted and seeds are only drawn for viability testing and regeneration. Typical storage conditions are 5°C and 20-30% Relative Humidity.[6] 3. Original Collection These seeds are the original samples taken/received from different agro-ecological zones, they are usually cleaned. They are the storage backup for both the active and base collections. A temperature of -20°C is maintained.[7] Humidity does not need to be controlled as the seeds are tightly packed inside laminated aluminum foil.

Introduction

In this collection, seeds are stored for ‘short to medium’ periods of time (which can be interpreted as days or weeks). The seeds here are available for research, distribution to end users and research.

They are accordingly maintained at 10°C and 3040% Relative Humidity.[5]

Figure 1. Flow of Seeds [3] Afzal, Muhammad, Shahzad Nasim and Shakeel Ahmad. “Seed Packing” In Operational Manual Seed Preservation Laboratory and Genebank Islamabad: JICA and PARC, n.d. 6. [4] Groot, Steven, Ph.D. “The role of oxygen in seed aging.” Plant Research International Journal (2011). [5] Afzal, Nasim and Ahmad. “Germplasm Conservation: Active Collection” OMSPLG, 2. [6] Afzal, Nasim and Ahmad. “Germplasm Conservation: Base Collection” OMSPLG, 2.

[7] Afzal, Nasim and Ahmad. “Germplasm Conservation: Original Collection” OMSPLG, 2.

Client The primary client is the Agricultural Research Wing of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock. It’s subsidiary, the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council is responsible for the National Agricultural Research Center, which in turn administers the Pakistan Genetic Resources Institute: the immediate client.[8] Federal Ministry of Food, Agri and Livestock Agricultural Research Wing Pakistan Agricultural Research Council National Agricultural Research Center Pakistan Genetic Resources Institute

1. Seed Preservation and Seed Bank: Aimed at preserving the genetic integrity of the ‘accessions’ to avoid the loss of certain genotypes. Orthodox Seeds (i.e. seeds that can be conserved by drying and freezing) are stored in the Seed Bank directly, while the others (recalcitrant seeds) are sent to the In-vitro lab for treatment first.

In the germplasm evaluation laboratory, plant and crop species are evaluated and certain species are separated according to a predetermined list of preferred characteristics. This ‘elite’ line of is then used for crop improvement programs as well as the development of hybrid species. 3. In-vitro Preservation Laboratory: The In-vitro (Latin for In Glass) Laboratory treats Recalcitrant seed species (like Mango) that do not retain viability during the drying process. The accessions are treated with chemicals that include growth regulators and vitamins and are stored in glass jars. 4. Plant Introduction and Seed Health: This laboratory is responsible for the discovery and removal of pests and contaminants in the incoming germplasms. The results are indexed to avoid the spread of diseases to newer geographic regions where the seeds may be introduced. 5. Documentation and Data Management: Without detailed information about each accession, plant breeders can not practically use crop germplasm. In this laboratory, the plant species stored and incoming are documented and stored into a database which is then also made available on the Internet as ‘Genetic Resources Information’ (GRI). This laboratory is also responsible for the publishment of literature which includes catalogues and pamphlets.

Introduction

The PGRI’s main objective is to Explore, Conserve, Evaluate and Document plant biodiversity for ensuring food security.[9] It is also responsible for providing germplasm to national crop improvement programs while also acting as a trustee of genetic plant resources, both cultivated and wild and the distribution of food crop seeds in the case of a natural disaster. PGRI also maintains linkages with National Crop Coordinators, Provincial Research Institutes, Universities and NGOs engaged in biodiversity conservation both nationally and internationally. It also holds Germplasm Exploration Missions and is consisted of five laboratories: [10]

2. Germplasm Evaluation:

[8] Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. “Facts” Accessed May 2, 2013. http://www.parc.gov.pk/facts.html [9] Serving for Global and National Food Security: Plant Genetic Resources Program. Islamabad: NARC, 2012. 1 [10] Ibid., 2-6

Official Objectives

Staff Details

[11]

[13]

1. Explore and collect Agro-biodiversity from diverse ecologies.

1. PSO / Director

2. Serve as the National Facility for Conservation and Distribution of Plant Genetic Resources to researchers.

3. PSO (Seed Health Lab.)

3. Generate knowledge and create awareness about plant biodiversity. 4. Document/disseminate information on Genetic Resources. 5. Characterize and evaluate germplasm for improving agricultural productivity to ensure food security.

2. PSO (Germplasm Evaluation Lab.)

4. PSO (Germplasm Evaluation Lab.) 5. PSO (Seed Preservation Lab. & GB) 6. SSO (Germplasm Evaluation Lab.) 7. SO (Seed Preservation Lab. & GB) 8. SO (Germplasm Evaluation Lab.) 9. SO (Plant Exploration Lab.) 10. SO (In Vitro Preservation Lab.) 11. SO (In Vitro Preservation Lab.) 12. SO (Seed Health Lab.)

Introduction

Seed Bank Status as of 2013 No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Crops Cereals Food Legumes Oil Seeds Fodder Fiber Crops Vegetables Fruits Medicinal Plants

*Unique

Figure 2.

Total:

[12]

Accessions* 11617 5349 4567 971 857 1981 1524 1938

13. SO (Seed Health Lab.) 14. SO (In vitro Preservation Lab.)

PSO: Principal Scientific Officer SSO: Senior Scientific Officer SO: Scientific Officer

28804 Total Staff: 14 Optimum Staff (According to JICA): 20 Figure 3.

[11] Genetic Seeds Inventory. “Objectives” Accessed September 26, 2013. http://www.iabgr.org/ [12] Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. “Genebank Status” Accessed September 26, 2013. http://www.parc.gov.pk/pgri.html

[13] Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. “Scientific Staff” Accessed September 26, 2013. http://www.parc.gov.pk/NARC/IABGR-Inst/ Pages-iabgr/s-staff.htmlAvailable at: http://www.abcdgov.pk/

Transparency in the Public Domain Architecture in the age of WikiLeaks

Transparency in the Public Domain: Architecture in the age of WikiLeaks What role can architecture play in supplementing the level of accessibility that the public has to works that are funded by the public exchequer?

Introduction The world is entering a new age. An age of transparency and accountability, by and for the public. This is signified by a few major events that have marked the past decade: the advent of WikiLeaks[14], the Arab Spring[15] and the proliferation of the Internet. Regardless of one’s stance on these events, it is an incontrovertible fact that they have brought about a shift from the status quo: towards accountability being in the hands of the public rather than an agency or

example, a library is taken over by a totalitarian government, which decides to appropriate the building to act as a surveillance office, the architecture of the library can theoretically make such intrusions impractical and inefficient; the library is thereby rescued by virtue of its architecture and remains in the public domain, continuing to serve a purpose that is in the interest of the general public.

organization.

into the public domain, in this case a Seed Bank, the public can be introduced to the sensitivities of its function and possibly open them up to an avenue of information relating to its program, that has traditionally been closed to them; thereby inducing education through exposure. According

Transparency in the Public Domain

As with all such paradigm shifts, architecture must follow suit. Architecture can act as an agent of resistance, it can resist the inherent totalitarianism of figures in power and it can also resist totalitarian policies that may attempt to govern it. If for

By bringing traditionally reclusive architecture

Figure 4. Tahrir Square - Photograph by Reuters

18 November 2011

[14] CNN International. “WikiLeaks Fast Facts” Accessed July 12, 2013. http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/03/world/wikileaks-fast-facts/index.html [15] CNN International. “Unrest in the Arab World” Accessed July 12, 2013. http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/world/arab-unrest/index.html

“

Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction. - Immanuel Kant

INCOMPATIBLE POLICY/PROTOCOL

COMPATIBLE POLICY/PROTOCOL

- Typical Library Program - Free Entry - Democratic Values - Decentralized Administration - In the Public Domain

- Surveillance Office Program - Strict Administrative Heirarchy - Complete Isolation from Public Eye - Unpopular in public opinion

RESISTANCE ANTI-TOTALITARIAN ARCHITECTURE

Y R A

R B I L

- Porous Circulation - Proximity to Public Space - Complete Visual Accessiblity - At a prominent location - Library specific spaces

LIB

R A R

LIBRARY FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE PUBLIC DOMAIN

Figure 5. Policy and Architecture

Woods posits that resistance needs to have the same intensity as the ‘things’ that need to be resisted (perhaps a hostile takeover), since such events could have been brewing decades or centuries. The earlier example should hence be considered a simplification, for it only highlights one aspect of architecture, its function; architecture could also theoretically resist policy with its location, material, visibility or even its scale.

This thesis postulates that every citizen has the right of a reasonable to any public work that have been funded by the public exchequer, marking an end to the selective culture of ‘Authorized Personnel Only’. While this may introduce certain complications in the workings of the program of that project, it may not be fully compatible with the dynamics of public space but these are issues that can be addressed via architecture. This stance is perhaps Kantian in nature, supported by Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative, which states that, “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction.”

Transparency in the Public Domain

to Lebbeus Woods (writing on architecture and resistance), “…the things to be resisted have not come from nowhere. They have a history built over periods of time, a kind of seriousness and weight that makes them a threat to begin with. They can only be resisted by ideas and actions of equivalent substance and momentum.” [16]

[16] Woods, Lebbeus. “Architecture and Resistance” Lebbeus Woods Blog Accessed July 15, 2013. http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress.com/2009/05/09/ architecture-and-resistance/ [17] Philosophy Pages. “Kant: The Moral Order, The Categorical Imperative” Accessed July 14, 2013. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5i.htm

The Age of WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks is an international, non-profit organization initiated in 2006, which facilitates the flow of information from those who want to reveal it – often whistle-blowers – to the general public, without distinction of nationality. [18] Since they are not affiliated with any nation of the world, their leaks are often considered impartial since they do not align with the national security of any particular state.

The advent of WikiLeaks (supported by the internet revolution) with Julian Assange - its founder - as its face, has ensured the emergence of a new Zeitgeist: accessibility to information at a level that was unprecedented before. According to Assange, those who have done no wrong have nothing to hide and those who have something to reveal, should have nothing to fear. [20] The anonymity and hence safety of the whistle-blowers is ensured by the internet, around which lies WikiLeaks’ functional core as it started off as just a website. The need for architecture to respond to this new fundamental change in the fabric of society is imperative. Architecture has a tendency to be passive, to continue unaffected as the rest of the world changes around it; manifested in its permanence, its scale and utilitarian compromises. A degree of activity is introduced into architecture by the users that occupy it and it is these users that respond first to any changes in the global paradigm.

C. 100,000 BCE

Cave Paintings C. 42,000 BCE

Public Forums C. 800 BCE

News Dispersal Timeline

Transparency in the Public Domain

According to their website, their goal is “…to bring important news and information to the public.”[19] WikiLeaks therefore effectively functions as a news outlet with the entire whistleblowing population of the world acting as a source.

Word of Mouth

1605 CE

Radio

1920 CE

Television 1928 CE

Internet

(WorldWideWeb) 1990 CE

Social Media 1994 CE

Wikileaks 2006 CE

Figure 6.

[18] Wikileaks. “What is Wikileaks?” Accessed July 16, 2013. http://wikileaks.org/About.html [19] Ibid.

Newspapers

[20] Assanage, Julian. “Julian Assange: Why the world needs WikiLeaks.” Filmed July 2010. TED video, 8:00.

A New Media

“

The Event As of June 17 2013, Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, would have spent a year trapped in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Assange has been given asylum by the government of Ecuador and is wanted by British authorities for misconduct crimes that he may have committed in Sweden, crimes which he vehemently denies.

Figure 7.

Figure 8.

Perhaps it was only fitting that the founder of an organization that arguably empowers the people through the use of technology, was supported by people that used the same technology to ensure that no harm comes to him. While this was not the first recorded instance of the media being in the hands of the people, it was the most prominent by virtue of its international significance. The event revealed the significance of this ‘New Media’ that skips the middle-man and provides news as it is and as it happens, making ‘Big Media’ obsolete. According to a news report, 72 percent of Pakistanis use cellphones, 60% of which use smartphones;[24] consequently, a large part of these users therefore have access to the internet via GPRS or EDGE.[25] This by extension ensures that all of these mobile users are potential whistleblowers with each person being a localized news

Figure 9.

source with access to a limited audience via social media. If architecture successfully aids these pedestrian sources of news and makes it more likely that ‘news’ successfully reaches its intended audience, then perhaps architecture has played its part.

[21] CNN International. “Assange to be arrested if he leaves embassy, police say” Accessed July 17, 2013. http://edition.cnn.com/2012/06/21/world/ europe/uk-assange-asylum/index.html [22] ABC News. “Crowds gather around Ecuadorian Embassy” Accessed July 17, 2013. http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2012/s3569530.htm [23] The Economist. “What is the Streisand effect? ” Accessed July 20, 2013. http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/04/economistexplains-what-streisand-effect [24] The News. “72 Percent Pakistanis use mobile phones” Accessed July 20, 2013. http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-151687-72-PercentPakistanis-use-mobile-phones-12-Percent-have-bank-accounts [25] Aftab, Ameer. “Facebook Hits 9 Million” Third World Strategy Accessed July 20, 2013. http://thirdworldstrategy.com/facebook-9-million-usersinfographic

Transparency in the Public Domain

While Assange resides in the embassy, he is effectively inside Ecuadorian territory and therefore governed by Ecuadorian laws; he is trapped because the British authorities are refusing him safe passage to Ecuador and instead want to extradite him to Sweden to face trial. It is feared that the Swedish authorities might in turn hand him over to American authorities to face trial for publishing classified American war logs.[21] When British authorities unsuccessfully tried to arrest Assange, a crowd of supporters gathered outside the embassy to protest and to record the attempt using their phones, streaming it live via the internet to an audience of hundreds of thousands. Not only did this keep the British police under strict scrutiny, it also ensured that a permanent record of the attempt was saved on the internet for eternity.[22] Given the nature of the internet it is improbable if not impossible to permanently remove any data that has once been uploaded. Any attempt to do so usually has a converse effect by virtue of the ‘Streisand Effect’[23] whereby

hundreds of newer ‘mirrors’ are spawned by supporters, making that data more prominent.

First we shape our structures, and then our structures shape us. - Winston Churchill

Wireless Signal Penetrability To supplement this paradigm shift, architecture needs passive and permanent means of ensuring that its occupants stay connected to the rest of the world; with active means here being the installation of wireless routers, access points, internet terminals and wireless signal propagators, which are mostly policy dependent. One way means of wireless communication (Television and Radio) and two way means of wireless communication (Cell Phones, WiFi, WiMax) use Radio Frequency Waves (30 kHz to 300 GHz) [26] to transmit signals, with the latter being more relevant here since it involves actions taken by the individual. Radio Frequency Waves tend to attenuate

Attenuation

Transparency in the Public Domain

Building Material

(weaken) when they pass through certain media. To ensure that no ‘dead zones’ occur within a building, and that all occupants receive strong signals (either mobile or local WiFi hotspots) certain material choices have to be made. According to the table below (Figure 10.) which shows the correlation between choice of building material and its effect on signal strength, concrete and metal attenuate signals the most (with attenuation measured in decibels) while brick, limestone and wood (and derivatives), have a higher likelihood of letting signals pass through with minimal interference.

Figure 10.

Signal Penetrability Chart [27]

[26] Taylor, Clayborne, Gutierezz Samuel and Steven Langdon. “Introduction” Measurement of RF Propagation. Aberdeen: Phillips Laboratory, 1997. 13. [27] Next Generation Wireless Architecture: Assessing the Physical Environment. California: Aruba Networks, 2012. 9

Education through Exposure Bringing a building into the public domain has potential to propel the dissemination of information (relating to that particular kind of program) into the public realm, not only educating the public but also making them feel like active participants in the running of the building or institute and by extension, the country. Architecture by its transparency can help induce this one directional flow of information, it can also via its magnetism attract persons that would otherwise have been uninterested in the program that occupies it. Introducing them, perhaps by accident, to information that may possibly follow them for the rest of their lives. If opened up to the public, the primary visitors (apart from technical professionals) to a Seed

Bank may range from botanists and farmers to hobbyists and horticulturists. Its architecture may however still be able to attract visitors that may have no prior interests in seeds or horticulture but are just there by accident or were merely attracted by its architecture. Once having visited the Seed Bank however they may develop an interest or hobby in the field, made possible by virtue of its openness. This new education paradigm can only be possible via the support of architecture and stands to fail on its own. The need is to extend beyond traditional modes of information dissemination like museums, schools and universities and involve public buildings into the mix, like Seed Banks, post offices and research institutions.

O U G H EX

Transparency in the Public Domain

CA EDU

Figure 11. Dissemination of Information

Modes of Transparency

Introduction In this new age of renewed accountability, it is imperative for the public to have direct access to all things that are funded by the public exchequer. In a republic, it is the representatives of the people that take up this task: members of the public elected via popular vote or assigned by incumbent representatives. This however, creates a distance between the public and the project, multiple levels of ambiguity in the form of red tape and administrative hierarchies.

Transparency in the Public Domain

In this new paradigm, wherein the public is at the helm, architecture can provide opportunities for members of the public to keep tabs on the program that architecture encompasses, as well the feasibility of the building or project itself. This can be achieved with multiple levels of accessibility to the project. While not all members of the public may possess the necessary ability or information to thoroughly investigate public works, complete access to them however does remain their fundamental right. Privacy therefore becomes irrelevant in the public domain. It should also be noted that the application of such reforms is subject to the presence of a stable democratic government elected through free and fair elections.

Figure 12. Paradigm Shift Timeline

02 Visual Accessibility

Case Study: Tallinn Town Hall (Proposal)[28] Location Tallinn, Estonia Client City Planning Office, City of Tallinn Date 2014 (Projected) Floor Area 28,000 m2 / 301,389 sqft Design Bjarke Ingels Group Type City Hall (Administrative) Feature Periscopic Views Figure 14. Figure 13.

A visually transparent and porous building is almost always in the public eye, like a clock with its inner mechanism revealed as a testament to its complexity.

Figure 15.

A periscopic view via a large mirror above the council hall gives the public insight into the workings of the politicians inside while also providing a democratic view of the city. Figure 16.

Figure 17.

Transparency in the Public Domain

This fundamental level of accessibility comes into play even before a space/building is entered. Its location, scale and nature can be adjudged with comparison to its context. When it comes to accountability, vision plays a more fundamental role. The scale, material and location of the project can give insight into its budget or how it has been prioritized by the government. Once inside, the workings of the program can be observed and scrutinized but only at a preliminary level because of the constraints of vision. While transparent materials, windows, and semi-covered areas promote visual access they can also reveal the internal functioning of architecture.

The same periscopic mirror gives the public servants a periscopic view of the city, giving them an overview of the public that they are serving. [28] Bjarke Ingels Group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tallin Town Hallâ&#x20AC;? Accessed August 15, 2013. http://flash.big.dk/projects/tat/

02 Case Study:

Inductive Redirection

Linked Hybrid

Location Beijing, China Client Modern Green Development Co. Date 2009 Floor Area 221,426 m2 / 383410 sqft Design Steven Holl Architects Type Multi-purpose Complex Feature Porous Circulation

ENTE R!

Figure 18.

Transparency in the Public Domain

[29]

A building can either deliberately or accidentally draw visitors into itself. Affecting factors include signage, the location of the entrance with respect to the street, the orientation of the building and its architectural style. All these factors induce the introduction of visitors into the building that may not be directly associated with its program or are interested enough in its appearance to incite curiosity. A unique architectural style or theme can introduce a degree of novelty to a building thereby luring and possibly assimilating more curious patrons. A building with porous circulation i.e. that encourages people to pass through it (rather than take the designated route) by acting as a transitional space between the street and another destination will have a continuous flow of pedestrians that are unrelated to its program but who as members of the public may still remain vigilant to its functioning, thereby acting as mobile auditors. Rerouting through a porous building may even be preferred if it provides a shorter route to the destination, shade and/or public services (e.g. ATMs) along the path. The ground level hence becomes integrated into the surrounding urban fabric. A fine art installation or sculpture outside the building may also help draw visitors.

Figure 19.

The complex is located within a dense urban context and features a series of passages on the ground floor that encourage ‘interactive relations and encounters in the public spaces’ as well as a series of ‘micro-urbanisms’ in the shape of clusters of small shops which induce activity within the area. Figure 20.

Figure 21.

[29] Steven Holl Architects. “Linked Hybrid” Accessed October 26, 2013. http://www.stevenholl.com/project-detail.php?id=58

02 Case Study:

Location and Context

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao

[30]

Location Abando, Bilbao, Spain Client Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Date October 18, 1997 Floor Area 24,000 m2 / 258,334 sqft Design Frank Gehry Type Art Museum (Recreational) Feature Design dominates waterfront Figure 23. Figure 22.

A stylistically undefined museum which dominates the waterfront of the city of Bilbao with the River Nervion thereby capturing the attention of patrons from multiple centers of the city. At a macro level, its introduction helped induce visitors into the city, thereby regenerating the tourism industry. Figure 24.

Figure 25.

Transparency in the Public Domain

In an isolated location space may not be under as much public scrutiny as one that is within the city center. The presence of the adjacent public spaces or attachment to a major artery are both integral components of inducing public interaction with the building. The higher the population density of a particular area, the more probable it is that someone may accidentally venture into the building. Once a building is completely in the public domain, these accidents can happen recurrently, introducing a perpetual population of ‘accidental visitors’ into the space. Thereby contributing to the inundation of the space with potential critics, investigators or whistle-blowers. A raised building will incite more curiosity than one that is hidden underground, it will be more prone to public investigation. It will also be visible from a distance, adding to visual accessibility. Similarly, a structure raised on a hillside can attract the attention of patrons from every corner of the city. On occasion, such a structure may even become part of the identity of the city itself, for example, the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, or the Hollywood sign.

[30] Wikiarquitectura. “Guggenheim Bilbao” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Guggenheim_Bilbao

02 Honesty of Material

Case Study: Center George Pompidou

[32]

Location Paris, France Client Ministry of Culture, France Date 1977 Floor Area 103,305 m2 / 1,112,000 sqft Design Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano Type Cultural Complex (Recreation) Feature Inverted Support Systems Figure 27. Figure 26.

Since not all members of the public are fully aware

Transparency in the Public Domain

of architectural processes, it is integral that public buildings be made as readable as possible. Exposing structural systems instead of concealing them can provide insight into how a building was erected and consequently shed light on its costs and period of construction.

The Modernist idea of ‘Truth to Material’ as coined by John Ruskin is also applicable here.[31] Ornamentation can deceive the public by hiding the original material used, the choice of which should be brought under the public eye since it can reveal information about the process, budget and its viability. Similarly, any systems installed in the building, whether they be HVAC ducts or drain pipes should be distinguishable.

Figure 28.

The construction was turned inside out to conserve internal space, the support systems were exposed on the facade and color coded: blue for air, green for fluids, yellow for electricity cables and red for movement, flow and safety. This choice had the twofold effect of saving space and promoting public understanding of how a building is supported. Figure 29.

[31] Wilsonart Contract. “Sir John Ruskin” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://www.wilsonartcontract.com/sir-john-ruskin/ [32] Wikiarquitectura. “Cultural Center George Pompidou” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Cultural_Center_ George_Pompidou

02 Physical Accessibility

Figure 30.

Case Study:

School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University [34]

Location Nanyang Avenue, Singapore Client Ministry of Education, Singapore Date 2006 Floor Area 18,000 m2 / 193,750 sqft Design CPG Consultants Type Public University Feature Accessible Roof Garden

The roof garden acts as a shell on top of the building, not only lowering the mean temperature inside (and energy consumption) but also providing an accessible recreational garden for the students and faculty. The roofing was achieved using ‘heavily ribbed reinforced concrete via a customized scaffolding system’. Figure 31.

Figure 32.

Figure 33.

[33] South Bay Rustic Doors. “Symbolism of Doors ” Accessed August 17, 2013. http://www.sbrusticdoors.com/blog/symbolism-of-doors/ [34] CPG Consultants. “Nanyang Technological University, School of Art, Design & Media ” Accessed August 17, 2013. http://www.cpgcorp.com.sg/ CPGC/Project/Project_Details?ProjectID=1022

Transparency in the Public Domain

Once an occupant is in physical contact with architecture, a more haptic interface is presented. There are various degrees of physical accessibility, a person can be enclosed, on top of, under or in contact with the building itself. It would be an infringement of a person’s rights to deny them plausible access to a certain section of the building. If a situation arises where complete physical access cannot be guaranteed (sensitive equipment, security etc), then other avenues of accessibility can be used to compensate. Being able to touch a building or its walls also has a symbolic significance, it alludes to ownership and can induce confidence in the integrity and permanence of the structure. Roof gardens also serve this purpose by providing a haptic interface through which one communicates

with a building. Scaling a structure also has the attached connotation of conquest and control over that structure. Doors have both a symbolic meaning (In Egyptian and Roman mythology amongst others) and a functional purpose, they are entrances, portals, transitions, joints between spaces and they represent both the end and beginning of a space.[33] The function of a door is however more relevant here, a door with a lock implies that the following space may have to be locked under certain circumstances which would be undesirable in a fully public realm. Door bells and knockers indicate the need to obtain permission before entering, which too are incompatible with the open-access public model. Similarly, the material of a door can suggest the significance or nature of the space that it is protecting. It is the operation of the door however that has the most influence, a manually operated door may imply privacy or the need to exert intentional force, punctuating the flux of circulation; an automated door completely removes the haptic interface thereby transitioning the role of the door into passivity, creating a continuous flux of circulation – entirely compatible with the public domain.

Transparency in the Public Domain

Modes of Transparency (Illustrated)

Figure 34.

Transparency in the Public Domain

Tiers of Access

Introduction For the purposes of this thesis, a benchmark for accessibility can be derived. While accessibility to locations within a building are dominantly governed by policy, certain architectural features liked locked doors, and the number of windows can define and reinforce these policies. Therefore, spaces can be divided into multiple â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tiers of Accessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which can help provide a picture of the degrees of access to a building. For this thesis, apart from open spaces, which consist of circulation and entrances, the spaces can be divided into six tiers. These parameters are only applicable to

Tier 3 These spaces are controlled by a person who also occupies it. They are designed around the role of that person within the larger program. These spaces can switch between public and private since their function may require regular visitors. Examples are primarily offices. Defined by buffer spaces between before entrance, windows with shutters and doors with locks.

public buildings under the administration of a governing authority.

staff and above. For example, pantries, store rooms and utility closets. Defined by lack of windows and secure lockable doors.

Open Space

Transparency in the Public Domain

Main circulation arteries and spaces which introduce the visitor to the building. For example, an open atrium or reception. This space is defined by lack of any partitions or visual barriers. Visitors and all categories of staff have access to this space.

Tier 1 Spaces with a controlled program that are fully accessible to a visitor without the requirement of prior permission. For example, galleries, waiting rooms or toilets. Defined by multiple windows and entrances usually without doors. Tier 2 Spaces that may be opened to visitors including the general public with prior permission from the person that controls access to the room/space. The person who controls access to such a space generally does not occupy it at all times. For example, private libraries or conference rooms. Defined by multiple windows and doors, usually with locks.

Tier 4 These spaces pertain to the maintenance of the facility or complex and are restricted to the general public and visitors. Access is restricted to lower

Tier 5 These spaces accommodate the primary function of the a building. Access is restricted to technical staff responsible for their assigned space within the tier. Access rights may or may not be interchangeable between staff within the same tier. Examples include but are not limited to, laboratories and kitchens. Defined by very secure lockable doors, windows depending on room requirements, thicker partitions and multiple buffer zones before entrance (not exclusively). Tier 6 The least accessible space within a building. No one has complete access without prior permission from multiple persons and record of permission. Such a space may not be present in all public buildings. Examples include, bank vaults, panic rooms and server rooms. Defined by very thick partitions, singular entrance with very secure locks and no windows.

Conclusions

• Architecture should ensure that every citizen receives their fundamental right to accountability. • A building should resist any totalitarian intrusions into its space and ensure the prevalence of people friendly and democratic spaces by means of various levels of accessibility. • Ideal mainstream building materials that ensure the penetration of wireless radio signals are limestone, wood and brick because they cause less attenuation of signals. Concrete and metals are to be avoided. • The population of the building should be densified so that it is always under the public eye.

• Multiple tiers of access can be established within a building to better understand the distribution of accessibility and whether it leans towards totalitarianism or democracy.

Transparency in the Public Domain

• Automated doors can ensure the continuous flux of pedestrian circulation, thereby helping entrench the building fully into the public domain.

Blank

Case Study I

Plant Genetic Research Institute (with accessibility analysis)

Case Study I: Plant Genetic Research Institute Design Zen-Noh Architects & Engineers Inc. Japan Location NARC, Kot Lakhpat, Islamabad Governing Authority National Agriculture Research Centre Date of Construction 1993

Figure 35. Context Map

Details

Margalla Hills

Rawal Lake

Total NARC Area: 60,000,000 sqft Complex Site area: 300,000 sqft

National Institute of Health

Distance from Rawal Lake: 6.0 KM

ot an

al G ar d

Case Study I

Quaid-e-Azam University

NARC

Distance from Zero Point (ISB): 12.0 KM Distance from Lahore: 378.0 KM

Air Port

Figure 36. 38

Context Pictures

Case Study I

Figure 37.

Figure 42.

Figure 38.

Figure 40.

Figure 39.

Figure 41.

Figure 43.

Drawings and Accessibility Analysis

Ground Floor Plan

6 33

34 2

32 4

30 28

7 10

27 29

11 12

13 25

14 33

24 15

Case Study I

1. Introduction & Seed Health

Seed Health Laboratory

Bacterial & Viral Inspection

Fungal Inspection

Sowing Preparation

Equipment

Branch Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office

2. Exploration and Collection

18 UP

3 3. Administration I

Figure 44.

5. Seed Preservation

Lounge

Control Room

Laboratory

Growth Chamber

Office

Equipment

Toilets and Ablution

Lobby

Office

Centrifuge

Pantry

Herbarium

Office

Exhibition

Short-term Storage

Equipment

Office

Ante Room

Laboratory

Data Compilation

Drying & Packing

Preparation

Computer Room

Original Seed Stock

Store

Seed Distribution

Germination Monitoring

Pantry

Seed Reference

Mid-term Storage

Toilet

Store

4. Data Management

6. Gene/Seed Bank

First Floor Plan 7. Foreign Experts 39

Offices

Meeting Room

Store

Pantry

Toilets and Ablution

59 58

8. Germplasm Evaluation

56 DN

Office

Equipment

Laboratory

Store

Pantry

Conference Room

10. Administration II

Reception

Director

PA’s Office

Store

Toilet

11. In-Vitro Preservation 56

Dark Room

Maintenance Access

Incubation

Clean Bench

Laboratory

Equipment Office

Figure 45.

Tiers of Access Open Space Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5

Case Study I

Degree of Access

Library

9. Conference 49

Tier 6 See Section II, ‘Tiers of Access’ for description.

Area and Space Distribution

Figure 46.

Figure 47. K

L A

I B

H C

C H F

Ground Floor

First Floor

A B-C D E F G H I J K L M

A B-C D E F G H I

Total: Case Study I

2632 sqft. 938 sqft. 2861 sqft. 2442 sqft. 678 sqft. 819 sqft. 2532 sqft. 1750 sqft. 455 sqft. 3518 sqft. 611 sqft. 2154 sqft.

Total: I-13%

2632 sqft. 938 sqft. 2861 sqft. 2442 sqft. 43 sqft. 129 sqft. 1750 sqft. 2843 sqft.

13638 sqft. A-19%

21390 sqft. B-C-7%

H-21%

M-10%

A-12%

L-3%

B-C-4% G-1% F-0.3%

K-17% D-8%

D-21% E-18%

Figure 49.

J-2% E-12%

I-8% H-12%

Figure 48.

F-3% G-4%

A majority of the covered area is dedicated to research with an atrium in the center that is closed off most of the week except on special occasions, area M (Introduction and Seed Health) is separate from the main complex because it was added later on as an extension.

Photographic Documentation

Figure 50.

Courtyard

Figure 51.

Shelfing Systems

Figure 52.

Case Study I

Inner Lobby

Figure 53. Inner Corridors

Figure 54.

Case Study I

Balcony overlookin courtyard

Drying & Packing Room

Seed Preservation Lab Figure 56. 44

Figure 55.

Original Seed Stock Figure 57.

Cooling Equipment Figure 58.

Pros

Cons

1. A complete circuit of circulation because of the circular shape of the plan ensures that the flow of traffic is never restricted.

1. The Seed Vault is located above ground, which is not ideal since atmospheric radiation may have an increased chance of penetrating the walls.

2. A large courtyard provides ample congregation space but is usually locked down by the administration. 3. Since the facility is inside NARC, it is supported by other facilities that may provide information and technical aid if required. 4. Empty patches of land in the surroundings leaves room for farmland for seed propagation and empty land for greenhouses.

2. The office hallways are very narrow and are designed according to Japanese standards, which becomes a hindrance for those accustomed to the Pakistani lifestyle. 3. The complex is located deep inside a large NARC facility, which restricts both visual and physical access for the public. 4. Most of the facility is restricted to the public apart from a few offices and lobby. 5. Most machinery is out in the open without any dedicated rooms which proves to be both a hindrance to the workers and a hazard for the machines. 6. If an visitors do happen to visit, they hinder the working of the facility because of the absence of segregated circulation.

â&#x20AC;˘ Continuous circulation can facilitate the smooth transition of information and seed throughout the facility.

Case Study I

Conclusions

â&#x20AC;˘ Machinery requires dedicated rooms without which the functioning of the facility can suffer. â&#x20AC;˘ If public access is provided, it should be kept separate from the circulation spaces of the staff.

Blank

Case Study II

The Millennium Seed Bank

Case Study II: The Millennium Seed Bank Design Stanton Williams Architects Location Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, West Sussex, United Kingdom Governing Authority Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Case Study II

Date of Construction 2000

Aims of the Project: (According to RBG Website[35]) 1. Collect the seeds from 24,000 species of plants by 2010, representing 10% of the world’s dryland flora (achieved October 2009). 2. Collect seeds from all of the UK’s native flora. 3. Further research into conservation and preservation of seeds and plants. 4. Act as a focal point for research in this area and encourage public interest and support. The Millennium Seed Bank is housed inside the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew and is the largest Seed Bank in the world, followed by the Svalbard Seed Vault in Norway. Ultimately, the Seed Bank aims to store all known plant species in the world, with the goal of reaching 25% of all plant species by 2020.[36] What makes this Seed Bank unique is that it is within the public domain i.e. the general public can see the scientists at work and gain insight into the process involved.

[35] Gardens at Kew “Facts” Accessed August 18, 2013. http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/save-seed-prosper/millennium-seed-bank/visit-themillennium-seed-bank/fascinating-facts/index.htm [36] Ibid.

“This is one of the very best of the millennium projects – architecturally, morally, intellectually, naturally – and one that will be flowering for all our sakes in hundreds of years to come” - Jonathan Glancy, The Guardian

Figure 59.

Figure 62.

Seed Bank Context

Figure 60.

The Royal Botanical Gardens

Figure 61.

Figure 63.

Figure 64.

Case Study II

Context Pictures

Project Details

[37]

Design Design aims: (According to the RBG Website) 1. To meet the long-term and flexible needs of the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership. 2. To fit a high quality building harmoniously into the surroundings. 3. To bring the public into close contact with the Millennium Seed Bank’s scientific work. • Inspiration for the shape of Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank was obtained from the shape of the pod of the Sea Bean. • The building’s footprint is about 5,000 m2. • The design is based on a series of 14.4 m x 7.2 m areas linked by circulation routes. • The scientist have open offices which are located around the exhibition area, giving the visiting public a sense of the importance of the work being done there. • Water runoff on the terrain was sensitively managed to conserve the hydrology of the area.

Public Corridor

Figure 65. Sea Bean

Figure 66.

Section showing underground Seed Vaults Figure 67.

Case Study II

According to Stanton William’s website: [38] “The design located the storage vaults underground in the sloping ground to meet planning height restrictions and create the secure, energy efficient and strictly controlled low temperatures (down to minus 40C) and humidity levels required for seed storage.”

Planters with exotic vegetation outside the facility within public access.

Figure 68.

[37] Gardens at Kew “Facts” Accessed August 18, 2013. http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/save-seed-prosper/millennium-seed-bank/visit-themillennium-seed-bank/fascinating-facts/index.htm [38] Stanton Williams Architects “Millenium Seed Bank” Accessed August 18, 2013. http://www.stantonwilliams.com/projects/millennium-seed-bank/

04 Systems • Inside the seed vault, there are four 48 m2 prefabricated cold rooms, which operate at -20°C. • A drying room (at 10% Relative Humidity at 18°C) provides access to the cold rooms, which in turn is accessed through an air lock. • The vault has further space for 50% of the world’s seed-bearing species. • The vault contains two sumps with pumps that can drain out any flood water that potentially breaches it, while the cold rooms are elevated to keep them safe from such an event. • The air to the dry rooms is monitored continuously for radioactivity and is closed off if any is detected, thereby preventing radioactive dust entering the vault and damaging the seeds.

• The complex has a backup generator in case of a power-cut, which primarily supports the germination incubators, drying rooms and laboratory equipment. The cold rooms can survive short power-cuts because their temperature is maintained by permafrost. • The cold rooms are chilled using a Pack system comprising seven scrolling compressors allowing many levels of control that help save energy.

Scrolling Compressors

Figure 69.

Structure

Figure 71.

Figure 72.

Case Study II

Figure 70.

The roof structures of the Millennium Seed Bank consist of concrete cylindrical shells that span columns to provide uninterrupted clear spans of 14.4m. The entire building has a footprint of 5000 m2. The concrete barrel vaults are covered with zinc tern-coated stainless steel which provide thermal mass to assist in energy control, whilst the services run on v underneath the vault roofs. The curved structure of the ‘glass’ house is actually made of polycarbonate. The foundations are underpinned by friction piling because of the difficulty of the fissured sandstone terrain. The thickness of concrete in the vault roof and walls reduces the effects of radiation damage to the collections in the event of a nuclear catastrophe. 51

04 Access to Public Even though the Millennium Seed Bank is a non-departmental public body, it still allows access to the public. While the stored frozen seeds themselves cannot be accessed without authorization, the public still gets a behind the scenes look at the working of the facility with the aid of viewing windows and transparent surfaces within the Orange Room. Visitors are aided by audio-visual screens that display information about the relevant sections of the complex. Together with an exhibition hall and themed parterres (formal gardens) at the entrance, the public is provided with a complete recreational and educational experience.

The Orange Room

Figure 73.

Garden at entrance

Case Study II

Scientist working under the observation of visitors.

Figure 75.

Interactive Displays Interactive displays can dispense information to visitors without the presence of a guide or instructor, or even expand upon information already received. Every screen is installed adjacent to the area or object that it displays information about. They can be operated via touchscreen or user friendly keyboards.

Figure 76.

Displays next to laboratories.

Figure 74.

Figure 77.

Displays next to exhibition within the Orange Room.

Layout

Seed Bank Chamber

Figure 78.

The Seed Bank chamber is in an underground bomb free chamber and features a lobby that leads to multiple Seed Vault. The lobby also has an emergency exit.

Orange Room

Research Zone

Figure 79.

The research zone multiple large laboratories which are supported by dedicated stores, dark rooms and incubators. It also features four different emergency exits because of the sensitive nature of the research carried out here.

Green House Complex

Figure 80.

The Orange Room is dedicated to the dissemination of information to the public, the rest of the zones are wrapped around this zone. It also features an attached display zone.

Figure 81.

The Green House chambers are adjacent to the research facility and can be access without having to leave the complex.

Case Study II

Processing Zones

Figure 82.

The processing zones have a linear configuration with each department positioned to reflect the hierarchy involved in the processing of seeds.

Pros

Cons

1. Partial public access via the ‘Orange Room’ which facilitates the transfer of information to the public.

1. Located in a sparsely populated region and within a complex, restricting flow of public and accidental visits.

2. Interactive panels successfully ensure that visitors gain all desired information regarding the program they visit.

2. An entrance fee further restricts the flow of public in to the complex, thereby reducing accountability.

3. It’s location inside the Royal Botanical Garden ensures that it is supported by a hierarchy of other agricultural facilities.

3. Visitors cannot see the workings of the entire complex, their vision is restricted to what they can see via the Orange Room.

4. Ample availability of space ensures space for future expansion.

4. An absence of linearity and verticality in design hinders visual penetrability.

5. Working scientists have been under observation by the public ever since the introduction of the facility. 6. The Seed Bank is in the basement and is therefore safe from environmental radioactivity and the elements.

Conclusions

Case Study II

• Scientists can work under observation without having a detrimental effect on their performance. • Interactive panels are an effective means of dissemination of information. • The facility can be supplemented by formal gardens and planters that complement the building type. • Location of Seed Vault in the basement ensures that it is protected from all elements.

Site Analysis

Site Selection

SITE SELECTION CRITERIA • Close to all agricultural centers of the country. • Within moderate to dense urban fabric. • Availability of farmland to support seed propagation. • Proximity to BRT for ease of access for clients immediately outside of Lahore (the farming community).

Considered Site

Chosen Site

Empty plot adjacent to BRT Service Center (Ferozpur Road)

Site Analysis

Figure 83.

Figure 84.

• Adjacent to Lahore Metro Bus route. • Between industrial, residential agricultural land. (Variety)

• Relatively close to metro route (3.0 KM) and

• Adjacent to Metro Bus Service Centre. (Con) • Densely packed urban fabric. (Pro) • Rural to middle class population.

Punjab University Agricultural Grounds (Usmani Road)

• Sandwiched between dense residential and mixed use zones. • Availability of agricultural land. • Along major road (Usmani Road) • Mixed class population in vicinity: Model Town: Upper Class Faisal Town: Middle Class Kothay Pind: Rural Class

Site Context

Figure 85.

Site Analysis

Figure 86. 57

Site Analysis

Twelve Year Timelapse

Figure 87.

Views

Figure 88.

Figure 89.

Figure 90.

Figure 91.

Site Analysis

Figure 92.

Figure 93.

Meso Site Analysis Figure 94.

Site Analysis

Figure 95.

Figure 96.

Figure 97.

Figure 98.

Site Analysis

Figure 99.

Micro Site Analysis

400’ 700’

Figure 100.

Complex Site

Site Context The site is placed opposite Punjab University’s floricultural farm, in an attempt connect the isolated department to the rest of the university.

Visibility Spectrum

Figure 101.

Visibility for oncoming traffic on Usmani Road varies at different points along the site, and is maximum towards the Southern end where foliage is relatively sparse.

Site Analysis

Solar Insolation

Figure 102.

Foliage at the periphery provides shade for passing pedestrians, making it more likely that they’d ‘accidentally’ stumble upon the complex on site.

Nearest Bus Stop (Marian)

Figure 103.

The closest Bus Stop to the site is the Marian Bus Stop located on Usmani Road, with the closest point on site being the eastern edge of the site.

Program and Design

Program Breakdown

Figure 104.

Program and Design

Program Area and Distribution

Program and Design

Figure 105. 66

Flow of Information

Program and Design

Figure 106. 67

Program and Design

To be updated.

Program and Design 69

Glossary of Common Terms (Definitions according to Collins Websterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American English Dictionary)

Biodiversity noun the existence of a wide variety of plant and animal species in their natural environments, which is the aim of conservationists concerned about the indiscriminate destruction of rainforests and other habitats.

Biome noun any of several major life zones of interrelated plants and animals determined by the climate, as deciduous forest or desert.

Dissemination transitive verb to scatter far and wide; spread abroad, as if sowing; promulgate widely.

EDGE acronym Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution

Exchequer noun a treasury, as of a country or organization

Extradite

Glossary of Common Terms

transitive verb to turn over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of another country, state, etc. where the crime was allegedly committed

Germplasm noun the part of a cell that contains hereditary material; the chromosomes and genes

GPRS acronym general packet radio service: a telecommunications system providing very fast internet connections for mobile phones

Hybrid noun an animal or plant resulting from a cross between genetically unlike individuals. Hybrids between different species are usually sterile

Micro-Urbanism noun small-scale urban spaces and design interventions that enable a wide variety of activities, events, processes and functions to take place. 70

Paradigm noun 1. a very general conception of the nature of scientific endeavour within which a given enquiry is undertaken 2. a typical or stereotypical example

Periscopic adjective having a wide field of view

Policy noun a plan of action adopted or pursued by an individual, government, party, business, etc

Prefabricated adjective (construction) (of a building) having sections manufactured beforehand, esp in a factory, so that they can be easily transported to and rapidly assembled on a building site

Reclusive adjective living alone and deliberately avoiding the company of others

Seed Bank noun

Genotype noun a group of organisms with the same genetic constitution

Totalitarian noun of, denoting, relating to, or characteristic of a dictatorial one-party state that regulates every realm of life

Zeitgeist

Glossary of Common Terms

a collection of seeds, plants, tissue cultures, etc, of potentially useful species, esp species containing genes of significance to the breeding of crops

noun the spirit, attitude, or general outlook of a specific time or period, esp as it is reflected in literature, philosophy, etc

Bibliography

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Philosophy Pages. “Kant: The Moral Order, The Categorical Imperative” Accessed July 14, 2013. http://www.philosophypages.com/hy/5i. htm Serving for Global and National Food Security: Plant Genetic Resources Program. Islamabad: NARC, 2012. 1 South Bay Rustic Doors. “Symbolism of Doors ” Accessed August 17, 2013. http://www.sbrusticdoors.com/blog/symbolism-of-doors/ Stanton Williams Architects “Millenium Seed Bank” Accessed August 18, 2013. http://www.stantonwilliams.com/projects/millenniumseed-bank/ Taylor, Clayborne, Gutierezz Samuel and Steven Langdon. “Introduction” Measurement of RF Propagation. Aberdeen: Phillips Laboratory, 1997. 13. The Economist. “What is the Streisand effect? ” Accessed July 20, 2013. http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2013/04/ economist-explains-what-streisand-effect The News. “72 Percent Pakistanis use mobile phones” Accessed July 20, 2013. http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-151687-72Percent-Pakistanis-use-mobile-phones-12-Percent-have-bank-accounts Wikiarquitectura. “Cultural Center George Pompidou” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Cultural_ Center_George_Pompidou Wikiarquitectura. “Guggenheim Bilbao” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://en.wikiarquitectura.com/index.php/Guggenheim_Bilbao Wikileaks. “What is Wikileaks?” Accessed July 16, 2013. http://wikileaks.org/About.html Wilsonart Contract. “Sir John Ruskin” Accessed August 16, 2013. http://www.wilsonartcontract.com/sir-john-ruskin/ Woods, Lebbeus. “Architecture and Resistance” Lebbeus Woods Blog Accessed July 15, 2013. http://lebbeuswoods.wordpress. com/2009/05/09/architecture-and-resistance/

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Architecture Thesis Report 2013 National College of Arts