SOJOURN
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Architecture Archive
2020 BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE _ Dunwoody College of Technology
STUDENTS
Robert Bacon Adam Booth Megan Bur Samantha Christner Tressa Koukal Jacob Larson Samuel LaSusa Safa Mustafa Nicholas Ramsingh Nicholas Schurhammer Devyn Smoter Laura Stene STUDIO INSTRUCTOR
Andrew Blaisdell THESIS ADVISORS
Anjali Ganapathy Molly Reichert
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS _
WITH GRATITUDE
To all of the Dunwoody Architecture faculty for teaching us how to find our place in the world of architecture. To the Dunwoody support staff for making every late night possible. To all of the thesis partner clients for offering us incredible projects and letting us be a part of your passionate work. To our studio cohort for filling this difficult journey with great memories, growth and a studio family. To all of the guest reviewers for your professional guidance and critiques. WE THANK YOU.
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S _
HENNEPIN LYNDALE CROSSROADS COALITION
Bridging the Divide
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AVENUES FOR YOUTH
Respite Beyond Shelter
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FROGTOWN FARM
Rooted in the Hearth Mending the Disconnect
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EMPOWERED ATHLETES
Beyond the Lines Ethereal Connection
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LONGE CAYE AT LIGHTHOUSE REEF
Floating Village Sustainable Gathering In Flux
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PONCE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES
Farms for Generations Resilience
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Avenues for Youth Minneapolis, MN
MSP Airport
Hennepin Lyndale Crossroads Coalition Minneapolis, MN
Empowered Athletes Bloomington, MN
Frogtown Farm St. Paul, MN
Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef Long Caye, Belize
Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services Adjuntas, Puerto Rico
A COLLECTION OF THESIS WORK SPANNING FROM MINNESOTA TO THE CARIBBEAN
“ WE MUST ALL SUFFER FROM ONE OF T WO PAINS: THE PAIN OF DISCIPLINE OR THE PAIN OF REGRET ” - JIM ROHN
H E N N E P I N LY N D A L E CROSSROADS COALITION _ Partner Client
The Hennepin Lyndale Crossroads Coalition is made up of 8 different institutions and civic spaces as well as Green Minneapolis, MnDOT, and the city of Minneapolis. Some of the stakeholders include: The Basilica of St. Mary, The Walker Art Center, Lowry Hill Neighborhood Association, and Dunwoody College of Technology. The Coalition’s goals are to provide a greener, more pedestrian friendly area along the Hennepin-Lyndale Intersection below the Dunwoody Underpass, which will create a more beautiful and welcoming experience for both residents and visitors of the area.
PROJECTS
Bridging the Divide
= Site
1
S A M A N T H A C H R I ST N E R
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE _ Reviving the Dunwoody Underpass
DARK. Dirty.
UNDERutilized and
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Ignored by ways of getting place to place, yet, never changing. Community UNITED in revolution. Trannformaatioon off gattew way. A Makerspace pinned with Travel along layered TRANSPARENCY columns Create and Gather in this b a r r i e r - f r e e learning environment. Learn Craft Discover A passion for creation. Grow RE i t w h e a d i v g i ateway o d e h t f Bridge EXPRESSION Surrounded
Bridging The Divide is a response to The Hennepin Lyndale Crossroads Coalition’s goal of providing a greener more pedestrian-friendly experience for both visitors and residents along the Hennepin-Lyndale intersection in Minneapolis, MN. The Dunwoody Underpass is located beneath I-94 and is currently being used as 195 spots of overflow parking for the surrounding area. From early on in the design process, uniting the surrounding community emerged as a driving concept. The implementation of a makerspace will bridge either side of the underpass by bringing together the art and culture of the surrounding area while increasing the communities’ interaction with the
site. Altering transparency to fuel curiosity and providing a barrier-free work environment later developed into key concepts throughout the design process. Both concepts influenced form by providing sightlines through key programmatic adjacencies as well as providing equal opportunities for people of all abilities to create and thrive within the makerspace. Bridging The Divide is working to combat the current conditions of the Dunwoody Underpass through the implementation of a makerspace by uniting the surrounding community, implementing a barrier free environment, and altering transparency to fuel curiosity. All the while providing a greener more pedestrian-friendly route.
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4 PEDESTRIAN ROUTES Points of crossing either side of I-94
ART/ SITE IMPROVEMENTS Location of Art & Site Improvements
BUS ROUTES Bus Stops Northbound Southbound Green Line Expansion
ROADS Interstate Arterial Collector *other roads are local
PARKING Public Private Daily on Street Parking Mon - Fri on Street Parking
GREEN SPACE Parks Water
ZONING Residence District 2IÀFH 5HVLGHQFH 'LVWULFW Commercial District Industrial District Business District
SITE MAP 13 17th Street Minneapolis, MN 55403
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“ YOU JUST HAVE TO GET ON THE ROAD AND DO THE DAMN THING” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL
AV E N U E S F O R YO U T H _ Partner Client
Avenues for Youth is an organization based out of the Near North neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. They are dedicated to helping youth experiencing homelessness, ages 16-24, find temporary transitional housing or stable housing of their own. They partner with youth to achieve their dreams by providing additional support with educational and career opportunities, counseling services, and independent living skills. In order to expand their capacity to serve youth within the Twin Cities, Avenues has asked for a remodel and expansion of their existing headquarters, known as Minneapolis Avenues.
PROJECTS
Respite Beyond Shelter
= Site
11
SAMUEL LASUSA
RESPITE
_ Providing Safety to Heal and Grow
Shelter is a human right. Youth arrive in survival mode. They are welcome They get something theirs. Ready. Set. Go! They connect, Start to heal. The gaps fill. New habits transform. Transition. Connection. Prepares tools, flexes skills, feels stronger Ready. Set. Go! They get something truly theirs.
Equitable access to the basic need of housing is a global problem. Populations continue to grow exponentially and are pushing housing systems past their breaking point. The way we have addressed housing historically privileges certain groups. In America this privilege is shown in the demographic and income breakdowns of most cities. Minneapolis, MN has a similar history. The relationship between client and designer should be symbiotic. The two parties work together to manifest the client’s vision. Designers are the trusted guide that help navigate these waters. The role of a designer is to listen and implement the needs of the end user. They need to question and gather
information without personal bias. The client/designer relationship with Avenues for Youth had this symbiosis. Through a combination of digital and analogue methods I explored various approaches to address the challenges of this project’s needs. They have the desire to expand their existing 1934 facility to accommodate single youth bedrooms and consolidate their administrative programs to one site. Through multiple site visits, staff interviews, and inprocess reviews I have produced the work you are about to see.
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LEVEL 03
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New Shelter Completed Influenza Epidemic
Welcomed child refugees from Europe
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1910
W.W.I
1920
Jewish Sheltering Home for Children
1930
W.W.II
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1940
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Vietnam War
1950
1960
White Flight Begins
Construction of I-94
Michelle Bashman Starts The Project Foundation
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Oak Park Home Closes 1964
1980
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Host Home Program Starts 20 CHLDN
+14 CHLDN
2010
2020
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Avenues Brooklyn Park Opens
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Knox Ave N Oak
DE V YN SMOTER
Park Ave N
B E YO N D S H E LT E R
_ Infusing Stability for Minneapolis’ Homeless Youth Tired. Hungry. Exposed. Uncertain future, trauma filled past. Searching. Trying. Hoping. Caught in a relentless, perpetual cycle. Stop. Breathe. Decide. You’re at a crossroad. Who are you? What are you going to become? Feel the building’s embrace that wraps around to protect you. Feel the support built up beneath you. Feel the community surrounding you, empowering you. Now do. Take control. Infuse stability. Break the pattern. Go. Be resilient.
Beyond Shelter is a response to Avenues for Youth needing to expand their capabilities and provide a space where both staff and youth feel empowered. It focuses on the expansion and remodel of Avenues’ Minneapolis location, known as Minneapolis Avenues, which is located in the Near North neighborhood of Minneapolis, MN. Currently existing on site is a brick building which was built in the 1930s. From the very beginning, privileging security and privacy emerged as a driving concept. In order for staff and youth to be able to flourish in their surroundings, they must feel safe and protected. This concept influenced the form of the expansion as well as the
materiality of the design. Creating a sense of ownership and encouraging interpersonal relationships also developed into key concepts throughout the design process as well. Both of which greatly influenced the program adjacencies and the decision to separate the user groups by existing and new building. Without access to shelter and stable housing, 75% of youth will have multiple experiences with homelessness and fall into its repetitive pattern all the way into adulthood. Beyond Shelter is working to combat this issue by infusing stability early on, through the use of the three concepts mentioned previously, to break the perpetual cycle of homelessness in the Twin Cities. 19
Rooftop Unit Rooftop Drain Typical Roof Assembly Gravel Roofing Membrane Tapered Rigid Insulation Plywood Sheathing Steel Decking Open Web Steel Trusses Supported on Girders Suspended Runners & Channels Gypsum Board Ceiling (x2)
Typical Screen Assembly 2x3 Wood Stud 2x2 Steel Tubing
Recessed Can Light
Concrete Sidewalk Sand Compacted Fill
Metal Coping Cap w/ Flashing & Blocking Cant Strip
Soffit w/ HVAC Supply
Emergency Bedroom
Floor Grate Fin Tube Return
Typical Youth Bedroom Typical Exterior Wall Assembly Panel Siding w/ Hat Channel Attachments Rainscreen Mat Weather Barrier Plywood Sheathing 6� Steel Stud & Insulation Layer Gypsum Board
Typical Floor Assembly Finished Floor Concrete Steel Decking Purlins Supported on Girders Suspended Runners & Channels Gypsum Board Ceiling
Short-Term Accessible Bedroom Cast-In-Place Concrete Foundation Wall Rigid Insulation Concrete Slab on Grade
Gravel Concrete Footing with Rebar Perforated Pipe with Geo-textile
Undisturbed Soil
Long-Term Accessible Bedroom 21
My shelter for homeless youth will infuse stability by privileging security and privacy, creating a sense of ownership, and encouraging interpersonal relationships to expand Avenues’ capabilities to make a difference in the widespread and cyclical nature of the growing issue of youth homelessness in the Twin Cities.
Level 1
“SIMPLICIT Y DOES NOT EQUAL CLARIT Y ” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL
F R O G T O W N FA R M _ Partner Client
Beginning in 2013 as a community-led initiative, Frogtown Farm is part of St. Paul’s Art of Food Coalition. Their mission is to support an equitable food system in the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods. Frogtown Farm is an organic urban demonstration farm guided by the principles of permaculture. With beliefs rooted in seeding, nurturing and celebrating food, this urban farm on the hill serves as a model for multi-cultural community and is a cultivator for economic development and sustainability. Through hands-on engagement with farming and art, Frogtown Farm works to grow a deeper understanding of the bonds of community, allowing the neighborhoods to heal from social injustices and prosper on a supportive food system.
PROJECTS
Rooted in the Hearth Mending the Disconnect
= Site
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Milton St. LaFond Ave.
MEGAN BUR
R O O T E D I N T H E H E A RT H _ Frogtown Urban Farming
Abrasive City Street Milton hill procession…..A veil of protection Slowly revealed……gentle gable structures……Familiar Home A quiet oasis Circulation emerges radiating from the hearth Exterior charred from the heat within The story of production a Greenhouse, a Kitchen, a Farm Gathered Shared Transformed Through the words of Seitu Jones, “I want you to change the world” Architecture begins with a story, rooted in the people that occupy its place. The Art of Food Center is in the heart of the Frogtown neighborhood situated on the South end of the farm. Frogtown Farm was founded by the St. Paul artist, Seitu Jones, with the dream to establish a resilient food system that supports and reflects the needs of the neighborhood. Historically, Frogtown has been home to generations of immigrants creating a diverse cultural fabric but the neighborhood has faced a number of economic disinvestments. The Art of Food Center reclaims cultural identity by honoring the tradition of the hearth.
Shielded from the activity of the urban landscape the center reveals the story of production. A dialogue between the activities of the farm and the dining table. The heart of the center is the kitchen that knits the existing building to the farm. A continuous axis from the greenhouse to the kitchen that ends in the dining, frames the farm honoring the food system. The community activities are adjacent to the farm production, engaging the neighborhood to the food system. The Art of Food Center dematerializes as it gives way to the farm. A community home is cultivated to reclaim a resilient food system that reflects the cultural identity of the neighborhood. Honoring traditions that help change the world.
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T R E S S A KO U K A L
MENDING THE DISCONNECT _ Cultivating Frogtown
forgotten rural earth NESTED in the soil a series of EXPANSIVE moves GROUNDED in nature STITCHING the divide and EMERGING renewed TELESCOPING out a natural BEACON CENTERED in an urban village restoring traditions of cultivation Located in the heart of St. Paul, MN, Mending the Disconnect reacts to past disinvestment in the Frogtown neighborhood. Higher poverty rates have left the community susceptible to food insecurity. Knowledge of food production is unknown to the urban consumer, hindering the food insecure of the ability to cultivate fresh, affordable food. The urban farm and community outreach center is designed to nurture and enrich encounters with food. Rooted in the mission to deepen engagement around food access, the urban demonstration farm practices a permaculture approach to farming. A blending of spaces reveals the farming process to visitors and invokes community connection to the farm;
mending the disconnect between how food is produced and how it arrives at the table. Circulation corridors are configured to create an inviting, human-scale approach, encouraging expansion towards programmatic building elements. The use of natural materials demonstrates a connection to the earth. Fostering connection to nature through interaction. Exposed timber structure is celebrated, emulating traditionally framed farm buildings. The post and beam construction allows the building to have its unique expanding motion, drawing the public in and directing visitors towards the farm. Visual connections tie the farm’s outdoor activity with the community activity indoors to produce a cohesive learning environment. 35
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“PROCREATE NOT ANNIHILATE” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL
E M P O W E R E D AT H L E T E S _ Partner Client
The organization Empowered Athletes is a program that is focused on developing athletes both on and off the field to become successful Olympic, Paralympic, and recreational athletes. Their motto is One team, One representation, Empowering one athlete at a time. Their goal is to create an equal platform for all athletes to be able to train, qualify, and compete all under the same roof across as many sports as possible.
PROJECTS
Beyond the Lines Ethereal Connection
= Site
43
JACOB LARSON
B E YO N D T H E L I N E S
_ Reaching Out of Bounds
A choreography, between nature and man. Circulating through the river. Moving away from where we began Flowing to a place with new experiences to deliver Staying warm, everyone is now a fan Don’t even shiver.
The empowered plaza is reaching beyond the lines of athletics and into everyday lives by being an example of inclusion, connection and excitement for able bodied and para athletes, while reconnecting everyone with the healing properties of nature. One driver for this project is giving everyone an equal opportunity to have the same exciting experiences. Reminiscent of the Guggenheim, I wanted everyone to move through the space the same way, no matter if you can walk or are in a wheelchair. A spiral surrounds the whole stadium, interconnecting every floor. Connecting fans with all athletes will create an equal appreciation for the abilities of both para and able bodied athletes. Adjacent to the track is where
fans can race alongside all of the athletes that pass by, creating excitement and a completely new experience for the fans. Bringing natural light into the lower level of the plaza through a porous floor and ceiling was essential to have a green wall in the lower level and also create a connection to the floor above. The ultimate goal of this project is to elevate para and able bodied athletes and share the same excitement for both Olympic and Paralympic teams. By putting both groups in the same space, I hope the same appreciation is created for everyone.
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Wood Slats Frosted Glass Column Wood Slats/ Green-wall
Circulation
Green Space
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NICHOLAS SCHURHAMMER
ETHEREAL CONNECTION
_ Engagement Through the Experience of Competition They gather along the lightrail tracks Waiting impatiently for the next train to arrive They pack in along every car Standing room only As the train rolls away from the stop Cacophony of color Discordance of sound The space grows more limited As the final stop looms near Arrival Masses eject from their vehicles Debris collects along the orbital path Anticipation builds
Ethereal Connection is my exploration into the connection and engagement, to people and place, for training and competing athletes, by developing a world class athletic facility that provides a space to train, compete, rest and live. While training and competing, especially at high levels, athletes can often feel a disconnect from fellow athletes, the fans, and the surrounding community. Ethereal Connection will bridge that disconnect through the collaboration and mixing of spaces, exposing the interior spaces to the exterior and through the provision of details that define Minnesota’s natural beauty. The Minneapolis/St. Paul area creates an ideal location to house this facility, by providing a
Cheers and chants rise in pitch and fury The doors open The drain plug is pulled and as one they enter Pulled forth like the moth to the flame They pour in Senses assaulted by this cathedral of awesomeness Confronted with the beauty The sights of spirit The sounds of sportsmanship The feel of honest competition This pagan place of worship Ethereal
central, easily accessible, infrastructural integrated site surrounded by locales, both natural and man-made, that exemplify the region. Concentrated on the arrival of users to the facility, and honoring an open, universal accessibility, Ethereal Connection provides a shared space that celebrates the experiences of athletic competition and integrates users into the surrounding area.
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“ WHEN YOU FEEL IT, MAKE IT MANIFEST ” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL
L O N G C AY E AT L I G H T H O U S E R E E F _ Partner Client
Long Caye at Lighthouse Reef has owned and managed the private island for more than 50 years. They are passionately committed to the preservation and conservation of the Caye and the atoll. Their mission is to provide an unparalleled community and recreation experience, while serving as a role model for the environmental development, sustainability, and the preservation of natural habitats. Previously, the island’s main visitors were research groups from universities across the U.S. As Long Caye grows to be an ecotourism destination, an expansion of community amenities is needed.
PROJECTS
Floating Village Sustainable Gathering In Flux
Lighthouse Reef Atoll
Long Caye
Half Moon Caye
= Site
59
R O B E RT B A C O N
F L O AT I N G V I L L A G E _ Long Caye
Nestled along the Caribbean coastline, and within a coconut palm tree forest Elevated 6 feet off the ground, exposed structure Existing palapa, becomes the new central coordinate on site Existing and new construction blends practically Gradient between indoor and outdoor through a wooden screen Wooden screen muffles strong Easterly Winds from the ocean A shed roof with clerestory windows to bring late afternoon sunlight Reception and classroom under thatched roofs Other four buildings, corrugated metal roofs with wooden structure Exposed columns wherever exterior walls do not exist Railings tie into existing and new structure
Floating Village needs to focus on creating a sense of community for the island of Long Caye. Lighthouse Reef, which surrounds the island is home to several different world renowned diving sites that bring thousands of visitors back every year. The Floating Village site parcel currently hosts the existing palapa and dive shop. Building into the existing structure became the main driving concept that led to other decisions throughout the design process. The existing palapa became the central coordinate for easy access to navigate to the different programs throughout the site. The buildings along the coastline have a distinct angle and motivate places for social interactions to take place.
Providing all guests panoramic views of Lighthouse Reef. The other two buildings that do not have a view of the water revolve around the exising dive shop, creating a great area for shopping and learning. These spaces are protected by a physical barrier from the strong winds coming off the water. Blending certain programs together was another early but important design concept. Connecting the kitchen with the dining hall and upstairs bar, even allowing outdoor seating options versus a recreational room connecting to four residential units provide guests many different options to be able to connect with one another and share a great experience at Long Caye.
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Floating Village at Long Caye will provide a place for all island guests from different tenants to come together and enjoy the beautiful and unique landscape of Long Caye by creating spaces that implement social interaction, privileging panoramic views, and spurring curiosity between programs. 14
S A FA M U STA FA
S U S TA I N A B L E G AT H E R I N G
_ Long Caye Center
Life it is a freedom. Come to my GATHERING CENTER. A sunlight, NATURE Seeing SUSTAINABILITY, clean air and LOW IMPACT construction. Enjoy using sun for POWER and rainwater COLLECTION. ZERO NET project, so come for other activities. WARM site, WIDE and OPEN. Sand and Stone. BAMBOO and HICKORY. Separate, simple and SECURE.
Tourism is the main factor that impacts the natural environment in both positive and negative aspects. My goal for the sustainable gathering center is to improve the ecotourism and sustainability to keep nature in balance through: •A design that is low impact for nature •Use of all natural resources •Expanding knowledge for ecotourism and creating learning experiences for all involved. The site is located in Long Caye Belize. It is 40 miles from Belize City. It takes 45 minutes by boat to arrive to the site. Long Caye is a private island for Blake Ross and his family. He wants to make an investment and create a community on the island for
ecotourism. Visitors arrive to the site by boat and walk on the long pier, while exploring the warm and quiet site until they arrive at the check point in the administration area. The administration office is a mix-use space for research groups and marketing. A transparent elevation (storefront) resists heavy winds and frames a nice view. Also, a private stair takes you to the residential level where an indoor kids room and private outdoor area makes the site more interesting for the family. A general store with wide isles decreases any crowding in the high visitor season. A large restaurant and bar with bamboo surrounded half walls makes an indoor gathering space.
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L A U R A ST E N E
IN FLUX
_ Responding to the Rhythms of Long Caye
traveling the world leaving mountains of rubbish and exploited ecosystems precious environments slowly spoiling resisting this practice, the ecotourist arises searching for authenticity, a place less known traveling far into the open ocean a floating building apprears on the horizon shading in tandem with the wind, embodying the island energy exposing precious rainwater as it travels for collection spying on the underwater wildlife stepping closer and closer to the water balancing tourism and nature
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Tourism tends to overwhelm fragile ecosystems and generate large amounts of waste from transient populations. Fortunately, the owners of Long Caye have rigorous guidelines that privilege land over buildings and protect the environment. More than 40 miles east of Belize City, Long Caye is located on the Lighthouse Reef Atoll. The atoll is a world renowned destination for diving, snorkeling, birding and adventure seekers. Long Caye is a lightly developed private island. Until recently, it was visited primarily for research purposes. Currently, the site includes the main pier and dive shop, distinguished with palapas. Shading is paramount in order to protect against the sun, and serves as a natural
gathering place. Seeking to integrate into the site rather than overwhelm the vegetation, the housing sits nestled in the palms. Palm forests creates a natural threshold between public and private spaces. To capture the natural elements and inspire adventure, the restaurant hovers over the water, creating a presence on the atoll. Kinetic shading systems dance in the winds, expressing the energy of the site. Decks transition lower, eliminating the divide to the ocean below; immersing people with the rhythm of the waves. Buildings integrate into the site, celebrating the energy of environmental movements. The ecosystem permits these structures to merge with the site in harmony.
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minimizing the building footprint as it meets the earth STEPPING LIGHTLY
celebrate rain water collection and solar energy harvesting CAPTURING NATURAL RESOURCES
ŅýåųĜĹč ƚŸåųŸ ƴ±ųĜŅƚŸ ĬåƴåĬŸ Ņü relief from the elements GATHERING FOR REFUGE
kinetic shade system responds to the changing winds CONTINUING THE NATURAL RHYTHMS
young coconuts
water inside the seed can sustain sprouts for weeks
coconuts can fall, bounce and roll up to 30’ from their parent tree
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“ THE DOGGED PURSUIT OF THE OBVIOUS” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL
PONCE NEIGHBORHOOD H O U S I N G S E RV I C E S _ Partner Client
Ponce Neighborhood Housing Services is a non-profit organization, which has served more than 75 low-income, medium-sized communities on the southern coast of Puerto Rico for more than 20 years. With a mission to strengthen the communities of Puerto Rico through the development of housing, social, community and financial education. They also have an affirmative vision of being the effective solution for each person or family to enjoy a dignified and secure socio-economic community environment.
PROJECTS
Farms for Generations Resilience
= Site
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ADAM BOOTH
FA R M S F O R G E N E R AT I O N S _ Reclaiming Puerto Rico’s Farm-to-Table Scene
Nestled in its own ecosystem Of intertwining mountains and nature, Lives a demonstration farm Rooted In layers of modern gardening and experimental workshops. Porous framing Once peeled back Reveals the terraced traditional system of working the land. Fitting for all generations, Old and new.
Set in the highly remote mountainside community of Adjuntas, Farms for Generations channels Puerto Rico’s need for agricultural independence. Recurring disastrous events, coupled with a lack of farming education leave the island vulnerable to food insecurity. Founded upon agro-ecological principles, the demonstration farm focuses on encouraging participants to develop agricultural skills to provide essential local food sources. With the intent of planning for now and future generations, the farm is designed for everyone from the youth to the elderly. To put the achievements of the participants on display, a food focused arrival serves as a focal point of the design. A light porous structure
housing the food production not only functions as the entry, but a key corridor helping to ease the transition from the private residence and public functions of the farm. This corridor becomes more than just a means of travel, but a place where program and demonstrations occur. To extend learning beyond the classroom, visual and physical transparency allow connections from the classroom space to the farm. Thus, making the entire farm an interactive hands on learning experience. Farms for Generations is working to supply the island with resources to provide food for themselves, now and for future generations. Ultimately, reclaiming Puerto Rico’s farm-to-table scene.
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Car Ca Carr C a arr arrr Los Lo Lo oss F Fo For oreman or rem ema e eman man man an
Roof Assembly Ribbed Steel Roof Panel 2x4 Wood Perlin 3/4” Plywood Sheathing 1/4” Beadboard
2x8 Wood Rafter H1 Hurricane Tie 2x10 Wood Frame
Planter System Growing Medium Filter Fabric 5/8” Gravel
Polished Concrete Floor 8” Two-Way Reinforced Concrete Slab
Track Lighting Suspended Wood Ceiling
Double Pane Hurricane Resistant Window System
Rain Water Collection Tank
Tile Floor Finish Vapor Barrier Extruded Polystyrene Insuation 8” Two-Way Reinforced Concrete Slab
Top Soil
Compacted Fill
Reinforced Concrete Pier Concrete Pier Footing
Undisturbed Soil
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NICHOLAS RAMSINGH
RESILIENCE
_ Sustainable Farming for Community Members
Resilience, the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. The site, located in the small mountainside community of Adjuntas, creates ample space for Nani’s Farm. Nani’s Farm and Agricultural Center will equip residents with the ability to cultivate their own food through the act of initiating the opportunity for production, upholding a sense of community, and celebrating systems. The timber framed transparent production space overhangs the topography and sets the production area on a pedestal, giving community members access to vertical growing, growing tables, and aquaponics. The classroom opens directly into the production area allowing education to transition from notes to goods at any
time. Students can take what they have learned and walk over to the production area to cultivate their own produce, allowing the community to come together and create sustainability for themselves. After produce is created, the community members can use the covered kitchen to learn what to do with the things they have created and sit as a family at the uncovered dining area surrounded by the forest to share the stories of the community. Hurricanes, earthquakes, or pandemics, Nani’s Farm and Agricultural Center will give resilience to the community members of Puerto Rico, giving them the ability to sustain themselves at any time or for any disaster.
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“NOTHING IS PRECIOUS” - ANDRE W BLAISDELL