Hot & Cold, Ella McQuillen | Cal Poly Architecture Thesis | Studio Clifford

HOT & COLD Trust, Transparency & Thermal Qualities in Public Space

Ella McQuillen Studio Clifford California Polytechnic SLO Bachelor of Architecture 2020-2021 Thesis

Acknowledgments Thank you to all the friends and family who supported and inspired this thesis, as well as my hometown Tucson, Arizona. And thank you to Joe Biden for winning.

Ella McQuillen E: mcquillenella@gmail.com

Education 09/2016 - Current

California Polytechnic State University, SLO Bachelor’s in Architecture

08/2019 - 05/2020

DIS Copenhagen Architecture Study Abroad Program

08/2012 - 05/2016

Catalina Foothills High School, Tucson High School Diploma

Professional Experience 09/2020 - Current

Cal Poly Environmental Design Department Instructional Student Assistant

05/2014 - 09/2020

Lizard Rock Designs Architectural Intern

04/2020 - 06/2020

Cal Poly Architectural History Department Teacher/ Learning Assistant

01/2019-06/2019

Cal Poly Architectural Engineering Department Teacher Assistant / Grader

Awards 06/2019

Best of Show Honorable Mention Cal Poly Third year student competition and showcase

2019 / 2020

ODO Scholarship Nominee Cal Poly Architecture scholarship competition

02/2019

Launchpad Participant Cal Poly Third year student competition and showcase

CONTENTS

8-23

24-35

Introduction

Initial Studies

III 36-63 Site & Analysis

64-133 134-137 138-173 Project Proposal

Moving Forward

Appendix

I Introduction

1 0 Introduction A look into previous work, ideas, and themes that have influenced and inspired this thesis. Specifically topics about transparency in the built environment, social trends of trust and community, and role of meteorology in architecture. As well as the structure and methodology used to develop this thesis.

2 2 Abstract

Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Preliminary collage testing transparency. September 2020.

Transparency Fascination with transparency, the ability to see through, has been a long standing principle in the history of architecture. From the invention of glass, to the open floor plan, both the arrangement of objects and the material properties of objects have been devised to create better visual openness. Such concepts were further outlined by Rowe and Slutzky in Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal defining transparency with two categories, literal and phenomenal. Visual opennesses is a sought after attribute in architecture and planning. Whether it is to connect people, connect interior and exterior, connect different programmatic spaces, to keep watch over something, etc. But visual openness comes hand in hand with visual exposure. Dalit Shach-Pinsly, Dafna Fisher-Gewirtzman, and Michael Burt test and define visual exposure versus openness in their research Visual Exposure and Visual Openness: An Integrated Approach and Comparative Evaluation. They found that visual openness; the ability to see what other’s are doing, is desirable and can influence a resident’s satisfaction and even the real estate value. However many people are un-easy with visual exposure, or lack of privacy. Balancing the two is key to occupant satisfaction and creating an enjoyable environment On the one hand there is the observer, and at the other end; the observed. Increased transparency might be advantageous to the observer, but threatening to the observed. With architecture’s increasing tendency to pursue transparency, design has lost the ability to mitigate between feelings of openness and respecting privacy.

Introduction

Harsh, dry, and hot climate of Sonoran Desert. December 2020.

Thermal Interventions Climate scientist Bill McKibben argues that the greatest challenge society faces today is climate change. Effects of increasing emissions and global warming, are contributing to harsher more extreme climates. Comfortable outdoor temperatures and conditions are few and far between. Meanwhile, people have become accustomed to conditioned spaces. Our reliance on indoor air conditioned and heated spaces, has made temperatures outside the realm of ideal, unoccupiable. William Brahm raises the question of our reliance on conditioned spaces, in his essay Biotechniques: Remarks on the Intensity of Conditioning. He writes “buildings have become bigger in a new and bulked-up sense; they enclose ever larger volumes,which have been engineered for ever greater comfort and productivity.” Unlike enclosed buildings, most open public space lacks thermal interventions to help mediate harsh climate conditions. Some spaces lack even simple design changes, such as added trees and greenery for shade. Others, like architect Philippe Rahm, specialize in the thermal aspects of architecture. Focusing his design around meteorology, temperature, humidity, and overall climate conditions, Rahm creates design that optimizes these conditions for users. Architectural design informed by climatology. If design interventions in public space can produce more comfortable meteorological conditions, perhaps more people will want to occupy the place. Resulting in increasing exchanges between body(ies), climate, and community.

Introduction

Trust When you see something, you have a better understanding of it, you are more trusting of it, or so the dominant ideas about trust and transparency have preached. But by foregoing any sense of enclosure or structure that might limit visual exposure, the built environment has alienated many users who are discomforted by extreme exposure. Studies done by the Pew Research Institute found that American’s trust in government and in each other are at an all time low. According to their findings “Three-quarters of Americans say that their fellow citizens’ trust in the federal government has been shrinking, and 64% believe that about peoples’ trust in each other has been shrinking.” Low trust is more present in disadvantaged communities; BIPOC, the poor, and less educated. Meanwhile countries like Norway and Sweden, have trust rates of 80% or higher. Social democracies like Norway provide many public benefits to their citizens, including the development and free access to well designed public space. Perhaps the lack of safe, inviting, public space, for everyone, is hindering the process for Americans to build trust and community. In an age of polarization and distrust, being exposed and vulnerable in public space is unappealing to most.

London in the rain. August 2019

Introduction

Piazza Novana in Rome, Italy, August 2019.

Public Space Public space, over the years has become less of an asset to civic life in the US, and more of a concern. Parks, plaza’s, streets etc., have been designed to be more and more transparent in a physical sense, while becoming less and less inviting, in order to dissuade unwanted activity and users. Sociologist Eric Klinenberg, in his research and book Palaces for the People, believes that shared public spaces are the foundation of any trusting democratic society. These places, defined in his book as “social infrastructure” have proven to be as important, if not more important than hard infrastructure, in promoting health, stability, and resilience in a community. According to the Project for Public Spaces (PPS) and Klinenberg, the qualities that define a good public space are; accessibility, variety of activities, slow circulation, areas for more intimate private gatherings, green space, and that overall it is a sociable place: one where people meet each other and connect. Shared public space has proven time and time again to be where community is built. It is where people begin to develop a sense of belonging within the local and shared identity. Such identity fosters ownership, not only of the space itself, but also of the people within those places. From local gardens, to piazas in Italy, to the National Mall in DC. Public space also serves as the backdrop for civic life, both intentional and unintentional, through cultural events, protests, casual engagement, art, etc. As PPS puts it, public spaces are the “‘front porches’ of our public institutions – libraries, field houses, schools – where we interact with each other and government.” But none of this is possible, if there are no people to begin with.

Introduction

Looking Forward If public architecture seeks to connect people and build community, it must first bring people (all people) to the place. It must meet each individual user at their own level of comfort and needs. Superficial attempts to make civic and institutional architecture more transparent to people, like the renovation of the Reichstag in Berlin, are beautiful in theory but lack in any real positive impact. Distrust in institutions, government, and each other remain, even with a glass wall. Relying on mechanical air conditioning and heating, creates user reliance and a distaste for exterior conditions. Furthermore, sealing off interior space through buildings envelopes, only removes people further from public space. Creating community and building back trust does not happen in an instant. Psychologist Brene Brown believes trust is built through vulnerability, openness, and honesty, but that the ability to do so comes with time and practice. Klinenberg writes “social cohesion develops through repeated human interaction and joint participation in shared projects,” (Palaces for the People, p. 11). If public space can reinvent itself to be more welcoming, safe, engaging, and customizable, it can play a powerful role in serving as the backdrop to reconnecting people and institutions, and re-building what has been lost; trust.

Top of Reighstag renovation in Berlin. February 2020.

Introduction

Preliminary curved origami exploration. September 2020.

Methodology The plan and approach to this thesis is categorized into different scales. Much like the contents of this book are organized, this thesis takes a look at transparency, trust, passive design, and public space, from small to large. Modeling and testing play a pivotal role in the success of this project. Repeated prototyping of the project measure interaction with site and the climate. Each version tested for it’s ability to work in a larger system in order to create a variety of spaces. Through flexibility and user modification, the sum of the units produce pockets of varying visual exposure and climate conditions. Research into historical trends in transparency, trust, and public space, influenced the form, flexibility, and size of the project. Testing and understanding of the climate and passive design strategies, inform the material choice as well as formal expression of the units. Furthermore, examination of user input, preferences, and interaction, help to determine the final product. While the design process and final result of this thesis, are optimized to work with a specific site, the hope is that this project can be adapted to perform beyond a single space. By providing a flexible enough framework to work with, this project has the potential to be implemented elsewhere, beyond the site, beyond the city, etc. in a network of public spaces.

Introduction

Final generator model. September 2020.

ABSTRACT

Trust, Transparency & Thermal Qualities in Public Space

Introduction

We live in an increasingly polarized, privatized and distrustful society. Interpersonal trust and trust in institutions are at an all time low, and public space is in decay. Divided and distressed cities with extreme climates lack good social infrastructure that supports community trust building. This thesis attempts to encourage people to re-occupy public space by meeting them at their individual comfort needs. Following the work done by Rowe and Slutzky, with phenomenal and literal transparency, this thesis explores how to use transparency effectively to mediate between public and private space. By offering varying and dynamic degrees of privacy, it can meet the exposure preferences of each person. It will allow people to occupy public space in their own time and comfort, and promote user curiosity through low fidelity visibility. Furthermore, building upon Philippe Rahm and his endeavors with architectural climate interventions, this project integrates adjustable technology, optimized to the local climate. The project allows users to modify conditions to create specific and satisfactory micro-climates within the space. Time spent in public spaces can once again be an appealing and enjoyable experience, physically and socially. The hope is to enliven public spaces, into places where diverse users can interact and form bonds with each other, and public institutions.

Initial Studies

2 6 Generator Project Study of transparency; literal, phenomenal, and composites of both. Different materials, opaque, translucent, perforated, and transparent form the literal aspect of transparency, while spatial arrangements of planes, horizontal pieces, diagonal pieces, perpendicular pieces, and twisted pieces, were used to study phenomenal transparency. A survey of twenty preliminary models were tested for variability in shadows, interplay with light, and visibility.

3 2 Data Mapping Research and data collection looking at historical trends of transparency in architecture, both spatially and through skins. Key themes, dates styles, and technological advancements contributed to transforming transparency. Coupled with comparative study of interpersonal trust, and trust in government trends in the US. Findings show an inverse relationship between increasing transparency and decreasing trust.

Initial Studies

G E N E R A T O R Transparency Phenomenal

Literal

The quality that makes it possible to see through something. Occurs through the layering and stacking of the physical material of the surfaces. A quality inherent to substance or matter, like in opaque walls, mesh screens, translucent walls, etc.

Opaque

Translucent

Perforated

Transparent

Occurs through the layering, overlapping, and superimposition of axes and gridded spatial orders, thus producing an ambiguity of spatial organizations. A conceptual transparency, a quality inherent in the spatial or volumetric organization.

Plane

Pieces

Diagonal

Vertical

Twisted

Composite

Perforated

Twisted

+ • Patterned •

shadows that change density Variable opacity based on position

• Dynamic shape • Varied sight

•

lines, mostly through the middle and opaque at ends Sculptural shadows

Mirrored helix twists with perforated material created the most variability in transparency, shape, visibility, and light and shadow.

OPAQUE

TWISTS

PLANE

PIECES

DIAGONAL

PERPENDICULAR

OPAQUE PLANE

OPAQUE PIECES

OPAQUE DIAGONAL PIECES

OPAQUE PERPENDICULAR PIECES

OPAQUE TWISTED PIECES

15:00

18:00

15:00

18:00

18:00 12:00

12:00

18:00

12:00

12:00 9:00

9:00

TRANSLUCENT

9:00

TRANSLUCENT PLANE

TRANSLUCENT PIECES 15:00

15:00

18:00

9:00

TRANSLUCENT DIAGONAL PIECES 18:00

TRANSLUCENT PERPENDICULAR PIECES

TRANSLUCENT TWISTED PIECES

15:00

18:00

12:00

15:00

18:00

12:00

18:00

12:00 12:00

9:00 9:00

PERFORATED

9:00

PERFORATED PLANE

PERFORATED PIECES

PERFORATED DIAGONAL PIECES

PERFORATED PEPRENDICULAR PIECES

PERFORATED TWISTED PIECES

15:00

18:00

15:00

18:00

18:00 12:00

12:00

9:00

TRANSPARENT

9:00

TRANSPARENT PLANE

TRANSPARENT PIECES

TRANSPARENT DIAGONAL PIECES

TRANSPARENT PERPENDICULAR PIECES

TRANSPARENT TWISTED PIECES

15:00 18:00

15:00

12:00

15:00 18:00

12:00 9:00

9:00

Initial Studies

15:00

18:00

9:00

12:00

18:00

12:00

18:00

9:00

12:00 9:00

COMPOSITE TRANSPARENCY

15:00

11:00

13:00

9:00

17:00

19:00

Shadow Palette Stretched pattern Striped Pattern Double-layered pattern Multi-layered pattern Dark Patter Stretched to solid Solid

Initial Studies

Transparency The twisting shape positions the screen material at various angles, which creates a degree of density and visibility in the pattern. This with the layering of the screen pieces, builds a wide scale of transparency.

Top

Left

Front

Right

Transparent

Opaque

Configuration

Duplicate Twists

Helix

Mirrored Twists

Helix

Directional Windows

Irregular Windows

Visibility

Consistent spacing of screen with small gaps of transparency. From side view screen is more dense and less transparent than from the center

At mid-height mostly clear sight lines as the strips turn perpendicular. View . from the sides are more opaque as the screen pieces layer on top of one another.

Comparable to the top. As the pieces rotate to face perpendicular to the viewer. from the side view, the screen becomes nearly opaque

See it in Motion

Scan to watch

Initial Studies

architectural skeleton 1 8 5 0 : Crystal Palace, entirely transparent

for separate functions.

1894:

Reliance building separates skin from structure allowing for more transparent facades

1901

1894

INTIMATE SPACE 0-1.5ft

PERSONAL SPACE 1.5-4 ft

T R U S T & T R A N S P A R E N C Y Data Mapping Physical touch relationship Complete trust Good reliable trust Little to no visual openness Little to no visual exposure

1901:

Family and close friends Personal conversations Good reliable trust Low visual openness Low visual exposure

SOCIAL SPACE 4-12 ft

1911

structure

Non-touch interaction Social Business Handshakes excepted Average and reliable tr High visual openness Medium visual exposu

1931

1 91199320161

Average and reli

N O RHigh W A Yvisual open

90%:Medium Trust in visual e government (2018) 100% 80%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

connection to landscape and paperemphasizes defining literal and phenomenal early concept for open plan transparency FACIAL

R office ECOG N I TWalter ION: 1 1 : conditioned Fagus Factory by Gropius 1 9 5 71 :9 Air spaces with 80 ft

1894 11990 12 6

1894

Little to no visual openness Low visual openness Little to no visual exposure Low visual exposure

1926

1 : FLW’s prairiepublish style plan 1 9 5 51 9: 0Rowe and Slutzky their

1911

1931

1911

1926

1901

1894

1911

1901

1911

1894

1901

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FACIAL RECOGNITION: 80 ft

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The military The military The m The militaryM E X I C O Rohe typifies Rohethis use of glass. Rohe typifies this curtain wall use of glass. eir seen commercialization. “most peopleprincipals can be trusted Police Officers 15%: Trust in 90%: Trust Public school 20%: inof and 2 0 aofTrust Police Officers Police O Police Officers M E X IinC O N O R and W Amass Y ‘symbol ‘symbol progress progress massand mass It became a ‘symbol of progress Trend away from U N Iglass T E(2018) D S T AItTbecame E S Itabecame Trend away from alPublic school principals government government (2018) government (2018) commercialization. commercialization. Public school Public principals schoolfor prin Publicinschool principals skyscrapers for 15%: Trust skyscrapers 90%: Trust in 20%: Trust in commercialization. 1972 Start of Data Religious Leaders 12%: Interpersonal 80%: Interpersonal sustainability and 31%: Interpersonal sustainability and Religious Leaders ReligiousReligious Leaders Le Religious Leaders postgovernment (2018) government (2018) government 2 (2018) 0 0119: 6Heightened security concerns 6 :Trust Invention of mirrored/tinted efficiency. Trustglass (2014) efficiency. (2014) University 1 9 6 6 : Invention 1 9 6 Trust 6 : Invention of mirrored/tinted of mirrored/tinted glass glass Professors, 1 9 6 6 : Invention of mirrored/tinted glass (2014) University Professors, Interpersonal University University Professors, Profe University Professors, 80%: Interpersonal 9/11 to allow for 12%: 08 some(2014) privacy using the 31%: Interpersonal to allow for to allow some for privacy someusing privacy theusing the to allow for some privacy using the 2 0Journ Trust Journalists Trust (2014) Journalists Journalists Trust (2014) material. material. Journalists material. with Business leaders material. Business Business leaders le Business leaders TV programs, then social Business leaders Elected Officials Elected Officials Elected Of Electedspaces Officials in 1 9 8 4like : Study 1 9 8 4finds :popularize Study thatfinds views through 1 9 8 4 : Study finds that views through 2 0 0 8 : Increase in co-working 2 2that % views H I Gthrough H TRUST media HGTV 0% 20 windows help 40 aid the healing 60 100 0% 0% 20 40 60 100Elected Officials arency windows windows help aid the help healing aid the80 process, healing process, process,80 response open-concept plan driving to economic crisis White, older, high 1 9 8 4 : Study finds that views through which % o f U S A d u l t swhich i n E aled c htoGmore r o u ptransparent w h o T r u s healthcare t Institutions % o f U S A d u l t s i n Econsumer awhich c h G rled o upreferences ptowmore h oledTtransparent rtou more s t I n transparent s t ihealthcare t u t i o n s healthcare ral 0% 20 % o education levels, design. design. design. windows help aid the healing process, 1 9 9 0 s : Use of material wealthy which led to more transparent healthcare Public trust in US transparency as a % of US Adults in 1 9 9 5 : Renewed 1 9 9 5 : Renewed interest ininterest performative in performative 1 9 9 5 : Renewed interest in performative2 0 1 8 : Over 70% of office spaces are open representation of 2000s: A government Public trust architectural in US skins plan design. architectural architectural skins andskins translucent and translucenttransparency and translucent institutional materialsmaterials as a means as of a means blurring of blurring is whatand is 2 0 0 0 s : Ascendance materials as a means of blurring what is Share of Americans who think Silicon Share of ShareVall of Am w Share of Americans who think inwhat government ofAmericans government 1958 Start of Data seen seen seen “most people can be trusted “most people “most can peopl be “most people can be trusted institutional buildings, Silicon Valley tech companies 1 9 9 5 : Renewed interest inStart performative 1958 Start of Data LOW MEDIUM HIGH like the renovation of the 2 0 1 9 : Gensler’s study of office spaces 1972 Start of Data 1972 Start of 1972 Data Sta 1972 of Data nt. and Apple a Reichstag. 2 0 0 1 : Heightened 2 0 0 1 : Heightened security concerns security concerns post postcompanies such as Google 2 0 0 1 : Heightened security concerns post skins and translucent showarchitectural trends towards a preference L O W for M Emore DIUM HIGH 9/11 9/11 9/11 futuristic, s and Apple and who theirthink Scientists materials as a means of blurring what is Share of Americans private spaces. er open, workp futuristic, super-casual, Scientists seen The military “most people can be trusted 2 0 0 8 : Increase 2 0 0 8 : in Increase co-working in co-working spaces in spaces in 2 0 0 8 : Increase in co-working spaces in 22% HIGH TRUST 2 2 % H I G2H2 %T RHUI GS TH T R U S 22% HIGH TRUST glass. open, workplaces. response response to economic to economic crisis crisis response to economic crisis White, older, high White, older, White, high older, high White, older, high The military Police Officers mass 1972 Start of Dataeducationeducation education levels, levels, 2 0 2 0 : COVID-19 calls for new education levels,regulations Trend levels, away wealthy wealthy wealthy wealthy 4 1 % M E D I U M T R U S T 4 1 % M E D I U M T R U S T 2 0 0 1 : Heightened security concerns post 2 0 1 8 : Over 2 0 1 70% 8 : Over of office 70% spaces of office are spaces open are open 2 0 1 8 : Over 70% of office spaces are open Police Officers in public space, renders open office plan Public school principals 3 5 % L O WTrend T R U Saway T from glassskyscrapers Mixed, distributed Mixed, distributed plan plan plan 9/11increases health paranoia, and un-safe, demographics demographics BIPOC, young, sustainabili Public school principals skyscrapers for low Religious Leaders efficiency. 2 0 1 9 : Gensler’s 2 0 1 9 : Gensler’s study of office studyspaces of education office spaces levels, 2 0Leaders 1 9 : Gensler’s study of office spaces isolates people in quarantine sustainability and glass Religious University Professors, show trends show towards trendsatowards preference a preference for more for more show trends towards a preference for more 2 0 0 8 : Increase in co-working spaces in efficiency. 2 2 % H I G H T R U S T low income private spaces. private spaces. private spaces. University Professors, Journalists response to economic crisis White, older, high 32 II Journalists Business leaders 2 0 2 0 : COVID-19 2 0 2 0 : COVID-19 calls for new callsregulations for new regulations 2 0 2 0 : COVID-19 calls for new regulations education levels, in public in space, public renders space, open renders office open plan office plan in public space, renders open office plan 35% LOW TRUST 35% LOW 3 5 T%RLUOSW T T 35% LOW TRUST Business leaders wealthy Elected un-safe, increases un-safe, increases health paranoia, health paranoia, and and un-safe, increases health paranoia,Officials and 2 0 1 8 : Over 70% of BIPOC, officeyoung, spaces BIPOC, young, BIPOC, low youn low are open gh BIPOC, young, low TV p isolates isolates inpeople quarantine in quarantine people in quarantine education levels, educationeducation levels, le education 0% 20 40 levels, 60 80 people 100 Electedisolates Officials plan s, low income low income low income medi low income 20

P r o x e m1i8 5c0 s:

Global Proxemics & Trust

Trust Key

01 01

199

02 02

deco style skyscrapers, modernist movement such as the Chrysler brought greater ease of flow building. Punched openings between indoor and with detailed window outdoor. More air and light treatment. with less distinguished skins and interior spaces

1940s:

California modernist movement brought greater ease of flow between indoor and outdoor. More air and light with less distinguished 1 9 5 0 s : Openness of home floor plans as skins and interior spaces

Designers flee to US due to Nazi persecution, bringing Age of individual philosophies about freedom and transparency with them. capitalism

material expression of new informality of social interaction

Age of individual freedom and capitalism

195 3.4 ft

3.3 ft

2.4 ft

15%: Trust in government (2018) 12%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

2008

2 0 0 0 s : Ascendance of Silicon Valley tech companies such as Google and Apple and their futuristic, super-casual, open, workplaces.

of Data

entists military Officers ncipals

Trend away from glass skyscrapers for sustainability and efficiency.

LOW

UNITED STATES

20%: Trust in government (2018) 31%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

MEDIUM

Progressive Environmentalism pushes architecture to more sustainable design and less glass

2008

2 0 0 0 s : Ascendance of Silicon Valley tech companies such as Google and Apple and their futuristic, super-casual, open, workplaces.

HIGH

Trend away from glass skyscrapers for sustainability and efficiency.

1 9 7 0 s : Return to use of planes, frames, and expansive pieces of glass to define space. Users wanted seamless connection with nature through transparency.

Energy crisis and rising costs of poor thermal qualities of glass, lead to innovation in industry.

1 9 9 0 s : Use of material transparency as a representation of institutional transparency in government and institutional buildings, like the renovation of the Reichstag.

mericans who think le can be trusted

art of Data

TV programs, then social media like HGTV popularize open-concept plan driving consumer preferences

199

TV programs, then social media like HGTV popularize 60 80 100 open-concept plan driving % o f U S A d u l t s i n E a c h G r o u p w h oconsumer T r u s t I npreferences stitutions 0%

eaders essors, nalists eaders fficials

Age of distrust and mass polarization MEXICO

90%: Trust in government (2018) 80%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

198

1 9 8 0 s : Postmodernism 1 9 9 0 s : Use of material

reac glas the o mod expe tran mat

reacts against universal as a transparency glass architecture. Reverseof representation the openness found in transparency institutional modernismin through government and experimentation with more institutional buildings, translucent like andthe opaque renovation of the materials. Reichstag.

TRUST

ng, low evels,

Open floor plan office 25% spaces with cubicles become the norm

1.6 ft

mass polarization

NORWAY

1966

50% 1 9 6 0 s : Modernist aspiration for fluid spaces that would allow egalitarian integration

2.3 ft

2.2 ft

1 . 2Age f t of distrust and

25%

3.1 ft

2.7 ft

Blending of work and home space blurs separation of public and private

separation of public and private

New technology in veiled transparency like fritting, and smart glazing help satisfy desire for energy efficiency and transparency. 50%

No interaction Ignoring Questionable trust High visual openness High visual exposure

Medium visual Average and reliable trust exposure High visual openness Blending of work and Medium home visual exposure space blurs

19 2010s:

PUBLIC SPACE: 12-25 ft

Age of glass Sky scrapers

ho ma inf int

100%

friends ations st ess ure

2 0 1 0 s : New technology S O C I A LinS veiled P A C E transparency C O V Ilike D-19 6 ft Distancing 4 - 1 2 f t fritting, and smartSocial glazing Mask required Non-touch interaction help satisfy desire Average for trust Social Enforced guidelines Businessenergy efficiency and transparency. High visual openness Handshakes excepted

ACE

FACIAL RECOGNITION: 80 ft

20 20

100% FACIAL RECOGNITION: 80 ft

195

1931

1926

1931

1911

1926

ms .

1 9 3 0 s : European modernist movement with the Bauhaus, preached expansive panes of glass.

1 9 2 0 s : Ornamented art 1 9 4 0 s : California

1 Popularized 9 3 0 s : European 1 9 1 0 s : modernist movement with styles in individual's the Bauhaus, preached homes such as; Prairie expansive panes of glass. School, Bungalow, Queen Anne, with more open Designers flee to US due to floor plans. Nazi persecution, bringing philosophies about First skyscrapers built. transparency with them.

in mented om art apers, s. sler ed openings ndow

41% MEDIUM TRUST Mixed, distributed demographics

Initial Studies

penings er Gropius openings and ws and ows architecture orizontal architecture horizontal

3.4 ft APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FOR APPROPRIATE DISTANCE FOR

3.4 ft 2.4 ft 2.4 ft

Strangers

1.2 ft

Acquaintance Strangers Close relationship Acquaintance

3.1 ft

23. .73 f ft t 22..27 fftt

3.1 ft 2.3 ft 12. 6. 3 f ft t

2.2 ft

Age mas Age ma

1.6 ft

1.2 ft

Close relationship

NORWAY

ish their omenal lish their nomenal

paces with norm, spaces with ransparency rnorm, natural Transparency ely for r natural ely for

3.3 ft

90%: Trust in N O R W A Y (2018) government 90%:Interpersonal Trust in 80%: government Trust (2014) (2018) 80%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

MEXICO

15%: Trust in M E X I C O (2018) government 15%:Interpersonal Trust in 12%: government Trust (2014) (2018) 12%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

UNITED STATES

20%: Trust in U N I T E D S (2018) TATES government 20%:Interpersonal Trust in 31%: government Trust (2014) (2018) 31%: Interpersonal Trust (2014)

Trends in US Trust

trust in US 0 1 Public government Public trust in US 0 1 government

2000

Silico 200 comp Silico and A comp futuri and A open, futur open Trend

1958 Start of Data

kes efficient. akes efficient. van der

LOW

1958 Start of Data

use of glass. s van andder mass use of glass. s and mass

tinted glass the /tinted glass g the

through rocess, through healthcare process, healthcare

Scientists TheScientists military Police TheOfficers military Public school principals Police Officers

LOW

MEDIUM

HIGH

MEDIUM

Leaders PublicReligious school principals University Professors, Religious Leaders UniversityJournalists Professors, Business leaders Journalists Elected Officials Business leaders 0% 20 40 60 80 Elected Officials %0% o f U S A d u20 l t s i n E a c h 40 G r o u p w h o60 T r u s t I n s t 80 itutions

HIGH

skyscr Trend sustai skysc efficie susta effici

100 100

% of US Adults in Each Group who Trust Institutions

rformative cent erformative g what is cent ng what is

ncerns post

oncerns post

of Americans who think 0 2 Share “most people can be trusted Share Americans who think 0 2 “most ofpeople can be trusted 1972 Start of Data

1972 Start of Data

22% HIGH TRUST

g spaces in

ces are open

White, older, high 2 2 % H I Glevels, H TRUST education White, older, high wealthy education levels, wealthy

e spaces nce for more ce spaces nce for more

w regulations ffice plan w regulations oia, and office plan noia, and

41% MEDIUM TRUST

Mixed, distributed 41% MEDIUM TRUST demographics Mixed, distributed demographics

35% LOW TRUST

BIPOC, young, low 3 5 % L O Wlevels, TRUST education BIPOC, young, low low income education levels, low income

1 8 5 0 : Crystal Palace, entirely transparent structure

Transparency History

INTIMATE 0-1.5ft

1894:

Reliance building separates skin from structure allowing for more transparent facades

Physical tou Complete tr Good reliabl Little to no v Little to no v

1901:

FLW’s prairie style plan emphasizes connection to landscape and early concept for open plan

1 9 1 1 : Fagus Factory by Walter Gropius uses glass as wall, not just for openings 1926:

Bauhaus building uses and promotes curtain wall of windows

1 9 3 1 : Corbusier’s 5 points of architecture emphasizes large expanses of horizontal glass 1955:

Rowe and Slutzky publish their paper defining literal and phenomenal transparency

1 9 5 7 : Air conditioned office spaces with artificial lighting becomes the norm, allowing for larger buildings. Transparency is no longer defined by need for natural lighting or ventilation, but purely for aesthetics. 1 9 5 8 : Float glass method makes production of pane glass more efficient. The Seagram Building by Mies van der Rohe typifies this curtain wall use of glass. It became a ‘symbol of progress and mass commercialization.

1 9 6 6 : Invention of mirrored/tinted glass to allow for some privacy using the material. 1984:

Study finds that views through windows help aid the healing process, which led to more transparent healthcare design.

1 9 9 5 : Renewed interest in performative architectural skins and translucent materials as a means of blurring what is seen 2001:

9/11

Heightened security concerns post

2008:

Increase in co-working spaces in response to economic crisis

2018: plan

Innovation in iron framework with glass at St. Pancras Station , London, August 2019.

Over 70% of office spaces are open

2 0 1 9 : Gensler’s study of office spaces show trends towards a preference for more private spaces. 2020:

Initial Studies

COVID-19 calls for new regulations in public space, renders open office plan un-safe, increases health paranoia, and isolates people in quarantine

III

Site & Analysis

3 8 Site Mapping The chosen site is Presidio plaza in the downtown of Tucson, Arizona. Known for its unique climate, ecology, and rich blend of Mexican and Native American heritage, Tucson is also a divided city. Racial and class division form a barrier to community and trust building. Tucson serves as a starting example for how transparency and climate interventions in public spaces can rebuild trust.

5 8 Site Analysis Comprehensive analysis of site, its climate, existing activities and users, materials, and more. Findings used to influence design and implementation

Site & Analysis

TUCSON, ARIZONA

B I O S P H E R E 2 is an American Earth system science research facility. Originally meant to demonstrate the viability of closed ecological systems to support and maintain human life in outer space.

Local ordinance that strictly limits artificial-light pollution, gives Tucson the DARKEST NIGHT SKIES of any city its size in the country.

SONORA DESERT vegetation is the most diverse of all North American deserts, and consists of species such as the saguaro, prickly pear, ocotillo cactus, etc. Animals include scorpions, tararntulas, havelina, gila monsters etc.

III

Less pollution shows the changing bright vibrant colors at the far end of the spectrum, high clouds reflect more light, and paired with mountainous foreground make for SPECTACULAR SUNSETS

Tucson is S U R R O U N D E D B Y M O U N T A I N S the Catalinas (north), Tucson (west), Santa Ritas (south) and Rincon Mountains (east).

Site & Analysis

With five surrounding and a national park, Tucson is abundant in H I K I N G T R A I L S and A C C E S S T O NATURE.

rrounding and ark, Tucson is HIKING ACCESS TO

MIRACLE MILE functioned as the northern vehicular gateway of Tucson for travelers traversing the nation. Filled with iconic buildings and glowing signs, it is listed as a historic district.

Tucson M O N S O O N storms appear in late summer, characterized by short duration, intense lightning and thunder, and often result in flash flooding.

EL TOUR DE TUCSO the largest road bicy in the United States occured annualy sin

Tucson G E M A N D M I N E R A L S H O W are gem and mineral shows that take place in late January and February

III

O N is one of ycling events s. It has nce 1983.

R A T T L E S N A K E B R I D G E serves as a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Broadway Blvd., just east of downtown Tucson. The bridge was designed by artist Simon Donovan.

Site & Analysis

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA is the first public reasearch university in Arizona. With 40,000 students in attendance, the U of A is a large portion of Tucson’s population, and attraction for visitors.

R E C O R D H E A T during the summer, with temperatures reaching 100-115 degrees. Hot enough to melt a trash can or cook an egg outside. High temps mean most residents have AC and a pool.

Deeme GASTR Tucson of E E G CHIMI tells th culinar of Mex Americ more.

Deemed a C I T Y O F G A S T R O N O M Y by Unesco, Tucson is the birht place of E E G E E S and the C H I M I C H A N G A . The city tells the story of its culinary heritage; a blend of Mexican and Native American heritage and more.

F O U R T H A V E N U E is directly northeast of and adjacent to downtown, Tucson. A historically signifcant part of the city center, it houses many local businesses and is the site for the Fourth Avenue Street Fair. The bi-annual event hosts artists from around the world, food, entertainment, bringing 600,000 people together.

III

Site & Analysis

Tucson’s A L L S O U L S P R O C E S S I O N is one of the largest in America. The event gathers hundreds of people and pulls from many different traditions of honoring the dead. 150,000 participants walk the streets of downtown Tucson at night, in costume and traditional Dia de los Muertos face paint.

Historically democratic, Tucson residents are politically active. However the city suffers from a high DISTRESSED AND DIVIDED population. Poor minorities separated far from most of their affluent fellow citizens. The city sees highly concentrated poverty, poorly funded schools, one of the worst metropolitan economies, and racial and class division.

III

B A R R I O S made up of blocks of colorful Sonoran-style adobe row houses. A visual reminder of Tucson's Spanish and Mexican past, the barrios have become a critical part of revitalizing the city's oldest neighborhoods.

Site & Analysis

DOWNTOWN TUCSON R E V I T A L I Z A T I O N began in 2010. Since then 250 businesses have opened, thousands of jobs were created, the street car was completed in 2014, and the renovation of Jacome Plaza to provide seating, food, and activities. Future plans include a Jan. 8 memorial in Presidio Park. All with the goal to re-invigorate Tucson’s city center.

TUCSON MEET YOURSELF is an anual folklife festival.Focused on presenting artists and communities that carry on living traditions rooted in a group’s definition of identity, artistry, and cultural.

D O W N T O W N T U C S O N is a mix of concrete-and-glass skyscrapers with colorful barrio dwellings and preserved historic sites. Downtown serves as the civic, judicial, and bureaucratic center for Tucson, as well as housing many different museums, restaurants, and shops.

III

S U N L I N K is Tucson’s street car system. The project was completed in 2014 and its 3.9 mile route connects users to five Tucson districts downtown. However, because most residents rely on car travel, the tram is undeutilized.

Site & Analysis

A M O U N T A I N also known as Sentinell peak is a hiking trail, park and sunset-watching destination in the Tucson Mountains on the west side of Downtown Tucson. The view from the “A” overlooks the entire city.

Demographics

wealt h

Income inequality is 0.46, below the national average. However top earners and those in top positions are primarily white.

than more Own

art

P 2%

20%

nic)

of col 2Composed . and retired Snow

group only spend year in Tucson. M for summer.

Tucson residents average every 3.5 compared to the average of 5.2 ye mobility makes i to establish a stro community.

)

His

er (

pan

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White (H

25%

of Tucson e in distress, for mic and social ose facing high pically low member of munity.

Live

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% 46.1

39%

In Distress

e (N Whit

on-H

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Tucson has a relatively high percentage of residents living in poverty. The national average is 14.7% by comparison. Demographically, those is poverty are mostly white and Hispanic. The city also has a high property crime rate.

41.48

nts

esi

r me

isp

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isp

Multiracial (Non-Hispanic) anic) n (Hisp

aci

ispa

-H Non

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ian (

26.2%

Oth

America

% As

25 1%

2.26%

2.59%

3.11 4.1

5. 10.

half o

f Tuc

son’s

White to Non-White Dissimilarity

III

1 . Income inequality is 0.46, below the

national average. However top earners and those in top positions are primarily white.

2 . Composed of college students and retired

Snowbirds. This group only spend part of the year in Tucson. Most don’t stay for summer. Tucson residents move on average every 3.5 years, compared to the national average of 5.2 years. Population mobility makes it difficult to establish a strong community.

3 . Tucson has a relatively high percentage

of residents living in poverty. The national average is 14.7% by comparison. Demographically, those in poverty are mostly white and Hispanic. The city also has a high property crime rate

4 . Nearly half of Tucson residents are in

distress, for both economic and social reasons. Those facing high stress are typically low income and members of BIPOC community

Site & Analysis

Sonoran desert at sunset, Tucson, December 2020.

III

Climate Approximately twelve inches distributed primarily in two rainy seasons. A winter one in December and January, and a summer one. Winter rains are typically gentle and steady.

350+ days of sunshine a year

DEC

M VE

EMB

JANU

ARY FE

OCTO

RCH

BER

SEPT EMBE

APRI

By 2050, Tucson is projected to feel like 105F (40C) or higher for more than a two-thirds of the year.

R M

AU ST

JULY

JUN

May - August, temperatures hit at least 100 degrees on 84 days.

Temperatures topped 105 degrees on 50 days.

Monsoon season, July through early September. Summer rains can be torrential and abrupt, dumping several inches in a few hours.Precipitation in a fewer number of events that are stronger. Harder to retain the water that way.

Site & Analysis

Site Mapping Broadway

Congress

DOWNTOWN

Broadway and Congress are most pedestrian active streets. They are populated with restaurants and commercial business to engage community members.

CIVIC BUILDINGS

Civic buildings like courts and city hall are clustered together.

Amtrack station Tucson Defender Public Works

Bus station

Post Office

Presidio Museum

Safford School

Pima County Defender

S AZ Visitor Center

Tucson Museum of Art

Rialto Theatre

Library

Children’s museum

City Hall Pima County Court IRS

Leo Rich Theatre

Federal Court

Museums and cultural centers dispersed through out.

Museum of Modern Art

Music Hall

AZ Supreme Court

Police Station

Convention Center

Service providers like Police, Fire, Post Office and tranportations towards the edge.

Fire Station

Open Space Vacant Lot

Open Space

Vacant Lot

Plaza Parking Lot

Vacant Lot

Jacome Plaza

Armory Park

School Lot

PUBLIC SPACE

Museum Lot

Park

Presidio Plaza

No Activity Semi-active Active

Plaza

Convention Center Plaza

Activity centered around Jacome Plaza and Convention Center Plaza. Presidio Plaza under utilized. Open space on outskirts get little use. Many vacant lots and abundant empty parking lots.

Park

Protest Crowds/ gathering Food truck

Market

Kids playing Events Group shopping

Outdoor dining

Group sports

Performance

Biking in groups Large group conversations

Shopping Walking in groups

Small group conversations

Small group dining

Picnic

Asking for directions

Law enforcement Construction

Eating/ drinking alone

Trash Mail

People watching

lic

p Groups lounging

Ind. Sports

ACITIVITIES

Passive Recreation Active Recreation

Biking alone

Cultural Activities Eating/Drinking Commerce

Sitting & talking Walking alone

Music

Civic Work

On the phone Sitting alone Reading Houseless

vid

iva

III

Broadway

Congress

Downtown

Broadway and Congress are the most active pedestrian streets. They are populated with restaurants and commercial business to engage community members.

Amtrack station Tucson Defender Public Works

Rialto Theatre

Post Office

Library

Presidio Museum Tucson Museum of Art

Bus station

S AZ Visitor Center

Safford School

Pima County Defender

Children’s museum

City Hall Pima County Court IRS

Leo Rich Theatre

Music Hall

AZ Supreme Court Federal Court

Museum of Modern Art

Convention Center

Site & Analysis

Police Station

53 Fire Station

Broadway

Congress

Amtrack station Tucson Defender Public Works

Rialto Theatre

Post Office

Library

Presidio Museum

Safford School

Pima County Defender

S AZ Visitor Center

Tucson Museum of Art

Bus station

Children’s museum

City Hall Pima County Court IRS

Leo Rich Theatre

Museum of Modern Art

Music Hall

AZ Supreme Court Federal Court

Police Station

Convention Center

Fire Station

Civic Buildings

Civic buildings like courts and city hall are clustered together. Museums and cultural centers are dispersed through out Downtown. Service providers like Police, Fire, Post Office, and transportation stations are towards the edge. Open Space Vacant Lot

Open Space

Vacant Lot

Plaza Parking Lot Jacome Plaza

Presidio Plaza

Park

Convention Center Plaza

Vacant Lot Armory Park

School Lot

Museum Lot

Plaza

III

Amtrack station Tucson Defender Public Works

Bus station

Post Office

Library

Presidio Museum

Safford School

Pima County Defender

S AZ Visitor Center

Tucson Museum of Art

Rialto Theatre

Children’s museum

City Hall Pima County Court IRS

Leo Rich Theatre

Museum of Modern Art

Music Hall

AZ Supreme Court Federal Court

Police Station

Convention Center

Open Space

Fire Station

pen Space

Vacant Lot

Vacant Lot Armory Park

School Lot

PUBLIC SPACE

Museum Lot

No Activity Semi-active Active

Open Space

Plaza

Vacant Lot

Open Space

Parking Lot

Armory Park

School Lot

Museum Lot

Park

Open space on outskirts get little use.

Plaza

Convention Center Plaza

Park

Presidio Plaza under utilized.

Vacant Lot

Jacome Plaza

Presidio Plaza

Activity centered around Jacome Plaza and Convention Center Plaza

Vacant Lot

Plaza

Many vacant lots and abundant empty parking lots.

Park

Crowds/ gathering

Kids playing

Protest

Public Space Group shopping

Performance

Small group dining

Crowds/ gathering

Activity Centered around Jacome Plaza and the Convention Center Plaza. Food truck Presidio PlazaMarket is under utilized. Open space on outskirts get little use. Kids playing Many vacant lots and empty parking lots populate downtown. Events Outdoor dining

Group sports

Group shopping Performance

Biking in groups

Small group dining

Shopping Large group conversations

Law enforcement Construction

Small group

Eating/ conversations drinking alone

Trash Mail

Walking in groups

Asking for directions

Law enforcement

ACITIVITIES

People watching

Construction

Trash Mail

Biking alone

Biking alone Groups lounging

ports

Shopping

Picnic

lic

Sitting & talking

Walking alone

On the phone Sitting alone

People watching Passive Recreation

Active Recreation c i

Pu Cultural Activities

Ind. Sports

Site & Analysis Music

Eating/ drinking alone

Music

Eating/Drinking Commerce Civic Work

Vacant Lot

Open Space

Vacant Lot

Plaza

Crowds/ gathering

Parking Lot

Vacant Lot

Jacome Plaza

Armory Park

School Lot

Museum Lot

Park

Presidio Plaza

Kids playing Plaza

Convention Center Plaza

Group shopping Performance

Small group dining Park

Shopping

Law enforcement Construction

Eating/ drinking alone

Trash Mail

People watching Protest

Biking alone

Sports

Walking alone

Music

ACITIVITIES

lic

Eating/Drinking Group shopping

Performance

Large group conversations

Commerce Civic Work

Biking in groups

Small group dining Shopping

Picnic

On the phone

Walking in groups

Small group conversations

Asking for directions

Law enforcement Construction

ading

Cultural Activities

Kids playing

Outdoor dining

Group sports

Passive Recreation Active Recreation

Food truck

Market Events

Crowds/ gathering

Eating/ drinking alone

Trash Mail

People watching

Biking alone

p Groups lounging

Ind. Sports Sitting & talking

Walking alone

iva

Music

On the phone Sitting alone Reading Houseless

Activites

vid

iva

Downtown Tucson is not the most active, due to transportation issues, sprawl, lack of public space, and extreme climate during a large portion of the year. However, the activity is diverse in type, size of group, and publicness. The most popular action is walking or biking through Downtown.

III

Tucson Defender

Public Works Library Jacome Plaza

Presidio Museum

Pima County Defender

S AZ Visitor Center Tucson Museum of Art

Presidio Plaza

Pima County Court Park

City Hall

Convention Center Plaza

IRS

Federal Court

Presidio Plaza

Site & Analysis

Presidio Plaza, located between City Hall, a Visitor Center, the Tucson Museum of Art Pima County Court, and adjacent to the Library and Jacome Plaza, presents potential to become a revitalized public space in Downtown Tucson. The under utilized plaza is at the center of Tucson’s civic and cultural assets, and the City of Tucson is already working to renovate the wasted space.

Presidio Plaza

Underground Parking entrance for cars

Tucson Museum of Art

Tucson Visitor Center

Commercial office building

Underground Parking entrance for people

Underground Parking entrance for people Round planters with bench seating, provide shaded spots for users.

Pima county court and bureacratic offices.

Construction and site of new Jan. 8 Memorial

World War 2 Memorial

Charles Clement fountain. Goal of the fountain was to create an allegory about relationship with precious water in the desert. Fountain has been in disrepair for many years.

III

Homeless encampment.

Pedestrian footbridge across Pennington St. Active foot traffic. Tucson City Hall

Most popular area, with individuals and small groups sitting and eating.

Exchange at the Presidio Statue

Underground Parking entrance for people

Underground Parking entrance for people Planters and bench seating, mainly used by individuals on smoke breaks

Difference in material between brick and concrete. Brick is used on main area of plaza

Site & Analysis

Main entrance to plaza. Main pedestrian route, sometimes bikers, from here to pedestrian foot bridge.

N Summer

Presidio Plaza

Spring & Fall

Winter

SW Prevailing Winds

III

Site Climate Conditions Presidio Plaza, much like the rest of Tucson, is subject to an abundance of sunshine. Plant life and surrounding taller buildings provide partial shade to users and the site. However, in hot summer months when the sun is higher in the sky, there is less potential for shade from surroundings. Primary winds come from the south west corner throughout the year, with some winds from the north west in spring. Design interventions should take into account climactic conditions by providing shade and utilizing south west winds for cooling purposes.

Site & Analysis

PRESIDIO PLAZA 2.

1. City Hall

Sitting alone

Walking alone

Houseless

Eating/ drinking alon

4. Walking alone People watching

Sitting alo Houseless

1 . Main pedestrian flow of traffic

Ind. Sports

2 . Vehicle traffic to underground parking garage.

3 . Pedestrian

elevator entrance underground parking garage.

4 . Exchange at the Presidio Statue. 5 . Popular shaded area with bench seating

and tables. Users sit, eat, and converse as individuals and small groups.

6 . Vehicle entrance to underground parking garage.

7 . Charles Clement fountain about water in the desert.

8 . Jan 8th memorial, under construction. 9 . Pedestrian footbridges. 1 0 . World War II Memorial 62

III

ED ALAM

A ST

Active Recreation S. Arizona Visitor Center

3. 6.

Cultural Activities Eating/Drinking Commerce

Construction

Small group dining

Passive Recreation

Civic Work Pedestrian Traffic Vehicle Traffic

Biking in groups

Walking alone

itting & talking

one

Walking in groups

On the phone

Biking in groups

3. Walking alone

10.

Pima County Courts

Walking alone

N Site & Analysis

Study model, January, 2021

Project Proposal

Conceptual Studies

6 6 Project development through study models,

material testing, and working drawings. Designing through plan and section in an iterative process. Testing of technology, feasibility, and interaction with site and user. First draft of project on site. Working with ideas developed in initial studies on materiality, form, and thermal interaction.

1 0 0 Pilot Project Design Initial test of thesis project. Set to be a template and starting point for how to implement design interventions to create comfortable and enjoyable public space. Plans, sections, details, models, and renders of design proposal.

Project Proposal

Models and Sketches

Random

CONCEPTUAL STUDIES

Triangular shaped, individual ribbons, bent and twisted. One piece reacts to another. No overall organization.

Organized

Controlled height and rectangular shaped ribbons. Intersecting arcs create different sized and shaped spaces.

Controlled height and plan. Enclosed and partially open circles, varying in size. Intersections of circles create overlap in screen material, changing visibility, as well as interstitial spaces.

Transparency based on size of circle, and possible program.

Fully enclosed, semi-enclosed, and open but implied space.

Expansion possibilities, seen as a growing system for new attachments to spread across site and to other sites.

Integrating thermal centers to mediate exterior temperatures.

Project Proposal

Layering Transparency Additional interior layers added to circular spaces. The smaller the space the more opaque the skin. Medium sized spaces were lined with translucent material, where visibility was obstructed but not light. The largest spaces remained with open screen material. Interstitial areas are created from a mix of screen and additional materials.

Project Proposal

Light passes through both skins. Shadows from exteriore projected onto interior skin.

Aritficial light during night creates ambient glowing.

Translucent and opaque materials let ambient light in, but obstruct sight lines.

Daytime

Nighttime The double layer of skin allows for partial visibility through, but creates a moire effect from different angle. Patterned shadow and light layer on top of each other.

No clear sight lines through. Shadows from screen are projected on inner skin. Light from within glows at night.

No visibility through. Minimal projection of shadows, but light from inside still glows much like the translucent material.

Project Proposal

Sectional Qualities Playing with level changes in terms of size of space and thermal demands. Larger space, which could be occupied by more people, requiring more thermal regulation, are sunk further into the ground to regulate temperatures. Fully enclosed, opaque, and smaller spaces remain at ground level.

Project Proposal

Sectional Study Models

Study Hybrid Section

Project Proposal

Placing model in context of site. Looking at scale in relation to other built elements as well as people and program. Light and shadow studies.

Hybrid Section

Waffled canopy with vines. Provides shade and cooling, while uniting complex under under one roof.

Medium modules fitted with additional translucent skin, allowing light through but blurring sight lines.

14’-o” 12’-o” 10’-o” 8’-o”

-2’-0” -4’-0”

INTERSTICIAL Interstricial spaces serve as thermal hubs for cooling, as well as structure for roof, and water catchment.

GARAGE Plaza sits on top of below ground garage. Parking used minimally.

Screen perforation creates moire effect and changing visibility.

Small modules lined with additional opaque material for privacy. Remain fully enclosed.

THERMAL 8 5 F Cooler, shaded air

9 0 F Warm reflective surface heat 8 0 F Below ground cool

PROGRAMMED SPACE

People, activity, stay, gather, bond.

Project Proposal

OPEN

Safety in Circles Circular geometry allows for gathering with sight lines through out. Rotating doors allow users to control degree of enclosure. Users can feel comfortable with occupying public space.

Expansion Component Components range in size and material, but each with a thin structure that supports an inner and outer skin, as well as climate modifier technology.

Module The components together form different sized circular enclosures, with variaible transparency dependent on activity. The components rotate to open and close, creating a flexible enclosure

System The modules also act as a system, that can expand across a site and beyond the site. A kit of parts is created to shape and inform public space through different enclosures.

Project Proposal

Component The project works as a system of rotating components. The components range in size and material, but each with a thin structure that supports an inner and outer skin. All of which can rotate and move to open and close. The components together form different sized circular enclosures, which also act as a system, that can expand across a site and beyond the site. Stand alone components have potential to be implemented elsewhere, across the site and city. More modules and systems can be constructed to help reactivate more public places.

Mist/radiant heat from interior structure.

2.5’ 6’

Rotating structure close and open space

15-10’

Users have access to controls on side of component to moderate climate technologies to their liking. Mix of screen transparencies promotes user curiosity by creating low fidelity image of the other side. Project Proposal

Variability Modules vary in size, use, material, and visibility to offer a range of spaces in the plaza. The smaller, the more private programs, and the more opaque the modules. The larger more public group programs are more visible. Users can pick and choose which space and type to occupy based on their own comfort levels and preferences.

Small Low visibility Opaque Individual Use Hygeine Station

Medium Some visibility Translucent Small Group Use Dining, classes, exhibitions, commerce

Project Proposal

Large High visibility Perforated Screens Large Group Use Dining, recreation, concerts, gathering, markets

In Context of Site and Climate The site is punctuated with different sized modules and openings to below. The dispersed project fits within the context, without displacing the existing monuments on the site. A rolling and undulating ground plane helps to define space and allows for built in seating and recreation space. Climate technologies create a cool oasis in the summer, and warm center in the winter. While the site has some current foot traffic, the design, program, and climate modifications will encourage more users to occupy the space and occupy it for longer.

PRE

IO D I S

A LAZ

:00 er 12 Wint

er Summ

AVE ADA RAN N. G 0

/Fa pring

ALL CITY H

00 ll 12:

12:00

IRS

100

CONGRE

SS ST.

ALA

DA ME

ZONA I R A S. ISM TOUR

8. JAN AL ORI MEM

AVE URCH N. CH

E W. P

GTO NNIN

PIMA TY COUN S T COUR

N ST TY COUN A M I P TS COUR

PIMA TY COUN S T COUR

Warm Project Proposal

Cool 87

Plan

Use evaporative cooling and radiant heating

100

Openings to water catchment basin below

Place modules in path of prevailing South West winds to utilize for evaporative cooling and build upon existing climate conditions.

Project Proposal

Thermal Interventions

Project helps to remedy extreme climate conditions so that public space remains a comfortable experience year round. Improved climate conditions attract and bring users together at plaza.

Openings allow for cool air and light exchange between above and below. Metal grate openings to water below.

Capture and sto existing parking

85F

90 F

92 F

95 F

80F

Metal grate openings to below.

ore water below in g garage.

72 F

70 F

Cool

Project Proposal

Experiential catchment basin.

Pump stored water back up for climate modifiers.

Warm

1. Cooling

Water catchment through roof canopy.

Use double skin enclosure to draw out unwanted heat.

Pump water back up for evaporative cooling through misting devices

Project Proposal

2. Heating

Radiant heating

Views to below through grates.

Projected shadows from outer skin.

Artificial light from within glows at night.

Project Proposal

Undulating topography

Exterior perforated screen

User Control Occupants have the ability to inform and shape the space. Through rotating component structures, the module’s sense of enclosure is dictated by those occupying the space. The structure which supports the climate technology, has user controls on the side, so that people may change the amount of cooling mist or heat coming from the components.

Mist/radiant heating through interior structure

Interior; screen, translucent, or opaque,

Rotating structure close and open space

2.5’

Metal grate with opening to below

6’

15-10’

User controls degree climate modification

Pumped water through structure

Project Proposal

Expanded Detail Preliminary look at how the project details function. Testing materials and how they fit together, as well as exploring how climate technologies, water catchment and processing, fit into existing parking garage structure. Determining the feasibility of project and its ability to both heat and cool space.

Project Proposal

REOCCUPY PUBLIC SPACE

100

Pilot Project

Project proposal seeks to make public space more comfortable and appealing. Guiding design principles invite users to enjoy the plaza again, and enliven the space. The first step is to get people to the place, and only then can trust building take place. Located in the civic hub of Downtown Tucson, the design serves as a pilot example, for how architectural interventions can help mediate between private and public, and between mild and harsh climate conditions, engaging with users and allowing them to shape the space to meed their needs. The intention of this project is to serve as a template for future schemes. It will expand across the site, city, and beyond, one by one reinvigorating public spaces.

Project Proposal

101

Parts The project is an undulating plaza made up of domed shell structures and shallow pools. Openings to the hollow concrete domes are lined with railings that act as misting cooling devices. Inside the shells, the sloping floor act as catchment and splash pools, as well as provide a covered space for sports, commerce, and gatherings.

102

Misting screens

Concrete shell with openings and radiant heating

Sheltered catchment/ splash pool space

Project Proposal

103

Visibility The rolling topography of the project obscures clear sight lines through the space. This coupled with the mist devices creates a low fidelity image of the plaza, and promotes user curiosity to explore the rest of it.

104

Project Proposal

105

Circulation The mounds are traversable through and over the top. This allows for multiple circulation paths depending on user’s need and preferences.

106

Project Proposal

107

Thermal Attraction Create comfortable micro-climates, through heating and cooling. Improved climate settings attract users centrally around project, much like the hearth in a home.

108

Winter

Summer

Project Proposal

109

Water Collection During winter months the sloping form of the project collects and pools rain water, to store on site for later use. In the summer, this water is used and pumped back up, creating splash pools and cool mist. And during the rainy monsoon season, the project helps to mediate flash floods.

110

Winter

Summer

Project Proposal

111

E. Section

Site Plan Winter 12:00 pm

LAZA P O I D I PRES

Spring 12:00 pm

Summer 12:00

CITY HALL

W 0 10 20

112

100 PIMA COUNTY COURTS

Hot

ME W. ALA

Cold

DA ST

JAN 8TH MEMORIAL

N. Section

N. CHURCH AVE

S. ARIZONA TOURISM

W. PENNINGTON ST

Project Proposal

PIMA COUNTY COURTS

N 113

North Section Heating

114

Hot

0 5 10 Project Proposal

Cold

50 115

East Section Cooling

116

Hot

Cold

Detail Section

0 5 10 Project Proposal

50 117

Detail

118

Hot

0 2 5 Project Proposal

Cold

20 119

Heating

+60 F

+65 F +75 F

+98.3 F

Rain catchment collection during months.

120

+80 F

and cold

Cool water pumped out for splash pools and mist.

Water pumped out to on site flat plate collector to heat water on site.

Water heater for radiant heating. IV

Hot

Cold

+65 F

Floor lighting.

Views into treatment area. Project Proposal

water

integrated

0 1

10 121

Cooling

+100 F

Adjustable mist nozzles located at torso level for easy access. Perforated steel screen with integrated misting devices. Material creates moire effect, obscuring full visibility.

+90 F +85 F

+98.3 F

+80 F

+95 F +85 F

+90 F +80 F

+95 F Water pumped up to create splash pools.

122

Hot

Cold

Adobe paver topping slab Radiant heating Insulation Structural concrete

0 1 Project Proposal

10 123

124

Project Proposal

125

126

Project Proposal

127

128

Project Proposal

129

130

Project Proposal

131

132

Project Proposal

133

134

Moving Forward

1 3 6 Final Thoughts Final summary and reflection on research, thesis, and project proposal.

Moving Forward

135

Preliminary curved origami exploration. September 2020.

136

Final Thoughts From research, testing, and design development this thesis has explored and analyzed how to make public space a place people want to occupy. While the final pilot project proposal is optimized to work with a specific site, the hope is that this project can be adapted to perform beyond a single space. Future project proposals and pilot tests should adjust elements like climate technologies, size, and materials, based on site specific conditions. But the basic tenants remain the same. User control, comfortable climate conditions, accessibility, and a variety of visibility (exposed and protected), all play a key role in encourage users to reclaim open space. Public space serves as the back bone to social infrastructure, community building, and social trust. The hope of this thesis project was to provide beginning insights into how architectural interventions can serve in supporting community growth. A proof that architecture can do more harm than good.

Moving Forward

137

Initial study model testing layering transparency, September 2020.

138

Appendices

1 4 0 Precedents Study and analysis of architectural thesis’s and built precedents. Variety of scales, methodology, and ideas that helped inform and inspire this thesis.

1 6 6 Annotated Bibliography Summary of sources used to guide and support the project. Includes data about trust, architectural history, site information, climate technology, and other’s related work.

Appendix

139

THESIS PRECEDENTS

The Negotiating Wall Mads Christiansen, AA School of Architecture, 2015. An exploration of the possibility of the existing built element of the wall as a mediating device between two conditions; the home and the studio. Imagined as a series of different types of wall modules that attach to the existing built environment of the city of Berlin. Through the series of interventions the project brings home and work together through shared space. Inherently questioning the current understanding that home life and work life should be separate. A good example of working with existing conditions, and creating a project that is replicable, rather than a singular building. This thesis also addresses the issues of negotiating between two different but related conditions.

140

“Vertical Sites for Inhabitation” Mads Christiansen, 2015

Appendix

“Stages and audiences” Mads Christiansen, 2015

141

Aqua Cooler Hsing-yin Liang, Pratt, 2018. Aqua Cooler is an unglazed ceramic wall modular, that uses evaporative cooling to modify the temperature of an exterior space. Passive in nature it’s composed of two layers of walls, a metal structure and rain collecting roof. The outer wall is used for creating shade, enabling better function of evaporative cooling. The inner wall is used for storing water to cool down temperatures, while the slanted roof design is made for collecting rain-water. Full scale mock ups, testing material, form, and arrangement were used to measure performance and influenced the final design. The brick modules work as a system, stacking on top of one another, and allowing water to flow through. Following in others footsteps of passive cooling through water and brick modules, this project aims to help mitigate increasing global temperature, and create comfortable micro-climates for users outdoors.

142

“Brick modules” Hsin-yin Liang, 2018

Appendix

“Double layered wall and slanted roof for water catchment.” Hsin-yin Liang, 2018

143

BUILT PRECEDENTS

Paper Softwall and Seating MOLO Using a honeycomb geometry to flex, expand and compress, with magnetic end panels for modular arrangement, molo’s soft collection invites users to bend space to shape places to their own needs and wants. The products engage users in the creation of their own space. The units are lightweight and easily portable, and can work together in a larger network. They represent a temporary solution with variability and potential, that can be used in a variety of indoor, possibly outdoor spaces. Combinations of partition walls and seating can work together to create living-room esque arrangements when needed, and can collapse when not needed. A simple solution to creating spatial definition in a vast place, re-introducing the human scale to it. Inventive employment of textile and paper materials to create a flexible and adaptable structure, that also provides acoustic and visual privacy.

144

“Network of partition walls used to define space.” MOLO, 2015

“Expandable benches.” MOLO, 2015

Appendix

“Partition wall with bench and table.” MOLO, 2015

145

Link Partition Wall PearsonLloyd Flexible, modular, room divider and partition. Made up of h-shaped tubular units that stack on top of each other to form a wall system. The tube shape, and stacking and rotating capabilities of the connection, allow for both perpendicular and curved walls. The easy stacking technology allow for easy use, and users involvement in forming and shaping their environment. Made from a single grade foam material, with hollow structure, each module is 100% recyclable. The lightweight material makes the modules easy to move, transport, and modify the wall. The H-form allows for a variety of different sized windows, different views through the partition, and wind, smells, some noise, to pass through. The hollow tube structure can be used for small storage containers, lights, plants, or even let water pass through.

146

Analysis

4”

Potential for water catchment and flow through tubes.

12”

H-shaped tube module

12”

Bottom and top lip for attachment

Air flow through structure.

Tubes used for storage or planting, etc.

Variability in visibility through windows.

Stacking and rotation of

Appendix

“Light and shadow withdifferent brick columns.” modules to create Brooks Scarpa, 2019 wall and formations.

147

UPenn Gateway Complex LWA Architects The elliptical shaped screen structure surrounds chiller equipment. The building form adjusts to its context; the curve of the nearby river and roads. The screen-wall is made up of a steel framework structure with attached perforated stainless steel panels, corrugated for stiffness. The lozenge shaped enclosure which pushes beyond the boundaries of the chiller, allows for vehicle service at the two ends of the structure The screen wall around the chiller speaks to the industrial nature of the plant. The perforated screen veils the equipment, and from afar during the day, it appears, solid, shiny, and space ship like. Up close users get a better view of the machine behind the screen. As users walk around the screen, visibility and density of the screen changes, creating a moire effect. At night, lights from inside and outside, transforms the building into a translucent glowing object.

148

“Translucent and glowing at night.” LWA, 2000

Appendix

“Perforated Screen.” LWA, 2000

149

U of A Environment and Natural Resources 2 Richard Bauer and GLHN Architects Designed as a slot canyon, the ENR2 building on U of A’s campus, is exemplary for innovative solutions to architecture in a harsh desert environment. The interior courtyard is defined by curved and irregular boundaries, that creates dynamic shadow and shade. Steel fins are durable and visually interesting, while also helping to shade interior spaces. Each facade condition is optimized for different sun exposure, with limited glazing on east and west sides, and extensive shading on the south. Exposed concrete also acts as a cool thermal mass, to mediate temperatures, while the east and west opening of the slot canyon allows for ventilation throughout the space, Rain in Tucson creates temporary and compelling water features as the water moves through the courtyard. The water also helps to irrigate plant beds in the courtyard, and captured in an underground filtration tank. Captured rainwater is continually used to irrigate native plant species dispersed through the site. Material choice, formal arrangements, and integrated passive design, all work together to make it the most sustainable building on campus.

150

“Steel fins as shading” GLHN, 2015

Appendix

“Plant beds through out.” GLHN, 2015

151

Cathedral of Christ the Light SOM Situated in Oakland, CA the Cathedral of Christ the light is exemplary work for its enclosure and structure system. The layered wooden and glass skin, creates an glowing interior full of light. The ambient interior provides a sanctuary for respite from the world. Through indirect daylight and modest materials-wood, glass, and concrete, the Cathedral is always naturally lit. The skin creates a beautiful level of luminosity. The concrete base grounds the light enclosure both visually and structurally. This precedent serves as inspiration for possible enclosure and structural system. As is present in the church, an enclosure that includes structure as well as different levels of transparent skins, could work together to create a peaceful environment. Coupled with a heavy thermal mass bass, like the concrete, the system could work not only to define space but cool it as well.

152

“Church Interior.” SOM, 2008

Appendix

“Sketch of Enclosure system.” January, 2021

153

Jade Echo Park Philippe Rahm Landscape and architectural design project located in Taichuung. The project seeks to create exterior spaces where the excesses of the subtropical warm and humid climate of Taichung are lessened. The architectural intervention seek to create cooler, less humid, and less polluted areas throughout the park. The placement of each intervention capitalize on existing site conditions to further amplify climate modifications. Using devices such as misters, the park offers users pockets of micro-climates, generating a variety of atmospheres where the users can choose and appropriate as they see fit. Using climate interventions as a means to attract people to a public space, served as inspiration for this thesis’s own driving design principles. Technologies like misting devices are also employed in order to moderate extreme conditions, and allow people to inform the space themselves.

154

“Climate intervention technology.” 2012

Appendix

“Speculative Render.” 2012

155

Thayer Brick House Brooks + Scarpa A suburban Chicago home with a front courtyard screened from the road by twisting columns of brick. The brick module is stacked and rotated to create a twisting shape. Each column is unique in shape, to create an exterior that varies in transparency. The screen allows light, wind to pass through it during the day, while also giving small views in from the outside. Depending on one’s location in relation to the screen, the courtyard can appear open and welcoming or closed and private. The brickwork casts intricate patterns of light and shadow into the courtyard and interior spaces. At night the screen has a soft glow from the interior house lights. As described by the architects the facade columns “create an ever-changing pattern of opening and closing as light moves across and through the facades. As the viewer passes by the home, the facade creates a moire-like pattern that appears to be constantly in motion.” The project sits on a narrow lot, surrounded by more traditional existing houses. Glassy volumes make up the project, all hidden behind the brick screen and courtyard. Brick was used in reference to the historical and traditional use of in the Midwest, but is innovative in its application. 156

Facade Analysis

“Thayer brick house facade.” Brooks and Scarpa, 2019

Range in and shifting visibility. Moire like effect, as sight lines vary depending where you view it from

Steel structrure visible where Air, wind, light, noise, smells, all twists are perpendicular pass through the facade. Users on both sides have some sense of what is happening on the other side, even if full visibiility is not there.

Each brick module, rotated and then stacked to create twisting columns.

Traditional brick column Appendix

Twisted columns

Creates intersting shape and windows between columns. Allows for light, wind, etc., to pass through. Casts dynamic shadows

“Light and shadow with brick columns.” Brooks and Scarpa, 2019

157

Cathedral of Christ the Light SOM Layered skin system with exterior glass panels, supported by a wood beam structure. The wooden beams connect to the interior curved wooden beams, with both accessory wood structure and steel cables. Cables and supporting structure connect through welded and bolted steel plates. In between the curved beams, angled wood slats make up an interior screen that deflects light. All of which attaches to a concrete and seismically designed base.

158

Appendix

159

LentSpace Interboro Partners Metal tube protrudes from a concrete sono-tube foundation. Welded rings on the tube allow the wall to sit on, rotate, and lock around the tube. A light weight steel structure, with interior wood framing, is finished with plywood exterior. The plywood is bolted into the structure. An accessory wood bench, finished with plywood is attached to the base of one side.

160

Appendix

161

Mist Encounter Serendipity Studio and KWA Architects Lightweight aluminum scaffold supports tubes of fabric. The fabric gets it shape from thin metal bars, which also support the inner mist ring. Branching off the tubes structure, water supply, a metal ring with spray nobs, and moss plant hang centrally in the tube. The ring releases mist throughout the plaza, cooling the space.

162

Appendix

163

Desintoxication Centre Ignacio Daras Modules made up of an inner square tube, with PVC pipe interior, and four smaller square metal tubes, interlock to form central structure. At the top, a rain gutter helps to collect water and send it down the PVC pipe, with chain link, and collects in an underground, but accessible tank. At the top the square canopy structure branches out, with a membrane fabric cover. The canopy also supports a plant ring with a tensile structure. The whole structure is tied into a concrete foundation with steel plate connectors.

164

Appendix

165

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Neighborhoods Now

Open City or Right to the City?

Van Alen Institute & Urban Design Forum,. Neighborhoods Now, Van Alen Institute & Urban Design Forum, 2020

Brenner, Neil. Open City or Right to the City? The International Review of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, 2013.

Easy to build, cost effective, but successful solution in transforming our street fronts into active and occupiable spaces. This project was started with the hope of helping restaurants and retailers cope with issues caused by the corona virus pandemic, and the inability to run indoor business. Solutions included; mobile barricades that doubled as storage and trash cans, kits for different activities like “play”, and simple but artistic road barriers made with plywood and paint to block off streets.

A critique of projects like the High Line in New York City, which may have envisioned their urban projects to be open, inclusive, and spaces for all, these projects have merely become another toll of exclusion and capitalist self promotion. Oftentimes these spaces have the opposite intented effect on the surrounding neighborhood, instead gentrifying the area, attracting tourists and luxury retailers and market, leading to the exclusion of many. The article suggests that in order to create a more open city we must disrupt the broader system of capitalism and elitism. The design and design process itself must become truly democratic in order to create an “open” city. Everyone should have the right to the space, and the right o design and maintain the space as they best see fit, not just the top earners/owners.

The project presents a kit of feasible small scale design solutions to a current pressing problem, and is noteworthy for its attempt to reclaim public spaces, like streets, for people. An example of impactful small scale architecture, and a blueprint for how to create a “kit of parts” thesis. Fig 1. Example Play Kit configurations. Van Alen Institute & Urban Design Forum, 2020.

166

Fig 1. The Highline as a far-sighted design intervention, Neil Brenner, 2013.

Site-Seeing: Constructing the ‘Creative Survey’

The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public

Butterworth, Carolyn and Vardy, Sam. SiteSeeing: Constructing the ‘Creative Survey’, University of Minnesota Press, 1994.

Schweik, Susan. The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public, NYU Press, 2009.

While current architectural practice trends have been moving towards participatory design; one which involves users, the site survey has remained separate from users. The normative site survey preferences the physical and fixed aspects of the site, through sections, plans, elevations, without taking into consideration, people, time, culture, etc. Instead the creative survey seeks to include user participation. Whether it be licking the Barcelona pavilion, creating a mobile memory collector, the creative survey expands upon the normative so that architect have a better grasp on the site’s economic, social, and cultural potentials that are of immediate and practical value to architects. It seeks to provoke a reaction, thereby encouraging connections to be made between the architect, the client, the users and the site.

Fig. 1 Carolyn Butterworth licking the Barcelona Pavilion. Photo: Emma Cheatle.

Appendix

In the mid nineteenth century, cities across America passed ordinances which prohibited “unsightly” people from occupying public space. In a means to beautify the city, these ordinances isolated and discriminated against the “ugly” population, making the public sphere an unwelcome place to inhabit. Definitions of unsightliness took different forms, from place to place, and repercussions also varied. These exclusionary laws are a representation of society’s uneasiness with what is different, what does not fit society’s aesthetic mold. Indeed such laws, while they do not explicitly exist today, still have tainted and continue to shape current urban and architectural design, as well as public policy and laws. This book raises questions and awareness about how society has historically treated and excluded people with disabilities, and the lasting impact of these ingrained injustices. Fig 1. Cover of “The Ugly Laws”, Susan Schweik

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The Accidental Planners

Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning

Berg, Nate. The Accidental Planners, Places Journal, 2019.

Rittel, Horst and Webber, Melvin. Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning, Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1973

What started as a means of protest through hanging an artistic banner, has now become an actual design project to re-imagine and redesign an abandoned modernist complex. Architects, urban planners,activist, educators, government officials, artists, and community members have all been a part of the design process, working together to create a plan that is as diverse as it’s authors. The project aims to provide, art studios, offices, and apartments for thousands of people. A comprehensive program that has the potential to be very successful, and a list that the German government can support. A temporary design office was set up on site to maintain open lines of communication between community members and designer. User’s have been actively involved in the design process from the beginning. This project has the potential to serve as the new standard for grass-roots participatory design. Fig 1. ZUsammenKUNFT workshop information center, September 2018.

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public

Wicked problems in their relation to the planning field. Unlike tame problems, which have a clear solution and definitive end, wicked problems are complex, never finished, and produce subjective answers. Planners and designers deal with social problems, which are wicked problems. In order to define the problem, they have to conceive of all the solutions ahead of time. There is no clear end to the design solution, you can always do better, and if you do poorly you are liable for the consequences. Highly applicable to the field of architecture, architects are constantly trying to solve a social problem/need through the built environment. These problems are very rarely clear, and solutions are endless. While a finite solution in unachievable, vague solutions that do the most good for the most people, is the viable option to satisfy users with diverse goals and opinions. Fig 1. “Design Thinking and Wicked Problems” Vidya Priya Rao.

Architecture’s Identity Crisis

The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public

Campbell-Dollaghan, Kelsey. Architecture’s Identity Crisis, Fast Company, 2016.

Schweik, Susan. The Ugly Laws: Disability in Public, NYU Press, 2009.

For much of the past half century, architecture has forgone it’s ethical impact in favor of innovative and provocative parametric design. Designers like Zaha Hadid’s office have favored an emphasis on understanding technology and sustainability, rather than answering the sticky questions of politics and society. However, the social impact and implications architecture and the built environment create, can no longer be a secondary design consideration. The author of the article raises questions as to whether an architect is loyal to society, or the client, and whether architects are just service providers or serve a greater purpose? My hope is that designers can do both, provide for the client and society, provide a service while serving a greater purpose. However, when it comes to my design pursuits, its important to strive to place the ethical impact at the forefront, and society over an individual.

Fig. 1 “An example of parametric design” 2016.

Fig 1. Cover of “The Ugly Laws”, Susan Schweik

Appendix

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Re-imagining the Civic Commons Studio Gang. Re-imagining Commons, Studio Gang, 2016.

the

We face calls for safe houses, safe communities and safe spaces Civic

Proposal and portfolio of architectural office Studio Gang in their efforts to invigorate civic space as a connected network, from libraries to police stations and transportation hubs. Design methodologies include on site work with community members to create effective design solutions for a strong network of civic assets. Creative solutions include adding public activity spaces like outdoor theaters and basketball courts to un-used space outside a police station. Therefore inviting and welcoming community members to engage with police. The project encourages full participation of community members and investment in shared public space to create stronger communities. It also includes guidelines and techniques for other designers and cities to re-imagine their own civic spaces.

Fig 1. Polis Station, Studio Gang, 2016.

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Betsky, Aaron. We face calls for safe houses, safe communities and safe spaces, Dezeen, 18 December 2015 Opinion piece on the over-preference for architecture to provide individuals the feelings of safety. Betsky argues that while there are clear concrete strategies like providing sheltering nooks, or creating spaces with a weight and solidity that makes itself apparent. However, this has allowed for fear and paranoia to fester. Projects have become so concerned with safety that “they almost smother us with their cocooning layers.” With safety comes separation. People are more and more isolated in their closed and safe bubbles, well-adjusted to conditioned spaces. Betsky urges designers to instead create open and fluid spaces, that our communal and allow for different people with different points of view, especially in public and university spaces. .

Fig 1. ‘the beach’ is an open and informal study area that slopes down through a series of ramps and terraces, Snohetta, Lorne Bridgman

What Makes a Successful Place?

Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal

Project for Public Spaces. What Makes a Successful Place?, Project for Public Spaces.

Rowe, Colin, and Robert Slutzky. Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal. Perspecta, vol. 8, 1963.

A short guideline about how to develop great public spaces created by the group Project for Public Spaces. They argue that the four qualities of a good public space are; sociability, activity, access and connections, and comfort and aesthetics. The foundation believes great public spaces are the backdrop for celebrations, social and economic exchanges, people to interact with one another, and cultural exchanges. They are also inherently the “front porches” of civic institutions; libraries, city halls, courts, police stations, transportation stations, schools, etc,. It is the place where people interact with each other and the government. The essay emphasizes the important of these spaces, stating that when these spaces work well, they can serve as the stage for public lives.

Fig. 1 “Infographic about the qualities of good public space.” Project for Public Spaces.

Appendix

In this way, Rowe defines literal transparency as the physical translucence inherent in a material or structure. There is no ambiguity as to the form or that which lies behind the plane of the transparent surface. Conversely, phenomenal transparency exists when a designer deliberately abstracts space, not through the use of overlaying transparent planes, but through the reorganization of multiple spacial grids that would normally define a plane Comparison of Bauhaus (literal) and work of le’Corbusier (phenomenal)

Fig 1. The clarient player, Pablo Picasso, 1911.

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WEEK SIX

Braham, William. Biotechniques: Remarks on the Intensity of Conditioning, Performative Architecture, 2004. This essay by Jose Luis Mateo lays out a framework for how to work through an architectural project. Mateo establishes that designers should start in a vague manner, pursuing a phantom idea. This phantom is delicate, but clear, and points the work in some direction but is less about the definition of form. The next step is to add in structure by establishing hierarchies of the different parts of the project. Finally, you give the project material form, bringing the ideas to more of a reality. Think about thickness, gravity, space, light, color, scale, and the skin of the project. Is it light, heavy, opaque, or open? These three steps are simple formats that can easily be utilized and applied moving forward with thesis projects.

The Evolution of Shared Space

Dwyer, James. The century of Biology: three views,Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science and Springer, 2008.

An “absorbent”concept building,“hairy” with solarcollector tubes and“blistered” with photovoltaic cells. Roche & Levaux’s[Un]plug Building,2002

Biotechniques: Remarks on the Intensity of Conditioning

In his essay The century of Biology: three views,

Cao, Lilly. The Evolution ofJames Shared Space: Brahm, William. Biotechniques: Remarks Dwyer explores three different predictions about the influence biology and biological Privacy vs. Openness in an Increasingly on the Intensity of Conditioning by William innovations will have on the coming years. The first, supported by Dyson finds that developments Dense Architecture, ArchDaily, 12 August Braham, Performative Architecture, 2004. in biotechnology will help to improve life. He uses the example of fields of silicon plants able 2020. to harness energy from the sun, and suggests we use the natural world as a resource to be Critique of human and design reliance shaped for our benefit as humans. The second, Article explores the challenges and on mechanical conditioning systems, to supported by Lovelock, believes that this century will be dominated not by innovation in possibilities of mediating between private and moderate building climates. Brahm argues biotechnology, but by changes in the biosphere, like climate change, ecosystem damage, public space in an urban environment. Cao that architecture has become increasingly and dwindling resources. Finally, Dwyer takes a middle route between the two. He theorizesconditioned, looks at different scales of precedents, from engineered to meet only that biotechnology and climate change will Arched structure was exhibited at the Kunsthalle disparities in the world between the optimal the apartment, to the street,amplify to the city scale. temperatures, and Düsseldorf with tighter as part of the 2009 Eat Art exhibit. Credit: Philip Ross. healthy and unhealthy, and the wealthy and Density and urban populations continue building envelopes. The line between indoor poor. Dwyer writes “I see a world with increasing manageable scarcity, and so I focus on the to increase exponentially, but and issues and outdoor climates has become thicker, need to develop norms of and institutions that will help us to share fairly the biosphere’s capacity to privacy and safety are now compounded with inherently separating the two completely. sustain life.” anxieties surrounding COVID-19. However, Instead, Brahm believes architects and the essay argues that if the pandemic has designers look to biology and nature for ideas proven anything, it is the importance of on how to enclose and condition a space, good public spaces. Cao urges planner and suggesting lighter/finer architecture, that architects to find effective solutions to create allows for exchanges between inside and out. balanced public and private spaces in the city. He also advocates for occupants to come to Planners should understand the importance terms with climate conditions, outside the of parks and streets on a city level, and more bounds of ideal, whether it be a little too importantly, they need to design them well. hot, too cold, etc. His arguments serve as inspiration on how delicate design in public space, can help but not cut off, people from the outdoors Fig 1. Superblock of Sant Antoni, Leku Studio, Image by Del Rio Bani

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Fig. 1 “An absorbant concept building, ‘hairy’ with solar collector tubes, and ‘blistered’ with photo voltaic cells.” Roche and Le Vaux’s Unplug building, 2002.

Interior gulf stream

Palaces for the People

Rahm, Phillipe. Interior gulf stream: Housing and studio for Dominique GonzalezFoerster, Phillipe Rahm, 2008.

Klinenberg, Eric. Palaces for the people: How social infrastructure can help fight inequality, polarization, and the decline of civic life. New York, NY: 2018

Project and study of thermodynamics in architecture. Two metal planes at different heights, with different temperatures. The lower plane is heated to 22°C, the upper one is cooled to 15°C. The planes create a movement of air using convection, in which rising hot air cools on contact with the upper cool sheet and, falls. It is then reheated on contact with the hot sheet, thus creating a constant thermal flow. This air flow and varied temperatures are used to arrange programmatic areas in the apartment, based on user comfort. The formal expression of the project is developed from the movement of air flow. An interesting take on how air flow and temperature influence and shape architecture, or how architecture can work with and around thermodynamics.

Fig 1. “Programmatic arrangement around gulf stream”, Phillipe Rahm, 2008.

Appendix

Novel following the research of sociologist Eric Klinenberg into the importance of social infrastructure in civic life. Social infrastructure as defined by Klinenberg are “the physical conditions that determine whether social capital develops,” whether, that is, human connection or where relationships are fostered. He presents examples that prove that social infrastructure represents the key to safety, prosperity and community development. Klinenberg also presents different design, like additional green space and inefficient circulation, as means to create welcoming public space. Insight from this book helped inform decisions made about the site and architectural conditions that would best support trust and community building.

Fig 1. Story time at the Parkchester branch of the New York Public Library in the Bronx. Damon Winter/The New York Times

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To be continued...