Tibor Puskas by Drexel Architecture Program

Higher Ground

Resilient Civic Core, Rincรณn Puerto Rico

Tibor Puskas

Advisor John Defazio

THESIS STATEMENT

Architects can design architecture that adapts to changing conditions while keeping possible environmental disasters in mind. The people of Puerto Rico had endured both. With some minor Adjustments to the socially base town plan and adding a Civic Center that will be a model of sustainability and will set an example for other communities to follow. A place to shelter and refuge during natural disasters, a civic focal point in the local community, place of enjoyment, celebration, education, and a beacon of hope for the surrounding area.

RESEARCH

Zone 1 - Caribbean Sea Zone 2 - 0 to 10 feet above sea level, affected by category 1 to category 3 storms. Beachfront property, Residential and Commercial structures Zone 3 - 10 to 20 feet above sea level, affected by category 4 and 5 storms, town square, hospital Residential & Commercial structures, farmland Zone 4 - 20 to 40 feet above sea level, residential and commercial structures one 5 - 40 to 100 feet above sea level higher ground site location Zone 6 - 30 to 40+ above sea level back side of the hill, predominantly agriculture, farmland, orchards, fores 8 FEET 18 FEET

25 FEET

CAT

1-2 H

URR

CAT ICAN

E 4-8

FEET

SURG

3-4 H

URR

CAT ICAN

E 9-1

8 FEE

5 HU

RRIC

T SU

RGE

ANE

18-25

+FEE

T SU

RGE

Storm surge is the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm, over and above the predicted astronomical tides. The storm tide is the water level that includes storm surge and astronomical tide. An 8-foot wave crest on top of a 17-foot storm tide implies a total water level of 25 feet. The combination of storm surge flooding and battering waves can be very destructive. • Hurricane Katrina, a category 3 at landfall in Louisiana, produced catastrophic damage with a 28-ft. storm surge. • Hurricane Ike, a category 2 at landfall in Texas, also produced catastrophic damage with a 20- ft. storm surge. • Hurricane Irene, a category 1 hurricane at landfall in North Carolina, produced extensive damage with an 8 to 11 ft. storm surge. • Hurricane Charley, a category 4 hurricane at landfall in Florida, produced a storm surge of 6 to 8 ft.

Source: https://www.noaa.gov/

Existing town center 10 feet storm surge

The hospital, police stations and fire department are in the path on coming water example showing 8 feet

RESEARCH

ORIGINAL SITE LOCATIONS

ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS INDUSTRY Rincon PublicÂ administration

403

OtherÂ services,Â exceptÂ publicÂ administration

348

Arts,Â entertainment,Â recreation,Â accommodationÂ &Â foodÂ services

551

EducationalÂ services,Â andÂ healthÂ careÂ andÂ socialÂ assistance

774

Professional,Â scientific,Â management,Â administrativeÂ &Â wasteÂ management

514

FinanceÂ andÂ insurance,Â andÂ realÂ estateÂ andÂ rentalÂ andÂ leasing

142

Information

TransportationÂ andÂ warehousing,Â andÂ utilities

After further research, all found to be submerged or underwater if they were struck by a serious hurricane.

RetailÂ trade

369

WholesaleÂ trade

Manufacturing

576

Construction

EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC SITE PLAN

283

Agriculture,Â forestry,Â fishingÂ andÂ hunting,Â andÂ mining

34 0

SITE ANALYSIS

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Series1

FALL 2019 TIBOR PUSKAS

HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS Rincon 4,368

VacantÂ housingÂ units

Atlantic Ocean

Category one to FDWHJRU\ WZR Ă RRG stage

Existing Town enter

0RYLQJ WR KLJKHU JURXQG ORFDWLRQ RI new Town Center KLJK DERYH Ă RRG OHYHO

5,079 OccupiedÂ housingÂ units

Category three to FDWHJRU\ Ă&#x20AC;YH Ă RRG stage

4,000

4,200

4,400

4,600

4,800

5,000

Series1

3UHYDLOLQJ ZLQGV

First after understanding the capacity of a serious hurricane and the devastation it could cause, it was evident I had to move the site up hill. Two higher ground. Finding a way to incorporate green infrastructure good water management practices are resilient strategy that could provide income and a place of refuge. Researching town center operations and the possibility of creating a Hotel resort like structure was in the works. RINCON PUERTO RICO HOTEL ONLY MATRIX

Must Should MayBe

5,200

CASE STUDIES EARTHSHIP PR

Energy storage and water purification

Structure made of predominantly of recycle material

Using cross ventilation and stack ventilation for cooling

Dome structure blend into the landscape

Structure made of predominantly of recycle material

Dome structure provides plenty of light for interior space

Optimum roof pitch

Circular structure transfers environmental loads most efficiently Wind can’t build up enough pressure on any side to cause a structural failure

Rain water collection

All space used efficiently

Strong Dome Design

Side by side comparison

Radial floor & roof trusses work like spokeson a wheel

-Eco-construction and self sufficient living -Build autonomous houses -Teach people to build autonomous houses at our Earthship Academy -Organize sustainable development and poverty relief projects all over the world -Allow people to learn about sustainability, at our Visitor Center

VENUS PROJECT -The Venus project located in Florida envisions a resource-based economy. The part of the project I focused on was the structures and how well there are developed and withstand natural disasters. -Treating the entire complex as a single system also allows us to reuse many of the materials and resources, such as food waste for composting and recycling of the wastewater.

DELTEC HOME

-No load-bearing walls in our round homes -Reach any level of energy efficiency—all the way to net-zero -Bungalows On Florida’s Black’s Island Survived Hurricane Michael’s Worst -Efficient prefab homes withstand the toughest storms -Solar water heater provides uninterrupted hot water -Enhanced insulation maintains a balanced temperature inside the home l Reflective metal roof helps reduce radiant heat gain in the home -Passive solar design helps heat and cool the building through appropriate window placement

PROCESS DRAWINGS/MODELS FORM EVOLUTION The

general structure has gone through a series of adjustments, still working on a concept of wind resistance, exposure to sun, views of the ocean, and landscape. Always keeping in mind to provide an area for a civic engagement, festivals and events for the local environment. FORM EVOLUTION SKETCHES

Sketches and form studies to get a better understanding of how the structure would lay into the environment and interact with the local community

CIVIC SPACE POSSIBILITIES

PROCESS DRAWINGS/MODELS

URBAN ANALYSIS AND MASTER PLAN STUDIES

Site

Satellite imagery and road systems

Figure Ground 413

115 414

412 115

Existing town center

Main traffic routes

10 minute walk

2000ft Green Space

Town Center

Topography

Like most of the town centers throughout Puerto Rico Rincon is no different. It is comprised of a densely packed urban center on the West Coast of the island. The proposed site now moving up hill from the town center. The new site location is only 10-minute walk 2000 feet from the shoreline, and a 4-minute walk downhill to the existing town center. Many possibilities and opportunityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerged after further analysis of the site location. establishing a new civic core, multiple opportunity for green infrastructure such as orchards and farmland. The use of the hill as a way incorporate a resilient structure that also to be useful for water collection green infrastructure and a focal point for the surrounding area.

DESIGN REVIEW -18 January 2020 HIGHER GROUND Zone 2 Zone 3

TIBOR PUSKAS

Site 1 Domes beach

The Dome was prototype nuclear power plant built to learn more about the technical and economical feasibility of a Boiling Nuclear Superheater reactor (BONUS). Rincons BONUS reactor is one of only two ever built by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission. The Nuclear Power Plant created power by producing saturated steam in the center portion of the reactor and would then superheat that steam in four surrounding chambers and feed the superheated steam into a turbine generator which would create electricity. Construction for the facility began in 1960 and the first nuclear chain reaction was achieved on April 13th 1964. After being thoroughly tested it was brought up to full power in September of 1965. The reactor ran successfully until June of 1968 when its operation was terminated due to technical difficulties and high-cost modifications needed to run the plant safely and effectively. It was fully decommissioned in late 1969 early 1970. All nuclear materials were removed to the mainland. All the lines were flushed and the reactor vessel and associated internal components within the biological shield were entombed in concrete. Recently, in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s more clean-up and shielding activities were conducted. The site is inspected minimally every quarter by PREPA and DOE. Current intentions of the site include opening the main floor to the public as a

PUERTO RICO RINCON

Zone 1 Thesis Statement

Architects have the ability to design architecture that adapts to changing conditions while keeping possible environmental disasters in mind. The people of Puerto Rico had endured both. With some minor Adjustments to the socially base town plan and adding a Civic Center that will be a model of sustainability and will set an example for other communities to follow. A place to shelter and refuge during natural disasters, a civic focal point in the local community, place of enjoyment, celebration, education, and a beacon of hope for the surrounding area.

1st SITE LOCATION

Zone 4

museum and learning facility.

Zone 5 SITE HIGHER GROUND Zone 6

2nd SITE LOCATION

TIBOR PUSKAS

Site 2 jose pablo morales graded school

A school that’s been open for several years and now closed and fallen into disrepair with plenty of facilities available and plenty of land space to make adjustments.

Zone 1 - Caribbean Sea Zone 2 - 0 to 10 feet above sea level, affected by category 1 to category 3 storms. Beachfront property, Residential and Commercial structures Zone 3 - 10 to 20 feet above sea level, affected by category 4 and 5 storms, town square, hospital Residential & Commercial structures, farmland Zone 4 - 20 to 40 feet above sea level, residential and commercial structures Zone 5 - 40 to 100 feet above sea level higher ground site location Zone 6 - 30 to 40+ above sea level back side of the hill, predominantly agriculture, farmland, orchards, forests

MOVING TO HIGHER GROUND IN RINCON

Considering water levels and worst case scenario I decided to move my site location

FLOOD LEVEL DURING CAT 5 HURRICANE

Municipal Business alternate location

1.Neighborhood goods grown and produced Amptheater, locally Terraces for Gardening 2.Food and entertainment for festivals and gatherings 3.Shelter in place for hurricanes and natural disasters

Central square for grocer , neighborhood goods ,food, and Entertainment. Anchoring neighborhoods together after disaster

SEA LEVEL RISE FROM CAT 1 TO CAT 5 HURRICANE CUT THROUGH NEW SITE 3.Shelter in place for hurricanes and natural disasters

Sea level

CAT 5 CAT 1

FLOOD LEVEL DURING CAT 5 HURRICANE

Municipal Business alternate location

1.Neighborhood goods grown and produced Amptheater, locally for Gardening Terraces 2.Food and entertainment for festivals and gatherings

3.Shelter in place for hurricanes and natural disasters Central square for grocer , neighborhood goods ,food, and Entertainment. Anchoring neighborhoods together after disaster

TOWN CENTER RELOCATION New shelter place town center

New city center site

Existing town center

DESIGN REVIEW -18 January 2020

SITE ANALYSIS

WINTER 2019 TIBOR PUSKAS

MOTHER NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S POWER

BEACH EROSION PREVENTION

Adding a few new roads and paths helps transform the urban envelope, easier access to the beach easier access to the site location, quick access the shelter on higher ground

Original main roads

Additional roads surrounding site

Wave energy and a distribution of floodwaters is crucial and saving the local community from further erosion. The underwater wall structure helping dissipate The force of incoming waves prevent erosion of shoreline. Also acting as an artificial reefs Providing habitats for local fish and wildlife, and providing surf for the local community when not fending off wave energy from hurricanes SEAWALL, ARTIFICIAL REEFS

THESIS RESEARCH

This project needed more than just a facility, incorporating a way to prevent dangerous situations from developing, loss of life, and destruction of property. Wave energy and a distribution of floodwaters is crucial and saving the local community from further erosion. The underwater wall structure helping dissipate The force of incoming waves prevent erosion of shoreline. Also acting as an artificial reefs Providing habitats for local fish and wildlife, and providing surf for the local community when not fending off wave energy from hurricanes SEAWALL,ARTIFICIAL REEFS

Manmade Reafs providing surfing conditions preventing erosion of the beach and entertainment for surfers

Light beach Huts for vacationers temporary facilities that can easily be washed away in rebuilt

Like constructed inexpensive beach bungalows for rental purposes and housing for low income families built of lightweight materials easily replaced or reconstructed after disaster conditions. Quick connect plumbing facilities possibly movable to higher ground and replaced immediately

Farmland and orchards providing food, income, and places of employment for the local community, easily rebuilt after flood conditions subside.

Higher ground, well above hurricane flood stage easily seen from a surrounding area as a place of refuge local hotel providing income after hurricane conditions and also place for disaster relief personnel to be housed after disasters fulltime the local community

Tram cars and bus routes providing easy access to the beach reducing vehicle traffic also providing direct routes of evacuation to shelter facilities

DESIGN REVIEW -18 January 2020

SUSTAINABILITY

Outdoor space, Civic plaza, Covered area Bike parking, Municipal offices,4 to 5 Administrative offices, Lobby space, Reception, and Conference room meeting room were just a few of the elements to incorporate into the town center and the layout of the buildings

SmartFlower Solar produces unique, ground-mounted solar panel systems that include a sun tracker and a number of other high-tech features. This ‘smart’ solar panel system is an all-in-one, self-sustaining system that differs greatly from the traditional monocrystalline or polycrystalline rooftop panels.

This Alberta company blends hemp, lime and water to create eco-friendly building blocks that can be used a bit like giant lego — and the building material is fire resistant

hotel approximately 100 plus rooms mix use structure, this will encompass lounge lobby office parking on the exterior restaurant bar storage staff area

Auditorium gathering space Top floor hotel space greenroof

restaurant bar

First and second floors of the hotel approximately 100 plus rooms mix use structure, this will encompass lounge lobby office parking on the exterior restaurant bar storage staff area

Auditorium gathering space

restaurant bar

Conference room municipal space Possible main lobby providing a threshold between full public space and semi public space

Pool gymnasium theater, overlooking sunset Public courtyard space for gatherings, local entertainment nightly sunset rituals

Public courtyard space for gatherings, local entertainment nightly sunset Educational space

TECHNICAL REVIEW -16 March 2020

Higher Ground Tibor Puskas

After establishing a civic core, incorporating all the elements that could be needed to sustain a society after a natural disaster started to develop into a large structure. During the review it was made obvious that separating some of the main elements and establishing a way that light could enter into the center of the structure. Instead of one large structure it eventually developed into six individual components that were united underneath, and connecting all spaces during natural disasters. Higher Ground Tibor Puskas

TECHNICAL REVIEW -16 March 2020 Stairs access Service elevators ON WINGS ONLY

Mechanical and electrical systems The Chemical Systems for water purification cooling and validation systems to pull in outside air Batteries storage for electrical systems

Main lobby for hotel Civic offices

Water cisterns

s rn te

er at W

Public meeting space

cis

Gym fitness center

Parking entry

Civic space

Kitchen area

Restaurant Outside dining

Parking exit

2nd floor Community space Mezzanine level Public bathrooms Restaurant

First floor Community space Auditoriums Community garden Educational rooms Shops

Lower level parking Mechanical systems Water cisterns Shops facing park Shelter storage

Surrounding drive

Higher Ground

Tibor Puskas

Higher Ground Tibor Puskas

Cafe Health spa

Restaurant nightclub

3nd floor Hotel

Higher Ground Tibor Puskas

Private Entertainment space

Nightclub

Higher Ground

4th floor Hotel

5th floor Hotel Connecting rooms presidential suite

FIRST VERSION OF FLOOR PLANS Higher Ground

Tibor Puskas

ELEVATIONS SECTION CUT EAST TO WEST First and second Floors of the hotel approximately 100 Plus rooms, mix use structure, this will encompass lounge lobby office parking on the exterior restaurant bar storage, and staff area

TECHNICAL REVIEW -16 March 2020

Prevailing winds

Rely on a natural method of cooling.The system will rely

Cross ventilation details Higher Ground Tibor Puskas

Cross ventilation in this project in Puerto Rico could rely on a natural method of cooling.The system will rely on wind to force cool exterior air into the building through an inlet (like a wall louver , a gable, or an open window) while outlet forces warm interior air outside (through a roof vent or higher window opening).

On wind to force cool exterior air into the Cross ventilation in this project Puerto Rico could Building through anininlet (like a wall louver rely on natural method of , A gable, or anacooling.The open window ) while outlet system will rely

Higher Ground

forces

Tibor Puskas

on wind to force cool exterior air into the building through an inlet (like a wall louver , a gable, or an open window) while outlet forces warm interior air outside (through a roof vent or higher window opening).

Warm interior air outside through a roof

Urban square Park

FINAL REVIEW

Since the beginning of time, town centers have been focal points of gathering, a community activity area for business political activity surrounded by residential districts a place of multiple resources presentation entertainment recreation. A place where people congregate to fill their basic needs. Most town centers are categorized and mix use development, depending on the area of United States cities can bombing on weekends or ghost towns. The key is that the town center continues to operate no matter what the conditions are. The existing town center is an area of dense housing development area because of the closeness to what small transit is available or lack of, and hopping employment libraries civic offices and social gathering places.

FINAL REVIEW

South Elevation

Site Beach

Site Elevation

FINAL REVIEW

Based on exploration topography and the existing town center relocation of higher ground was obvious and maintaining a short distance from the community that has already been established. The best possible result would be providing the ability to establish a civic place of enjoyment that can also be used for the local economy and tourist attraction.

Town expansion

Existing farmland

Site Plan

Existing city center Shoreline

Scale 1" = 500'

During festivals, weekends, and celebrations the center

FINAL REVIEW

avenue will most likely be shut down. Daily that main road will be predominantly use for deliveries and

During festivals, weekends, and celebrations the center avenue will most likely be shut down. Daily that main road will be predominantly use for deliveries and local business hotel guests could easily drive into the working garage.

local business hotel guests could easily drive into the working garage.

Primary

Secondary

Site Circulation

With the average rainfall of 71 inches, the cisterns Located around a site would fill up quickly. The rain runoff would enter the constructed wetlands and retention ponds. There are numerous systems that can be constructed working as living machines that will help clean and purifier the water.

With the average rainfall of 71 inches, the cisterns located around a site would fill up quickly. Olaf well with triple to the constructed wetlands and retention ponds. There are numerous systems that can be constructed working as living machines that will help clean and pure by the water.

Cistern locations Living Machines Retention Ponds Stormwater management

Rainwater Collection

Living Machines Retention Ponds Stormwater management

Green Infrastucture

FLOOR PLANS Level 1

Rock ledge cafe

Level 2

FINAL REVIEW

Shops 1st floor

Medical Services

Mechanical systems water cisterns Battery backup and storage power distribution panels

Civic meeting area classrooms

s to

es Acc

Theater

aza c Pl civi

New town hall Emergency operations

Upper level parking

Convention center

Civic plaza shops

First floor banquet halls

Parking for 150

meeting rooms

Entry in the lower level

Civic plaza

Gardens

LOGGIA SHOPS

Hotel operations Restaurant Glass bottom pool bar

10"

Main lobby

Level 5

Level 4

10"

Rooftop dining

Hurricane set up

10"

Helicopter landing site

12'

Sun shade solar panels

12'

Municipal offices

Hotel rooms Third four

Banquet halls

rooftop resturant#2

FLOOR PLATES AND HURRICANE ENCLOSURE

Hotel suites

rooftop resturant#3

Pools

Bridges at level three

The site complex is organized into six main structures. All six structures are arranged on a circular axis facing south also bordering the civic plaza. With a wraparound loggia on all six structures and lower level you could easily navigate throughout the structures without entering any facility.

First floor Theater/Municipal offices Second floor/Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office Meeting rooms

Municipal building

Convention center Hotel

Town hall emergency center

Second floor Medical/Professional offices Shops/cafĂŠ Fifth floor Hotel suites Forth and Third floor Hotel rooms Second floor Restaurants bars shops First Floor Civic plaza shops hotel Gym

Civic Plaza

Second floor banquet pool access bar lounge First floor banquet halls/meeting rooms Second Floor Pool Restaurant & bar shops First Floor Class Bottom Pool bar

Civic Park

PROGRAM

FINAL REVIEW

Perimeter Road Perimeter Road

Perime ter Roa d

Section Perspective

FINAL REVIEW Two forms of natural ventilation and cooling will be used, one with the earth cooling tubes buried at least 6 feet underground so the air passes through them using consistent 50 degrees to cool and dehumidify the air on all floors. This coupled with cross ventilation techniques should keep the rooms very comfortable throughout the year. Vents placed throughout the rooms will also pull hot air up roof with mechanically assisted validation fans. A third option a vailable would be running pipes through the water cisterns similar geothermal but using water cisterns.

Two forms of natural ventilation and cooling will be used, one with the earth cooling tubes buried at least 6 feet underground so the air passes through them using consistent 50 degrees to cool and dehumidify the air on all floors. This coupled with cross ventilation techniques should keep the rooms very comfortable throughout the year. Vents placed throughout the rooms will also pull hot air up roof with mechanically assisted validation fans. A third option a vailable would be running pipes through the water cisterns similar geothermal but using water cisterns.

Earth cooling tubes & Cross Ventilation techniques

FINAL REVIEW

EXTERIOR VIEW ENTERING MAIN AVENUE

LOOKING OUT FROM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CENTER

TYPICAL HOTEL ROOM LOOKING AT OVER CIVIC PLAZA

LOBBY CAFÃ&#x2030; LOOKING ACROSS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE TO POOL

CLOSEUP OF HOTEL BALCONIES AND SOLAR SHADES

SUNSET VIEW FROM CONVENTION CENTER POOL BAR

FINAL REVIEW

BIRD’S EYE VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST OVER PLAZA

CIVIC PLAZA LOOKING EAST

VIEW FROM LOWER CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AND PONDS

BIRD’S EYE VIEW LOOKING NORTHEAST OVER PLAZA

CIVIC PLAZA LOOKING WEST

LOOKING SOUTH FROM TOP OF MAIN STAIRCASE OVER CIVIC PLAZA

NEW BEGINNING

Resilient Civic Core, Rincรณn Puerto Rico Tibor Puskas

Advisor John Defazio