David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA - Building Analysis Project

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

ARCH 341-05 |Stacey White

FALL 2020

ANALYSIS BY: Ross Murray + Joyce Huang Ooi

TABLE OF CONTENTS BAP O1 STORY....................................................................................................................................................................................3 BAP 02 SPACE + SKIN......................................................................................................................................................................4-5 BAP 03 SITE......................................................................................................................................................................................6-8 BAP 04 STRUCTURE............................................................................................................................................................................9 BAP 05 STRUCTURE PHYSICAL MODEL............................................................................................................................................10 BAP 06 CIRCULATION OF MECHANICAL ...................................................................................................................................11-12 BAP 07 STRUCTURE AND CIRCULATION..........................................................................................................................................13 BAP 08 AXONOMETRIC....................................................................................................................................................................14 BAP 09 STORY FINDINGS.................................................................................................................................................................15

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 01 Story | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

Project Design Team:

Architects: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | Atelier 10 Contractor: Rudolph & Sletten Design Team: Craig Hartman (Design Partner), Carrie Byles (Managing Partner), Javier Arizmendi (Design Director), Keith Boswell (Technical Partner), Danielle McGuire (Project Manager), Timothy Waters (Senior Technical Coordinator), Miguel Del Olmo Aparici (Architectural Associate), Daniel Kumnick (Architectural Associate), Katarzyna Siedlacka (Architectural Associate), Sally Anderson (Specifications), Peter Cornue (Architectural Associate), Federica Carrara (Architectural Associate), David Loo (Associate Director Interiors), Grace Weng (Architectural Associate), Mark Sarkisian (Structural Director), Neville Mathias (Senior Structural Engineer), John Lyenmann (Engineer), Joanna Zhang (Engineer), Lonny Israel (Associate Director), Nathan Bluestone (Graphic Designer), Pauline Cheng (Graphic Designer)

Firm Profile

Background Named for entertainment executive and philanthropist David Geffen, the Geffen School of Medicine was able to be built largely due to his massive donations which totalled to $400 million. This massive donation may have provided the means and incentive to construct the building. The intent of the building was described as being to both attract the “best and brightest” students while at the same time allowing the students to explore and carve out unique career paths. For UCLA in general, it serves as the gateway to the campus at the Southeast entrance, and was designed to serve as a symbol for what UCLA had to offer. Because many of the classrooms require a very controlled environment, access to outside views are plentiful and a central atrium along with indoor study areas with floor to ceiling glass allow for areas for students to recharge. UCLA also wanted to have the learning spaces be interactive, rather than rigid and impersonal lecture halls. Another influence in the design was the diversity of people that would be using the space; there would not just be students using the space, but also professionals ranging from nurses to dentists and other public health faculty, graduate students, and regular Med students, making the need for the space to be flexible even greater. While the building was built very recently, it was created with the intent to remain efficient for many years into the future. The lecture halls, auditoriums, and exam rooms were all designed with the potential to be adapted to whatever curricula or technology may be introduced in the future. And at six stories tall with a total of 88,000 square feet, the building provides adequate space for all of its needs.

SOM is a firm based in Chicago since the 1930s, with a wide range of services in architecture, urban planning, and engineering. The UCLA Geffen Medical Center is a 6 story building completed in 2016 as an educational health and science center. SOM has an interdisciplinary team where architects work closely with engineers with emphasis on the environmental and social challenges. This project fits within the Health and Science portfolio evolution by creating an “open” building where the students and public can travel through the building.

SOM is successful in incorporating technology and sustainability design, which the medical center achieves. UCLA Geffen Medical Center has received LEED Reflection Platinum certification in 2017 with naturally ventilated spaces and environmentally At this point in the research, the building appears to be quite sensitive to many relevant social and environmental concerns. The building employs preferred material. open air circulation in the courtyard, radiant cooling and heating, underfloor air distribution, water efficient fixtures, and a rainwater collection system.

Furthermore, it is LEED Platinum certified, the most strict award possible. Also, it looks like proper daylighting strategies were used and any large amounts of exposed glazing were given proper shading. As far as mental health is concerned, the building was designed excellently from that perspective, with lots of access to natural light and moments of open air to provide a respite for students. One thing that I am somewhat skeptical of is how the building responds to the local social environment, and whether it was designed with the intent to respond to the LA residents that live in the area or if it creates an environment only tailored to those connected educationally or professionally with the college.

https://www.theplan.it/eng/award-2018-education/geffen-hall-david-geffen-schoolof-medicine-university-of-california-los-angeles-1

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 02 Space+Skin | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

MASS/GLASS 3D MODEL

The Geffen School of Medicine uses a substantial amount of glass that could possibly lead to overheating. However, almost all glazing surfaces, especially along southern and eastern faces, are protected with overhangs or a system fins and louvres.

Additionally, a majority of the western faces are left relatively opaque.

For exterior materials, SOM used aluminum panels, cement plaster, glass, and bricks. Overall, the glass accounts for approximately 52% of the exterior surface area, which may lead to the currently high EUI. However, once all of the fin and louver systems as well as overhangs are accounted for the EUI should be substantially lower.

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MASS/GLASS Physical Model

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 03 Site Context & Climate | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

Site Context The UCLA Geffen Medical Center is located in the urban fabric of Los Angeles, with high foot traffic and pedestrian activity on its southeastern end of the campus. To respond with the public’s need for circulation through the area, the architects allowed for an “open” building design that lets the public circulate through. This response places more emphasis on the public realm and its pedestrian entryway, than its previous main vehicular access.

Climate Analysis Throughout the year, temperatures in this area range from extremely hot(over 100 degrees Farenheit) to moderately cool(mid-60s). Having this extremely arid Mediterranean climate, the site of the Geffen School of Medicine encouraged a design that allowed for open circulation and outdoor shared spaces but also shading. To address this, a massive courtyard shaded by the surrounding wings of the medical school provide a comfortable outdoor space to relax, and with 30% of the passageways being outdoors I believe the building adapts to the climate nicely. As for more specific design choices, each orientation of the building properly adapts to the solar differences; the southern faces use long horizontal overhangs while the eastern and western faces use vertical fins to create maximum comfort and thermal efficiency.

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 03 Site Study | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

The design team responded to the transition from the broader context to the specific site to the building itself by creating an “open” building allowing for the public realm to circulate through the building. The building serves as the “front door” to the UCLA School of Medicine while engaging the surrounding community of Westwood. This allows for an increase in pedestrian activity as the southeastern entryway of campus.

The transition from public to private realm is one that is a more layered transition with a pathway that allows for the public to transition directly into the courtyard of the building.

This gives the pedestrians options to veer off the pathway and enter the building or simply use it as a campus entry leading up to the CRZ plaza.

1/64”=1’

Roads

UCLA Geffen School of Medicine

Context building

Vegetation

Public to Private Threshold

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 03 Regional Resources | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

WATER

ENERGY

The LADWP provides the vast majority of the water for the campus of UCLA. The primary sources for the LADWP are the Los Angeles Aqueducts, local groundwater, and supplemental water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) are the primary sources of water supply for the City of Los Angeles (City). As for the MWD, the major sources for that water distribution group are the Colorado river aquaduct and the State Water Project’s Aqueduct.

Currently, the number of recycled water projects is growing and stormwater capture projects are being implemented to supplement the supply of water to LA.

As with most of the buildings on UCLA’s campus, the Geffen school of Medicine is powered by a cogeneration plant referred to as the Energy Systems Facility, which provides approximately 85% of the energy for the entire campus. For the most part, this plant relies on the burning of Natural gas, provided by the Southern California Gas Company. Methane taken from the local landfill that is then also burned at the Energy Systems Faility is the only major alternative energy source used. For labs and kitchens, natural gas is directly piped in.

From UCLA would plant:

To reduce the overall energy requirement of the building, several strategies were used. To start, a large amount of bicycle parking was provided to reduce the use of vehicles. Also, displacement ventilation was used to reduce the need to mechanically cool the building. Proper shading employed where necessary on any large glass faces along with highly reflective roofing materials both contributed to reduce the need to cool the building.

the building, water would enter the local sewer system. Then, waste water be taken to the nearest water treatment the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant.

Here, the water would be treated before either being reclaimed or reaching the end of its journey in the Pacific.

To help reduce overall waste, this facility employs a system which allows them to extract Bioresources which can be used as an alternative energy source.

In fact, the plant is actually largely powered by local extraction and burning of methane. Also, some of the wastewater is repurposed for landscape irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater replenishment.

Response

To reduce water waste, SOM employed two strategies: vegetated bioswales and rainwater reuse.

The bioswales allow for surface runoff to be naturally filtered before re-entering the waste water system. For the rainwater, a roof was designed that would catch all rainwater which could then be used for utilities.

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Response

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 04 Structure Digital Model | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

Structural Systems The type of foundation used is typical concrete slab on grade and the main structural system used is concrete one way slab. The lateral system consists primarily of shear walls distributed asymettrically throughout the structure. This is a relatively cost efficient system and the use of sparsely distributed shear walls allows for plentiful opportunities for glazing. The “I” form of the major building blocks are conducive to such a system, as the maximum span is never too large to require an excessive amount of gravity resisting members. The concrete slabs are also probably well suited for any lab work.

SOUTHWEST AXONOMETRIC

SOUTHEAST AXONOMETRIC

SOUTH ELEVATION 9

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 05 Structure Physical Model | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

DETAIL: SHEAR WALLS ON NORTH WING

SOUTHEAST VIEW | COLUMN AND SLAB LAYOUT 10

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 06 Circulation- Mechanical Anatomy | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

THE PLANT The UCLA Geffen Medical Center is cooled by air handling units (AHU) with an off-site plant.

The primary distribution method for thermal comfort is through air that is distributed through the pipes and shafts. The ventilation and thermal comfort is done through the use of natural ventilation with open circulation and floorplates.

The AHUs are on top of the buildings and treat/moderate the temperature of the air. AHUs were located on top of the building to utilize the unused space and the need to have vertical exhausts through the roof. Locating ventilation from this point allows for space efficiency. The Central Plant boiler room is off-site in an underground trench connected to the hospital’s basement. The Central Plant chiller room is also connected to the mechanical rooms to serve the AHUs from the trench offsite. These active systems combined with natural ventilation help regulate thermal comfort within the medical center.

AHU East Wing Major Shafts Pipes West Wing Major Shafts Return Air Distribution Supply Air Distribution Hot Water Room Chilled Water Room 11

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 06 Circulation- Mechanical Anatomy | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

The Geffen School of Medicine achieves thermal comfort through a mostly air-based system with some additional radiant floors and natural ventilation.

Because much of the building is occupied by medical services, labs, and auditoriums, this makes sense, as the vast majority of the spaces require large amounts of air movement for safety and health. As for the radiant floors, they serve to provide some comfort in exhibition areas, informal learning areas, and major circulation corridors for visitors. The ventilation varies in its exposure, with certain areas having fully exposed ventilation systems and other areas hiding it. The building has two major Air Handling Units on the East and West wings that provide thermal adjustment for the building as well as moderating the air quality. Additionally, the building uses natural ventilation to cool all of the exterior spaces students might be travelling through. Another strength of the system is that the building is connected to a central plant for the campus, creating the need for only two small mechanical rooms in the north wing.

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 07 Structure and Circulation | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

Shear walls Girders Beams Columns Concrete Slab/Floorplates

AHU Major Shafts Pipes Air Distribution Hot Water Room Chilled Water Room

Exit Way Exit Access Exit Discharge

Structure Comprised entirely of concrete slabs, columns, and shear walls the structure of the building manages to create a well daylit space through a system of few but extremely massive members. This heavy duty construction is also likely due to the high risk factor due to much of the building being used for medical purposes along with large scale education spaces.

For any spaces that require larger spans for their program, beams and girders are used to support longer concrete spans. Additional support also comes in the form of shear walls that provide additional support and protection for any areas of egress.

Mechanical Systems The Geffen School of Medicine achieves thermal comfort through a mostly air-based system with some additional radiant floors and natural ventilation. Because much of the building is occupied by medical services, labs, and auditoriums, this makes sense, as the vast majority of the spaces require large amounts of air movement for safety and health. As for the radiant floors, they serve to provide some comfort in exhibition areas, informal learning areas, and major circulation corridors for visitors. The ventilation varies in its exposure, with certain areas having fully exposed ventilation systems and other areas hiding it. Ventilation through the building is paired with major egress pathways, with major shafts running parallel to vertical circulation and the smaller shafts running parallel to the horizontal egress circulation.

Circulation Circulation for the building is provided primarily through extensions of the floorplates that encircle the courtyard.

This allows for shaded and naturally ventilated circulation for the students and other users, as well as moments of relaxation and social interaction throughout. Placing the major circulation paths on the exterior and in such a way also allows for a clear and efficient path of egress in case of emergency and prevents any maze-like feeling.

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UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 08 Axonometric | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

Multipurpose Labs Administration Exam Rooms Education AHU Air Distribution Exit Access 14

UCLA DAVID GEFFEN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE BAP 09 Story Findings | Los Angeles, CA | SOM Architects

When first introduced to the project, we were aware that it was environmentally conscious simply on the basis that it was LEED Platinum Certified.

Also, with a cursory glance it was obvious that the building used sun shading, daylighting techniques, and many others that were optimal for the arid environment.

However, after our analysis, the depth and variety of strategies used were astounding. The use of a large courtyard, separated building blocks, and narrow floor plates allows for efficient daylighting, while horizontal overhangs at the southern faces and vertical fins at the east and west moderate daylight to create maximum comfort without overheating. Furthermore, 30% of circulation pathways are located on the exterior, which reduces the cooling load and increases clarity. The separation of the building blocks allows for the building to serve as a permeable entrance into the campus of UCLA that engages the Westwood Community. Another technique SOM used were bioswales which reintroduce water to the natural water cycle and a rain catchment system which reduces water waste. Displacement ventilation reduces reliance on active systems, and reflective roofing materials help with passive cooling as well. Structurally, SOM chose a one way concrete slab and column system, mostly due to the high risk occupancy of the building as a hospital. Looking at the mechanical systems, we saw firsthand the value of an offsite plant which allowed for much less square footage being used for the heating and cooling of the building. All that was needed were rooms to receive and distribute hot and cold water, ventilation, and AHU’s that were located on the roofs of the building. The use of a primarily air-based system was essential due once again to the medical programs of the building, which required substantial air movement. Small amounts of radiant heating air used in some areas which do not require extensive air movement to increase thermal comfort more efficiently. The cooperation between the mechanical, structural, and egress systems were also something we were not previously aware of. Pipes traced the major circulation paths, and shear walls provided extra support for major egress areas and ventilation shafts.

Overall, we were unaware of how mechanical systems could be mixed and manipulated to better work with the structure of the building and diversified along with the program. This project was also valuable in showing us the real-life application of passive strategies such as sun shading and natural ventilation.

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