BALLs! A SOLUTION TOWARDS REBRANDING MCRC
by Andres Diaz
The re-branding approach does not rely upon a costly architectural solution to change the image of the MCRC. Instead the solution uses gravity, simple mechanics, and thousands of play balls to achieve a one-of-a-kind, dynamic, and ever changing facade. BALLs respond to every design parameter: energy, climate, context, brand hierarchy, and use of the existing vanilla facade as backdrop to a simple but intelligent system. Inspired by ‘shade balls’ used to prevent evaporation in California’s drought stricken reservoirs, the primary solution reduces solar gain
by shading windows on demand. BALLs also stand up to severe wind loads as they are contained within a bird net system. BALLs also provide a transformative experience at night as they contain an LED powered by a solar PV cell and rechargeable battery contained within the shell. BALLs can not only deliver a new experience in a cost affective way but also promote sustainability. BALLs encourage public interaction as the facade turns into a giant plinko board and allows park visitors to play in the giant collection pit. BALLs have infinite design possibilities /applications.
T H G I L Y A D
SHADE The accumulation of balls can serve as a shading element protecting the bare windows from the harsh Mojave desert sun. A basket and gate system can fill and dump balls as needed.
H FILL
Signage can be simply a mold to hold an array of balls that when tightly filled can create patterning effect and illuminate creating an attractive marquee at night.
ENTERTAIN Balls cascading down the hotel tower can act as a giant plinko game board, creating an entertaining and dynamic facade. The balls could interact with people from the park.
R G
B
LIGHTING RGB LED orbs glow a bright white when static. However, when moving at hight speed individual blinks of red, green, and blue become apparent and add to the cascading effect at night.
P DYNAMIC Pneumatic transport tubes and citrus conveyor elevators will serve as the retrieval system in the closed loop cycle. The tubes can outline signage with glowing led balls on their way up.
PRECEDENTS SHADE BALLS AGRICULTURE PUBLIC ART PATTERNS PLINKO BALL PIT LED ORBS
HOW? BOUNCY BALLS - SPORTS/ BIRD NETTING CABLES - CONVEYOR BELTS - VACCUM TUBES - GATES 1
Post Installation Anchor Bolt
2
1 3
3
Intermediate Anchor
2 Anchor
Turnbuckle
Ferrule
Net Ring
Intermediate Anchor
COST ESTIMATION
EIFIS PATCH (10% Facade) 4” NETTING 236,600sf (2of3 faces) 1/4” CABLE 23,060 ft scale: NTS
PNEUMATIC TUBE SYSTEM 2,070ft
FASTENING HARDWARE AREA of NETTING & BALLS (20’x285’ x 8)+(20’x250’) = 50,600sf /facade ECO-FRIENDLEY BOUNCY LED BALLS @10$ or (60’x285’)= 17,100sf /core face 6” SHADE BALLS @36¢ PERIMETER for CABLE (610’ x 8)+540 = 5,420ft /facade 690ft /core face
+ $ 1.7-3.9
$700,000 $463,205 $ 48,195 $ 21,405 $128,000 $2,500,000 $340,704
MILLION NOT INCLUDING LABOR COST
WHY? THE BENEFITS....
UNIQUE RECONFIGURABLE DESIGN NIGHT/DAY SOLUTION SUSTAINABLE SOLAR BARRIER PUBLIC INTERACTION COST EFFECTIVE