RESTORING MUTUALISM
reconnecting with our marine ecosystem
A marine research & ecotourism center in the Florida Keys Anthony Cotignola Advisor: Joanne Aitken
PROGRAM ABSTRACT
UNDERSTANDING THE PROJECT, GOALS, & USERS The dichotomy between man and nature (man vs nature) is a powerful division that will ultimately lead to the demise of man. The only solution is to restore a mutualistic symbiosis between man and the natural environment. Our marine ecosystems are the most fragile and neglected of all natural environments. The Florida Keys’ marine ecosystems - coral barrier reef & mangrove forests - are in peril and facing major threats from the pending climate crisis. Humans have a parasitic relationship with nature -- we take and benefit from it but leave it in worse condition than we found it. My senior project aims to address these issues by reconnecting us back to this environment and restoring mutualistic symbiosis between man and nature. Symbiotic Relationships
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
both species benefit
one species benefits, one is unharmed
one species benefits, one is harmed
coral
whales
zooxanthellae
barnacles
humans
the natural environment
STUDY: Determine solutions to rehabilitate & restore the decaying ecosystems
SHARE: Teach & explain the problems & solutions with everyone
ACT: Carry out efforts to restore the marine ecosystems
User: Marine Scientist / Researcher
User: Ecotourist / Visitor
User: Local Community
Visitors & tourists traveling to the Florida Keys come to the site to appreciate its fleeting beauty & fragility, learn about the major threats it’s facing, and understand whats being done to combat those threats. In 2018, 5.13 million people visited the Florida Keys, 72% of which were domestic leisure and 20% international. Visitors can make the issues of the coral reef & mangroves of global interest.
With careful collaboration with the marine scientists, the local community will be engaged to help carry out restoration efforts to the marine ecosystems. Monroe County (which encompasses all keys) has a total population of 74,200 people. Local populations driven to protect their homes, paired with skilled scientists, will yield success in rehabilitating the marine ecosystems.
Combination of microbiologists, geochemists, and geologists to understand how the chemistry & physics of the ocean are influenced by biological processes. Work will consists of research, studying, and testing of the coral reef and mangrove ecosystems.
Continental Florida
THE SITE FLORIDA KEYS
The site is located in the Florida Keys, an archipelago of 1,700 islands off the southern tip of Florida. Gulf of Mexico
The barrier reef spans 350 miles parallel to the Keys along the continental shelf on the Altantic side, from Key West to Miami. Gulf of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Key West, Florida
Key Plan 1 oute US R
Selected Site
18
les
mi
ey oK
st We
t
Atlantic Ocean
(Coral Reef 3 miles away)
N
RESEARCH
Tropical Atlantic MER
Western Indo-Pacific MER
Central Indo-Pacific MER
CORAL REEFS
THE FLORIDA REEF IS THE THIRD LARGEST BARRIER ECOSYSTEM IN THE WORLD. It spans 350 miles along the Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Keys and is home to 1,400 species of marine animals & plants. 6 million people in Florida are protected by the reef because it can absorb up to 97% of wave energy from hurricanes & tropical storms.
home to
25%
0.5%
Florida Reef Andros Coral Reef Red Sea Coral Reef
of all marine species
of the ocean floor is coral reef
Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
450
Great Barrier Reef
million people worldwide rely on coral reefs for livelihood (food, medicine, protection)
New Caledonia Reef
Six largest coral reef systems Severe Coral Bleaching
Minor Coral Bleaching
AS OF 2020, ONLY 2% OF THE FLORIDA REEF IS LIVE CORAL COVER (DOWN FROM 16% IN 1996). To protect the decaying ecosystem, NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) established the Florida Reef as a National Marine Sanctuary in 1990. The ocean has already lost of 40% of its total documented coral cover. Coral reefs around the world are facing major threats due to ocean acidification via increased CO2 emissions, overfishing & malpractice in commericial fishing, and increased ocean temperatures from trapped greenhouse gases. without coral reefs...
100
countries susceptible to coastline damage (200 mill. people) Coral bleaching around the world
1 mill.
marine species extinct
1 billion
without main source of food
RESEARCH
MANGROVES LINE MORE THAN 1,800 MILES OF THE SHORELINE OF THE FLORIDA KEYS.
MANGROVES
Mangroves store 4x more planet heating carbon from greenhouse gases than rainforests. Mangroves can reduce 66% of wave energy (per 100 m depth) from storm surge.s Mangroves filter up to 60% of nitrates and phosphates (runoff) flowing from estuaries into the oceans. Mangroves prevent encroaching seas from reducing land footprint by reducing eosion. Mangroves acocunt for 3% of Earth’s 30 MI billion 60 MI <300 MI forest cover, but0 MIstore 6.4 tons of carbon globally.
>300 M
Human-Driven (2000-16
0 MI
30 MI
Lower Keys, Florida Keys
60
Natural-Driven (2000-16
Global Mangrove Loss (Natural vs Human Driven)
25% OF THE WORLD’S MANGROVES HAVE BEEN LOST / DESTROYED SINCE 1975. Mangrove forests around the world are facing major threats due to sea level rise, human neglect via coastal communities & developments, and ocean acidification. If all mangroves were cut down, it would contribute to 10% of global carbon emissions.
0 MI
30 MI
60 MI <300 MI >300 MI
Human-Driven (2000-16) 0 MI
30 MI
60 MI
Natural-Driven (2000-16)
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
new areas completely submerged underwater
SEA LEVEL RISE & HURRICANES Current Day - 2020
2060 Low Projection - 9” Sea Level Rise
2060 High Projection - 24” Sea Level Rise
2060 Sea Level Rise Projections (EPA.gov)
2060 Sea Level Rise Projections 24” (0.75”/yr)
25” 20” 15” 10” 5”
5” (0.14”/yr)
Global Average
Norfolk, VA
New York City
New Orleans, LA
Key West, FL
Select US Eastern Seaboard Cities
1 Sea level rise in the south of Florida is 5x higher than the global average largely due to the slowing of the gulf stream
seahas level riseelevation in 2 Much of South Florida a mean of 3’ above sea level south Florida is
5x
higher than the global average
much of south Florida has a mean elevation of
3’
above sea level
41% of all hurricanes that hit the USA make some sort of landfall in Florida.
8-12 hurricanes (on average) move through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico each year
It’s estimated a 10’ storm surge for a Category 5 hurricane at the site location (SLOSH model) North Atlantic Ocean
North Atlantic Ocean
Gulf of Mexico Florida Keys
Gulf of Mexico Florida Keys
Pre
vai
ling
Tra c
ks
Caribbean Sea
P Prevailing Tracks
More Likely Possible NOAA SLOSH Model
Caribbean Sea
CASE STUDIES
DESIGN & CONCEPT INSPIRATION
MERC
GAYA ISLANDS, MALAYSIA
MERC (Marine Ecology Research Center) is a research and educational center about the coral reefs, mangroves, and sea grass beds in Malaysia. It works to improve the conditions of those ecosystems and teach the uninformed about the importance of them in hopes to increase support.
DUKE UNIV. MARINE LAB NORTH CAROLINA
A marine research laboratory for the marine biology program. It provides a window ‘into the sea’, providing experiential learning that combines the classroom with fieldwork, theory with practice, and local protection of natural resources. It helped informed the type of research lab spaces and different components that go into them.
REST STOPS
VARIOUS SITES IN NORWAY
Norwegian rest stops are a series of precedents that allows travelers to take a moment and appreciate the beauty and awe of the natural landscape. Appreciation of the fragility and beauty of the site was an important experiential aspect of the project - to want to protect the natural ecosystems, you first need a develop a deep connection and appreciation of it.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW
Fall term was spent on the majority of the research, selecting a site, understanding the site and its cultural and vernacular architecture, and developing the program and users.
FALL TERM - DECEMBER 2021
RED, WHITE, & BUTTONWOOD MANGROVES
SEA GRASS & SHALLOW BANKS
OUTER RIDGE REEFS
PATCH REEFS
HAWK CHANNEL
ATLANTIC OCEAN
OCEAN TOPOGRAPHICAL SECTION
SITE DEPTH: 1033’ - 0” PROGRAM & USERS USERS
705’ - 0” BUILDING ZONE VISITORS / ECO-TOURISTS
RESEARCHERS
Ecotourists, visitors, & non-residents of the Keys
25 marine researchers
328’ - 0” / 100 METERS WAVE HEIGHT BY 1/2”
REDUCE LOCALS Residents of the Lower Keys & Key West
SU DIST
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
SITE SECTION (N/S)
PROGRAM & USERS
OCEANIC RESEARCH 35,000 sf 25 USERS
USERS
VISITORS / ECO-TOURISTS
RESEARCHERS
LOCALS
Research on coral reef, artifical reefs, mangroves, & sustainment of marine ecosystem
- Wet & Dry Labs
Ecotourists, visitors, & non-residents of the Keys
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
25 marine researchers
Residents of the Lower Keys & Key West
- Offices - Conference & Meeting Spaces
HOUSING +/- 30 units
Individual housing units for scientists & shared housing for eco-toursits
VISITORS CENTER / EXHIBIT 15,000 sf
Gateway for eco-tourists and visitors into the research and studies happening on site
- 25 individual units for scientists
- Lobby / Reception
- Common units for ecotourists (10-12 max)
-Coral reef observatory (both natural & artifical)
NATURE / RECREATION TRAIL
Outdoor curated trail to connect with nature & beauty of the fragile site
CH
-Cultural Workshop / Planning rooms
- Boat Maintenance & Operations
- Small theater for educational SUSTAINABLE lectures & seminars TOURISM
- Boat docks for expeditions to coral reef
- Nurseries and Estuaries for endangered species of marine and plant life
= PROFIT FOR RESEARCH DISTRIBUTE EDUCATION / KNOWLEDGE WORLDWIDE
AH
TECHNICAL DESIGN REVIEW WINTER TERM - MARCH 2022
Winter Term was the technical design portion of the year. This term I began to develop the site resiliency strategy, structural systems and wall sections, HVAC system, and sustainable strategies for the site and buildings. I met with a structural engineer to develop a realistic and efficient structural system that fit in with the architectural intent. I additionally met with a landscape architect to understand the key site resiliency strategies. I additionally refined the program and scale of the various buildings and began to think of how they should be arranged on the site.
Program Inventory Space / Room Type
Quantity
Total Area (sf)
Operation / Imaging 1,750 sf
Individual Area (sf)
Research Lab Facility Commons/Collab
4
3,000 SF
(750 EA)
Toilet Rooms
2
320 SF
(350 SF EA)
Mechanical
4
500 SF
(125 SF EA)
Operation / Imaging
2
1,750 SF
(875 SF EA) (1500 SF EA)
Research Laboratory Space
4
4,600 SF
Laboratory Support
4
700 SF
(175 SF EA)
Private Offices
4
400 SF
(100 SF EA)
Total Net SF (Usable)
11,270 SF
30% utilization factor
3381 SF
Total Gross SF
Research Lab Facility 14,650 sf
Mechanical 500 sf Research Laboratories 4,600 sf
Private Offices 400 sf
Toilets 320 sf Lab Support 700 sf
Commons/Collab 3,000 sf
14651 SF
Housing Individual Living Units Commons
25 1
10,000 SF
(400 SF EA)
Commons 1,000 sf
1000 SF
Total Net SF (Usable)
11,000 SF
Total Gross SF
11000 SF
Housing 11,000 sf (25 units)
Visitor's Center Lobby / Reception
1
Toilet Rooms
4
2,000 SF 600 SF
Cafe / Kitchen
1
600 SF
Theater (15 people)
1
1,000 SF
Observatory / Coral Reef Nursery
1
1,000 SF
Exhibit Space / Simulation Space
1
3,000 SF
Total Net SF (Usable)
8,200 SF
30% utilization factor
2460 SF
Total Gross SF
10660 SF
Total Area
36311 SF
(150 SF EA)
Living Unit 400 sf each
Visitor Center
Coral Reef Immersive Nursery 1,000 sf
Theater 1,000 sf
Cafe 600 sf
Lobby / Reception 2,000 sf
Toilet Rooms 600 sf
10,600 sf
Exhibit Spaces 3,000 sf
STRUCTURAL STRATEGY | PRELIMINARY BUILDING SECTIONS STRUCTURAL STRATEGY | PRELIMINARY BUILDING SECTIONS 40' - 11"
GLULAM STRUCTURAL MEMBER GLULAM STRUCTURAL MEMBER
40' - 11"
32' - 10"
16" DEEP GLULAM ROOF TRUSS / COLUMN,16" DEEP GLULAM ROOF TRUSS / COLUMN, MIRRORED AT EACH COL. MIRRORED AT EACH COL. LINE LINE
32' - 10"
B.O. TRUSS - LOW
VISITOR OUTPOST
12" CONCRETE FLAT PLATE
VISITOR OUTPOST
12" CONCRETE FLAT PLATE
12' - 0"
12' - 0"
DOUBLE -LAYER
DOUBLE -LAYER GLAZING, SEE WALL SECTION GLAZING, SEE WALL SECTION
LEVEL 01
EXTERIOR IMMERSION NATURE TRAIL
5' - 0"
B.O. TRUSS - LOW
TRUSS - HIGH
5' - 0"
B.O. B.O. TRUSS - HIGH
12' - 0"
COLUMN, TYP.
IMMERSION TRAIL
GROUND VARIES
TRUSS BRACED AT 14" x 14" CONCRETE COLUMN, TYP. MICROPILE
GROUND VARIES
CONCRETE MICROPILE, TYP.
3" RIGID INSULATION
TUBE STEEL LINTEL W/ BASE PLATE
TUBE STEEL LINTEL W/ BASE PLATE
AWNING WINDOWS ON TRACK SYSTEM
INSULATED ACCORDIAN STYLE INTERIOR GLAZING
12' - 0"
IMMERSION TRAIL
3" RIGID INSULATION
AWNING WINDOWS ON TRACK SYSTEM
LEVEL 01
EXTERIOR IMMERSION NATURE TRAIL 14" x 14" CONCRETE
EXTERIOR CLADDING OVER FRAMING SYSTEM MATERIAL TBD
EXTERIOR CLADDING OVER FRAMING SYSTEM MATERIAL TBD
CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB
INSULATED ACCORDIAN STYLE INTERIOR GLAZING
SOFFIT FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEM
CONCRETE FLOOR SLAB
CONCRETE COLUMN
SOFFIT FOR MECHANICAL SYSTEM
TRUSS BRACED AT MICROPILE 80' - 0"
MECHANICAL STRATEGY | RADIANT COOLING & DOAS CONCRETE MICROPILE,
36' - 0"
36' - 0"
CONCRETE COLUMN
30" DEEP GLULAM ROOF TRUSS / COLUMN, MIRRORED AT EACH COL. LINE
80' - 0"
OCCUPIED ZONE: COOLED AND DEHUMIDIFIED
BUILDING SKIN, TBD
RESEARCH OUTPOST
WALL SECTION
RESEARCH & OPERATION
LAB SUPPORT
CIRCULATION / OFFICE / COLLABORATION
T.O. TRUSS -SYSTEM HIGH BUILDING STRATEGIES 5' - 0"
T.O. TRUSS - HIGH T.O. TRUSS - LOW
POWER T.O. TRUSS - LOWHARVESTING
1
LEVEL 01
RESEARCH & OPERATION
RESEARCH & OPERATION
CIRCULATION / OFFICE / OUTPOST COLLABORATION
LAB SUPPORT
8' - 0"
LAB SUPPORT RESEARCH
CIRCULATION / OFFICE / COLLABORATIONGROUND VARIES
TRUSS BRACED AT 12"DEDICATED CONCRETE OUTDOOR FLAT MICROPILE AIR
PLATE SYSTEM (DOAS): CONCRETE MICROPILE, ADDRESSES LATENT HEAT TYP. LOAD ONLY MECH. SOFFIT FOR LOW VELOCITY COOLED & DEDICATED OUTDOOR DEHUMIDIFIED SUPPLYAIR AIR SYSTEM (DOAS)
Smallscale wind turbines for plug loads and equipment. WALL SECTION PV panels to take advantage of the high amounts of sunlight.
LEVEL 01
2
16' - 0"
12" CONCRETE FLAT PLATE IN COOLING
RADIANT CONC. SLAB: BUILDING SKIN, TBD ADDRESSES SENSIBLE MECH. SOFFIT FOR DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR HEAT LOAD ONLY SYSTEM (DOAS) COOLS INTERIOR & DOUBLE -LAYER LOWERS TEMPERATURE GLAZING, SEE WALL 18" x 18" CONCRETE COLUMN, TYP. SECTION
T.O. TRUSS - LOW
36' - 0"
WATER HARVESTING Rainwater collection via roof catchment and raingardens that direct water to a cistern for reuse in the building. scale reverse osmosis units for potable drinking water.
LEVEL Small 01 GROUND
3
EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE COOLING 12' - 0"
30" DEEP GLULAMDOUBLE ROOF-LAYER GLAZING, SEE WALL TRUSS / COLUMN,SECTION MIRRORED AT EACH COL. LINE
36' - 0"
16' - 0"
EXHAUST VENTS AT ROOF
5' - 0"
T.O. TRUSS - HIGH
12' - 0"
TYP.
Combination of radiant cooling in the slab (sensisble heat load) paired with a dedicated outdoor air system (latent heat load) is a sustainable system that reduces energy use while still achieving thermal comfort. GROUND
18" x 18" CONCRETE COLUMN, TYP.
VARIES
TRUSS BRACED AT MICROPILE
BUILDING INTERIOR: COOLED & DEHUMIDIFIED AIR
CROSS -LINKED POLYETHYLENE PIPES (RADIANT COOLING)
LOW VELOCITY SUPPLY AIR
RETURN AIR
+/-
1' - 0"
EXT. WALL CONSTRUCTION
OUTDOOR AIR
CONC. FLOOR SLAB
1' - 6"
CONCRETE MICROPILE, TYP. EXTERIOR: HOT & HUMID AIR
OUTSIDE AIR DAMPER
COOLING & DEHUMIDIFYING COILS
WATERTIGHT SOFFIT
RADIANT FLOOR COOLING
DEDICATED OUTDOOR AIR SYSTEM
FINAL REVIEW MAY 2022
The final term was spent refining the program arrangement on site, breaking down larger masses on site, finalizing the form and shapes, and creating the experience of moving through the site. The 4 visitor’s outposts are located to the left of the site to create a private visitor’s realm separated from the back of house & services side and for close proximity to the main access into the site from US Route 1. The research laboratories are the heart of the site - placed centrally for close access to both visitor’s program and the housing quad where marine researcher’s lodge during their stay on the site. Because the laboratory work must continue even after the site is cut-off from the rest of the world, the research labs are placed at the highest point of the site and most protected by the landscape berm. The buildings are generally arranged linearly along water’s edge to respond to the form of the site, allow unobstructed views to the water or mangroves from key buildings, and create defined program areas.
ENGAGE WITH WATER ENGAGE WITH WATER
3 VISITOR 13,000 GSF
360'
PLAZA 65'
DY STU
E IAT REC APP
SERVICES / ENERGY HARVESTING
60'
210'
60'
HOUSING 20,000 GSF
VISITOR PLAZA
6
80'
Y TR
R
TO SI
VI
EN
RESEARCH FACILITY 32,000 GSF
R
R
TO
I IS
FF
160 '
EN
E ACCESS ICE ACCESS SERVIC SERV
195 '
PLA
5' 19
ZA
80'
' 65
6 SERVICES / ENERGY HARVESTING
RAISED BERM - 10’ EL.
V
RY
TO SI
STA
6
Y TR
6
3
VIEW TO WATER
STU DY
RAISED BERM - 10’ EL.
RESEARCH FACILITY 32,000 GSF
HOUSING 20,000 GSF
80'
3
VIEW TO WATER
TEA CH
CH TEA
' 160
10'
' 220
RN LEA PLAZA
APP REC IAT E 2
VISITOR 13,000 GSF
220 '
80'
VIEW TO WATER
LEA RN -
3
T EN
R
TO SI
VI
RY NT
A
E
VI
B
IMMERSION ZONE
IMMERSION ZONE
VISTOR’S:
VISTOR’S:
IMMERSION OUTPOST
IMMERSION OUTPOST
CULTURAL OUTPOST
MANGROVE EXHIBIT CULTURAL OUTPOST LOBBY / CAFE
VISITOR CORE
RESEARCH LABS
RESEARCH CORE
HOUSING
RESEARCH CORE
ITO R
UTILITIES / POWER HARVESTING
VIS
RESEARCH LABS
AC C
ES
S
HOUSING
UTILITIES / POWER HARVESTING
RAISED BERM - 10’ RAISED BERM - 10’
CESS
ER AC
ARCH
RESE
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNO-
N Sugarloaf Bay O
Visitor Vehicular Arrival Immersion Foot Trail Visitor Outpost: Coral Reef Visitor Outpost: Mangrove Visitor Outpost: Lobby Visitor Outpost: Culture & History Research Outpost / Laboratory Housing Quad Delivery & Service Pad Vehicle Garage Service Road & Staff Access Road to Expedition Outpost Raised Landscape Berm Relocated Sombrero Reef Lighthouse Coral Reef Dive / Study Zone
C
D E
F
G G
M
I K J
L
H
FORM & EXPRESSION BIOMIMICRY
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies found in nature & used by species alive today - learning from nature’s wisdom to heal ourselves & the planet. “Biomimicry encourages conservation for ecosystems and its inhabitants, because they hold the knolwedge we need to survive and thrive”
Emulate learning from and then replicating nature’s forms, processes, and ecosystems
Ethos understanding how life works and creating designs that cont. support & create conditions conducive to life
Re(Connect) we are nature and find value in connecting to our place on Earth as part of life’s interconnected system
Initial Sectional Form
Iterated Sectional Form
Final Visitor’s Parti
Final Research Lab Parti
Single, arched structural hoop Mimics form and ecosystem of mangroves Building supports a below & above ecosystem
Organic Form & Undulation in Roof
Mirrored, streamlined structural hoop Undulation in roof from mirroring hoops at each column line Organic form for wind deflection & resiliency
RESEARCH OUTPOST
PLANS, SECTIONS, ELEVATIONS, & CONSTRUCTABILITY
Locally-Sourced Timber (Structure)
Concrete (Structure & Slab)
Native species to South Florida: Mahogany, Bald Cypress, Southern Red Cedar, Live Oak, Silver Buttonwood
Has a high thermal mass, holds well in warm temperatures and with exposure to direct sunlight
160' - 0" 20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
Fiberglass Plastic (Skin)
1150 SF (5 STAFF)
COLLAB./ BREAK
37' - 4"
OFFICE 115 SF
WC
WC
(EXTERIOR) 750 SF
OFFICE 115 SF
COLLAB./ BREAK (EXTERIOR) 750 SF
ELEC.
MECH.
LAB SUPPORT
OPERATION / IMAGING 880 SF
Floor Plan
| 1/16” = 1’ - 0”
Longitudinal Elevation | 1/16” = 1’ - 0”
Cross Section
| 1/16” = 1’ - 0”
28' - 6"
11' - 0"
5' - 0"
Conditioned, Interior Space
12' - 6"
43' - 1"
1150 SF (5 STAFF)
LAB SUPPORT
Has a low thermal conductivity, is non-corroding, easily assembled and pre-fabricated, and can molded into any organic form.
RESEARCH LABORATORY
RESEARCH LABORATORY
Constructability Diagram End wall Glulam primary structural hoop Concrete flat plate slab Concrete micropile Slanted glazing system Molded fiberglass wall panels & framing Unconditioned exterior space Insulated exterior glazing system Conditioned interior space Glulam roof joists Molded fiberglass roof panels & framing
Molded fiberglass shell
Insulation at conditioned space
3"
3"
Plywood sheathing
1"
1' - 4"
3/4"
Fiberglass support framing system
11 Glulam Hoop
12345678910 11 -
Interior wood finish at conditioned space Glulam Roof Joist
C - Roof / Wall Construction Detail
10
9 8
7
2 6 1
3
5
4
A - Exploded Axonometric
B - Combined Axonometric
The construction aspect of the Research Outpost was thoroughly studied to ensure construction respected the land, was economical, and resilient to hurricanes & wind.
Prefabrication - To respect the land and limit construction, most components are prefabricated off-site and shipped to the site via car or boat, where once on site, final connections can be made. Prefabrication allows construction waste and site disturbance to be limited as much as possible.
Few kit of parts - For economy & ease of construction, the building is constructed of only a few different parts with the same shape - primary glulam girders (“hoops”) and curved glulam purlines. To undulate the roof, each structural hoop is mirrored at every other column line to provide additional lateral load & wind deflection.
Sustainable Materials - Locally-sourced South Florida wood is used for the glulam members and sheathing. Recycled concrete from structures destroyed from hurricanes are used for the micro-pile foundations / columns and concrete flat plate slab. Fiberglass plastic is used for the shell to protect again sun exposure and allow the undulated roof form. The skin is molded in small pieces off-site in a controlled environment and then shipped to the site.
VISITOR’S OUTPOST
PLANS, SECTIONS, ELEVATIONS, & CONSTRUCTABILITY
Locally-Sourced Timber (Structure & Skin)
Concrete (Structure & Slab)
Native species to South Florida: Mahogany, Bald Cypress, Southern Red Cedar, Live Oak, Silver Buttonwood
Has a high thermal mass, holds well in warm temperatures and with exposure to direct sunlight
60' - 0"
20' - 0"
CONNECTOR BRIDGE
20' - 0"
20' - 0"
| 1/10” = 1’ - 0”
12' - 6"
15' - 0"
Floor Plan
39' - 4"
32' - 6"
CONNECTOR BRIDGE
Longitudinal Elevation | 1/10” = 1’ - 0”
Cross Section
| 1/10” = 1’ - 0”
Constructability Diagram
1' - 2" Glulam Hoop
14
1 1/2"
2" 1"
6" 3/4"
Exterior Side 6” wood purlin 2” wood cladding between purlins, fasted to sheathing 3/4” plywood sheathing
13
1 1/2” cont. rigid insulation 1” interior wood veneer 2” interior wood slat
12
11
C - Wall Construction Detail
10 12345678910 11 12 13 14 -
Entry portal Glass end wall Glulam primary structural hoop Concrete micropile Concrete flat plate slab Slanted glazing system Hurricane shutter / shading device (open) Hurricane shutter / shading device (closed) Glulam roof joist Interior wood slats Cont. insulation / sheathing layer Wood purlins Exterior wood cladding / skin Skylight
9
3 5
2
8
1
7 4
6 A - Exploded Axonometric
B - Combined Axonometric
The construction aspect of the Visitor’s Outpost was thoroughly studied to ensure construction respected the land, was economical, and resilient to hurricanes & wind.
Prefabrication - To respect the land and limit construction, most components are prefabricated off-site and shipped to the site via car or boat, where once on site, final connections can be made. Prefabrication allows construction waste and site disturbance to be limited as much as possible.
Few kit of parts - For economy & ease of construction, the building is constructed of only a few different parts with the same shape - primary glulam girders (“hoops”) and curved glulam purlines.
Sustainable Materials - Locally-sourced South Florida wood is used for the glulam members, wood cladding, sheathing, and interior. Recycled concrete from structures destroyed from hurricanes are used for the micro-pile foundations / columns and concrete flat plate slab.
RENDERINGS
EXPERIENTIALS THROUGH THE SITE
Visitor’s Outpost - Mangrove Exhibit
Immersion Foot Trail
Welcome Center
Immersion Foot Trail
Exterior Connector Bridge
Exterior Connector Bridge
Research Laboratory
Research Laboratory
Entrance to Welcome Center
Final physical model - Research Outpost | 1/8” =1’-0”
REFLECTIONS
JURY FEEDBACK & OBSERVATIONS AT FINAL CRITIQUE
I felt that the final presentation was received very well and brought up great discussion. The returning jurors commended the changes and updates from previous terms and appreciated the time and effort to develop the major concepts of the project. There were a few good points brought up from jurors that could have been incorporated into the project and developed a bit further -- the points are as follows below:
The project should have shown the experiential of the site after sea level rise has cut it off from the rest of the world in 2100. I agree that the urgency of the project and effects of climate change would have been effectively communicated with renderings of the site with four feet of sea level rise. The project is designed to continue research and teaching even after the site is flooded from sea level rise or in the event a hurricane wipes out power and access back to the mainland. In light of the site continuing research even after its cut off from the rest of the world, the logistics of how that happens should have been much more developed for the final. It was imperative that the research continues after climate change grasps its hold over the site - understanding how the building can harvest its own energy, collect its own rainwater for reuse (potable and gray-water), and efficiently cool the interior spaces would have given the project the additional level of realism it needs to actually exist successfully. I developed and touched on the ventilation and cooling strategies, but didn’t talk much about the rainwater or power harvesting. Site resiliency was a big aspect of the project - the site provides the first line of defense to protect against the environmental factors. The landscape berm and strategies were briefly discussed and could have used more clarification. I agree that these concepts were glossed over - they needed additional refinement. Site resiliency (“using what the site already has in place) to protect the building was an important programming component from the beginning. Additional sections and diagrams would have been helpful to fully explain the concept and goal.
THE BEACON OF HOPE FOR OUR MARINE ECOSYSTEMS STUDY - LEARN - SHARE - ACT - RECONNECT
Summer ‘08
Growing up in Florida and spending my summers in the Florida Keys, I built a really deep connection and appreciation to the natural marine environment around me. My home, and its natural ecosystems, are fragile and facing near irreversible change, something I’ve witnessed firsthand in my lifetime. I’m extremely grateful to have been able to further educate myself and my peers regarding these serious issues the coral reefs and mangroves are facing. We are not the only living beings on Earth. We have a duty to protect what cannot protect itself and reconnect back to our natural environment. We should ask ourselves not what we can domestic, take, or extract from nature, but what we can learn from it and how we can live in mutualistic symbiosis with it.
Pictured: Sombrero Reef, Florida Keys