taylor french designer [in training]
[L]Arch work auburn university 2007 - 12
cypress creek waterway
Montgomery, AL
connecting people + water Water is a part of our everyday experience: we bathe in it, we drink it, we watch it rain. It is in this last experience that the focus of this project lies. We all see the water that falls from the sky, but once that rainfall hits the pavement, where it goes and what happens to it is as convoluted and misunderstood as the series of inlets, drains, and pipes that carry this water away from our presence. Because of this disconnect, urban waterways in most cities are suffering. Entire urban areas may be thought of as point-source generators of pollution. Yet conventional stormwater systems are designed with a focus on the quantity of water moving away from a site, rather than the quality of this water once it reaches
a tributary or body of water. The result is a decrease in the ecological activity of these natural waterways, as multiple types of pollution from stormwater systems lessen the ideal conditions for plant and animal life. Such is the case in the city of Montgomery, Alabama. Cypress Creek Waterway has been degraded because of surrounding industrial development and poor stormwater management. Its location - north of the urban core and behind a large residential development - means the perilous conditions of Cypress Creek often go unnoticed. Yet, this same area has the potential to become a major corridor between urban and residential conditions. This project aims to use landscape and architectural interventions re-connect people and water in this area Montgomery, so that they may begin to see the value in stormwater and the ecological activities it supports.
cypress nature park industrial area r
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residential developments
City Map Existing Structures City-Owned Properties Existing Rail Lines Open Creek Flow
downtown montgomery
Piped Creek Flow Stormwater Direction New Bike/Ped. Paths Filter Zone 100-yr Flood Zone
potential sources of pollutants
proposed pathways
highly vegetated areas
new / remodeled community bldgs
area for intervention
selected site for design intervention pathway + site
engagement + action Although the pathway system provides a means of access into the area, awareness of the value of stormwater and the issues the area faces requires a more engaging development. Therefore, an area was identified as a potential site for a landscape and architectural intervention, which would provide a clear connection between clean stormwater and a healthy habitat. This area serves as both a gateway into the Waterway, as well as an educational center, and an attraction in-and-of itself.
Public awareness is key to the success of remediation and redevelopment of the area. As public attention is drawn to the Cypress Creek Waterway, this area also becomes a place to house groups interested in being active participants in the development of the Waterway project. At the “Cypress Creek Community Center,” public and private interests could come together for fundraising and development of plans for the reparation, remediation and redevelopment of the Waterway. In this way the needs of the community could be addressed, as well the requirements for an ecologically “healthy” Cypress Creek.
proposed pathways rails to trails
site selection + analysis The selection of a site for the landscape and architectural intervention is crucial, as it serves as the main gateway into the Waterway, as well as home to the Cypress Creek Community Center. A series of citywide mapping analysis led to the selection of the site with the best location as a threshold between the urban fabric and former industrial area, as well as an important location relative to stormwater and Cypress Creek. The site is located at the end of North Hull Street, which runs the entire North-South direction of the urban core. With its wide girth and mature street trees, Hull Street provides an ideal point of access for pedestrian and bicycle pathways. Two abandoned rail lines intersect near the site, providing the potential for light rail or rails-to-trails programs.
topograpy + flow
Topographic analysis reveals that a large portion of the stormwater that passes through the site flows toward Cypress Creek. This provides an opportunity for a landscape intervention that could have a direct impact on the quality of the creek. The site also has a series of warehouse structures, which could provide space for different community activities.
design intervention The design intervention focuses on the intersection of built structures with constructed landscape systems, to create new social spaces for interaction with water, while revealing a process of collecting and filtering city stormwater. A series of ponds, channels, and constructed wetlands engage with existing built structures, functioning both ecologically (as wetlands habitat and stormwater treatment) and spatially (as an organizing component for programmatic elements). This stormwater cleansing system becomes an intervention connected both visually and functionally to Cypress Creek: a path allows excess cleansed water to flow from the transparency pool down to the creek, creating a connection between the outcome of the cleansing process and its value to the quality of Cypress Creek.
overflow to cypress creek
the market
Many of the existing structures on the site are retained and reused to provide areas to support community activities, including the community center and a market. The market provides a place for affordable retail space for small local vendors, with the aim of becoming a daily attraction for residents to the site. The community center is housed in the most historic structure, and a series of bridges cross over the spout area into small gallery spaces for environmentally focused art installations. A transit stop completes the alternative transportation connection, allowing for pedestrian, bicycle, and public transit to be used interchangeable in the area.
community center future greenhouse gallery / exhibition space stormwater cleansing system public-transit stop site plan
transparency pool
the market
rainwater collection
cypress community center
event space / future greenhouse
stormwater cleansing system gallery / exhibition space site plan
stormwater cleansing system The stormwater cleansing system is designed to both reveal the condition of city’s stormwater discharge, as well as showcase methods for filtering and removing pollutants from this water. Rainwater form the city’s stormwater system is diverted into the collection pond, and flows out of the spout, through the community center building, and into the filter bridges. high zone
The filter bridges use porous gabion walls to remove large debris and sediment from the water, before it enters into the constructed wetlands. The wetlands use a combination of plants and topographic elements to remove a variety of pollutants from the water, before it is distributed into the transparency pool and out into Cypress Creek.
moderate zone
low zone
filter bridges
stormwater outlet
the spout
collection pond
water system plan + section
wetlands - high rainfall
wetlands - average rainfall
wetlands - low rainfall
wetlands - low rainfall
the market At the intersection of landscape and architecture lies the market. This area is the nexus of activity and engagement with water. Market buildings are design to be very simple structures to allow for affordable low-rent spaces. This provides a place for community members to sell their goods and creates an attraction for users passing through the site. As users visit the market, they experience a new type of space – one that is neither completely indoors nor completely out. Channels bring wetlands plants and animals directly though the market, creating the potential for new experiences between people, water, and the life that it supports.
performative landscapes|livable communities water resources + low income The importance of clean sources of water is key in an arid climate such as that of Albuquerque, New Mexico. In low-income developments, landscaping is often the first area to be cut because of water requirements. This project uses a series of filtration tanks to store household grey water to feed individual gardens in front of each building. Each garden serves as a border, defining a “front porch” for residents, who usually forgo plots of land in front of their houses in favor of small backyards. By bringing people to the front, the area becomes safer with more “eyes on the street.”
Albuquerque, NM
A crushed stone pavement forms a continuous surface from the front door to the center of the site - a simple solution to expensive concrete and asphalt installation, as well as a semi-pervious surface that avoids drainage issues during periods of rain. This surface increases the amount of space that can be used for parking and driveways, in contrast to the current layout. Providing public squares and flexible parking allows for larger gatherings and gives residents a greater sense of community. Using simple materials and an adaptable design, this project creates a safer, more engaging environment for the residents of this low-income area.
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site plan
large scale plan
ideogram
Rush st. center
Chicago, IL
responding to urban conditions To facilitate the exploration of design in the urban context, and to engage the complex relationships between site and program, user and needs, public and private notions of dwelling in the city, students will undertake the comprehensive design of a mixeduse building complex on a site in the city of Chicago. The building complex will contain residential dwelling units, commercial/ retail spaces, a public performance venue, as well as program elements that may be considered as public and/or private, as an opportunity to facilitate a dialogue between the structure and the city.
This multi-use project was developed after a site-visit to gain an understanding of context in the urban realm. Noting the scale of existing buildings, landscape elements such as the small park in front of the site, as well as the interruption of the grid by angled streets, a set of design goals and criteria was established. Using these goals in conjunction with the project’s program, a mass modeling exercise revealed the ideal layout of public and private areas, as well as an arrangement of pedestrian and urban scales. From the modeling exercises, the program was developed in plan to provide the necessary spaces for each element. Key was the layout of apartments to provide for a diverse range of occupants, as well as a theater space which gives views into the neighboring park, as well as a terrace for outdoor activities.
Making and Breaking the Grid
The orthogonal grid created by the streets of Chicago is intersected by Rush Street. At the site, this intersection comes to a point, where Rush Street and State Street merge. This break in the grid created a series of regulating lines, used in the arrangement of forms in the design. The ground level forms align with the angle of Rush Street, creating a sense of close public space, while the upper level forms fall into the main Chicago grid, aligning with existing buildings along Bellevue and Oak.
The Park at Rush and State
One of the unique aspects of the site is the park located near the site. This park, which is bounded by the intersection of Rush and State Streets, is an extremely green and active area. A high canopy of trees filters sunlight, providing shade in summer and spring. Park benches and tables are filled with people conversing and eating. Bringing this atmosphere of nature and activity into the project was an important aspect of the design. Carving out green spaces in the main entrance and second level terrace, and framing views of the park in the performance hall and residential units helped achieve this goal.
Maintaining a Pedestrian Scale
Rush Street is lined with retail and commercial buildings, most less than three stories high. Many of these building open up onto the street, allowing people and goods to spill out onto the sidewalk. Maintaining this pedestrian scale was important in the project. Using a low 20’ retail/commercial base kept the project in line with the existing buildings. Designing movable glass walls in the restaurant spaces allowed areas to be opened up onto the street. Providing ample outdoor dining spaces helped retain the activity of the retail corridor.
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ground floorplan
Program Legend Commercial Restaurant Theatre Health + Fitness Circulation + Mech + Storage
second level floorplan
Unit Plan Key Two Bedroom / Two Bathroom 985 sq. ft. 16 units One Bedroom / One Bathroom 580 sq. ft. 16 units Studio 360 sq. ft. 24 units ------------------56 total units
fourth level floorplan
third level floorplan
building section a
Wall Cap Anchor to Masonry Wall
Continuous Drip Flashing Masonry Backup Wall
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
4� Indiana Limestone Veneer S.S. Dowels Adjustable Disk Anchors
Twisted Strap Anchors S.S. Dowels
Lintel Angles Continuous Drip
Metal Sash
wall section b
urban living block
Greenville, SC shop on the ground level with living quarters above. Each of the
a study in modular + modulation
Following a series of calculated moves from site analysis and contextual buildings, the “urban living block” was developed: a series of towers, or “blocks”, which step upward in plan and outward in section to accommodate changes in topography and view sheds. The arrangement allows the building to better occupy the site, while providing ample exterior circulation space for shoppers and maximizing views for residents. The Center City district of Greenville is full of artisans and craftsmen, and the Urban Living Block is designed to provide artists a work/retail
six residential units is accessed by one of three circulation towers, which also provide circulation between the public sidewalk and the private back alley and gardens. Arrangement of the living spaces allows each resident to have a private entrance. The skin is composed of corrugated perforated metal panels in front of the balcony/entry spaces. The panels are operable, adapting through time to allow in daylight and ventilation when needed. From the outside, they act as an ephemeral indication of the activities within, drawing attention to the occupants’ daily routines.
Design DesignDevelopment Development
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design development
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Duplicate contextual retail building footprint. Duplicate Duplicatecontextual contextualretail retailbuilding buildingfootprint. footprint.
3 Offset units to better occupy site and Offset units to better occupy siteprovide greater view shed. and provide greater view shed.
Divide into individual units, maintaining overall proportion of Divide 1:2. Divideinto intoindividual individualunits, units,maintaining maintaining overall overallproportion proportionofof1 1: 2: 2
4 Provide circulation using threeusing units.three Allowunits. for public and Provide circulation cores private circulation zones. Allow for Public and Private Circulation Zones
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Camperdown Way
ground floorplan
bedroom level
perspective from bedroom level
living level
Unit Legend Living
Retail
Bedroom
Circulation
Private Entry
Section Diagram
early AM
skin: daylight + ventilation over time
mid AM
mid day
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internship hecht burdeshaw 2008
1200 broadway
Columbus, GA
The 1200 Broadway building is a modernist landmark on the main street in Columbus, Georgia. Built in the late 1950s, the building has gone through several owners, and is currently vacant. During a summer internship with Hecht Burdeshaw Architects, several options for the building were explored, including residential units, retail, and office space.
The addition of a new atrium to the backside of the building allowed for maximum retail space on the first floor, while providing a formal entrance to the office/residential space and utilizing existing elevator shafts. Under the direction of principal architects, I worked on the schematic design and of this new atrium space, as well as documentation of the existing building and schematic renovation plans. This included developing plans, three-dimensional models, and presentation quality renderings.
rear atrium exterior perspective
front st. gallery
Columbus, GA
Following the partial renovation of an old warehouse in downtown Columbus, Georgia, as part of a local university’s arts complex, Hecht Burdeshaw Architects looked at the possibility of finishing this space with an art gallery for a local artist. The gallery follows the progression of the artist’s work from conception to completion, including a central space that displays some of the artist’s inspirational pieces. An addition to the back of the
building provides artists covered and uncovered spaces facing the Chattahoochee River, as well as a small cafe and studio space. Working under the guidance of principal architects, schematic design of the gallery spaces and outdoor addition were developed, which included floorplans, three-dimensional modeling, presentation quality renderings, and three-dimensional video walkthroughs of the spaces.
gallery floor plan