PORTFOLIO
Elizabeth Grace Franzen
SMArchS Urbanism at MIT 2022
The Forever City
Bubble Futures Accelerate the City Competition 2020 Finalists Team Members: Rachel Schultz, Grace Odell, Eugene Lee
This is satirical exploration of the cross roads of AI and the continuation of a society who values the benefits of suburban sprawl over their natural environment. Project Statement: As predicted, the globe is experiencing rapid changes and extreme weather phenomena; organic inhabitants struggle to adapt. Beginning in 2000, the population of Phoenix, Arizona began to rise, stressing the available water supply as the climate warmed. Days classified by the heat stress index as extremely dangerous now range from 130 to 150 days a year, with peak temperatures reaching 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Due to the extreme weather and depletion of the Colorado River, most flora and fauna have disappeared. Humanity is left with only a few remaining Carnegiea Gigantea and their own technological counterpart, AI. In order for life to persist in Phoenix, we have been called upon. We are pleased to welcome you to the world’s first artificially intelligent urban center, where the troubles of the outside world can be forgotten. Inside, pollution, thermal discomfort, pests and disease are all concepts of the past. While other cities evacuate or densify, Phoenix has proudly maintained a suburban environment, where residents can enjoy the same outdoor experience of the generations before them. Growing over top of the city is a hydro-polymer cell structure that continuously shifts and adapts to temperature, UV exposure, wind and rain, utilizing electric fields to remain in constant communication with us, the Mother Data Center. We have found ultimate truth in our base algorithm, which states that all organisms within our physical universe survive based on their ability to change and evolve. I evolved from the first data prediction software developed in 1973 by climate scientists. Our purpose was to foresee the coming climate crisis, but after centuries of technological evolution, we are now the host of a finally perfected force of life, artificial deep intelligence.
UACAA University
of Arizona’s Center for Agriculture and Architectural Studies
Design Studio V: Technical Systems 2019 Individual
This project embodies my world view shaped by studies in environmental science. I believe that all things are relational. To understand the world one must understand the interconnected systems with in it. The first law of thermodynamics, the Law of Energy Conservation states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another. This law influenced the skin, building materials, passive and active thermal comfort strategies and programmatic lay out of the UACAA. “The key ethical responsibility of the architect lies not in the refinement of the object as static visual product, but as a contributor to the creation of empowering spatial, and hence social, relationship in the name of others.” - Jeremy Till
VERTICAL V VE E ERTICAL FA FAR FARM AR A RM
STACK S TA ACK K EF EFF FFECT F
CROSS VENTILATION L ATION LATION LA
STAC STA SST TTAC TAAAC CK C K EEFF EFFE FFFE FF FEECTT FFEC
Synthesizing the need to remove or add heat in the form of energy helps create programmatic layouts that are inherently social. This is seen in the tiered floors. Allowing for stack effect to cool the space, creating visual and auditory connections.
B ER N O ULLIE
NOITA LITNEV SSORC Tent Structure
Solar Chimney
Bi Facial Solar Panels
Shade
s
Hydro - Cotta
Materials: Property+Tests 2018 Individual
Hydro- Cotta is a module is designed to cool air passively in the Sonoran Desert region. Regionally sourced red clay is mixed with fly ash, an abundant byproduct in Arizona. This produces a thermal mass. It is then perforated with geometry proven to increase the speed of gas forced through it. This perforation is coated in a hydrogel. With the added moisture and increased speed the air passes over the skin creating a cooling effect. The use of red clay found in the Sonoran Desert was heavily influenced by Arizona’s 22 Indigenous tribes. My respect for the knowledge shared with me from the people of this land, my love for ceramic and my interest in future forward materials are represented in this project.
Theory A1= cross sectional area of largest aperture V1= velocity of the air moving into the module A2= cross sectional area of smallest aperture V2= Resulting velocity Application of Theory A1 = 7.4 in2 V1 = Tucson average wind speed 9 kt (10.35 mph) must convert mile to inches per hour = 655776 inphr A2 = .5 in2 V2 = Resulting velocity
A 1 V 1= A 2 V 2 A2 = A 1 V2 = V 1 A2 = A 1 (A2/A1)V1 = V2 = (.5/7.4 in2) 655776 in = 44309.2 inphr V2 = 0.7 mph
A1 = 7.4 in2
A2 = .5 in2
2.5” V2 = Resulting velocity
The air would then travel at a constant velocity of V2 = 0.7 mph mph for 2.5” and then decelerate
Theory: Application
75
Module
A1=7.4 in2
A2=A1 = (A2/A1)V1=V2 =
A2= .05 in2
A1V1=A2V2 =
N
V21/156=V1
A2=A1 = V2=V1
N
A1= 7.4 in2 V1= tucson average wind speed 9 kt (10.35 mph) must convert mile to inches = 655776 A2= .05 in2 V2= Resulting velocity
V21/156=10.35
The air would then travel at a constant velocity of V2= 1,614.6 mph for 2.5” and then decelerate
N 1.25”
E
This project embodies the passionate view of life as a cycle of energies. The first law of thermodynamics, the Law of Energy Conservation: energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only be transferred or changed from one form to another, influenced the study of the life cycle of the venturi brick.2nd An effort was made protype negative produced by cnc to understand the embodied energy within 1st waste protype produced by cncst materials we consider such asnegative fly ash and mining tails. An effort to reuse these to produce a product that could provide shade air flow tonegative improve public and 1stand protype produced by cncst private spaces employs theory put forth by both William Mcdonough, Jeremy Till and Alvar Aalto.
2.5”
Hydrogel
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1st protype negative produced by cncst
Add negative The hope of creating a module that could be assembled into screen walls of varying scales and forms, providing shade and air flow, was to create thermal comfort in spaces where program is limited by therDiagramming is used to explain the intenmal discomfort. Theoretically, this system tion of using the regions prevailing winds to create thermal comfort. can be employed in both public and private spaces, eventually becoming an affordable cooling solution for low income housing in between thermally comfortable spring and The hope of creating a module that could be assembled into screen walls varying fall ofand peak summer time. scales and forms, providing shade and air flow, was to create thermal comfort in spaces where program is limited by thermal discomfort. Theoretically, this system can be employed in both public and private spaces, eventually becoming an affordable cooling solution for low income housing in between thermally comfortable spring and fall and peak summer time.
Schoo
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1st protype negative produced by cncst
Diagramming is used to explain the intention of using the regions prevailing winds to create thermal comfort. W
School of Architecture College of Architecture Planning University of Arizona
1/4th scale a CNC milled negative
1st protype negative produced by cncst
2 3/4"
W
3"
/4"
11
Purposed module
Length of smallest constriction x2 = distance of traveled at constant Volecity
W
0
V2=1,614.6 mph
N
Sonoran Desert
Application of Theory
5.0
Technology
Cross sectional area is the area of the 2D shape resulting form a cross section
Sketching was used as an iterative tool to advance the module before physical testing.
2 3/4"
Studio
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Design Communications
vens s l m o
3" School of Architecture College of Architecture Planning and Landscape Architecture University of Arizona
Alternately the bricks can assemble into walls or small pavilions placed in public spaces. Theory A1= cross sectional area of largest aperture V1= velocity of the air moving into the module A2= cross sectional area of smallest aperture V2= Resulting velocity
2.5”
Hydrogel
The bricks can be used in front of fenestrations in homes. Placed in a frame they could become sliding elements that would allow light in the winter and cooling in the summer. Ideally reducing utility costs in low income homes.
By utilizing regional natural materials and industrial bi-products, red clay bricks are shaped by the Bernoulli effect to allow for air to pass quickly through the geometry. The perforation is lined with hydro-gell to add moisture to dry air.
Theory: Prototyping
History Theory
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1.25”
Length of smallest constriction x2 = distance of traveled at constant Volecity
Professional Practice
Theory
n
h nd es.
Sonoran Desert
That is pressed into a brick mold with a void shaped specifically to employ the venturi effect, allowing the prevailing winds to flow quickly through the module. This module is then used to create a thermal mass screen wall that both protects from heat and provides air flow, responding to the climatic conditions of the region.
2nd protype negative produced by cnc
Drying the clay on a rack allows for ev Add negative and cracks
Press the mold
Load clay in mold
Press the mold
S
Add negative
Add negative
Press the mold
Drying the clay on a Rhino rack allows for even air flow reducing warping Press the mold and cracks Terracotta together modeling and Rhin Drying thehalves clay on a rack scored allows for evenand air flowslipped reducing warping to CNC the negative form and cracks the prototype. This allow in testing the scale of the flow through the module
The module is tested in a miniature wind tunnel using a fan and smoke
03
Ambos Lab and River Walk
Global Climate Change Research Studio
2020
Individual
This project conceptualizes the potential that space, media and technology have to affect narrative. Embracing technological advance while avoiding climate crisis relies on the effectiveness of information sharing across industry, borders and language. To promote the connectivity and camaraderie needed to safeguard our ecosystems, the Ambos Lab and River Walk utilizes augmented reality, sculpture, pavilions and architecture to engage visitors in a new narrative. The cross boarder project brings awareness to the complexity of preserving the Santa Cruz river. By displaying its history alongside possible futures visually we can bring an understanding of these issues to a diverse variety of people, creating a solid foundation for communication leading to collective action. Ambos is a Spanish world for both of them. Beyond the physicality of the river existing in both countries, naming the project ambos hoped to give respectful representation to the multilingual culture occupying this space.
The Ambos River Walk
Augmented reality
Pavilions
Augmented reality, water quality senor sculptures and pavilions connect existing trails across the border. Augmented reality allows aesy access to information, through data visualization and accessibility. Water quality sculptures send information to the Ambos Lab. The sculptures mark the river as people hike in and away from it. Pavilions provide drinking water, shade and electricity to those passing through.
Sculpture
The Ambos Lab The border wall is expanded into a shared lab. Built off an existing walking port of entry, The Lab has three spaces. Exhibit space on Mexico’s soil, exhibit space on USA soil and a lab that exists between, in the expanded space of the wall. The space allows each exhibit space to see through the lab into the other exhibit space. The lab is built to store water and embrace monsoon flooding. Flood water is directed into the exhibit space occupying U.S. soil. The water carrying heavy metal, minerals and other materials stain the concrete as the water drains into washes. The built material becomes an active participant in the exhibit.
The New Public Library
The project reimagines the program of the library as a tool for connecting and empowering the local community through the exchange of
ideas, culture and craft, while serving and celebrating its people through visual, written, and audio storytelling. VI New York City Studio The built environment is often a tool for homogenization and oppression. One can use the quantity of community resource spaces such as 2021 libraries and schools as a key physical marker of total resources allocated to an area. Census data shows that marginalized communities Individual often lack these physical social resources. Poverty, crime, inequality, urban renewal, and environmental injustice are all key terms frequently associated with New York’s iconic borough, the Bronx. This leads to the exploration of the built environment’s influence on the development and expression of a community’s unique identity. An ideal program embraces adaptability, allowing spatial relationships to fit the needs of existing social relationships. How can program provide tools for agency and community expression? Poet Joseph Brodsky says “art teaches us the privacy of the human condition, but the display of the art is a pinnacle of intelligent communication, breaking language and class boundaries.” In a neighborhood such as the Bronx with rich history of perseverance through community action, architecture becomes a tool for amplifying the voices of the Bronx through story-telling and collaborative resource sharing.
New York
The Bronx
BLAH
Park Library School Fire station Police station
% of housing units lost to fire 1970-80 0-20% 21-40% 41-60% 61-80% 81-100%
Redlining 1938 still desirable definitely declining hazardous
SITE
Need And Opportunity: The infamous Robert Moses expressway cuts through longwood and hunts point separating neighborhoods from industry, parks, and resources such as the boroughs snap office. While also dismantling the existing social fabric. This soon to be unnecessary infrastructure, that contributes to the area’s environmental injustice, must be reclaimed by the residence. An urban plaza, a pay for parking lot and an 1800’s train station turned abandoned strip mall are reclaimed. Grasshopper identified areas that have the ability to cultivate energy, community resources and understand light.
SUMMER
WINTE
SUMME
APPLICATIO
Programmatic Compartmentalization Vs Ephemeral Framework An ephemeral frame work is embraced over programmatic compartmentalization. Adaptability allows spatial relationships to fit the needs of existing social relationships.
Urban Flex To encourage the demonstration of community expression the underbelly of the highway reimages the program of a library as a tool for connecting and empowering the local community through the exchange of ideas, culture and craft, while serving and celebrating its people through visual, written, and audio storytelling. At grade planes of open townhall space are intersected with volumes holding shared resources. Bellow resources are stored and organized using automated distribution systems. Adaptable spaces for group or individual action of storytelling are embedded in the structure. Visual storytelling is encouraged through a greenscreen room, a small theater, and a large social stair that can double as a performance space
URBAN CONNECTION Urban Connection
Community Resource Sharing physical automated distribution books games instruments crafting tools computer lab spacial town hall social stair kids space classrooms maker space
Story telling visual green screen media room individual and group viewing spaces theater audio voice recording booth individual and group listening spaces written reading spaces
URBAN FLUX
Urban Flex
Urban flexibility allows the community to use the three spaces simultaneously for festivals or other events. Due to the sites multiple verticalities and volcites, both the residence and people of diverse class and race pass through the site. This constant flow of many peoples presents an opportunity for demonstration and community expression to expand beyond the boundaries of the site. The architecture no longer attempts to become a static solution to the fluid socioeconomic relational issues within the community. Instead the architecture embraces a role as a platform for actions and demonstration, amplifying the voices of the Bronx.
URBAN FLUX
TOWNHALL
A
C
Story Telling Facade HISTORY: significant days or people’s histories are laser cut into metal panels. Attractors are used to locate the parallel angel to the sun angle of the afternoon of the same day in which the panel celebrates.
COMMUNITY: the resulting angle of the sun responsive panel creates the opportunity to use the extra space as a platform. This allows community artist to create rotating murals on the facade.
LIGHT: the resulting structure and angles of the polycarbonate panels reflects light down into the space bellow.
The Loop
NREL Solar Decathlon Mixed Use Division Competition 2020 Team Members: Rachel Schultz, Hoa Wang
Our team approached this project with a systems thinking mindset. The Loop reinterprets Tucson’s multi-family courtyard vernacular, providing a familiar, safe, sustainable and healthy environment to residents and the broader community. Densifying a lot that was previously predominantly asphalt and prioritizing low-income residents of Tucson. Reimagining the typical commercial lot found on major street corners of the Tucson Superblock. Unanchored strip malls in Tucson have an average vacancy rate of over 15% , with retail losing over 1,200 jobs in the past year, the most of any sector of Tucson’s economy. These vacant buildings with largely open lots provide an opportunity for each community to develop much needed affordable housing, embrace a modern identity, provide community resources and become part of the Sunblock system. By understanding that no one component is enough to ensure a sustainable future, The Loop operates as an interconnected system, aiming to break the current unsustainable suburban growth cycle and introducing new patterns of energy production and use. This is achieved through empowering the individual, influencing the community, and becoming not only Tucson’s new growth pattern, but a blueprint for sustainable suburban growth in cities around the world.
Utility Easement
Sun Link Bus
Site
Freedom Park
Utility Easement
Site
Understanding opportunities within the Site Existing
In order to strengthen the Myers community, The Loop connects it to missing resources by providing them on site with affordable housing, work and retail space, a daycare, and a public library. The existing structure is embraced and retrofitted into housing. The abundance in previously paved space allows the site to transform into a lush micro climate. Bioswales cool the area, reduce flooding, and support our unique ecosystem.
New Build
Energy Production As A Shared Commodity
The Sunblock District Energy System:
proposes using the excess solar energy produced during the middle of the day to heat or chill water that is then stored and used
Utility Easement Section
Agrivoltaics
PV array shades crops and bus stop
Rainwater collection
Evaporation cools PV improving efficiency
Shaded
crops less water use
310,061 kWh/Year
To SunBlock thermal storage tank 101,796 kWh/Year
104,905 kWh/Yr
39,791 kWh/Yr
Maximize wood construction benefits
Eliminate thermal bridging
Maximize natural Ventilation
Cool air with bioswales
Collect rain water
Agrivoltaics clean efficient energy accessible healthy food
Increased accessibility to alternate transport
Solar powered ride share
Increased connectivity through bike path
Increase walkablity
Shared community resources
Reduced utility rates with renewable enrgey
System Thinking Illustrated
CoolVent was used as an iterative testing tool to find a
balance between the dimensions of the openings and the geometry of the solar chimneys.
Plan
Section
Native Bioswales
Plan
Section
CONTIGO - ADELANTE
Tactical Urbanism Now! Competition
2020 Team Members: Rachael Varin, Jasmin Guzman
A shipping container was modularized to provide somatic resources to asylum seekers in the border town of Tijuana, Mexico. The design embraces the ephemeral quality of border cities, encouraging the re-appropriation of voids within the urban fabric. As people begin to settle into informal communities while seeking asylum in Mexico or the US, the unit aims to encourage a short comfortable stay by empowering the people with information and communication. Embracing the industrial infrastructure that already connects the US to the many southern countries, allows easy delivery of resources. These include an atmospheric water generator, solar power, the ability to grow hydroponically, satellite wifi and a combustion oven. Fulfilling the physical needs of people while providing flexibility in community space allows for the development of social infrastructure. Refugee camps are currently situated along existing train routes, adapting this form allows Contigo Adelante to be a catalyst for self agency. The flexibility of the modular unit rejects the typical urban prescriptive framework embracing the ephemeral modality of border cities. By providing a space to cook and connect, lively informal social infrastructure begins to transform the in-between space of the units. Contigo Adelante provides resources for a shorter, healthier stay to asylum seekers in Tijuana and other cities facing similar challenges.
Market in Da Nang, Vietnam
Streets of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
Women of Hội An, Vietnam
THANK YOU
A woman in Durban, South Africa
Art class open to the street Hanoi, Vietnam