Sites Unseen : Decoding the Legacy of Uranium
Mining on the Navajo Nation Rachel Jones Thesis Advisor : Jason Austin
System should be modular so that it can adapt to different shapes and be reused.
1945-1988 Nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore mined off the reservation with leases An estimated 3,000-5,000 Navajo worked in the uranium mines on the Reseravation
THESIS STATEMENT
Within this proposal the legacy of uranium mining is decoded through an interpretation of the history and culture of the people and the landscape. By monitoring, addressing , and forecasting the existence of this condition of decay this thesis seeks bring awarenss to this unseen landscape condition. How can architecture create awareness of the unseen condition of the abandoned uranium mines, while being sensitive to the place and the people?
ARIZONA UTAH
Use the architecture to frame views within the landscape. Porosity also allows programs to interact within the landscape.
NAVAJO RESERVATION
SEMI-AUTONOMOUS NATIVE AMERICAN TERRITORY
AUM* SITES
SUPERFUND C
AUM* AREAS 0
TOTAL SIZE: 27,425 square miles TOTAL POPULATION: 260,000+ People
CONDITION
DISCOVERY IN THE 1940S...
10
20
40
70
*ABANDONED URANIU
MILES
NAVAJO NATION MAP
:
CAUSE
AWARENESS : EDUCATION : RECONNECTION THE BEGINNING...
Sequence approaching and walking through the site should add to the architectural experience.
COLORADO NEW MEXICO
The Navajo Indians are a tribe that have centered their culture around their connection with nature. To them the Earth itself is a relic, distinct from man’s creation, that contains not only the present but also all the past and potential future. According to Bitsuie, “in the traditional Navajo view, life is a constant cycle of growth, death and new life, that flows in a circular motion - all things must begin and end at the same point.” Sadly, the legacy of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation has drastically effected the earth they revere. Today, there are around 520 abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation and 4 designated super-fund sites. These abandoned uranium mines have drastically effected the Navajo Nation, including their people and their land. To the naked eye this condition is unseen. Many mines are unrecognizable because of being improperly covered and the removal of any recognizable structures. A pile of dirt could have radioactive properties that no one can see.
Create an awarness of internal and external. Bring the scale of the landscape to the human scale.
:
EFFECT
RECLAMATION IN THE 1990S...
THE NAVAJO NATION AND URANIUM The mines continue to pollute the land and the people since these mines were not actively remediated. Left abandoned, radioactive uranium is exposed to the elements of nature and the people that surround it.
When the Navajo Code Talkers, who were recruited in WWII by the Marines to transmit messages, returned from the war the land that they had left behind was being taken over by mining. After WWII the United States encouraged uranium mining production because of the nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union. Private companies hired Navajo employees in the mines. The Private industry’s treatment of the Navajo people was poor. The Navajo had difficultly interacting with their employeers because of the language barrier. In addition, the conditions of the mines they were working in were not safe. Despite the closer of the mines in the 1980s and their ban in 2005, their legacy
1941 Uranium/vanadium-bearing material found on the Navajo Nation
1940
“We would find these [yellow strips of uranium ore] like you found big dead snakes, because you can see where the head was and the tail was. When you dynamited the wall of the rock edge, you could see it. We would look at it and wonder what it was. We would say it must have been the ancient monster snakes from the beginning of time.”
19 April, 2005 Dine natural resourcs protection act is passed banning all uranium mining and processing on the Navajo Nation 9 June, 2008 EPA announces 5-year plan for the cleanup of uranium contamination on the Navajo Nation
- From an interview with George Tuft, a Navajo and former Uranium Miner
1967 Secritary of labor Willard Wirtz imposes radon exposure safety standards
1950
1960
1970
16 July, 1979 Church Rock Uranium Mill Spill- Until 1981 the State and Federal Government supplied trucked in water
1980
1960s Uranium miners become increasingly ill with cancer Utah does not recognize radiation as a form of illness
1945-1988 Nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore mined off the reservation with leases An estimated 3,000-5,000 Navajo worked in the uranium mines on the Reseravation
2011 Skyline Mine contaminated earth is removed to a controlled area 5 August, 2015 Gold King Mine waste water spill
3 million gallons of mine waste water and tailings, toxic minerals into Cement Creek a tributary of the Animas River
1990
2000
1994 Superfund sites established September 1997 First EPA helicopter survey of AUM completed
191
DURANGO
MONUMENT VALLEY AREA
COVE/MESA AREA
MONUMENT VALLEY AREA
89
160
COVE/MESA AREA
84
PAGE FARMINGTON SHIPROCK
KAYENTA
491 160
CAMERON AREA
CAMERON AREA
TUBA CITY
NAVAJO RESERVATION
550
NAVAJO RESERVATION
EASTERN AGENCY AREA
AUM* AREAS
191 CHINLE
SUPERFUND CLEANUP SITES
LOS ALAMOS
EASTERN AGENCY AREA
WINDOW ROCK 89
GALLUP
180
PRIMARY TOURIST ROUTE
40
FLAGSTAFF
AUM* AUM* AREAS AREAS
SECONDARY TOURIST ROUTE
ALBUQUERQUE
40 SUPERFUND SUPERFUND CLEANUP CLEANUP SITES SITES PRIMARY TOURIST TOURIST ROUTE ROUTE PRIMARY
PRIMARY ROAD AUM* AREAS SECONDARY ROAD SUPERFUND CLEANUP SITES AUM* AREAS TERITIARY ROAD *ABANDONED URANIUM MINE (AUM) PRIMARY TOURIST ROUTE
191
40
SUPERFUND CLEANUP SITES
AUM* SITES
SECONDARY SECONDARY TOURIST TOURIST ROUTE ROUTE
PRIMARY TOURIST ROUTE
SUPERFUND CLEANUP SITES
SECONDARY TOURIST ROUTE
0
*ABANDONED URANIUM MINE (AUM)
SECONDARY TOURIST ROUTE
10
20
70 PRIMARY ROAD PRIMARY ROAD SECONDARY ROADMILES SECONDARY TERITIARY ROAD SECONDARY ROAD ROAD
PRIMARY 40 ROAD
0
10
20
40
70 MILES
TERITIARY TERITIARY ROAD ROAD
PRIMARY ROAD
*ABANDONED *ABANDONED URANIUM URANIUM MINE MINE (AUM) (AUM)
SECONDARY ROAD TERITIARY ROAD *ABANDONED URANIUM MINE (AUM)
14% of AUM Region mines with elevated gamma radiation are within a quarter mile of Navajo Reservation homes
77% of AUM Region have gamma radiation levels higher than 2x background Source: sric.org
Source: sric.org
100 YEARS
30% of people on the Navajo Nation lack access to uncontaminated drinking water Source: azcentral.com
TWO DAYS
Time it would take to clean up all the mines with current funding Source: azcentral.com
89% of the 150 Navajo Uranium miners in Shiprock, NM who died of lung cancer or forms of fibrosis Source: serc.carleton.edu
Time it would take to expose a person to more external radiation than the Nuclear Regulatory Commission considers safe for an entire year at the Cameron site Source: nytimes.com
2017
2037
2057
4.7 BILLION YEARS 2017
2077
2097
The half-life of uranium
2117
1 OUT OF 3
Number of uranium mines that have shut down or run out of money on the Reservation
30 MILLION TONNES
Amount of uranium extracted from Navajo Land
Source: npr.org
Source: mining.com
URANIUM MINING
WATER POLLUTION
OVERALL WELLBEING AFFECTED
FOOD POLLUTION
AIR POLLUTION
LEAVE RESERVATION TO FIND RESOURCES
CONNECTION TO CULTURE, HISTORY, PEOPLE HARMED
Top (2) Images: Mural Art in Shiprock, NM Bottom Image: Shiprock, NM Uranium Tailings Pile Remediated
CONDITION : CAUSE : EFFECT : MONITOR : RESPONSE TIMELINE OF URANIUM EXTRACTION
The beginning....
...the discovery in the 1940s...
...reclamation after 50 years in the 1990s...
....future monitoring node
LEGEND
NAVAJO NATION SITE ANALYSIS
NAVAJO NATION SITE ANALYSIS
Kayenta, AZ
U.S. LOCATION
San Juan River
Shiprock, NM
Antelope Canyon
Farmington, NM
Canyon de Chelly
Tuba City, AZ
LEGEND
WATER WATER
Petrified Forest State Park
ore has been extracted
Mine < 2x background
Gamma Radiation Measurements
177
521 Total Mine Claims Assessed
Mine not accessible
Source: nytimes.com
Nearly 4 million tons of uranium Navajo Reservation Abandoned Mine Sites ore has been extracted Gamma Radiation Measurements
Access to clean drinking water
521 Total Mine Claims Assessed
No access to clean drinking water
Source: nytimes.com
10 gallons is what the average water hauler uses compared to 100 gallons of people that are on public Major water systems
Major Waterways Source: tataandhoward.com
Source: eavice.files.wordpress.com
Source: eavice.files.wordpress.com
0
Waterways
10
0
20
10
20
40
40
70
70
MILES
MILES
EAST Physical and mental knowledge Dawn and new beginnings SOUTH
Daily social responsibilty Positive reslationships
WEST Daily social responsibilty Positive reslationships
HOGAN
ORAL HISTORY
Daily work responsibility Identify resources, gather material
Daily work responsibility WEST gather material Identify resources,
Ceremonial knowledge Reflection, aging process
NORTH Ceremonial knowledge Source: navajopeople.org Reflection, aging process
SOUTH
HOGAN
EAST Physical and mental knowledge NORTH Dawn and new beginnings
Source: navajopeople.org ORAL HISTORY
107,673
65,994
Number of people with or with out access to clean drinking water of the Navajo Nation does Number of people with or38% with out notwater have clean drinking water access to clean drinking 38% of the Navajo Nation does Source: colorado.edu not have clean drinking water Source: colorado.edu
Signs of erosion all over the Reservation Source: millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com Signs of erosion all over the Reservation
Source: millefiorifavoriti.blogspot.com
NAVAJO NATION “DECAY” SITE CONDITIONS FROM NATURAL TO HUMAN MADE
FOUR WORLDS- CREATION
FOUR WORLDS- CREATION
TRADITION
NATURAL ACTION
Grants,Grants, NM NM
LANGUAGE
TRADITION
47
71 226 Mine > Nearly 2x background 4 million tons of uranium Navajo Reservation Abandoned Mine Sites
Source: tataandhoward.com
“Mythology, religion, history, and ritual were not separate things for Native American peoples. They were strands woven together in the various tales and stories that defined
MYTHS
Mine not accessible Mine > 10x background
226 177
Mine < 2x background
Gamma Radiation Measurements
Gallup, NM
NATURAL ACTION
Window Rock, NMNM Gallup,
“Mythology, religion, history, andpeoples' ritual were notandseparate things for Native American Source: mythencyclopedia.com identity gave order and meaning to their lives.” peoples. They were strands woven together in the various tales and stories that defined peoples' identity and gave order and meaning to their lives.” Source: mythencyclopedia.com
MYTHS
71
Mine > 2x background
of people that are on public water systems 65,994 107,673
Window Rock, NM
*Grid taken from GIS Land Survey
- From an interview with Randy Nattis, a Federal OnSTORYTELLING Scene Coordinator for the US EPA
47
Mine > 10x background
hauler usesdrinking compared No access to clean water to 100 gallons
National Monument
*Grid taken from GIS Land Survey
STORYTELLING
Gamma Radiation Measurements
Chaco Canyon National Monument Chaco Canyon
Canyon de Chelly
Petrified Forest State Park
Activity node
Town less than 250
Access 10 to clean drinking waterthe average water gallons is what
Flagstaff, AZ
“To the naked eye you would think that it is just a healthy pasture.” LANGUAGE
HUMAN ACTION
San Juan River
URANIUM URANIUM MINING MINING
Shiprock, NM
Site Location
Town 250 to 1,000
DECAY
EROSION EROSION
Navajo National Monument
Farmington, NM
HUMAN ACTION
Antelope Canyon
Kayenta, AZ
U.S. LOCATION
UTAH
r
ive Navajo National oR rad Monument Colo
Town less than 250
Town 1,000 to 10,000
COLORADO NEW MEXICO
This site is known as Diné Bikeyah, or Navajo Land. The site studies conducted began at the scale of the Navajo Nation as a whole and then through the information gathered from my analysis a specific site was chosen. Olijato- Tuba City, AZ Monument Valley, Utah was chosen as my final site because of its popularity among tourists, spiritual significance to the Navajo, and proximity to an existing uranium site condition. My thesis proposal seeks to utilize the location on the site to reveal/conceal these existing site conditions. The viewer becomes aware Flagstaff, that AZ behind the beauty of Monument Valley there is a history of uranium mining and its resulting ARTIFACTS polution that needs to be addressed. ARTIFACTS
Activity node
Town 250 to 1,000
DECAY
ARIZONA
UTAH
r Rive
ARIZONA
o
rad
Colo
Site Location
Town 1,000 to 10,000
City over 10,000
COLORADO NEW MEXICO
SITE
City over 10,000
3 EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS
CO EZ, S E ORT TO C 42 MIL
GOLD KING MINE SPILL
REMEDIATED SKYLINE URANIUM MINE 2 MILES AWAY
MONUMENT VALLEY TRIBAL PARK
IL TRA Z AJO TA, A NAV AYEN K TO ILES M 8 6
TO FARMINGTO N, NM 68 MILES SHIPROCK, NM TOTAL POPULATION: 8,156
OLIJATO/MONUMENT VALLEY TOTAL POPULATION: 867
SAN JUAN RIVER
TO
TO
REMEDIATED URANIUM DISPOSAL CELL
AZ ITY, A C MILES 7
TUB
AZ A, S NT ILE YE M KA 101
SHIPROCK DISPOSAL CELL
A TOWN
SHIPROCK, NM
0
500
1000
2000 FEET
B NEAR TOWN
0
OLIJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, UT
500
1000
2000 FEET
C SECLUDED
RARE METALS, AZ
SITE LOCATION- OLIJATO-MONUMENT VALLEY, UT
0
500
1000
2000 FEET
TAY
OTAL 2,900SF
PROGRAM The proposal is comprised of two parts: a system of monitoring nodes and an interpretation center and hostel. The system of monitoring nodes creates a visual warning of this condition and actively collects information about the mine, while creating an artistic experience at night that attracts the tourist. The interpretation center focuses on education and research of Pthe HA uranium mines, while also SE 3 for the community. The providing space and opportunity hostel provides space forCEREMONIAL research fellows to stay and the REFLECT visitor to stay if they wishSPACE to experience the monitoring TOTAL 700SF 500 SF + 400SF nodes. PHASE
The program is centered around creating awareness of the uranium mines and providing spaces that address the resulting decay conditions that they have caused. Through the interaction of the landscape, the native, the visitor, and the program legacy of uranium mining afflicting the Navajo Nation is revealed. The location of the program is organized by the proposalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals of awareness, education, and reconnection, the sacred Navajo interpretation of the cardinal directions, the orientation of the sun, and orientation towards the varying landscape conditions beyond.
3
PH
STUDIO
E3
1000 SF
YOGA STUDIO 200SF
OFFICES
BATH
PH200 SF AS E3
STORAGE
OFFICES
1
DATA TRANSMITTER
250 SF
300 SF
1500 SF
COMMON SPACE
AS
E2
700 SF
YOGA STUDIO 200SF
KITCHEN
500 SF BATH
BEDROOMS 1500 SF
TOTAL 2,900SF
800 SF
E3
CREATE TOTAL 1,500SF
KITCHEN
200 SF
BATH
EAT
200 SF
400 300SF SF
TOTAL 5,550SF + 1,900SF
200 SF
E2
KITCHEN 500 SF
3
EXAM AND PROCEDURE ROOMS
EAT
300 SF
CORRALSTORAGE 250 SF
TOTAL 5,550SF + 1,900SF
900 SF
700 SF
BATH
200 SF
1000 SF
700 SF
COUNSEL 500 SF
MARKET 1250 SF
THEATRE
CLASSROOMS 500 SF
1500 SF
COMMON SPACE
EDUCATION CENTER 2000 SF CROPS
CORRAL
1000 SF
900 SF
700 SF
OFFICES 400 SF
BATH
200 SF
BATH
MONITORING STATION MARKET 1250 SF
TOTAL 2000SF
DEW COLLECTOR
PHASE 4
FOG COLLECTOR
TOTAL 3,450SF
PHASE 1
200 SF
BATH
NORTH Ceremonial knowledge Reflection, aging process
LEARN
2600 SF
800 SF
300 SF
CLASSROOMS
DINING
LABS
BEDROOMS
LEARN
TALUS GARLAND TOTAL 2000SF EFFECT
TOTAL 2,300SF
700 SF
E1 CROPS
THEATRE
OBSERVATION DECK
BATH
600 SF
DATA TRANSMITTER
FOG COLLECTOR
600 SF
PHASE 1 GROUP THERAPY
200 SF ORAL ARCHIVES
HAS
BATH
200 SF
ORAL ARCHIVES
300 SF
DINING 2600 SF BATH P
TOTAL 3,450SF
OFFICES
700 SF
1400 SF
AS
P
HA MONITORING STATION SE
400 SF
SAUNA
KITCHEN
PH
BATH
PHASE 4
300 SF
MONITORING TALUS GARLAND NODES EFFECT
PHASE 1
200 SF
200 SF
OFFICES
FOG COLLECTOR
TOTAL 3,450SF DEW COLLECTOR
MASSAGE THERAPY
OFFICES BATH
1400 SF
BATH
BATH
200 SF
MONITORING STATION
BATH
2000 SF
1000SPACE SF
DEW COLLECTOR
TOTAL 2,300SF
700 SF
2000 SF
EDUCATION CENTER
GARDEN 400SF
OBSERVATION DECK
COUNSEL
TRANSMITTER
250 SF
TOTAL OFFICES 700SF 400 SF + 400SF
PHASE 4 LABS NATURAL MEDICINE 800 SF
COMMON STUDIO 700 SF
GROUP THERAPY
EXAM AND PROCEDURE ROOMS
EDUCATION CENTER
1
BATH
300 SF
400 SF
SAUNA
MONITORING NODES
TOTAL 2,300SF
200 SF
DATA STORAGE REFLECT
CEREMONIAL SPACE
AS
PHA
SE
500 SF
PH 200 SF
STAY
E3
700 SF
COUNSEL
300 SF
700 SF
LABS
AS
PH
EXAM AND PROCEDURE PH ROOMS A
200 SF
200 SF
PH
OBSERVATION DECK 300 SF
SAUNA
MASSAGE THERAPY
500 SF
E3
GROUP THERAPY
SE 700 SF 3
SE
BATH
400 SF
OFFICES
PHA
MONITORING NODES
300 SF
MASSAGE THERAPY
NATURAL MEDICINE GARDEN 400SF
CREATE PHA S TOTAL 1,500SF E 2
TOTAL 2,900SF
VISITOR
OFFICES
TOTAL 700SF + 400SF
500 SF
300 SF
1000 SF
BEDROOMS
LANDSCAPE
AS
REFLECT
CEREMONIAL SPACE
STUDIO
200 SF
PH
NATURAL MEDICINE GARDEN 400SF
AS
TOTAL 1,500SF
STAY
PROGRAM
YOGA STUDIO 200SF
CREATE
KITCHEN
NATIVE
TALUS GARLAND EFFECT
WEST Daily social responsibilty Positive relationships NORTH Ceremonial knowledge Reflection, aging process WEST Daily social responsibilty Positive relationships
EAST Physical and mental knowledge Dawn and new beginnings
SOUTH Daily work responsibility Identify EAST resources, gather material Physical and mental knowledge Dawn and new beginnings
SOUTH Daily work responsibility
CASE STUDIES
Source:Navajo Hogans. Don James. 2008.
Source: atlasobscura.com
Vernacular Architecture: Hogan Location: Four Corners Region, United States Designer: The Dine or Navajo Primary Design Goal: Used as a dwelling and for ceremonial purposes; the way it is situated on the site and is laid out directly relates to the Navajo interpretation of the cardinal directions
Source: archdaily.com
Nkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mip Desert Cultural Centre Location: Osoyoos, BC V0H, Canada Designer: HBBH Architects Infrastructure: Cultural Center Primary Design Goal: Respect the context it lies in while providing a center for the native aboriginal culture
The Lightning Field Location: Catron County, NM Designer: Walter De Maria Infrastructure: Land Art Installation Primary Design Goal: Sculpture where tips of the poles define a horizontal plane and attract lightning. To be viewed over time
Source: designboom.com
Roden Crater Location: Outside of Flagstaff, AZ Designer: James Turrell Infrastructure: Land Art Primary Design Goal: Naked-eye observatory designed specifically for viewing and experiencing sky-light, solar, and celestial phenomena
PROGRAM
PROCESS
System should be modular so that it can adapt to different shapes and be reused.
EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL Create an awarness of internal and external. Bring the scale of the landscape to the human scale.
EARLY PROGRAM DIAGRAM
BUILDING FORM STUDIES
SEQUENCE
POROUS
HARMONY
EMBED
Sequence approaching and walking through the site should add to the architectural experience.
Use the architecture to frame views within the landscape. Porosity also allows programs to interact within the landscape.
Harmony with nature through the process of time and the construction.
Embed within the landscape so as to appear as though it is a natural element and not an imposed built form.
OBSERVATION TOWER PERSPECTIVE
LATER BUILDING SECTION STUDY
SPIRIT/CULTURAL CENTER
SOCIAL SPACE
ADMIN
HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLINIC
CULTURE CENTER ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING LABS/ OFFICES
ADMIN
ORAL ARCHIVES
WELLNESS CENTER
EXPAND
CONTRACT
ARCHITECTURAL MOVES
MODULAR
LANDSCAPE MUSEUM LANGUAGE PRESERVATION
Criticism: -How can the architectural response operate as a means for remediation? How can it be used to re-create a new product/ experience? -What is driving the siting of these complexes? -Is recreating a modernized version of the hogan through the geodesic dome the right response? -Choose a singular building. This proposal may be trying to do too much. -Use of mural art-interesting. How can you architecture begin to engadge the community? -How might your architecture act as a universal sign/symbol for future discovery?
EDUCATION
The mid review presentation consisted of comprehensive research, an in depth site analysis, user analysis, program analysis, and initial thoughts regarding form. At this point in the process I had developed a solution that consisted of a system of monitoring wells (field condition), used as a way finding, data collection, and experiential device and a separate monitoring station, a habitable structure. The station is used for research, using data gathered from the nodes, and provides services that would help address the issues caused by the AUMs. This proposed solution utlized a very modular system. The form that I developed at this stage was closely related to the Geodesic Dome developed by Buckminster Fuller in 1954 and the female Navajo Hogan. This form changed based on its relationship to three different exisitng AUM site conditions.
RESEARCH/TECH
MID REVIEW
TECHNICAL REVIEW
BUILDING SECTION STUDY
The technical review presentation consisted of a mechanical and structural proposal, detailed plans and sections, and an understanding of the experiential quality of my proposal. At this point in the process I had developed a clear set of architectural rules and an experiential sequence and approach to structure and design. My more specific site Olijato-Monument Valley, Utah was choosen and my proposal had narrowed down to three programmatic elements, an interpretation center, a hostel, and community space. DE
CE
MB
ER
SU
Criticism: -Since your project is proposing a framework for which others are derived by you may decide to eliminate program elements or focus on one compared to another. -Why is your programming the perfect overlap – between tourist, native and landscape? What’s the value proposition of your project – you are providing for a lack of existing resources in the area? -Consider the material consequences of the diversity of architectural conditions you are proposing. In addition, consider how they effect the landscape elements and conditions. -Be more specific regarding how light and wind effects the qualities and feelings of your specific programmatic spaces.
NS
ET
SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNRISE SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNSET JUNE DEC BER
EM
SET
N
SU
SUNR
BER
ISE
SUN
RIS
CEM
DE
PLAN GRID
E
CLASSROOM AND LABS PLAN
PLAN GRID
4
8
32
16
EARLY BUILDING PLAN STUDY
CLASSROOM AND LABS SECTION
PRELIMINARY SECTION
CLASSROOM AND LABS PLAN CLASSROOM AND LABS PLAN 4
8
32
16
4
8
16
32
4
HOSTEL PLAN HOSTEL PLAN
8
32
16
4
8
16
HOSTEL SECTION HOSTEL SECTION
CLASSROOM AND LABS SECTION CLASSROOM AND LABS SECTION
LATER BUILDING PLAN STUDY CLASSROOM AND LABS PLAN 4
8
16
32
HOSTEL PLAN
HOSTEL PLAN 4
8
16
32
32
4
8
16
32
G
FINAL With the continued development of the experiential and technical qualities of my project, the final presentation focused on clearly representing these qualities. The experiential quality of the building is meant to represent the experience of not only connecting with the ground but also directly connecting with different external landscape conditions, including the remediated uranium site and Monument Valley’s spiritual and beautiful landscape. The technical qualities of the structure vary depending on its relationship to the earth. Where the structure is submerged the quality is permanent/heavy and where it emerges the quality is light/transformative. The submerged condition is exposed to light and area in specific programmatic areas and the extended condition is entirely open to light.
Upon arrival to the site the visitor is guided by the observation tower that extends from the ground, to enter they are submerged into the earth, at their arrival at the reception desk they are connected with the central courtyard that is open to the sky above and is removed from the external landscape, circulation progresses in a clockwise motion referring to the Navajo process of moving through the cardinal directions, and at the end of the path are different extension points that reveal the natural landscape and/or the uranium condition beyond. The core becomes one of the most important experiential spaces where the native and visitor are connected with “Mother Earth” and “Father Sky” as they are removed from the rest of their surroundings.
VIEW FROM ENTRY ROAD TO SITE
VIEW TOWARDS ENTRY
NIGHT PERSPECTIVE
VIEW TOWARDS URANIUM EXHIBIT
VIEW TOWARDS CORE COURTYARD/OUTDOOR AMPHITHEATER
PLANS 512
0
JU
NE
SU
NS
ET
SU SU MME NS R ET
ER MM E SU NRIS SU
15
11
SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNRISE
SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNSET
10
12
JUNE
9 13
8
5124
BER
EM
DEC
7
1
W SU INTE NR R ISE
R TE T WIN NSE SU
5130
14
SET
SUN
DEC
S
IND
GW
ILIN
EVA
PR
EM
5130
A
3 2
6
4
16
5
B
JU
NE
SU
ENVIRONMENTAL FORCES
NS
ET
SU SU MME NS R ET
KEY: 1) ENTRY 2) RECEPTION/GIFT SHOP 3) CORE COURTYARD/ OUTDOOR AMPITHEATRE 4) MEP ROOM/STORAGE 5) AUDITORIUM 6) HISTORY OF URANIUM EXTRACTION EXHIBIT 7) EXHIBIT SPACE 8) ART GARDEN 9) RESTAURANT 10) ART STUDIO/ COMMUNITY KITCHEN 11) MEDICINAL HERB GARDEN 12) NAVAJO HOGAN 13) ART GALLERY 14) EXIT TO HOSTEL/VIEWING MONITORING CONDITION 15) HOSTEL ABOVE 16) RESEARCH FACILITY/CLASSROOMS ABOVE
ER MM E SU NRIS SU
SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNRISE
SEPTEMBER AND MARCH SUNSET
JUNE
BER
EM
DEC
SUNR
ISE
LOWER LEVEL PLAN W SU INTE NR R ISE
R TE T WIN NSE SU
SET
SUN
S
IND
GW
ILIN
EVA
PR
DEC
EM
BER
SUN
RIS
E
RADIATION SYMBOL
BER
SUN
SUNR
RIS
ISE
E
NORTH Ceremonial knowledge Reflection, aging process
S
DE
NO
G
N RI
512
0
TO
I ON
M
DS
W
VIE
SOUTH Daily work responsibility Identify resources, gather material
7
AR W TO
EL
ST
HO
5
IO/ NT UD ST URA STA E R
EAST Physical and mental knowledge Dawn and new beginnings
6
INTERPRETATION CENTER
5130
VIE
W
TO
WA R
DS
WEST Daily social responsibilty Positive relationships
VIEW TOWARDS MONUMENT VALLEY
4
OL
IJA TO
ME
SA
5136
A 1
3
2
NAVAJO ORIENTATION SYMBOLISM
S
DE
NO
G
TO
NI
S RD
W
VIE
N RI
MO
A OW
B
5140
EL
ST
T
HO
INTERPRETATION CENTER
5160
IO/ NT UD ST URA TA S RE
KEY:
VIE
1)OBSERVATION TOWER ENTRY/ELEVATORS TO BELOW 2)RESEARCH LABORATORY 3)CLASSROOMS 4)ORAL HISTORY ARCHIVES/READING ROOM 5)HOSTEL COMMON AREA 6)VISTOR ROOMS 7)RESERVED ROOMS W
TO
WA R
DS
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IJA TO
ME
SA
PROGRAM
5150
VIEW TOWARDS MONUMENT VALLEY
GROUND LEVEL PLAN
SECTIONS
ASCEND
OBSERVE
INSPIRATION
ROTATION
ASCEND
OBSERVE
INSPIRATION
EXTENSION 15’-0” PRESENCE 0’-0” SUBMERGENCE -15-0”
EXTENSION 15’-0” PRESENCE 0’-0”
GROUNDED
RECONNECTION
SUBMERGENCE -15-0”
GROUNDED
RECONNECTION
N
EXTENSION 15’-0” PRESENCE 0’-0” SUBMERGENCE -15-0”
GROUNDED
ROTATION
ARRIVAL
EXTENSION 15’-0”
SUBMERGENCE
GROUNDED
ARRIVAL
PRESENCE 0’-0”
UNFOLDED SITE SECTION A SCALE 1/16”=1’-0” SUBMERGENCE
SUBMERGENCE -15-0”
UNFOLDED SITE SECTION A UNFOLDED PATH SITE SECTION- A SCALE 1/16”=1’-0”
The existing topography of the site, native vernacular building typologies, the process of uranium mining, and a desire to embed the project within the site all drove the decision to create a building that is partially below grade. The sectional experience is derived of three layers, extension into the landscape, a presence of the existing landscape conditions beyond, and submergence into the earth.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
SITE SECTION- B SPIRITUAL CONNECTION
SITE SECTION B SCALE 1/16”=1’-0”
EXTERIOR AXON
PHYSICAL MODEL
PINE/ GLULAM
BUILDING COMPONENTS
STEEL
TOWER (STEEL STRUCTURE CONCRETE DECKING W/ METAL CLADDING)
METAL ROOFING
STUDIO/CAFE (WOOD STRUCTURE W/ CORRUGATED METAL ROOF)
GLAZING AND WALLS (LOW E INSULATED GLASS AND 2X6 FRAMING)
EXISTING EARTH CONSTRUCTION INFLUENCES
GALLERY ROOF (REINFORCED CONCRETE GREEN ROOF)
“RADIATION” WALLS (REINFORCED CONCRETE RETAINING WALL)
KIVA
HEAVY STRUCTURE /MATERIALITY
URANIUM MINE
CORE, RESEARCH LABS, AND CLASSROOMS ROOF (REINFORCED CONCRETE/ GREEN ROOF)
LIGHT STRUCTURE/ MATERIALITY
HOSTEL (WOOD STRUCTURE W/ CORRUGATED METAL ROOF)
ENTRY/EXIT STAIR (CONCRETE)
RAMMED EARTH
CONCRETE
EARTH-CONCRETE AND STONE
GROUND (EARTH)
HOGAN (FEMALE/MALE)
EXPLODED SYSTEMS AXON
This proposal initially started with a focus on revitalizing post industrial buildings. Even though this idea ended up not being central to my thesis, this initial thought has directly influenced the trajectory of my project. By broadening my perspective I found a thesis topic that I am very passionate about. Not only am I creating awareness through my architectural proposal, I am actively creating awareness by sharing this presentation with others.