BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL COLLEGE Master of Architecture Thesis Final Review December 18, 2008 Graduation Date January 16, 2009
Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a woodworkers Community
Sketch Problem Model
Thesis Panel Members Mike Myers Jennie Franceschi PE CPESC James Petersen PE Dave Macolani PE Etoile Holzaepfel MLA Philip Loheed AIA
Client Representative, Wood Worker Expert Consultant, City Planner Expert Consultant, Environmental Engineer Design Critic, Structural Engineer. Design Critic, Landscape Architect.
Andreas Savvides AICP AIA Steven More Jason Bailey Shannon Alther AIA Rob Carty AIA
Design Critic Design Critic Design Critic Design Critic Design Critic
Design Critic
Timothy M. Giguere Thesis Student: Name
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Scott D. Fiorentino, AIA Thesis Advisor: Name
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David J. Silverman, AIA Thesis Committee Representative: Name
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Blurring the Edge
Pa n e l r e v i e w s
Original Program
Proposal
Interweaving with the past, a woodworker ’s community
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Biographical Notes Abstract Thesis Statement Methods of Inquiry Terms of Criticism Site Statement Program Abstract Systems Integration Technology Site Context Sketch Problem Schedule of Reviews Qualifications Program Statement Site Observations Codes Cultural Context Physical Context Interviews Precedents Issues, Goals, and P.R.’s Cost Evaluations Annotated Bibliography Proposal & Program Appendix Preliminary Design Presentation Preliminary Design Comments Schematic Presentation Integrated Building Systems Schematic Panel Comments Interim Schematic Presentation Design Development Design Development Comments Last Panel Presentation Last Review Comments Last Review Conclusions
Contents
Lincoln Street Mill, Biddeford, Maine circa 1917 Made available by the Historic Biddeford Streets Marker
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For my close friends who didn’t see me at many summer barbecues while I completed my studies… For my childhood friends Grandey and Jared that taught me the power of sketching when we were little…. But most of all this is for my wife Jessica, without her constant support, companionship, and encouragement I would not be here now. Thank you for being in my life.
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Biographical Note
I completed this master’s thesis document in January of 2009, at the age of Twenty Nine, and plan to sit at the commencement ceremony this coming May. I engaged in the Masters of Architecture Program at the Boston Architectural College in January of 2007, where I previously attended and received my Bachelors of Design Studies during the Fall of 2006. I was told I was one of the first few students to take advantage of the masters program transfer from the Bachelor program, just recently offered by the school. Four years prior, I started going the Boston Architectural College when it was called the Boston Architectural Center back in the Fall of 2002. While attending the BAC for my undergraduate degree I received several short listings for scholarships, and got awarded a few. I was also nominated and won the Krownish Award given out at the BAC during this time. I started working in the architecture field when I was 20 years old in the year 2000, right after I graduated from New Hampshire Technical Institute with my Associates in Architectural Engineering Technologies. At that time I was not sure if I wanted to become an architect or not, but worked in the field for two years before applying to the BAC in 2002. Having to pay for my education myself I liked the congruent learning style the BAC offered, allowing me to work full time to gain experience and attend school during the night. I currently live in southern New Hampshire with my wife Jessica and my dog Luka. At this point my professional goals for the coming year include submitting the rest of my paper work for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ Intern Development Program. Afterwords, I will eventually sit for all seven of the architectural registration exams, at which point after passing I will be a licensed architect in the state of New Hampshire.
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Abstract Blurring the Edge
Interweaving with the past, a woodworkers building
This thesis is about interweaving new architecture with existing historic edges to acknowledge the city identity forged from the past, without creating a static monument to the historic characteristics. The hope of this is to let new architecture define itself for what it is within the fabric, rather than designing something that’s primary goal is to look 100 years older than it is. The goal of this would be to promote growth back to the center where the identity of the city is defined, but economic density has left for the big box stores only promoting their own identity on the outskirts of the city. The project will first explore master planning exercises of the downtown industrial district boarding Main Street in Biddeford, Maine. By interweaving new and existing paths, edges, and nodes to promote pedestrian interaction and a connection to the river front along the industrial district, economic growth can once again flourish from the center of the city.
Thesis Proposal : Abstract
The second part of the project will utilize the ideals established from looking at the area as a whole, and apply them to smaller section of the site in the form of an incubator building for artisan woodworkers. This program will be housed in a new building, but weaved into the existing fabric associated within the immediate site. By interweaving the incubator program into the site it will provide an emporium like atmosphere for the community, and be a base point for redevelopment in the area.
Abstract Sketch: Puncturing the existing and weaving in new
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Thesis Statement The intention behind exploring how new architecture weaves into the existing fabric is to promote sustainable growth from the center of the city, and stop sprawl development, which is killing the density and pedestrian interaction of many smaller downtowns. Often a user is forced to enter a car to get to an adjacent strip mall development, even though walking would be shorter, because design that leads to sprawl neglects pedestrian interaction. The opposite is true of successful downtown main streets because they promote pedestrian interaction on an urban scale, as well as an automobile driven scale. Downtowns striving to create a static historic monuments of the past, rather than evaluate each situation for what it is, are promoting economic development elsewhere than their historic downtowns. Because of this social life is suffering from the spacial segregation created by having the space pretend it is old, rather than react to the urban situation it resides in. An example of this can be seen with many mill complexes that were originally erected to secure and shelter their assets from the outside, not promote an interaction with the site and pedestrians around them. The failure to adapt these old buildings is often a result from strict historic preservation policies preventing a thorough evaluation of their roles to a certain extent. 1
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It is understandable to me why we strive to preserve the historic nature of their downtown. The various
historic spaces work together to define an overall fabric, and it is what gives personality and identity to the city, where the development of sprawl usually only identifies its own image. There is a line of having new architecture look old for the sake of looking old though. This is explored more openly in the eastern part of the world, where it’s not utterly rare to see new architecture interacting with existing historic architecture, rather than mimic it. This might be due to a longer urban history with more variety and opportunity than our country’s younger roots, making the interweaving the new with the old more acceptable. below and left: early conceptual models exploring interweaving of new and existing layers
Thesis Proposal : Statement
I define my term of interweaving the new and the old by deconstructing areas of the existing and patching in new. This would be in lieu of adding new program space off to the side of the existing, as it is often done with addition projects. This leads to the following question. Can breaking down the existing edges and the interweaving of new architecture in and around these structures preserve historic character? Can it do this with out creating a static monument for a function no longer needed in the city core?
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The questions I will explore in my research will pertain to how much new can be added to the downtown I’m studying before the “past visual identity” is lost. Also, when I do cross that line, I can explore questions about successfully creating a new identity that still represents what the past identity stood for, but with a new language. This language can be translated into edges of material, spatial qualities, historic significance, and many others that can then be utilized to inform the new architecture how to correctly weave into the existing fabric. These questions do not necessarily mean I will give a whole new identity to the district, but I believe the investigation will yield information that can be selectively utilized during the master planning exercises to bring a balance of new vs. existing.
1 Dolores Hayden, A Field Guide to Sprawl. New York – London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004, 24. 2 Miloš Bobić, Between the Edges: Street-Building transition as urbanity interface, Bussum: THOTH, 2004, 23.
Methods of Inquir y The existing identity will be explored in various diagrams and models to be translated into a new language expressed in the proposed woodworker’s incubator building. The diagrams and models will explore what defines the fabrics identity in the form of repetition, scale, rhythm, transparency of the edge and spatial qualities of the existing characteristics, and their translation to various new materials. 3
Another key aspect will be the exploration of visual definition given by various materials of the edge. For example, if the existing portion is comprised of brick and I interweave wood and steel, the wood and steel define the new while the brick defines the old. The opposite approach would be if I utilize new brick that matches the existing on new portions it could still be visually defined as old, even though it is new and not original. These methods will blur the edges created by new against old maintaining identity while providing a new form too. The investigation of these topics will bring learning and understanding to rehabilitate and rejuvenate a defined space into a form dictated from a new function that promotes growth back to the center of the city. Extensive site analysis will be preformed as well in the form of overlays and diagrams to explore the paths, edges, and framed views and apertures possible in the area. The point of this will be to explore and reconnect via weaving the natural and man made pathways and edges that might have been severed from the build up of the historic mill complexes. This will be done on a master plan level to inform the micro site chosen for the woodworker’s incubator building and emporium. The end result of this will allow a desegregation created by the historic building shell between the program inside and the urban space outside. This pedestrian interaction is explained more in the sketch problem section of this proposal explaining how the entryway reacts to the urban space outside.
Some of the terms of criticism that can be applied to test the validity of my designs include the following. •
Does the proposed define the identity of the past while conforming to new functions or does it rewrite the identity to hold the same values with a new material?
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Do the existing edges display transparency to promote the programs within, without eliminating the characteristics that define the existing fabric?
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Does the proposed promote pedestrian interaction with the architecture and various programs without hindering traffic movement?
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Does the proposed allow an interaction with pedestrians and not segregate its function from the street?
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Does the project strengthen the area and connect back to the community it defines?
3 Alberto Fertenga, ed. Aldo Rossi: The Life Works of an Architect, Milan: Eldmond editeri associate, 1999.
Thesis Proposal : Methods of Inquiry
Te r m s o f C r i t i c i s m
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Site Statement My thesis site is located in Biddeford, Maine along the edge of the Saco River. The site identifies itself as a distinct industrial district directly next to the downtown, only separated by Main Street. Both districts are historic and help set the architectural identity of the city. For the first part of my thesis I would like to concentrate on redeveloping these edges to promote growth back to the center of the city. By utilizing new architecture to not create a static monument of the past, I would interweave with the old as discussed in my thesis statement. By doing this I will re-establish a strong overall identity for the city from which growth is centered around.
Locus Map of Southern Maine from GoogleMaps
For the second part I would utilize the ideals learned and apply them to a new building tied into an adaptation of an existing structure on the site. This location would be at the South Eastern corner of the industrial site, where the edges of the river, downtown, Main Street, and various residential streets collide. The City of Biddeford is also home to University of New England, which is located quite a ways from the site and more on the outskirts of a district called Biddeford Pool. Biddeford Pool houses an array of wealthy residential homes and is located at the mouth of the Saco River and Atlantic Ocean, as shown on the maps. Although there is wealth of economic resources available by the demographics in this area, it
Panoramic of Saco Island Factory
12 Photos by Tim Giguere
seams as though the opportunity to attract them to the center of town is bypassed right now due to various reasons. With the geographical location of this site, other attributes relating to my thesis ideas, and the program selected, the site will have an opportunity to collect the resources from these various surrounding districts. The proposed site is located further up the dammed river from Biddeford Pool, yet still in Biddeford, where the old Pepril corporation and other textile mills where once located. It is also the downtown district of the city that once supported an array of shops when the mills flourished, but have long since closed. A few buildings are abandoned or used as warehouses for businesses not located in the district, however there is still a variety of mom and pop shops and small ethnic restaurants that pepper the street facades. Main street runs perpendicular to the river along the planar façade of various existing mill buildings, splitting the downtown district and the industrial mill district. The master planning exercises would utilize most of the industrial district north of main street up the edge of the river. Across the river the Saco Island Mills are being redeveloped by the City of Saco, and any possible connections to their proposed site via pedestrian bridges or other means will be explored.
Views up and down Main Street
Saco River adjacent to site
The macro site I am looking at for placement of the woodworker’s building is towards the end of Main Street before the Saco River and the bridge that brings you to Saco Maine. This site would take advantage of the last existing warehouse, and potentially the small area between the building and the river. The strong façade of the warehouse against Main Street creates a distinct boundary edge that does not offer any doors for pedestrian interaction. The repetition, rhythm, and scale of this existing
Thesis Proposal : Site Statement
Panoramic of Residential edge against Main St.
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Site Context Photos Below
Site diagram showing paths, edges, landmarks, and nodes.
Site photo and boundaries from www.gis.biddefordmaine.org
Site section sketch
building can be broken down through analysis, and translated into new buildings and pedestrian ways that connect the various sites. This will be further explored in the master planing exercises. These characteristics can then be translated into new buildings. This area, as it exists now, creates a prominent edge against the shops on the other side of Main Street. It is currently a ware house for Wal-Mart, which has a large stand alone store on the southern edge of the city. The existing buildings also act as a visual barrier preventing any interaction with the river on the other side, until you are on the bridge to cross it. This site location in the district is also the junction point of where several paths, edges, and districts merge, making it a dynamic location to “blur the edge�. The site has the potential to directly affect the community in a few different ways. To become a community resource that can be shared with the inhabitants in the district and connect with other habitants of adjacent districts would be ideal. One way to accomplish this would be to connect the community back to the water front, which from visual inspection is utilized as a loading area for the adjacent warehouses next to the proposed building site.
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The site also holds the characteristics that once defined the identity of Biddeford, showcasing corporate industrial architecture of the late 1800’s. The entire downtown district is peppered with expansive mill buildings showcasing the once prosperous center, and the two to three story mavericks of Main Street. Mavericks are buildings that have a commercial downstairs with residential upstairs, often occupied by the owners that run the stores below. These mavericks fed off of the pedestrian activities associated with the
mills when they were active. The maverick buildings commercial downstairs now host curtains in most instances and do anything but welcome itself as a public store anymore. The entire downtown is in dire need of economic redevelopment to reestablish the center of the city as a node.
Existing building on site @ Main St.
One of the technical issues that has come up with the site selection has to do with the site boundaries as recorded on the tax maps and deeds, and the existing structures that are located in the site I would like to utilize. The site area as recorded by the town is 4 acres +/-, and holds several separate three to six story industrial buildings. I will focus on one building located at the South East corner of the lot. I will also propose utilizing a portion of the adjacent tax map lot that is empty for the site of the new woodworkers building.
2 Existing building on site @ back
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Thesis Proposal : Site Statement
By choosing this area I have the potential resources and population to fuel an economic redevelopment in the area. By utilizing one of the sites closest to the river I could reconnect the community to this natural resource and have my ideas become the initial project to jump start a potential redevelopment of the area. These site characteristics can be manipulated to open the strong edge to pedestrian interaction and reconnect the community to the waters edge, rather than push them away from it as it does now.
15 Diagram of Industrial District
Program Abst rac t After completing a master plan study of the entire waterfront industrial district I would utilize a woodworkers incubator building as a micro program to further explore the architectural ideas related to weaving the new into the old. Secondary support program spaces associated with the woodworkers building would a include a small cafe and book store. These support programs would draw a density to the galleries after the day has ended and the woodworkers have gone home. The spaces required for the woodworkers incubator building will comprise of 75%-80% of the overall square footage, the rest would go towards the support spaces. This woodworkers building program originates from an economic study of the area observing an influx in woodworking professionals from outside the area seeking Biddeford as a potential start up site. The idea of an incubator building would allow new professionals dealing with the woodworking trades to pool resources and compete against some of the larger corporate rivals that otherwise they would not be able to compete with. The industrial buildings originally erected by large corporations at the turn of the century would now provide a means for non-corporate entities to compete in a corporate world. By having an emporium with various other shops and restaurants to the program the community now has a destination space that reintroduces the city center as a node again, rather than the bypass with the big box stores acting as the center of the city . This program selection maintains several characteristics to be an optimum vehicle in which to test the idea of interweaving the new with the old. This would be beneficial and desirable to the community since the overall goal is to rejuvenate the center of the city. Since the program is a destination that people set out to explore, it would bring the density required to support economic growth in the area in form of other non-destination retail, such as mom and pop shops. With the gallery and support spaces, such as the cafe, being a public program it directly provides spaces back for the community to use. Also, with the public program the deconstruction of the existing edges would be a necessity to allow a variety of street interaction with different types of circulation. This would back up the idea of deconstructing the existing edges as necessary for financial success in these building, rather than tearing the existing historic fabric for the sake of theoretical exploration only. The gallery and restaurant would provide the public destination needed from the program, while giving back culturally to the city. The edges created from the various public and private spaces could be explored in their relationships to the edges found on the site. The result of blurring the edges will reconnect the mill buildings back to the scale of the downtown district, allowing pedestrian interaction and providing a platform for economic growth back to the center of the city. The interaction created would also help promote the economic prosperity of the area rather than build up strong edges to contain and isolate as required if the program were to be private. The transparency of the edge will have to be balanced carefully with not only the public / private spaces, but also on how transparency defines the edge. Lastly, if the program is to start a redevelopment process of a defunct downtown the program should also be dictated by the demographics and utilize any base that the area might already be providing for. The main user of the program, besides the public, would be the individual woodworking artisans themselves, providing an opportunity to share resources not only for themselves, but also with the community as well. Along with the work space from which they would pool resources, a gallery space would be required to showcase the works. The gallery could also morph into a restaurant project along the river or some other anchor that could welcome the community in. The woodworking user could be a
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furniture maker, wood turner, sculptor, or any other user that could utilize the resources of the building. The
University of New England could perhaps attain space in there as well and provide additional art classes related to the trades in the complex. I will utilize my clients general knowledge of the topic to provide spaces that are versatile for a variety of artisans, and these spaces will be able to be fitted out with equipment as necessary to fit those needs. The gallery spaces and support spaces will be more static and have more definitive details applied to the interiors of them because they are also the public spaces.
These percentage numbers are approximate and may change as further interaction with the client dictates them too. They are generated from an estimated 60,000 square feet of space for the building, with 24,000 SF for work spaces. Program spaces and their general percentage of area are as follows: ■■ Shared Gallery Floor Space
10%
■■ Work spaces (industrial condos)
40%
■■ Personal and shared equipment spaces
10%
■■ Material Storage
10%
■■ Loading
3%
■■ Trash / Recycling Area
3%
■■ Education / workshop area
4%
■■ Incubator spaces and offices as follows
2% (combined)
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IT services / web development
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Security Room
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Reception
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Book keeping / accounting
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Conference Room
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Break Room
(secondary spaces) ■■ Small Café / Restaurant (including Kitchen, Storage, Dining, Office, POS, Beer Storage) ■■ Small Book Store (including Receiving, Storage, Display, POS) ■■ Exterior market fair space for community events and various outdoor functions Gallery Work Space Shared Equipment Material Loading Trash Education Incubator Spaces Circulation Café Book Store
Thesis Proposal : Program Abstract
Area Percentage
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Systems Integration One of the opportunities I see with building system integration is with the structure of the building and the program that fills the space inbetween. As Libeskind demonstrates in various portions of the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the structure can be separated from the space, without leaving the space. The beams penetrating the wall are not part of the wall, yet they still help define the space below, as depicted in the photograph and sketch to the right. The idea can inspire a similar approach with the woodworkers and other artisan buildings on my site. By utilizing the wooden structural beams and columns I can define space as well as hold the building up. If the wooden columns and beams were then artistically carved to express the wood working craft, they would accomplish three things. They would define the space, hold the building up, but they would also now become part of the program, becoming an art exhibit in themselves. These ideas of interweaving the systems with the program are explored further in the sketch problem section of this proposal, where I utilize this as an opportunity to bleed the program, and space outside of the defining exterior wall.
Thesis Proposal : Systems Integration
Other constraints that will have to be addressed relating to the building systems will have to do with the spaces themselves. In particular the gallery spaces required for the building and the volumetric spaces they will most likely form to. Although I believe with the help of my expert consultants I can adequately address any issues arising to the mechanical and structural components involved in this space, it is still worth noting. With the help of my environmental control consultant I can use the large space for creating a natural ventilation draft, or in any other way he suggests. The goal would be I could utilize the layout and form of the building for sustainable effects, rather than just trying to condition the space mechanically. The details of these thoughts will be addressed and explored further in the design stage. By interweaving various components of building systems, program elements, and sustainable technologies, as described above, I will create a stronger connection back to the site. The structural and mechanical technologies utilized this project will act as the stitching to weave the new and old together. Below are some abstract sketches exploring my thoughts of interweaving new and existing structures, facades, and materials to blur the hard edge created.
18 Diagrams exploring the interviewing of material, space, and structure
Photo of Jewish Musem by “VINBAR� found @ www.flickr.com/photosvinbar/2079920381
Te c h n o l o g y Technologies pertaining to energy efficient design will be utilized as much as possible to create responsible architecture as well as awe inspiring spaces. Studies of day lighting, orientation, and solar gain will be utilized as well as naturally aided ventilation, as discussed in the building systems integration section above. Further consultation with the environmental systems engineer on my panel could yield to hydro energy producing turbines utilizing the same water way tunnels under the site that powered the textile mills for electrical production. Other technological avenues to explore relate to utilizing the existing clock towers or new vertical massing elements for evaporative cooling towers. The process of evaporative cooling utilizes the natural chemical reaction of evaporating a liquid to cool a space. As my designs are explored and developed I am sure I will come across various other issues and areas of concern brought up by various panel members or discovered in the process. As I develop the design though I am confident I can utilize the advice from experts in my panel to overcome such technicalities.
Site Contex t The most obvious way my project will reflect its origins is by reflecting on the material properties, scale, repetition, and re-utilizing the existing structure in the district. The openings created by deconstructing the existing factory boxes will open up for pedestrian interaction, and be informed by the site analysis and master planing exercises, that will reflect automobile circulation as well. These findings will be translated into new architecture that will maintain its own identity while complimenting the historic. The idea in the end is to maintain the historic identity of places, set by our grandfathers, fathers, without having them dictate new architecture. In return the new architecture should not set out to become a monument that overshadows the historic characteristics in the existing. The key will be to determine the line that maintains the cultural link to our past and successfully apply it to new ideas.
T h e s i s P r o p o s a l : Te c h n o l o g y
With the expertise and advice of my review panel the hope is to attain a new level of architecture that I can continue to follow throughout my practice. My goal is to experiment and learn how architecture can become more than a dynamic space, but also maintain a sustainable attitude and revitalize the community it resides in.
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Sketch Problem
Conceptual Entrance of Building
The preconceived problem presented to me during the twelve hour sketch problem was to design an entry to my thesis building. The idea behind this was to have the entry state something towards the ideals set forth by the thesis statement, the site selection, and the program within. I started to frame my design solution by setting certain requirements that I wanted the entry to share with my thesis project, or that directly influenced the goals I set for the thesis project. I came up with the following bullet points that represent the ideals and keywords I thought the entry should meet or exceed.
Diagram of contents bleeding beyond the edge of the cell into the fabric of the city
Diagram of Circulation from entrance (above) smaller context to either side of the larger space within the edge of the shell. The sketch below starts to investigate the materials of the edge that the entrance is to penetrate
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■■ Enrich the city fabric with pedestrian activity. ■■ Promote the social space within by not segregating the interior and exterior. ■■ Showcase the city characteristics defined by the industrial architecture, without creating a static monument dictated by them. ■■ The building shell should not swallow the function, but bleed the program out to the street.
The sketches above are from memory of Libeskind’s Jewish Museum in Berlin. The structure is independent of the edges that define the space. To have the contents of the program independent would be desirable. The hope of doing this would allow the context to bleed out from the edge, rather than segregated by the buildings existing planes.
The sketches above show me exploring the edges created by the applying a new entry to an existing brick wall. I decided to utilize the house on a house method, as described in my case study section, rather than the cannery method. By creating a violent opening into the existing faรงade we can easily designate the new from the old. With this opening the structure that defines the interior space can flow to the outside to visually link the entrance to the contents.
Thesis Proposal : Sketch Problem
The idea expressed in the column carving sketch shows utilizing the wood structure on the inside to also become the content for the program. In addition to utilizing the existing wood structure additional wood elements could be utilized to define the interior space, and create a canvas for the wood artisans to work with. By allowing the program to literally bleed out of the existing building, it could break the monotony created by the hard industrial edge of the existing building, and promote pedestrian interaction as people walk by on the side walk.
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S c h e d u l e o f R ev i e w s To prevent the reinventing of the he following schedule of reviews, the requirements below were taken from and / or based off of the 2006 BAC Thesis Handbook and are modified and partially re-worded as necessary to fit my project. The following is meant to act as a guide and benchmark of minimum requirements set for each review throughout the thesis process which may be exceeded. As my reviews progress to each level the requirements may change as requested by the review panel and others. Preliminary Review [Anticipated review date of February ] The goal of this review is to present the full scope of my thesis investigation to the committee, to solicit feedback on the work to date, and to seek direction for further exploration. The presentation will be introductory at first brushing up on the items talked about in this proposal for the members of the panel that have not read this proposal recently. This presentation will also include photos to set the tone of the area and culture that the project is in, as well as introduce numerous case study examples and the reasons behind their precedent in this project. In addition to the background information developed in Thesis Seminar, work presented at this review will focus on synthesizing the different areas of investigation into strategies for design. The main benchmark that the Preliminary Review will set are the 3 schemes presented for exploring diverse ways to address the setting, program, and thesis concept.
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■■ I Thesis Concept: • Concept Illustrations – drawings, diagrams, paintings, photographs, models, etc. that describe in non-verbal terms your thesis concepts • Research – academic or professional work by others that describe the central concepts and themes I will explore • Case Studies – projects by other designers that illustrate design themes or processes relevant to my thesis ■■ Site: • Context Plan – a full context drawing at an appropriate scale that describes the boundaries of my site within the surrounding context and the physical attributes of the site and context (roads, buildings, topography, vegetation, etc.) • Illustrative Site Information – photographs, video, sketches, etc. that describe qualitative aspects of my site (structures, materials, inhabitation, light, views, natural systems, etc.) • Circulation Analysis - and exploratory research to maintain pedestrian and especially automobile parking. • Site Research – information that supplements my knowledge of the site, such as historical photographs, previous designs, zoning or environmental maps, etc. • Site Model – a physical or virtual context model that includes my site and the relevant surrounding context. This will show adjacent water ways, and streets. • Site Analysis – illustrating with drawings or models the physical characteristics of the site such as • built and natural context • vehicular and pedestrian circulation • sun, wind, noise, views • use, program relationships, levels of activity • geometric relationships, patterns • significant features, edges, barriers, landmarks • Site Interpretation – with the data gathered, I will state my understanding of the most significant site characteristics and the opportunities and constraints for design.
■■ Program: • Program Concepts – describe verbally and/or graphically the programmatic components desired for the district’s master plan, how they relate to one another, significant design criteria for each component, different typological approaches, historical examples, current trends, changing paradigms, etc. • Program Diagrams – illustrate with drawings and/or models the relationships between major program elements such as relative size, adjacency requirements, volumetric relationships, etc. • Program Research – projects and research that supplement your knowledge of the program, illustrate typological approaches used by others, outline program concepts ■■ Conceptual Mater Plan Schemes: • Concept Models – expressing the physical qualities of each scheme within the context of the site. Each scheme should present a conceptually distinct approach to the project. • Diagrams – illustrating organizational principles for each scheme • Vignettes – illustrating qualitative aspects of the schemes • Program – The relationship between the paths, edges, and nodes explored in the master planning phase to the spaces related to the location of the woodworkers building. • Schematic Review [ Anticipated review date of March - April ] At this review, I will present a single scheme for my project that addresses my thesis concept and resolves basic site and program relationships. The review should emphasize concept development from the previous review and demonstrate how the concept will be realized architecturally. As with the previous review, I must address each of the categories listed below, but the specific products and methods will be tied to needs of my thesis. ■■ Thesis Concept: Concept Development – further development and refinement of concepts, research, methods, etc. presented at the Preliminary Review. With each successive review, the thesis concept should be addressed at the level of detail ■■ Site: Site Plan – my schematic building design within the site, illustrating basic organizational ideas, such as building location and size, orientation, access and circulation, relationships with surrounding context, approach to the landscape, etc.
Illustrative Site Information – additional drawings or models that describe qualitative aspects of my site and site design proposal. Site Diagrams – describe how my proposed design responds to such issues as orientation, context, circulation, etc. ■■ Building Organization: • The building plan and vertical organization should be fully described, with all program elements located and properly sized, circulation patterns established, and site relationships addressed. Focus should be on the how my organizing principles address the practical requirements of the project as well the conceptual basis of your thesis. • Plans • Sections • Models / 3D Studies • Organizational Diagrams ■■ Architectural Character:
Thesis Proposal : Schedule of Reviews
Site Model – a physical or virtual model of my building within the site context model. I will complete the model as a “plug-in” model to facilitate exploration of multiple iterations.
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• Exploration of the architectural character may be quite loose at the schematic stage. Issues to address include: massing, roof form, materials, fenestration strategies, and structural expression. It is typically more useful to explore a variety of approaches, rather than completing a greater level of detail for one approach. • Elevations • Models • Sketches ■■ Building Systems: • Structural Systems – describe verbally my proposed structural system. Identify areas of particular focus as they relate to my design, such as long-span spaces, lateral force, bridge structures, etc. Provide diagrams, photographs, and other preliminary material that will guide further investigation. Architectural drawings should reflect a preliminary understanding of structure, such as appropriate depth of floor systems shown in section, preliminary structural grid reflected in plans, etc. • Environmental Systems – describe verbally your proposed mechanical systems. Identify areas of particular focus as they related to my design, such as climatic issues for my site, programmatic requirements for environmental systems, spatial requirements for mechanical spaces and distribution systems. • Materials – describe verbally my proposed building materials. These should be expressed at a conceptual level on elevations or models. • Other Technical Issues – Describe other building systems that are particularly relevant to my thesis. For example, I might focus on acoustics for a performance space, natural and artificial lighting for an art gallery, specialized conveying systems or equipment for a manufacturing facility. Design Development Review [ Anticipated review date of June - July ] This review should focus on integrating disparate areas of inquiry into a holistic architectural response. Conceptual ideas should be expressed directly in the architecture. Consider the products for this review as a draft version of your final.
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■■ Thesis Concept: • At this stage, the concept should be expressed directly in the architecture – in the building and site organization and in the architectural expression of the building. It is also useful to clarify my concepts with diagrams or models that distill essential elements of the design. ■■ Site Design: • Site Plan – further development of the site design with architectural integration. • Site Model – the context with current architectural proposal. • Diagrams and Illustrations – drawings or models that further describe your site design. ■■ Architectural Design: • Synthesize the various areas of architectural inquiry into an integrated whole – concept, building organization, architectural character, and building systems. • Plans – plans of all major floors that describe building organization, circulation, and structure. Drawings should be drawn to a greater level than previous reviews and include such elements as structure, stairs, wall thickness, doors, windows, fixed equipment and furnishings, etc. • Sections – cross and longitudinal sections that illustrate vertical organization and spatial relationships. Include information such as connections to the landscape or urban context; building envelope as it relates natural light, shading, and ventilation; indications of use and human scale; spatial qualities of interior and exterior spaces; building materials; structure; and mechanical systems. • Elevations – elevations of major facades. As with plans and sections, elevations should reflect the integration of multiple lines of inquiry – overall massing and form, building materials and details, light and shadow, color and texture, human scale, tectonic expression, relationship to context, etc. • Models – a physical or computer model illustrating your project. This may be an insert within the site model,
or a larger scale exploration with a greater level of detail. • Perspectives – exterior and interior views that capture qualitative aspects of your project – human inhabitation, qualities of light, spatial relationships, views, materials and texture, etc. ■■ Building Systems: • At this point building systems should be integrated into my architectural drawings and models. Work with my consultants to develop a realistic understanding of systems – how they operate, their dimensional requirements, connection details, and integration with other components. • Structural Diagram – plan and section diagrams outlining my proposed structure. • Structural Details – develop with your structural consultant to develop such things as feasible spans, depth of spanning members, geometry of trusses, approach to lateral forces, and structural connections • Environmental Systems Diagram – plan and section diagrams outlining proposed distribution of systems. • Materials – illustrate building materials strategies on my architectural elevations, sections, or models. • Other Technical Issues – development of building systems that are particularly relevant to my thesis. Describe technical research and case studies of similar applications and illustrate with drawings or models how I have integrated this research into your design. • Wall Sections – large scale section drawings that illustrate the integration of building systems, including structural members and connections, mechanical components, exterior façade treatment, natural and artificial lighting strategies, acoustic treatments, ventilation strategies, shading devices, specialized equipment, etc. Final Review [ Anticipated review date of August - September ]
■■ The following must be achieved in the final presentation: • Completion of the integration of the agendas and alternatives begun in the Research and Schematic Reviews, demonstrating the final resolution of the underlying ideas first identified in the Thesis Summary Review • Demonstration of the translation and integration of the elements of architecture into a coherent proposal which embodies the idea basis of the thesis. • Demonstration of successful use and management of the review process to aid in the resolution of the project. • The final presentation must include the following, drawn and constructed to fully articulate the issues and concepts of the thesis: • Synopsis and reductions of materials from the Design Development Review • Site plan, floor plans, building sections, elevations • Building sections which delineate structural and environmental control systems • Major materials • Wall sections showing the relationship between structural and enclosure systems • Systems concept plans for structural and environmental control systems • Finished perspectives • Finished model(s) at larger scale
Thesis Proposal : Schedule of Reviews
The Final Review is a demonstration of the entire project. The presentation must be able to stand on its own. Conceptual clarity and formal / spatial presentation is of utmost importance.
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Qualifications I have enclosed my current resume, as well as the available resumes of the following review panel members and expert consultants in the order presented on this page. After the names of the individual I have stated their title in my review panel, and their expertise on how I will utilize them, however the description is not meant in limiting the role they might play in my review panel as my thesis develops. The following individuals will comment and share their knowledge with me throughout the investigation and exploration of my thesis, and I will utilize their comments to provide a stronger result in the end.
■■ Tim Giguere
Thesis Student.
■■ Scott Fiorentino, AIA
Thesis Advisor, Architect.
■■ Mike Myers
Client (wood working), Custom Furniture and Cabinet Maker.
■■ Jennie Franceschi, P.E.,CPESC Expert Consultant, Planing Engineer for City of Biddeford.
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■■ James Petersen, PE
Expert Consultant, Enviro. Engineer and sustainable technologies expert.
■■ Dave Macolani, PE
Expert Consultant, Structural Engineer.
■■ Etoile Holzaepfel, MLA
Expert Consultant, Landscape Architect.
■■ Philip Loheed, AIA
Design Critic, Architect with interests in urban spaces.
■■ Andreas Savvides
Design Critic, Architect with interests in urban spaces.
■■ Steven More
Design Critic, Designer with Master planing experience.
■■ Jason Bailey
Design Critic, Designer who resides within walking distance to site.
■■ Shannon Alther, AIA
Design Critic, Architect with experience in historic preservation.
■■ Rob Carty, AIA
Design Critic, Architect with interests in downtown redevelopment.
Tim Giguere
22 East Delaney Rd. Epping, NH 03042
(603) • 679 • 8495 tim@tms-architects.com
• To become an architect.
Objective
Boston Architectural College Graduate Program. January 2007 – Present Study: First professional graduates’ degree in architecture. - 2007 Plan NH Graduate Scholarship Award Recipient - Peter Woytuk Scholarship Finalist
Education
•
• •
Boston Architectural Center. 2006 Bachelor of Design Studies Graduate. Spring 2006: Plan NH Undergraduate Scholarship Award Recipient. Spring 2006: The Cascieri Scholarship short listed finalist. Fall 2005: The Steffian Bradley Scholarship Award recipient. Spring/Summer 2003: Kronish Award recipient. New Hampshire Technical Institute. 2000 graduate. Degree: Associates of Architectural Engineering Technologies. Sanborn Regional High School. 1998 graduate with Diploma. - 1998 Sanborn Regional High School Industrial Arts Award. Given for overachievement in any of the industrial arts classes, presented for drafting. - 1998 Sanborn Regional High School Theatre Arts Award.
•
TMS Architects Portsmouth, NH Duration 05/2000 – present Title: Assistant Project Manager/ Information Technology Contact - Develop concepts into comprehensive architectural design solutions on commercial and high end residential projects ranging from $150,000 to $8,500,000. - Coordination of structural, HVAC, and other consultants for code compliance on construction documents. - Administration and full control of small to medium size projects which includes some client interaction and final architectural solutions derived from project programs. - Total coordination of project staff on large scale projects for completion of CD’s. - Field representative on site to ensure quality and execution of details. - Responsible for the development, installation, and implementation of computer systems, servers, applications, and network apparatus to maintain productivity for a firm size of 16 people.
•
Abenaki Lumber Company Epping, NH Duration: 06/1999 - 08/1999 Title: Lumber Donkey - Responsible for sorting lumber after grade was assigned, and preparation for shipment. - Operation of multiple stations on pallet stick line for reading pallets to be kiln dried.
Extracurricular Awards and Interests - 2005 Friends of the South End Charity Fairy House Design Competition winner, Portsmouth, NH. - Plan NH Design Competition participant. - Young Architects Forum Member of the NH AIA Chapter. - Interests include miscellaneous carpentry, landscaping, barbequing, and camping. (References provided on request) TIM GIGUERE • 22 E. DELANEY RD • EPPING, NH 03042 PHONE: 603-679-8495 • TIMG@TMS-ARCHITECTS.COM
Qualifications of the Review Panel
Employment
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Qualifications of the Review Panel
Jennie Poulin Franceschi 9 Walton St. Westbrook, ME 04092 H (207) 856-1926 JPOULIN73@HOTMAIL.COM
EXPERIENCE: City of Biddeford Engineering & Planning Departments, Biddeford, ME Feb 01 – Present Planning Engineer x Responsible for all technical review of Planning Board projects for the City of Biddeford relating to economic, infrastructure, or other improvements to the community. x Follow up review of approved projects by performing on-site inspections for conformance to the approved plan. x Involved in multiple departments o Code Enforcement (review of existing structures involving safety concerns) o Engineering (Assembling contract documents for City Projects, Negotiating with stakeholders involved MDOT infrastructure project, Experience with the MS4 stormwater regulations & working with the ASIST tracking software, Technical representative for the City in the PACTS transportation group, Experience with CSO tracking), o Planning & Economic Development (Researched & complied code revisions to such areas as Public & Private road standards, Main Street Revitalization Districts, Shoreland Zoning, Rural Cluster Development, Mobile Home Parks, Off-Street Parking, and revising zones for uses.) Interim City Planner (May 2003-July 2003 & June 2004) x Responsible for all Planning Department functions related to the Planning Board and code implementation including: o Guiding applicants through the planning process o Informing citizens on upcoming agenda items o Endorsing Planning Board approved code amendments to Council for acceptance. Aug. 98 – June 01 Gagnon Engineering Inc. Gorham, ME Associate Design Engineer x Structural design experience in the following areas: Temporary/Private Bridges, Sheetpile Retaining Walls, Light Gage Framing, Timber Framing, Industrial Engineering and Construction Engineering. x Work activities included performing structural analyzes, preparation of construction documents and specifications, detailed drawing with AutoCAD, plan & shop drawing review, evaluation of construction options with P.E., coordination of bidding process for projects, and onsite inspection of construction work. x Developed strong interpersonal communication skills by working directly with owners, contractors, or other engineering firms during the course of a project. x Computer experience involved extensive use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, and Risa 3-D Modeling Software. Involved in office organization/management due to small size of firm.
June 96 - Aug. 98
Cianbro Construction Corporation Pittsfield, ME
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Project Engineer - (Demolition of Million Dollar Bridge, Portland, ME) x Responsible for the engineering issues and financial management involved in the demolition of the Million Dollar Bridge and the installation of the fender system around the new Casco Bay Bridge. x Conducted monthly cost reports for the corporate office to track progress x Performed multiple functions such as field engineer and purchasing agent x Worked directly with subcontractors in areas from payment to contractual obligations x Updated the project schedule through the use of SureTrak Programming x Successfully negotiated with the owner (MDOT) to determine solution to field problems and claim issues. Tool Hookup Coordinator - (National Semiconductor, South Portland, ME) x Responsible for managing the hook-up of microchip manufacturing machines (“Tools”). x Coordinated all the subcontractors (High purity piping, exhaust, electrical, structural support and tool rigging). x Utilized AutoCAD drawings so that all utilities were coordinated before hook-up began x Installed these utilities within a compressed time frame to achieve the owner’s accelerated production schedule. Tool Rigging Engineer - (National Semiconductor, South Portland, ME) x Responsible for tracking the delivery of multi-million dollar microchip machinery (“Tools”) at the plant x Acted as lead purchasing agent for all rigging needs x Supervised transportation of the equipment through the facility to be place on a raised tile floor system while utilizing a variety of rigging methods to move the extremely delicate machinery. x Managed project’s budget, conducted monthly reports, updated the project schedule, and tracked out of scope costs. Field Engineer - (Donald V. Carter Memorial Bridge, Winslow, ME) x Responsibilities included surveying layout of bridge piers for position and elevation utilizing a Theodolite and Auto-Level, for the DVC Bridge (2020’). x Involved in all aspects of the construction process by performing a wide variety of hands-on tasks as well as operations experience. University of Maine Orono, ME May 1996 Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering GPA: 3.41/4.0 Overall; In Major: 3.52
CERTIFICATIONS & ASSOCIATIONS:
Registered Professional Engineer - State of Maine P.E. Number 10164 Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control - March 15, 2007 Vice-Chair PACTs Technical Committee June 2006-present
HONORS:
Tau Beta Pi - National Engineering Honor Society 1996 Chi Epsilon - National Civil Engineering Honor Society 1995-96 Scholar-Athlete Academic Achievement Award 1993, 94 & 95
INTERESTS:
Skiing (downhill & cross country), Running, Motorcycling, Coaching
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Qualifications of the Review Panel
EDUCATION:
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RESUME
JAMES F. PETERSEN, P.E., Founder, Owner & Principal Petersen Engineering, Inc. www.petersenengineering.com 6 Market Square, Po Box 4774
Portsmouth, NH 03802 (603) 436-4233 t james@petersenengineering.com
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER Professional engineer with licenses in New Hampshire(#8139), Massachusetts(#36560) and Maine(#7231). ACCREDITATIONS LEEDTM Accredited Professional, US Green Building Council EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 2006 Received a BA in Philosophy, University of New Hampshire 1992 Founded Petersen Engineering, Inc. located in Portsmouth, NH. 1986–Present Career in engineering services relating to building mechanical systems and energy conservation. Professional experience ranging from consulting services to full development of plans and specifications for industrial, commercial and residential projects. 1986 Received a BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of New Hampshire. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, (NESEA) US Green Building Council, (USGBC) National Society of Professional Engineers, (NSPE) National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) International Code Council, (ICC) INSTRUCTOR: 1998 – 2004 Instructor at the Boston Architectural Center, 320 Newbury Street, Boston, MA. Instructed courses on topics including ethics, building mechanical systems, and sustainable design. VOLUNTEER WORK: 2006 - Present Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) 2007 & 2008 Conference Track Chair 2006 – Present Seacoast Waldorf Association, Board of Trustees & Tidewater School, Facilities Chair 2003 – Present Board Member, State of New Hampshire Building Code Review Board 2003 – Present Rotary Member, Portsmouth, NH 1992 - 1998 Board Member & President, The Richie McFarland Children’s Center, Stratham, NH AWARDS: “Greater Seacoast United Way Douglas H. Eldridge Award for outstanding dedication, commitment and caring in your service as an agency board member, awarded to James F. Petersen, September 15 1998.”
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David A. Macolini, P.E. POSITION
Structural Engineer & Project Manager
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, 1987.
LICENSURE
Structural 1 Professional Engineers examination taken October, 1995. Licensed and registered in Maine (8351), New Hampshire (9461), and Massachusetts (46757).
EMPLOYMENT Present: Fiorentino Group Architects, 18 York Street, York, ME. HISTORY 1995 to 2007: JSN Associates, Inc., Portsmouth, NH. Senior Structural Engineer. 1988 to 1995: Criterium- Mooney Engineers, Portland, ME. Staff Engineer. 1987 to 1988: Draftsman for architects D. Michael Collins, AIA and H. James Stannard, AIA, Holliston, MA.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Member of Structural Engineers Association of New Hampshire (SENH) and Structural Engineers Association of Maine (SEAM).
residential, multi-family residential, commercial, retail, and industrial buildings. Projects include new construction and alterations and additions to existing buildings. Responsible for preparing engineering calculations, development of construction drawings, specifying materials, approving shop drawings, and construction observation.
18 York Street
York, Maine 03909
Phone (207) 351-1166
WWW.FIORENTINOGROUP.COM
Fax (207) 351-1191
Qualifications of the Review Panel
EXPERIENCE Twenty years working with owners, architects, builders, and general contractors on
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EDUCATION:
Master of Landscape Architecture, 1977 The University of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts, 1968 `Etoile Heifner Holzaepfel, MLA Miami University EDUCATION: EXPERIENCE:
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Master of Landscape Architecture, 1977NH HOLZAEPFEL DESIGN, Portsmouth, The University of Michigan Principal/Landscape Architect 1986 to present
Bachelor of Arts,established 1968 Ms. Holzaepfel her own landscape architecture Miami firm in University the fall of 1986. Since that time she has completed a number of landscape design projects of varying scales for EXPERIENCE: HOLZAEPFEL DESIGN, Portsmouth, NH residential, commercial, municipal and institutional clients. `Etoile Heifner Holzaepfel, Principal/Landscape Architect 1986MLA to present She has also worked as an independent consultant on planning studies for state and municipal clients. EDUCATION: Master of Landscape Ms. Holzaepfel established her own landscape architectureArchitecture, 1977 The University of Michigan firmHolzaepfel’s in the fall of work 1986. has Since that time she has completed aof Ms. encompassed the development number of landscape design projects of varying scales for site plans, grading and storm drainage design,of lighting, Bachelor Arts, 1968 residential, municipal and institutional clients. JOHNSON JOHNSON & ROY, Ann Arbor,She MI parking andcommercial, walkway plans, andINC., planting plans. is Miami University She hasStaff also in worked as an independent consultant on planning Design January to permitting December 1978 experienced steering projects through the process studies for state and municipal clients. and providing construction supervision services. EXPERIENCE: HOLZAEPFEL DESIGN, Portsmouth, NH While a member of the design staff of JJR, Ms. Holzaepfel was Principal/Landscape Architect 1986 to present Ms. Holzaepfel’s work hasplans encompassed the development responsible for landscape for portions of the Owens- of THE THORESEN GROUP, Portsmouth, NH site plans, grading and stormCenter drainage design, lighting, Corning Fiberglas Technical siteto in1983 Granville, Ohio. Staff Landscape Architect 1981 Ms. Holzaepfel established her own landscape architecture parking and walkway plans, and planting plans. is She also worked on developing a master plan for aShe township firm in the fall of 1986. Since that time she has completed a experienced in steering projects the permitting park andlandscape preparing preliminary contract documents for process the As staff architect, Ms. through Holzaepfel contributed to design projects of varying scales for number of landscape and providing supervision services. new U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency building Maryland. such projects asconstruction downtown revitalization plans,in development residential, commercial, municipal and institutional clients. proposals for private clients, community master plans, state She has also worked as an independent consultant on planning THE studies, THORESEN GROUP, Portsmouth, NH APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, Ann Arbor, MI park and re-use analyses of historic buildings. Her studies for state and municipal clients. Staff Landscape Architect 1981 to 1983 Planning Staff May, June, September to December primary responsibilities were site planning, landscape 1975 architecture, illustration and graphic Ms. design. Holzaepfel’s work As staff landscape architect, Ms. Holzaepfel contributed to has encompassed the development of site plans, grading and storm drainage design, lighting, suchHolzaepfel projectsJOHNSON asworked downtown revitalization development Ms. as member of Ann theplans, planning staff in JOHNSON & aROY, INC., Arbor, MI parking and walkway plans, and planting plans. She is proposals private clients, community master state this newly established firm founded by William J.plans, Johnson, Design Stafffor January to December 1978 projects through the permitting process experienced in steering park studies, and re-use analyses of historic buildings. Her FASLA, to advance the landscape architecture profession’s and providing construction supervision services. primary responsibilities were site planning, landscape capabilities in environmental research. Her responsibilities While a member of the design staff of JJR, Ms. Holzaepfel was architecture, illustration and graphic design. preparing on the process followed 1 Cate included Street, Portsmouth, NHlandscape 03801a report 603-433-9366 FAX: 603-431-1828 responsible for plans forplanning portions of the OwensTHE THORESEN GROUP, Portsmouth, NH in a neighborhood urban renewal project and preparing the Corning Fiberglas Technical Center site inLandscape Granville,Architect Ohio. Staff 1981 to 1983 final draft of a study for the Michigan Department of State She also worked on developing a master plan for a township Highways and Transportation, both text and park and preparing preliminaryincluding contract documents forarchitect, the As staff landscape Ms. Holzaepfel contributed to illustrations. new U.S. Defense Intelligence Agencysuch building in Maryland. projects as downtown revitalization plans, development proposals for private clients, community master plans, state 1 Cate Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 603-433-9366 FAX: 603-431-1828 APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, Annand Arbor, MIanalyses of historic buildings. Her park studies, re-use AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Landscape Planning Staff May,Architects June, September to December primary responsibilities were site planning, landscape New (16 years), 1975 Castle Planning Board - Past Member architecture, illustration and graphic design. Chairman Southeast Land worked Trust of as NH - Founding Board Member Ms. Holzaepfel a member of the planning staff in Friends of the Wentworth President, Founding Member this newly established firm founded by William J. Johnson, Portsmouth Advocates, Inc. - Past Vice President FASLA, to advance the landscape architecture profession’s New Hampshire Preservationresearch. Alliance –Her Board Member capabilities in environmental responsibilities included preparing a report on the planning process followed603-433-9366 FAX: 603-431-1828 1 Cate Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801 in a neighborhood urban renewal project and preparing the AWARDS: New Hampshire Landscape Association - Merit Award, 1990 final draft of a study for the Michigan Department of State City of Portsmouth “Arts in theincluding Park” Design Highways and Transportation, bothAward text and- 1991 Portsmouth Advocates Arthur Gerrity Award - 1997 illustrations. Portsmouth Rotary - Paul Harris Fellow - 1997 AIA New Hampshire Excellence in Architecture Award - 2002 The Society Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank AFFILIATIONS: American of Landscape Architects Building designBoard by TMS Architects New Castle Planning - Past Member (16 years), AIA New Hampshire Honorary Member Designee – 2007 Chairman Southeast Land Trust of NH - Founding Board Member Friends of the Wentworth - President, Founding Member Portsmouth Advocates, Inc. - Past Vice President 1 Cate Street, NH 03801 603-433-9366 FAX: 603-431-1828 NewPortsmouth, Hampshire Preservation Alliance – Board Member AWARDS:
New Hampshire Landscape Association - Merit Award, 1990
http://www.bta-architects.com/BTA-people.htm
Qualifications of the Review Panel
BTA-people.jpg
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11/28/2007 9:17 PM
Curriculum Vitae Andreas Savvides Phone: +1.617.585.7398 E-mail: andreas.savvides@the-bac.edu
Professional Experience Miler Dyer Spears, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 2/96 – 9/98 & 01/04 – 07/07: Design Consultant in Architectural and Urban Design Arrowstreet, Inc., Somerville Massachusetts 11/92 – 9/93 (& 9/93 – 6/95 part-time): Design Intern (& staff architect / planner) Consulting for Architects, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts 12/91 – 11/92: Consultant, contracted to Arrowstreet, Inc. Registrations Architecture 08/01 – present: American Institute of Architects # 30133174 (Lic. No. 10688) City Planning 06/02 – present: American Institute of Certified Planners # 139030 Academic Experience Boston Architectural Center: Studio Instructor 02/96 – present: Advanced workshops in architecture and city planning; Graduate Thesis Advisor; Sketch Problem Manager, 02/96 – 02/97 Education Harvard University – Graduate School of Design: M / D Des (Urban Development concentration); June 2002 Massachusetts Institute of Technology: M. Arch (City Planning concentration); February 1996 University of California, Berkeley: BA (Honors); December 1991
Andreas Savvides
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Qualifications of the Review Panel
Jason F. Bailey One North Park St. Unit 2, Biddeford, ME 04005 Day: 603-436-4274 Evening: 603-817-5907 jasonb@tms-architects.com
EDUCATION Boston Architectural College, Boston, MA Candidate - Bachelor of Architecture Area of Concentration: Architecture
2003-2008
Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT Associate of Science Area of Concentration: Architecture and Building Engineering Technology
2000-2002
AWARDS x
Glassman Practice Award, Boston Architectural College
x
Oscar L. Vaughan Scholarship, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation – PlanNH
x
Dean Arcangelo Cascieri Scholarship Finalist, Boston Architectural College
x
SBA/Steffian Scholarship Finalist, Boston Architectural College
x
Kronish Practice Award, Boston Architectural College
x
Arthur T. Granger Fellowship Award, PlanNH
x
President’s Scholarship, Vermont Technical College
2005 – 2006 2006 2006 2006 2005 2005 2000
RELATED EXPERIENCE TMS Architects, Portsmouth, NH Project Manager Project Manager for TMS Architects. Responsibilities include coordination of program design and code related issues into schematic design of projects, collaboration with principals on pre-design concepts, develop concepts into architectural design through freehand and computer-aided drawing, coordinate construction drawings with appropriate disciplines, interface with clients and construction personnel.
2001 - Present
COMPUTER SKILLS x x x x x
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Sigma ARRIS (Unix & Windows Platforms) AutoCAD 2007 Sketch-up, Podium Photoshop, In-Design Microsoft Office, Windows Small Business 2000 Server, including Network Administration Software
TMS Shannon C. Alther, AIA Professional Status Principal for TMS Architects. Responsibilities include coordination of staff, program design, schematic design, development of concepts into architectural design through free-hand and computer-aided drawing as well as providing an interface with clients and related construction and engineering personnel. Education BOSTON ARCHITECTURAL CENTER Masters Degree in Architecture, May 2003 KEENE STATE COLLEGE Bachelor of Science in Industrial Manufacturing, Minor in Management August 1991 to December 1993 NEW HAMPSHIRE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE Associate Degree in Architectural Engineering Technology August 1989 to May 1991 Professional Experience 2006 – Present 1996 – 2006 1993 – 1996 1978 – 1981
TMS Architects, Portsmouth, NH ~ Principal Architect and Owner TMS Architects, Portsmouth, NH ~ Project Architect Cheshire Forest Products, Sullivan, NH ~ Crew Supervisor, hardwood grader Self-employed Contractor, Keene, NH ~ Construction of sheds and barns, sub-contractor for new residences, commercial and residential painting
Professional and Civic Membership American Institute of Architects, New Hampshire Chapter National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Awards
TMS architects one cate street
eldredge park
portsmouth, nh 03801
603.436.4274
f.603.431.1828
www.tmsarchitects.com
Qualifications of the Review Panel
2005 Claude Emanuel Menders Mentorship Award Thesis Commend Recommendation, 2003, BAC Graduate Award Recipient, 2003, Plan NH Glassman Award, 2001, BAC
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TMS Robert J. Carty, AIA Professional Status Principal for TMS Architects. Responsibilities include coordination of staff, program design, schematic design, development of concepts into architectural design through free-hand and computer-aided drawing as well as providing an interface with clients and related construction and engineering personnel. Education UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO AT DENVER Masters Degree in Architecture, 1999 STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BUFFALO Bachelor of Professional Studies of Architecture, 1996 Professional Experience 2006 – Present 2003 – 2006 2001 – 2003 1998 – 2001
TMS Architects, Portsmouth, NH ~ Principal Architect and Owner TMS Architects, Portsmouth, NH ~ Project Architect D.R.A. Architects - Newton Centre, MA ~ Job Captain for Large Scale Public School Projects Reseutek Design Group ~ Job Captain/Designer for a variety of Public and Private Commercial Projects
Professional and Civic Membership American Institute of Architects, New Hampshire Chapter National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Civil Air Patrol
TMS architects
one cate street
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eldredge park
portsmouth, nh 03801
603.436.4274
f.603.431.1828
www.tmsarchitects.com
â– â– Review Panel Notes after final presentation
Qualifications of the Review Panel
Throughout my thesis process the review panel members listed in this section became invaluable to my design process. Besides the comments and questions raised by every individual member in my various presentation benchmarks, I was able to interact with most of them on a one on one basis outside of my presentations. Their expertise, professional ethics, and eclectic personalities helped shape my thesis into what it became in the end. Although I did the design, I do not think the project would have came out the same if any of them were absent from my thesis panel. I must also point out their diligence in coming to my thesis presentations, where the turnout was often in the double digits. I can not thank my panel members enough, and want to take this time to do it again. Thank you everyone.
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Program St atement ■■ Form: This thesis is about interweaving new architecture with existing edges to preserve the past identities of the city image without creating a static monument to the historic characteristics. The goal of this would be to promote growth back to the center where the visual identity of the city is defined, but economic density has left for the outskirts in the form of big box stores and shopping centers. After completing a master plan study of the entire waterfront industrial district I would utilize a woodworkers incubator building as a micro program to further explore the architectural ideas related to weaving the new into the old. Secondary support program spaces associated with the woodworkers building would a include a small cafe and book store. These support programs would draw a density to the galleries after the day has ended and the woodworkers have gone home. The spaces required for the woodworkers incubator building will comprise of 75%-80% of the overall square footage, the rest would go towards the support spaces. This woodworkers building program originates from an economic study of the area observing an influx in woodworking professionals from outside the area seeking Biddeford as a potential start up site. The idea of an incubator building would allow new professionals dealing with the woodworking trades to pool resources and compete against some of the larger corporate rivals that otherwise they would not be able to compete with. The industrial buildings originally erected by large corporations at the turn of the century would now provide a means for non-corporate entities to compete in a corporate world. By having an emporium with various other shops and restaurants to the program the community now has a destination space that reintroduces the city center as a node again, rather than the bypass with the big box stores acting as the center of the city. I define my term of interweaving the new and the old by deconstructing areas of the existing and patching in new. This would be in lieu of adding new program space off to the side of the existing, as it is often done with addition projects. This leads to the following question. Can breaking down the existing edges and the interweaving of new architecture in and around these structures preserve historic character? Can it do this with out creating a static monument for a function no longer needed in the city core?
Above: Diagrams of traditional addition compared to. interweave addition Right: elevation diagram show new interweave
■■ Function:
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The term incubator building refers to a start up space for smaller companies, on which they can eventually build their business from. Often these spaces allow the tenants the opportunity to pool their resources, rather than have a separate entity for each tenant. Some examples of this would be sharing the same receptionist, conference rooms, book keeping personnel, telephone answering service, security, and etc. The uniqueness associated with this project is that the incubator typology caters to furniture makers and wood working artisans rather than professional companies leasing office space. The business aspects
of running these companies would remain the same, but in addition industrial wood working equipment and specialty requirements could be shared. The end user of the building could be a person that perhaps makes furniture and art on a non-full time basis. They could rent space to perform their art and potentially start a business without investing in all of the expensive equipment associated with the trade. The building will also hold a gallery that these non full time artisans could display their work in, without being physically in their studio, which they would have to do if they were a one person operation. As companies grow, and perhaps move out of the building, they could still rely on some of the specialty equipment and rooms such as steam benders and finishing rooms. In the end, along with sharing resources, the various users would share social interactions with other similar minded artisans and craftsmen. ■■ Economy: I envision the incubator building as being privately owned by either an individual entity that leases industrial space, or built up in the form of an association that could be owned by the like of various industrial condo spaces. Without getting too much into the business plan associated with this building setup, an initial investment or depository would have to be established by each individual utilizing the spaces to ensure the care of the expensive equipment. Along side that some sort of association dues would have to be formed and governed to maintain funds for the various incubator services as well as for the upkeep of the machines. With that being said I think the building wants to promote business by creating unique spaces that bleed to the outside of the shell. This would establish the building as a social and economic starting point for redevelopment in the district, sprouting from the existing forms that define the city characteristics. Because of the theoretical exploration involved with investigating the links the building might have to the existing district, I believe it will be the spaces defining the budget, not the budget defining the spaces. Although this might be economically risky for a real world project, the goal of my thesis is to discover and understand how new architecture can preserve past identities without letting them define the edge totally. ■■ Time:
Thesis Program : Program Statement
As time goes on I hope the project maintains itself as a viable association with various wood working businesses in the city. Providing jobs and creating a destination spot for tourists to frequent, hence providing an economic income for other various businesses in the city. Just as the industrial capitalist did when they built the district, the site and program will be a valuable asset to the city that will last for years to come.
43 Conceptual Sketch of Interweaving new with existing
Site Obser vations Descriptions of the proposed industrial mill district site have already been stated in my proposal. The following are further technical and literal observations of the site that will be useful when the design process commences in the following months. ■■ Casual Observations •
The site is defined by the Saco River, Main Street, North Dam Mill, and West Point Mill.
•
The ground cover is torn up pavement that has become more of a dirt parking lot.
•
The site has been most recently observed during the fall and early winter, however I have been familiar with the area for some years now.
•
Car traffic along Main Street is usually heavy during the day, however pedestrian traffic is very scarce.
•
The site does not look visually inviting from Main Street, and is not a destination.
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Although there was a fence against the edge of the river, it is down in places and easily unobtrusive.
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A few young couple was having professional pictures taken of them against the river and mills beyond.
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There was an abandoned security / parking booth on the site. Most likely left when the mills were in operation.
■■ Behavioral Observations •
The site was very desolate.
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There were no lines in the parking lot, yet none were needed because of the openness people parked where ever.
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Orientation was easy for me due to the orientation of the river and my knowledge of the geography in this area.
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The factory walls were very repetitious.
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The site was too private. The mills lining Main Street blocked views into the site, as well as the buildings and Saco River beyond.
Site Observations
■■ Systematic Observations
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The River is depressed and although has a strong current by the site, because of this fact it is quiet.
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The site seams to be utilized for parking for adjacent warehouses and mill buildings beyond.
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Most people utilizing the site are parking their car to enter North Dam Mill, or parking their tractor trailer for utilization by the warehouse.
Weather data and graphs from From http://www.city-data.com/city/Biddeford-Maine.html
Thesis Program : Site Observations
■■ Weather Data
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Site
Zoning Map from http://gis.biddefordmaine.org/Parcels/map.htm
Proposed Site
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From http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=biddeford,+maine&ie=UTF8&l l=43.493156,-70.450092&spn=0.002732,0.005021&t=h&z=18&iwloc=addr&om=1
Codes General description This project consists of an addition to an existing four story structure that will be updated, and renovated alongside new construction on an adjacent parcel. The following code summary is intended to address only the major issues of the project and does not list all requirements of the code ■■ Codes enforced International building code 2006 International existing building code 2003 International plumbing code 2003 National fire protection agency (NFPA) codes National electric code International mechanical code
■■ Occupancies A-2 assembly – café A-3 gallery B incubator support spaces F-1 woodworking spaces
The building will have minimum 50% perimeter access, and be of type 3A or 4HT construction. ■■ Allowable height (table 503)
Construction Type
3a. (65 feet max)
4 ht (65 feet max)
A-2 A-3 B F-1
3 Stories 3 Stories 5 Stories 3 Stories
3 Stories 3 Stories 5 Stories 4 Stories
■■ 504.2 automatic sprinkler system, height shall be increased for a-2 occupancy One story and 20 feet. The building height limitation for buildings with an occupancy In use group r shall not exceed a height of four stories and 60 feet where the Building is equipped throughout with an automatic fire suppression system. Most restrictive a-3 + 504.2 = 4 stories, 85 feet in height max. ■■ Allowable Area (table 503) Construction Type A-2 A-3 B F-1
3a. 14000 14000 28500 19000
4 ht 15000 15000 36000 33500
Thesis Program : Code Analysis
■■ 506.4.1 the building will separate uses as per table 508.3.3 of required separation of occupancies, to be analyzed for height and area
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■■ 506.4.1 the building will separate uses as per table 508.3.3 of required separation of occupancies, to be analyzed for height and area Most restrictive a-3 (type 3a) allowable area is 14000. 506.3 automatic sprinkler system increase 200% increase = 42,000 square feet Most restrictive f-1 (type 3a) allowable area is 19000. 506.3 automatic sprinkler system increase 200% increase = 57000 square feet Most restrictive b (type 3a) allowable area is 28500. 506.3 automatic sprinkler system increase 200% increase = 855000 square feet Fire separation assemblies (table 601)
type 3a
type 4HT
Structure 1 HT Exterior load bearing walls 2 HT Based on fire separation distance (table 602) X<5 2(f) 1(a&b) 2(f) 1(a&b) 5<x<10 1 1 10<x<30 1 1 X>30 0 0 Interior load bearing walls 1 1/HT Exterior non load bearing walls (same as exterior load bearing wall numbers from table 602 above) Interior non load bearing walls 0 1 Floor construction 1 HT Roof construction 1 HT ■■ 1003.2.10 exit signs: required at all exits and exit access doors located such that No point in an exit access corridor is more than 100’ from the nearest Visible exit sign ■■ 1003.3.3 stairway width: stairways shall be a minimum width of not less than 44” Clear. Exception #1: stairways servings an occupant load of 50 or less Shall be a minimum width of not less than 36” clear ■■ 1003.3.3.2 headroom: minimum of 80” clear ■■ 1003.3.3.3 risers 7” maximum, treads 11” minimum ■■ 1004.2.4 length of travel: maximum 250 feet of exit access travel ■■ 1004.3.2.3 dead ends: maximum 20 feet dead end corridor ■■ 1004.2.5 common path of travel is 75 feet maximum
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■■ 1004.3.2.2 corridors shall be a minimum width of not less than 44” clear Occupant load 1-500 requires 2 exits (3 exits are provided) Maximum occupant load ‘per’ 3rd and 4th floors is 25 occupants (per floor) 2 exits are provided 1009.1 emergency escape from a window is not required per exception #1 Nfpa 101 life safety code ■■ 6. 12.2.5.8.2: aisle width 44” where serving an occupant load exceeding 50, 36” where serving an occupant load of 50 or fewer.
The current zoning for the site is MSRD 3 (main street revitalization district 3), and it is also associated with the overlay shoreline zone GD (general development). MSRD 3 high density/mixed use zoning district. The intent of this area is to preserve the historic character, to facilitate the redevelopment of vacant and under used mill buildings into a vibrant residential and commercial community, which will contribute to the revitalization of the city’s downtown. The goal is to attract mixed-use development. General development zone (GD): overlay zone within 100 feet of the high-water line along the saco river within the urbanized area of the city. This district is part of the city’s effort to allow general commercial and water-oriented development along the river while addressing the need to, both, preserve water quality an [and] to protect property and lives in flood prone areas. Whenever a provision of this ordinance conflicts with or is inconsistent with another provision of this ordinance or of any other ordinance, regulation or statute, the more restrictive provision shall control. Msrd 3 allows the uses proposed. GD allows the uses with a permit from the planning board, and sd long as the use is functionally water-dependent and uses accessory to such water dependent uses only. This still apples to the proposed due to the accessory industrial use of power generation in the form of hydro turbines. Dimensional requirements of MSRD 3: No minimum lot size. No frontage. No setbacks, except all nonresidential buildings and structures shall be set back at least 50 feet from any residential dwellings in the zone or any abutting zone that permits residential dwelling units. Buildings with mixed uses, including residential, the setback is to be determined by the planning board. The planning board will consider the neighboring properties and determine how the new development impacts the neighboring properties. Minimum height of two stories or 26 feet.
Thesis Program : Code Analysis
■■ Zoning ordinance code
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Cu l t u r a l C o n t e x t ■■ Social Fabric The site maintains several characteristics to be an optimum vehicle in which to test the idea of interweaving the new with the old. This would be beneficial and desirable to the community since the overall goal is to rejuvenate the center of the city. As it stands now the heritage behind the community is strongly based in French Canadian, however there are various other ethnic groups that collaborate together to create the overall social fabric around the site. Walking up Main Street there is a variety of ethnic restaurants that sends aromas of various food recipes from around the world out into the street. The majority of the restaurants and shops a Currently the site reflects a negative factor towards inviting a social interaction within the district. The hard edge is exemplified by a vast wall of masonry peppered with windows. The fabric construes the notion a visual barrier as well as a physical one because of its height and the way it blocks the view of the river, even from further up Main Street, which is higher in elevation. Biddeford is also home of University of New England, which is located quite a ways from the downtown and more on the outskirts of a district called Biddeford Pool. Biddeford Pool houses an array of wealthy residential homes and is located at the mouth of the Saco River and edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Although there is wealth of economic resources available by the demographics in this area, it seams as though the opportunity to attract them to the center of town is bypassed by other tourist destinations such as Old Orchard Beach, Kennebunk Port, and South Portland. ■■ Political Issues The intention behind exploring how new architecture weaves into the existing fabric is to promote sustainable growth from the center of the city, and stop sprawl development, which is killing the density and pedestrian interaction of many smaller downtowns. Often a user is forced to enter a car to get to an adjacent strip mall development, even though walking would be shorter, because design that leads to sprawl neglects pedestrian interaction.1 The opposite is true of successful downtown main streets because they promote pedestrian interaction on an urban scale, as well as an automobile driven scale. Downtowns striving to create a static historic monuments of the past, rather than evaluate each situation for what it is, are promoting economic development elsewhere than their historic downtowns. Because of this social life is suffering from the spatial segregation created by having the space pretend it is old, rather than react to the urban situation it resides in.2 An example of this can be seen with many mill complexes that were originally erected to secure and shelter their assets from the outside, not promote an interaction with the site and pedestrians around them. Their failure to do so is often a result from strict historic preservation policies prevent re-evaluating their roles to a certain extent. ■■ Economics The current contextual area is very inexpensive, which is the main reason why so many businesses have decided to located to Biddeford.3 The fact that the buildings were originally designed for industrial applications help some of the businesses. Although the newer outfits in some of the existing mills are not comparable to the original textile applications that the buildings were designed around, certain components are shares. Some of these elements are freight elevators and large expansive space, for example. The housing in downtown Biddeford averages from $120,000 - $170,000. This is an average of 10%
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1 Dolores Hayden, A Field Guide to Sprawl. New York – London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004, 24. 2 Miloš Bobić, Between the Edges: Street-Building transition as urbanity interface, Bussum: THOTH, 2004, 23 3 Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission. Biddeford’s Mill Complex: An Inventory and Survey. Refer to bibliography
lower than housing in located in the Greater Portland area. The rental price for housing in the downtown area averages from $500 to $800 a month. 4 ■■ Sociology It is understandable to me why we strive to preserve the historic nature of their downtown. The various historic spaces work together to define an overall fabric, and it is what gives personality and identity to the city, where the development of sprawl usually only identifies its own image. There is a line of having new architecture look old for the sake of looking old though. This is explored more openly in the eastern part of the world, where it’s not utterly rare to see new architecture interacting with existing historic architecture, rather than mimic it. This might be due to a longer urban history with more variety and opportunity than our country’s younger roots, making the interweaving the new with the old more acceptable. The topic is important to me simply because I constantly see the un-sustainable effect of growth occurring outside the city edges, leaving these districts which hold the origins of the city to die as suburban sprawl continues to promote automobile driven design. By promoting these ideals people are forced to travel by the automobile, which is not only additional burden financially but also ecologically. By investigating new techniques on readapting the exiting defunct center I hope to encourage new ways to revitalize the center of the city, and promote growth back to the center. The existing sociology of the site tends to be defined by the pedestrian interaction at the Walmart up the street, rather that at the center of the city. The only sense of unity seams to come from the businesses located in the district, and not from the users that occupied the streets. Most of whom were from the bars smoking cigarettes outside due to state laws. ■■ Historical Development
City of Biddeford 2005 Summary Profile Labor Market Population………………………….... 22,072 Civilian labor force (8/07)…………...12,273 Number of Households…………… 9,636 Unemployed…………………………...392 Average Household Size………..... 2.42 Unemployment rate (6/01)………… 3.2% Median Household Income………. $40,610 Education Housing Number of teachers……………… 226 Total Housing Units…………………..10,450 Number of students………………… 2,854 Median Home Value……………… $207,000 Total operating cost….………… $21,723,222 Average Contract Rent………………$650/mo. Per pupil operating cost…… $7403(H.S) ………..$4553(E.S) 4 Biddeford, Maine Official Website Page: Housing, last accessed December 7, 2007 from the world wide web. Refer to bibliography for address. 5 Biddeford, Maine Official Website Page: Housing, last accessed December 7, 2007 from the world wide web. Refer to bibliography for address.
Thesis Program : Cultural Context
The site has a wealth of history behind it derived from the natural characteristics still located there, the major one being the Saco River. The strong currents were dammed and rerouted to operate the textile mills that act as the existing buildings on the site today. The industrial architecture placed by the corporate textile firms of times past distinctly defines the Main Street characteristics of the downtown. As I am looking at adapting the mill buildings with new architecture, so did the historic mill architecture of Fort Saco. The Fort was built in the 1700’s with masonry to defend the city against frequented Native American attacks. However, adjacent to my site, one of the mill warehouses utilized the structures exterior walls, adding on additional floors and connecting it to another building to utilize it as a warehouse. ■■ Demographic Information The Following general demographics information was taken from the CIty of Biddeford Official Web pave as cited in my bibliography.5
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(Education demographics continued) High School enrollment…………………..930 Dropout rate……………………………...2.04% Maine’s Largest Municipalities Ranked by population 1. Portland 2. Lewiston 3. Bangor 4. S. Portland 5. Auburn 6. Biddeford 7. Brunswick 8. Sanford
2005 2000 63,889 64,187 36,050 35,657 31,074 31,471 23,742 23,366 23,602 23,190 22,072 21,059 21,820 21,184 21,734 20,996
% change -0.46% 1.10% -1.26% 1.61% 1.78% 4.81% 3.00% 3.51%
9. Scarborough 10. Augusta 11. Saco 12. Windham 13. Westbrook 14. Waterville 15. Gorham
18,897 17,139 18,626 18,555 18,230 16,947 16,371 14,934 16,108 16,134 15,621 15,605 15,300 14,182
10.26% 0.38% 7.57% 9.62% -0.16% 0.10% 7.88%
Household Biddeford 2003 property mill rate*: 14.60 2004 median home value: $207,000 Census 2006 housing unit count: 10,450
Saco 18.70 $209,950 7,424
*The amount of property tax paid per dollar of assesses property value. One mill equals one-tenth of a cent. Sources: Maine State Housing Authority, Maine Revenue Service, U.S. Census Bureau
Employment Civilian labor force Unemployment 2007 Labor Force August April Biddeford 12,273 3.2% 4.7% Saco 10,833 3.2% 3.4% Maine 706,100 4.6% 4.8% U.S. 148,274,000 4.5% 5.4% Source: Maine Department of Labor
Source: Maine State Planning Office
■■ Conclusions: Constraints and Opportunities
Thesis Program : Cultural Context
Since the program is a destination that people set out to explore, it would bring the density required to support economic growth in the area, and the other non-destination retail, such as the mom and pop shops along Main Street. With the gallery and support spaces, such as the cafe, being a public program it directly provides spaces back for the community to use. Also, with the public program the deconstruction of the existing edges would be a necessity to allow a variety of street interaction with different types of circulation. This would back up the idea of deconstructing the existing edges as necessary for financial success in these building, rather than tearing the existing historic fabric for the sake of theoretical exploration only.
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The gallery and restaurant would provide the public destination needed from the program, while giving back culturally to the city. The edges created from the various public and private spaces could be explored in their relationships to the edges found on the site. The result of blurring the edges will reconnect the mill buildings back to the scale of the downtown district, allowing pedestrian interaction and providing a platform for economic growth back to the center of the city. The main goal I would like to achieve is to embrace a new function in an existing building designed for a totally different function. To explore adaptive reuse in a way not commonly done in today’s architecture, and somehow prove that by formulating the architecture around adaptive reuse of defunct buildings will better inhibit economic redevelopment for that district. The most obvious way my project should reflect its origins is by utilizing the materiality and reusing selected components of what is there, and by leaving traces of the existing heritage after deconstructing the edges as necessary. The openings created to deconstruct the containing factory box should open up to pedestrian interaction, and be informed by the contextual master plan of the site and its surroundings.
Phy s i c a l C o n t e x t ■■ The Lynch Description
After some initial investigation of site parameters I found that the building in question is actually part of two separate sites, with nodes on either side of the mass that creates the edge, as shown in my abstract sketch of the proposed site. In my sketch I highlight the left side of the page as a potential site which could not only act as a gateway and becomes a potential node, but would also reconnect the site the river. However, after reviewing my sketch I think another option would be to utilize both sites, as defined by their deeds, and combine them to utilize the entire mass that creates the edge, as well as both nodes to either side. The play on the buildings edge could further promote these spaces as nodes to the street which could potentially collect users utilizing both vehicular and pedestrian circulation routes. Physical Traces ■■ Byproducts of Use The byproducts of the site remain the existing mill buildings, a majority of which are in disrepair. Their established forms sever the edge of the downtown to the edge of the water by blocking it off visually as well as physically. ■■ Erosions This parameter is not readily recognized. The area is hardscaped with a mixture of pavement and historic materials used to re-route the waters flow to operate the mills. If any erosion should be noted it should be the materials used in the abandoned mill buildings that’s windows are broken and paint peeling from weather and years of neglect. ■■ Leftovers
Thesis Program : Physical Context
The main Lynch ideal the site identifies itself as is a prominent edge. Where 3 story mavericks line the opposite side of Main Street and further up, the existing buildings on the industrial side react to a gentle curve of the path with a large sheer masonry wall. The edge has no doors to penetrate the The following is an abstract sketch of my site using graphics to demonstrate the Lynch ideas of path, edge, node, landmark, and district. plane with, but is peppered with windows uniformly. The building is not only the edge against the path, but acts as the edge of the district as well. It has the potential to interconnect the residential and commercial mavericks of the downtown district with the river front and defunct industrial mill buildings that lie beyond. Instead however it states the boundaries of the district in an unwelcoming tone that visually prevents exploration beyond the impenetrable edge it creates. Because of this non-linking interaction between the districts the redevelopment or adaptation of the mills beyond this edge are not endorse by the architecture or natural landmarks such as the river.
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There seems to be a lack of leftovers in the area. What is there, seams to be there for a purpose, and the equipment once utilized in the mills is now removed. The emptiness left leaves the buildings themselves as the only leftovers of an era that has passed. ■■ Missing Traces A few remnants of buildings that are no longer buildings stand out as the major leftovers of the site though. One of them being a large smoke stack next to the rivers edge that stands alone with its associated building no longer located next to it. Adaptations for use ■■ Props A few Wal-Mart trailers are scattered about the loading docks of an adjacent existing mill building to the site, showing the use for the building as a ware house. This is probably associated with the retail store location a few miles up the road off the bypass from downtown. ■■ Separations The entire industrial district separates the community from the rivers edge. The large masonry masses and narrow streets do not promote a pedestrian to investigate the boundaries created by the spaces defined by the existing structures. Unless a user knows a destination beyond the gateway created by the site, the hard edges, lack of signs, and industrial characteristics do not promote an interaction for potential users to interact with. ■■ Connections
Adjacent Existing Building East of Site severing any connection between the downtown and industrial district and river beyond the building, which is not shown.
The connections between the site and the community are from are strongest on a historical level, displaying the defining characteristics of a textile mill town, the textiles themselves. The site does not promote any cross correlation to the residential and downtown districts next to it, nor does it connect any of these with the river front it is located against. Display of self ■■ Personalization The commercial store fronts along Main Street display their identities in their windows. They also personalized their street scape by having various sidewalk chalk art drawn next to their doors. As restaurants would have their name and various delicacies drawn, the paint ball store next door would have similar drawings identifying their niche in the downtown storefronts. ■■ Identification
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The more formal display of self can be seen in the overhead sign displays above awnings and doorways identifying the store or restaurant that exists inside. On the actual site there is only a small painted plywood sign identifying a café and futon store beyond the loading area and adapted into one of the mill complexes adjacent to the site, that shares the same access from Main Street.
■■
Group Membership
On my site visits various stores and restaurants had colorful sidewalk drawings identifying them as belonging to the Main Street community, and what each individual brought to the table. The community they make up has a strong sense of pride, as they have various associations and boards geared towards the betterment of main street and the economic prosperity it provides for them, as well as the city. Public Message ■■ Official There are a few official signs for the North Dam Mill Complex that utilizes my proposed site for parking. The official signs designate the spaces leased in the complexes, and that there is currently still space available. The complex is not visible from the road though, and there are various larger banners at the edge of the parking area and side walk indicating various sales.
Entry to site showing official and unofficial signage
■■ Unofficial Some of the unofficial informative signs are in the form of tractor trailers parked at the site. They are for Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club retail stores and advertise for the companies as well as inform the use of the adjacent warehouse being utilized by them. On one of my site visits a craft fair was being held in one of the mill buildings and signs advertising it were displayed along the same edge as some of the more official signs. Someone also utilized the cement retaining wall to spell out “craft fair” with an arrow pointing to the entrance beyond. ■■ Illegitimate There was no obvious graffiti found or other illegitimate messages in plain view around the immediate site. There were a few graffiti tags on signs around the contextual area, but nothing of major notice. ■■ Conclusion and Opportunities
The interaction created from this project would also help promote the economic prosperity of the area rather than build up strong edges to contain and isolate as required if the program were to be private. The transparency of the edge will have to be balanced carefully with not only the public / private spaces, but also on how transparency defines the edge. Lastly, if the program is to start a redevelopment process of a defunct downtown the program should also be dictated by the demographics and utilize any base that the area might already be providing for. The Idea I would like my thesis to evoke is to revitalize dead downtowns and bring growth back to the center of the city, rather than promote development defined as suburban sprawl. While the main goal is growth to the center, the building typology will introduce an architectural symbiosis of old mill architecture with new technologies as a vehicle to promote a pedestrian atmosphere for sustainable economic redevelopment.
Thesis Program : Physical Context
The most obvious way my project will reflect its origins is by utilizing the materiality and reusing selected components of what is there. The constraining forms should be deconstructed at certain intervals to allow a visual and physical reference from the street to the center if the district and frame views to the river.
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Inter views Interview #1, User/woodworker : Lee Harvey Lee, a retired Furniture maker and architect, was interviewed by the author, and answered various questions relating to the thesis inquiry, proposed program, and site. Lee worked as a graduate teaching assistant in the mid 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for Rochester Institute of Technology School for American Craftsmen, where he also earned his Masters Degree in Fine Arts Woodworking and Furniture Design. As a teaching assistant he helped maintain the community wood shop, which was utilized by all the fine arts furniture students as well as other student artisans throughout the school. The way the wood shop was utilized by a community, rather than just an individual entity, is similar to the ideas planed from my program. I started the interview by explaining my ideas behind my thesis and in relationship how a woodworkers incubator building could revitalize the community. I continued to explain how I thought the incubator would work, with various small one or two man operations being able to utilize the resources there to start a business, with out necessarily committing to the funding and extra time needed to start a business. What were the major issues with the building you were associated with in Rochester? Within a few seconds after the question ended, Lee simply stated air conditioning. He explicitly remembered how hot it got in the summer time, and how you had to keep that in mind as you were working as you did not sweat dripping off onto the finish. He also stated how there was a reason behind it being so hot, and went into explaining the importance of the dust collection system. The system is not only utilized to help maintain the cleanliness of the area, but also safety as the dust and chips were not only bad to breath but explosive as well. There was a lot of thought behind on how a dust collection system is put into any wood shop, and there are several systems to do the job. The situation often related to the mechanical system because of negative pressures that built up in spaces and their ability to exhaust the air as well as the dust and wood chips out of the space. Lee explained the easiest solution to not being to big of a modifier on the cooling system in the building, was to not have a cooling system. What were the main component spaces used by the woodworkers, and which portions of them were shared and or private? Lee explained that for the most part all the bigger equipment pieces and spaces were shared. With the exception that every student had their own hand tools area and workbench. The space was approximately 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and included a work bench as well as a lockable storage cabinet to store hand tools in. The wood shop itself contained all the heavier equipment such as planers, joiners, table and band saws, and various other equipment. He called this room the stationary room. There was also a finish room that has a complex exhaust system to handle the extremely dangerous and explosive finishing vapors. He went on to say that most finishing rooms he has dealt with have a water wall exhaust system. The finishing room has a lot of various tricky planing components to it in terms of the dangerous storage of any finish material prior to being applied to a piece. Lee recommended keeping the storage of finish material to a minimum and require any potential users to buy their finishes just prior to finishing their pieces to prevent the need for blast doors and other requirements for storage of such materials. The wood material storage room did not need as stringent requirements, but was an important space that students entered to buy wood from the school, or store wood already bought from the school. The last main component space that was utilized by the craftsmen was the glue up room. This room also doubled as a classroom where new students were taught safety requirements
56 of various equipment, and other needs for a classroom were partaken in.
Lee also stated there could be other specialty rooms that the college did not have at the time, but that is not totally uncommon with furniture making. Some of these rooms, if decided to be included in the program, would have to be researched into the specific requirements of each one. Some examples he gave me were steam bending rooms and the hydraulic presses associated with them. More technologically advance equipment might also have special requirements that he admitted he did not have enough experience with to know, such as computer aided router tables. How exactly were the shared components shared, and was their any animosity between the students using the spaces and the students waiting to use the spaces ? I further asked Lee if there was a sign up sheet for reserving rooms such as the finishing room, or if it was more of a first come first serve type of attitude. He explained that it was a lot more of a laid back atmosphere. Although there were 50 - 60 students in the furniture major, everyone new what the other person was up to. Being an architect as well, Lee explained that the furniture makers were not as solo orientated as architecture students were when it came to their workload. It was very common to have help putting your pieces together for an exhibit, and everyone was pretty accommodating in that sense. If you went to the glue up room and there was someone working there you would end up helping him Lee explained. Afterwards that person would end up helping you lay up your pieces, weather it was next to that, or more towards the classroom end of the glue up room. Although every student had space for hand tools, they still borrowed specialty hand tools from other students as well, and there was a don’t burn your bridges attitude towards the sharing. “If you let someone borrow your specialty chisel set, and they returned it in any condition less than what they took it, they knew that they would not be able to borrow any more tools. Not only from you, but other people as the story would most likely spread from that sort of reputation. After hearing about my project intentions, how many people do you think would be too many people?
What do you think the major differences will be in my project that is geared towards a person doing business, and your experience in a community wood shop that was geared for educational purposes? What are the similarities? Touching base on his last answer Lee decided that security would be the most important issue to address. Exotic wood is not cheap, and some precautions would have to be taken to address the public portion of the building, as well as to keep the individual woodworkers honest. He also noted that individual spaces would have to be more flexible than the 12’ x 12’, as various production components to woodworking vary from user to user. The last thing that would have to be addressed in Lee’s opinion is a way to reinforce the rules, and a method to maintaining them and modifying them. His example was how the university did not allow any type of particle board, because of the ability of the glue within to jamb and gum up the machines. The argument is valid for someone that spends 6 hours tuning a joiner to see it go out of wack from someone running a piece of plywood through it. Lee’s point was consideration has to be made to such items.
Thesis Program : Expert Interviews
Lee thought that because the wood shop was in a commercial application that 20 - 30 people would be the biggest number of people using the same machines and spaces. He went on to say that it was an estimated guest, as he never heard of such an application geared towards commercial productivity. He said the exact number would have to be derived through basic trial and error, as it would be hard to say how much demand each person would require. “The situation is going to be as good as the people” he finished.
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Interview #2, Staff: Haven Leaske Haven is an accomplished sculptor specializing in ceramics and pottery over the years. She has visited and worked in various art galleries throughut the country. Her experience visiting various gallerias spaces as a user for various exhibits will help me in understanding the gallery spaces for my woodworkers building. What are the important spaces involved with a gallery? The actual gallery space is the most important. It should allow a lot of light in and be unique. Regardless of what the gallery is displaying, be it painting, sculpture, or whatever, it should accommodate what is being presented and compliment its design with its own. What makes a gallery space better then average, and what makes it worse than average? In my opinion if its nice and open it is better, and if it does not allow a lot of light in than its worse than average. Does the type of light matter, be it daylight or artificial light, or is it more of an ethical consideration to not use artificial light if possible? As long as their is adequate viewing light and work light in the studios and gallery spaces the artisans and woodworkers should feel comfortable. I agree with you that daylight would be nice as it cost no energy, but you also have to think about the night time. These woodworkers you are planning the spaces for might have day jobs and come to their studios as a release at night. Proper lighting for both times of the day should be considered. What feelings do you expect the gallery space to evoke when you walk in to it? Awe struck or wonderment, and really stunning and beautiful. How important is the space the art is displayed in compared to the art itself? The space is very important in the display of any art. You can have some really good are, but it could look horrible because of the way it is displayed in the space. The same can be said about the opposite. You could have some really bad art, but if the space it is displayed in is well done, the art can look magnificent. In my opinion the space itself has no limit in its architectural significance. You should not hold back on the architecture to make whatever product on display look better. If the architecture cripples the artwork inside that much, than their should be better work inside of it. If fact the architecture could become the catalyst for the woodworkers to do their best work, knowing that it is going in such and such gallery.
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Interview #3, City Citizen: John Giguere John was born and raised in Biddeford, and currently lives approximately 11 miles west of the Main Street. He is currently a bus driver for the Saco School district. When John was in the Navy, he was able to live in various other regions of the country. The advantage of interviewing him is his ability to remember how the existing state was when the textile mills were in operation, and their ability to compare the site to other Main Streets they have encountered. His genuine familiarity and knowledge of the existing identity, weather conscious or subconscious, will gage the average reaction to the contextual fabric of the site. What words and feelings would you say describe the downtown of Biddeford when the mills were in operation, and do these words still accurately describe the downtown today? More prosperity, the mills kept the downtown area strong. Since the mills have closed the downtown has been slowing more and more down and now its just about dead. Do you think Main Street has an identity or language of its own compared to other Main Streets in other cities and regions of the country? Its got its own identity definitely. Every town or city has its own identity. They might get changed over the years as new stores come and go, but they maintain their own identity. Biddefordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown is the downtown still though... same as 50 years ago but not as vitalized. Have you ever walked thru the mill district to view the various shops and businesses within them now? If so what intrigued you to do so, and if not is there any blatant reason behind not exploring the district? I never walked in or around the mills themselves, just main street. I did not know there were shops or businesses in the mill buildings now, I just thought they were abandoned. If I knew there was shops when I have been downtown I would have probably checked them out. What do you think represents Biddeford?
What would be your attitude if downtown Biddeford was demolished to make way for new buildings? I would be saddened, the idea of tearing down just to build something new doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really appeal to me. It would loose all the identity that you asked me about before. Would you allow any existing structures to be demolished if it remade the downtown into a better place? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a tough question. Yes, I guess I would, if it brings prosperity to the town, but its a tough question. I think the process would loose the nostalgia associated with the downtown, but I people are more prone to go to into a new store that an old store. If it makes the town more prosperous than I would go that route.
Thesis Program : Expert Interviews
I guess I would have to say the old city hall, its been there for ages.
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Precedent s ■■ The Cannery, San Francisco What interests me in this building is how architect Joseph Esherick did not create a static shell to “replant” various programs back into an obsolete industrial form. Instead he carved out existing portions of the roof in the middle to create a new atrium space that interweaves new brick walkways, arches, bridges, and escalators around the airy interior that is actually an exterior. Although the building is eclectic in its history, and the design is meant to preserve the historic character of the building, it does not serve as a “static monument” to the past. The new materials used in carving out the new spaces is the same as the materials found in the existing historic structure. This concept blurs the distinction between new and old, and forces the user to admire the building spaces for what they are, rather than question if the space was existing or new. The large voids cut into the massing help break the spaces apart from the dictating square outer shell that used to define the space within when it was an actual cannery. The Cannery’s design deconstructed the box it was, and uses negative as well as positive space to create unique atmospheres on the inside. The spaces within are not dictated by the historic shell and this leads to a unique atmosphere that lets the space be utilized by the community as well as the retailers within. These interior and outdoor spaces are utilized by the community for reflection and gathering points. The spaces also allow opportunities for local artisans to show their artwork or play their music for the collecting crowd.
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FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
ELEAVTION
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
GEOMETRY
PLAN TO SECTION
Photographs by Matt Giguere except for upper two, which is taken from
http://www.thecannery.com
CIRCULATION TO USE
HIERARCHY
STRUCTURE
REPETITIVE TO UNIQUE
SYMETRY AND BALANCE
MASSING
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SECTION
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
ELEAVTION
PLAN TO SECTION
CIRCULATION TO USE
HIERARCHY
STRUCTURE
REPETITIVE TO UNIQUE
■■ Monterey Bay Aquarium Charles Davis deconstructs the industrial form with this design. What interests me about this project is how the program is not confined by the existing form it’s in. The building promotes a unique education of the local sea life and habitats by encouraging the program to expand past the walls. This concept would be ideal for my thesis project as it desegregates the function inside with the pedestrians outside, allowing a unique interaction to the building, the user, and the program. Davis punctures the envelope with large glass panels that expand into a repertoire of clear story open spaces from inside the shelter. These large expanses of glass allow the occupiers to view the adjacent local habitats while viewing exhibits, rather than isolating them with the exhibits within. The building’s location of half on the water and half on land helps further blur the edge of the controlled and natural environment, while undulating balconies interact with the rocky landscape. Stairway access points down to tidal pools create outdoor exhibits that further connect the building back to the locality and its local habitats GEOMETRY
SYMETRY AND BALANCE
MASSING
Photographs from EDHH, refer to bibliography
Thesis Program : Precedent Studies
THIRD FLOOR PLAN
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outside. The material pays homage to the characteristics found in the adjacent architecture of other historic canneries in the area as well. I believe I can study these characteristics, of not letting the existing form dictate the program edge, to gain further understanding and concepts that I can apply to my ideas of blurring the edge.
■■ House on a House, Vienna, Austria Rüdiger Langer designed this work and living space atop an early 19th century existing façade. As the images to the right and above show he did the opposite of Esherick in the Cannery, and used modern materials in direct contrast to the existing material of the surrounding contextual fabric. The new architecture replaces an existing sloped roof, and compliments that in retrospect with its stepped massing. By using an open floor plane concept with modern materials and building technologies the penthouse area is much more readily able to adapt to various functions inside than its counterpart below.
62 Photographs from Lofts..., refer to bibliography
I s s u e s , G o a l s , a n d P. R .’s Mission Statement This project will promote growth back to the center where the visual identity of the city is defined, but economic density has left for the outskirts. The idea behind this is to let the building define itself, while promoting an interaction with the historic fabric. The idea of an incubator building would allow new professionals dealing with the woodworking trades to pool resources and compete against some of the larger corporate rivals that otherwise they would not be able to compete with. By having an emporium with various other shops and restaurants, along with the woodworkers program, the community will have a destination space that reintroduces the city center as a node again, as it did when the mills were active. By having a public program in the form of a gallery and café it directly provides spaces back for the community to use. With the public program the deconstruction of the existing edges would be a necessity to allow a variety of street interaction with different types of circulation. This would back up the idea of deconstructing the existing edges as necessary for financial success in these building, rather than tearing the existing historic fabric for the sake of theoretical exploration only.
Main Issues ■■ Identity How can the building be designed as to not loose the identifying characteristics found in the contextual fabric around the site. ■■ Security How can the building provide a secure work are for the artisans and their materials without segregating that function from the other function of the building. ■■ Junction
■■ Context How can the building relate the community to various components around the site that have been severed. How will the site strategies respond to this. ■■ Interaction How can the building promote pedestrian interaction within the district to enhance economic stability with density. ■■ Integration How can the collection systems (ex. dust and vapor) integrate better with the building systems.
Thesis Program : Future State
The site is near a collision of paths edges, and districts. How can the building connect and overlap these elements to provide a smoother transition.
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Goals and Performance Requirements â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Goal #1 The design should not allow the existing structures or historic context dictate the form and material selection, but it should not use loose the characteristics found in the historic architecture that define the area.
Performance Requirement #1: The buildings form should follow the function, regardless if the spaces are located in a new or existing portion of the building
Performance Requirement #2: The building should reflect the language of rhythm, repetition, scale, and other characteristics set by the contextual fabric.
Performance Requirement #3: The design should interweave new with existing, rather than add new to existing.
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â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Goal #2 The design should allow the artisans to secure their tools without being segregated from one another, or the public areas of the building.
Performance Requirement #1: Edges utilizing a mixture of transparency and opaqueness.
Performance Requirement #3: A circulation system that filters and restricts users to dangerous and precious areas they are not supposed to be.
Thesis Program : Future State
Performance Requirement #2: Quick locking secured work areas, as in rolling shutters.
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â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Goal #3 The design should be designed to blur the defining edges that promote segregation of space and view.
Performance Requirement #1: Views beyond the building, which is at the edge of the district, should be framed to promote other buildings beyond.
Performance Requirement #2: Entrances should be easily distinguishable and ease into pathways rather than puncture them.
Performance Requirement #3: Traces of the existing elements deconstructed should be left to showcase the interweaving of various existing an new edges.
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â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Goal #4 The design should promote an interaction between the space, function, systems, and users.
Performance Requirement #1: Natural ventilation and cooling methods should be utilized to offset the mechanical needs due to vapor and dust exhaust systems.
Performance Requirement #3: Work spaces should be modular to allow various configurations, while still maintaining grouped pods to promote interaction between the users.
Thesis Program : Future State
Performance Requirement #2: Program elements, such as gallery furniture, should reinforce circulation patterns to interact with movement.
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C o s t Ev a l u a t i o n s ■■ Spaces
Woodworking Spaces
Percentage
Square Footage
Gallery
20.00%
10,000
Work Space
24.00%
12,000
Finishing Room
3.00%
1,500
Materials Storage
8.00%
4,000
Loading & Trash
2.00%
1,000
Glue Up Room
2.00%
1,000
Training Room
1.00%
500
Incubator Spaces (sub total)
5.00%
2,500
It services / web development
0.50%
250
Security Room
0.50%
250
Reception
0.80%
400
Book keeping / accounting
0.80%
400
Conference Room
0.80%
400
Break Room
1.60%
800
65.00%
32,500
10.00%
5,000
5.00%
2,500
Sub Total of Above (Incubator & Woodworking) Support Accessory Spaces Café Book Store Circulation, Bathrooms, Etc. Total
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20.00%
10,000
100.00%
50,000
Area Percentage
Gallery Work Space Finishing Room Material Loading & Trash Glue Up Room Training Room Incubator Spaces (sub total) Circulation, Bathrooms, Etc. Café Book Store
The following cost estimation is based on a new building within the mill district complex with the square footages estimated per space. The cost could vary greatly depending on the amount of interweaving with the existing structures and unforeseen circumstances that could arise with various scenarios.
A
Building Costs
50,000 sf @ $200/sf
$10,000,000
B
Fixed Equipment
15% of A
$1,500,000
C
Site Development
15% of A
$1,500,000
D
Total Construction
A+B+C
$13,000,000
E
Site Acquisition / Demo
F
Moveable Equipment
15% of A
$1,500,000
G
Professional Fees
8% of D
$1,040,000
$750,000
H
Contingencies
12% of D
$1,560,000
J
Administrative Costs
2% of D
$260,000
K
Total Budget Required
L
Location Factor
D+ (E thru F)
$18,110,000
1.185 x K
$21,460,350
Thesis Program :Spaces and Calculations
■■ Cost Estimate
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A n n o t a t e d B i b l i o g r a p hy Barreneche, Raul A. and L’Italien, Mark. EHDD: Building Beyond the Bay. New York: Edizioni Press, 2002. This text provides a pictorial review with descriptions of some of the major projects designed by EHDD, and Joseph Esherick before he formed the firm. I am utilizing the book to analyze two projects that are documented in it. The first is The Cannery at Del Monte Square, and the other project was designed by Charles Davis and is the Motgomery Bay Aquarium. Further information on these projects can be found in the case study section of this proposal. Bobić, Miloš. Between the Edges: Street-Building transition as urbanity interface. Bussum: THOTH, 2004. I am still in the process of reading this book, but thus far I have gained further knowledge on spatial segregation. Specifically between public and private space in various urban scenarios and the author’s opinions on the success and failures of such. Brand, Stewart. How Building Learn: What Happens After They’re Built. New York: Viking 1994. A comprehensive historical description to how buildings evolve over time with various owners and programs inhabiting their underbellies. The book shows various typologies from residential houses and restaurants, to federal institutional buildings and the White House of the United States of America. Cerver, Franciso Asensio. Lofts: Working and Living Spaces. Spain: Arco, 1999. There are a few residential lofts in this book that I would like to further analyze. What interested me in particular was the documented case that were added onto existing industrial buildings rather than just redeveloped within them. The designs showcase new materials and spatial relationships not defined by the existing, but without abandoning the characteristics of the immediate adjacent spaces. Biddeford, Maine Official Website. Housing. Accessed from the world wide web December 7, 2007. http:// www.biddefordmaine.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={6E7BA658-8D63-4D44-8D92BE02D3170A91}
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Biddeford, Maine Official Website. General Demographics. Accessed from the world wide web December 7, 2007. http://www.biddefordmaine.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={0B9C147A-223243CF-95ED-24DE423F5561}&DE= The City of Biddeford’s Official Website was utilized in my research to find various published facts given out by the city. I found the site very useful as Biddeford is trying to encourage economic prosperity to various developers and business owners, and as such have a wealth of information useful to my thesis ideas of regenerating growth from the center of the city. Fertenga, Alberto, ed. Aldo Rossi: The Life Works of an Architect. Milan: Eldmond editeri associate, 1999. I was originally drawn to this book because someone suggested my sketching techniques where similar to Rossi’s. However, I was also pointed towards his scholastic headquarters building in New York for his placement of modern architecture in an existing defined fabric. His new materialities and modern forms fitting in the context intrigued me, and after reviewing a brief description by him I found his terms of translation were similar to the definitions found in the context of my site. I decided to include his words as part of my investigative terms in my methods of inquiry section of this proposal because of this and the success of that project in those terms. Fodor, Eben. Better not Bigger. British Columbia: New Society Publishers, 1999. Better not Bigger is about the cons of Urban expansion, and ideas communities can undertake to make quality improvements over expansive solutions. The book is filled with statistical data and case studies that can support my thesis claims.
Jeffery Hardwick tells Victor Gruen’s biography in this book. It chronicles his life as an architect and his vision of an “American Dream” encouraged by his design of retail malls. Although the original purpose of the idea was good natured, it leads to an automobile driven sprawl that killed the downtown. The book continues to chronicle Gruen’s work as he realizes and lives with the ramifications of his design ideas and tries to remedy them. I choose this reference to gain a sense of history in the notorious American shopping mall, and how they originated.
Thesis Program : Annotated Bibliography
Hardwick, Jeffrey M. Mall Maker: Victor Gruen, Architect of an American Dream. Philadelphia: University of Philadelphia Press, 2004.
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Hayden, Dolores. A Field Guide to Sprawl. New York – London: W.W. Norton & Company, 2004. This “Devils Dictionary”, as the leaf of the books describes itself, is filled with graphic examples with verbal vocabulary that explains many of the terms associated with uncontrolled growth. The author also goes into critiquing each definition and example provided. My intent for this resource is to help me explain some of the terms that I will be using in my research, as well as figure out what some terms are for certain situations with set parameters. Kulturstiftung des Bundles. Shrinking Cities: Volume 1 – International Research. ed. Phillip Oswalt. Ostfildern-Ruit: Hatje Cantz Verlag, 2005. The writings go into case studies from around the world in prominent cities, and relates to the sprawl shrinking the city and killing all interconnections with the community and other city life aspects. Sassen, Saskia. Global Networks, Linked Cities. New york – London: Routledge, 2002. This book contains enormous amounts of abstract terms and numerical data. As of this moment I have not read enough of the book to understand what it is exactly about, but I hope to ascertain knowledge from it that can held me in the exploration of my thesis.
Social Spaces: A Pictorial Review. Melbourne: The Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd, 2000. This book provides countless pictures of various public and private spaces with little to no text. I have been utilizing the picture of various typologies to apply my own knowledge and \ critiques in terms of my thematic ideas. Soule, David C., ed. Urban Sprawl: A Comprehensive Reference Guide . Westport, CN – London: Greenwood Press, 2006. David C. Soule compiles articles from various authors about the topic of urban sprawl in this reference guide designed as a text book. The simple, yet effective writings will help me analyze numerous dynamics that urban sprawl affects that is not necessarily thought about, such as political and social ramifications.
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Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission. Biddeford’s Mill Complex: An Inventory and Survey. Report Date January 2004. http://www.biddefordmaine.org/vertical/Sites/%7BFAD9934F-594E-4DFE8950-698C92DACFDD%7D/uploads/%7B1A16B9A0-2776-41E8-B082-70146A62B2A7%7D. PDF (accessed November 11, 2007). This document was put together by SMRPC, who is a council of governments that’s goal is to promote economic growth and resource management throughout the handful of municipalities that are represented by it. The report is a survey and analysis of the current use in the mill complexes that is located at the site of my thesis. I hope to utilize the information in this document that was designed as a marketing resource for potential small business, to better inform my master planing objectives. Vorwort, Mit einem and Werner, Frank. Coop Himmelblau : die Faszination der Stadt = the power of the city / mit einem Vorwort von Frank Werner. Trans. Hahn, Robert and others. Verlag Jürgen Häusser, 1992. Whitman, Nicholas and others. MASS MoCA: From Mill to Museum. North Adams, MA: MASS MoCA Publications, 2000. Zeidler, Eberhard H. Multi-Use Architecutre in the Urban Context. New York: Wan Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1983.
Thesis Program : Annotated Bibliography
Zeidler states the characteristics he defines make up a successful multi-use building in this book. His ideals are very close to my thematic ideas at revitalizing the city, dealing with urban fabric and pedestrian activity. I hope to attain alot of information from Zeidler’s mulit-use ideas and apply them to the interweaving of old and new to relink the industrial edge back to the community.
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Biddeford’s Mill Complex: An Inventory and Survey Report Date: January 2004
Completed by Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission In Cooperation With City of Biddeford Economic Development Office Above : The cover the Biddeford Mill Complex report that has been quoted from and become a major demographic source throughout this document. The inside leaf of this report says this about the cover page...
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Photographs on the cover of this report are of the entrepreneurs who earn their livings by operating small businesses in Biddeford’s mill complex and the products that they make in the mills. These photos were all taken on January 5, 2004, a typical Monday morning in the buildings. All of the businesses featured in these photographs have moved to the mills within the past five years. Most came from elsewhere in Maine, but some came from as far away as New York and Florida. The businesses represented in these photographs are, clockwise from the top right: • Marine Environments, a manufacturer of custom aquariums, touch tanks and lobster tanks. A sample display tank in the shop shows off a classic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. • Job Placement Services, a manufacturing company that serves as a training ground for at-risk youth and mentally challenged adults. The lighthouse being displayed was made for Bird Beakin, a plastics manufacturer also located in the mills. • Udomsay & Ventura Woodworkers, a custom furniture shop specializing in staircases and fine cabinetry. • Hanson Woodturning, a high-end woodturning operation that builds one-of-a-kind rails, legs and other round pieces. • The Table Company, which designs, builds, finishes and installs custom hardwood tables and cabinets. • Christopher Strassner Woodturners, which sculpts bowls and art objects by turning hardwood. • Chris DePrez Pottery (pictured at the center), which makes custom pottery and clay art... Photo Credits: All photographs of the buildings, tenants and products were taken by David Versel of the Southern Maine Regional Planning Commission
Proposal & Program Appendix All photographs and diagrams by Tim Giguere, unless noted in captions otherwise.
REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES City of BIDDEFORD, MAINE Codified through Ord. No. 2006.109, adopted Jan. 2, 2007. (Supplement No. 14, Add.) found online at (http://www.municode.com/Resources/gateway.asp?pid=10440&sid=19)
Program and Proposal Appendix
Certain pie charts and mill complex demographic information as cited from Biddefordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Complex: An Inventory and Survey (Found Online at http://www.smrpc.org/landuse/documents/BiddefordMillSurvey.pdf)
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Example of pedestrian woonerf
Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a Woodworker â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community
Present
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Circa 1917
Preliminar y Design Present ation The objective I mapped out for my preliminary presentation was to bring my panel together for the first time as a whole, and really dive into what my thesis was about and where I was thinking it would take me. The road map of my presentation can be broken up into 3 main parts. The first part involves the introduction to the Biddeford Mill District site. Its complexity, and the diagrams and ideas I have to why it is so desolate and non-adaptable from an as is state. The second part introduces my woodworkers building and why it would be the glue to hold my architectural ideas together. The third and final component of my presentation was to introduce my ideas at a master planning scale in the district.
Preliminary Axis findings
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Wall of Biddefordâ&#x20AC;?
Preliminary Presentation
My initial intention was that the master plan would not be developed much further beyond what I showed in this presentation. The main purpose of exploring master planning exercises in the Mill District was to use it as source for deriving circulation patterns for my final building requirement. However as my master plan developed I realized how little master planning experience I had at this point, and the amount of questions arising seemed to be more than the answers. In my original thesis proposal and program I had originally proposed the far South Eastern corner, next to the river, as my site. I discovered more opportunities though from master planning, each with the strengths and weaknesses. At this point I decided to use my panel presentation as an open forum of sorts to bounce these additional site concepts off of, and to hopefully leave with a decision that my panel and I found to be the strongest to explore my architectural concepts with.
77
Biddeford, Maine is located along the edge of the Saco River. The site identifies itself as a distinct industrial mill district directly next to the downtown, only separated by Main Street. Both districts are historic and help set the architectural identity of the city.
Biddeford Seacoast The first part of my thesis concentrates on redeveloping a master plan for the Mill District, as outlined above. The proceeding diagrams illustrate the prominent edges and interwoven fabrics found, and the circulation they either promote or negate. The interpretation of these analyses lead to the notion that these need to be explored and broke down as necessary to allow a healthy circulation to the proposed new fabric within the mill district master plan, without destroying the historic character of the area. The goal of the various master plan concepts will be to break down constricting edges by utilizing new architecture linking to the past, without mimicking the historic details.
New England Seaboard
Amtrak Boston / Portland
MERC
e ut
nd Bugbee Saco Island
River Dam
Ro
1 11
/
tla
Ma
in S
Lincoln Mill
o
c Sa
r Po
t.
Westpoint Stevens
North Dam Mill City Hall
Main St.
78 d fre Al
re St
et
T
Fabric Density Diagram
Edge
Bre ak Do wn
Potential Density Po
te
Pub
nt ial ce Pub lic ss
ac
Res. Fabric Res.
Pub
Fabric
Edge Res. Fabric
hese diagrams help illustrate my initial conclusions of the existing layout preventing visual penetration into the site, which directly corresponds to pedestrians not knowing or wanting to explore further into the district. This is a direct cause and effect the design has to overcome in order to meet be a success. The major vertical edge in the diagram below eventually becomes one of the major deciding points to moving my proposed site to the node creates at the West Point Stevens building with the loading docks facing Main St.
Visual Boundaries, Access Points, and Approaches
Preliminary Presentation
Fabric Density Diagram
79
8
6
7
10
1
4
11 2
9 5
3
Existing Building Footprints and associated picture location keys 3
2
Typical street facing facade of widows
West Point Stevens Buildings & Beginning of “Great Wall of Biddeford”
6
5
80 “Great Wall of Biddeford”
Bird’s eye from Saco Island of Biddeford Mills
T
hese pictures show the typical building material, rhythm and repetition to opening versus massing, among other aspects of the existing state. Most importantly these ground level visuals confirm the layer upon layer of non yielding barriers to reaching comfortably reaching the inner heart of the Mill District.
1
Remnants of the North Mill clock tower now on the ground beside the tower, Same picture 100 years earlier can be seen on the preliminary cover page.
4
11
Industrial steel and wood apparatuses still in tack act like a museum to the past
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Built up building grade along the Saco River
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Preliminary Presentation
Typical building facades inside the heart of the mill district
Back Facade of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Wall of Biddefordâ&#x20AC;?
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9 Extreme industrial side of district, M.E.R.C. facility
81 Typical tight alley space between buildings
Current and Past State of the Mills • The Pepperell textile mills, at the falls of the Saco River, once employed 9,000 people. • 1.2 million square feet spread over five properties: WestPoint Stevens, Sunbeam, Riverdam Millyard, Lincoln Mill, and the Bugbee & Brown Building. • WestPoint Stevens is the only active textile mill, employing 300 people. • Average 2.4 employees per business. • 2 of the largest employers in the district are in the woodworking category. • Biddeford can potentially establish itself as the woodworking capitol of New England. • Current woodworkers market themselves mainly by word of mouth. More established businesses sell in high-end furniture stores or galleries in Maine and elsewhere. A few woodworkers have web sites and have successfully found customers via the Internet.
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This Diagram shows the intended interaction the woodworkers incubator building and community would have in the district. Creating a symbiant circle with other uses in the district, the user in the district, and the services created for the users while they are in the district, such as food, historic way points, or entertainment.
These percentage numbers below are guesstimate space numbers for the building I plan to develop to test my thesis ideas. It is approximate and may change as further interaction with the client dictates them too. They are generated from an estimated 60,000 square feet of space for the building, with 24,000 SF for work spaces. Program spaces and their general percentage of area are as follows:
Shared Gallery Floor Space
10%
Work spaces (industrial condos)
40%
Personal and shared equipment spaces
10%
Material Storage
10%
Loading
3%
Trash / Recycling Area
3%
Education / workshop area
4%
Incubator spaces and offices as follows
2% (combined)
(secondary spaces)
Small CafĂŠ / Restaurant (including Kitchen, Storage, Dining, Office, POS, Beer Storage)
Small Book Store (including Receiving, Storage, Display, POS)
Exterior market fair space for community events and various outdoor functions
Gallery Work Space Shared Equipment Material Loading Trash Education Incubator Spaces Circulation CafĂŠ Book Store
Preliminary Presentation
Area Percentage
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Diagram of how my proposed building will work
Summary of my thesis components Summary of thesis ideas My thesis is about weaving new architecture into a historic fabric that no longer promotes growth. The obvious goal would be to restart the mill district as an economic powerhouse, like it was. The tricky part of my design exploration will lie in the analysis of the historic structures, though not for their identity, but for the edges and boundaries they create into the district, and how I can interweave new architecture to blur these edges and boundaries without destroying the identity the architecture defines for the city downtown.
Summary of master plan concepts The primary concepts for the redevelopment were to promote a healthy interaction beyond the strong edges along Main Street and Lincoln Street, and into the heart of the district. In the following concepts I assumed that the WestPoint Stevens parcel would eventually become vacant, allowing an opportunity to reconfigure the road and parcels into the site to allow an interaction with Alfred street, one of the main approaches to the site , showcasing the river. I felt reestablishing a visual connection to the river from outside the district would help promote cross circulation through the district making it less desolate, and good exposure for the businesses established there. I also provided clear views from driving down main street towards the river, connecting it all with a continuation of the river walk park on water street, into the mill district along the rivers edge.
Summary of program
The diagram on the right shows the basic processes of how the program would be laid out and function with its users, customers, and services.
Preliminary Presentation
The program for the building I will design is a woodworkerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s incubator building and gallery space. I idea for the program derived from reading various reports about the Mill buildings and the large number of the creative businesses utilizing the mills, especially woodworkers. The reports went on to suggest that Biddeford has the potential to become the â&#x20AC;&#x153;woodworking capitol of New Englandâ&#x20AC;?. This incubator building would allow smaller start up businesses the opportunity to pool resources for not only business aspects but for space and community equipment pooling as well. The hope of this would be for these start-ups to grow their businesses and in turn provide more job opportunities for the city. The gallery space would be a collective display space for various woodworkers and furniture makers to display their products for sale. In my master plan concepts I thought by designating certain buildings light industrial larger furniture manufacturers could possibly move in to create more job opportunities, and display their products in the provided gallery space. The goal for the program and redevelopment would be to make the mill district a must go to destination for anyone in New England shopping for high quality wood furniture and products.
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Ideas behind the Site
This diagram explains the two types of edges that preventing circulation. Physical Edge: As in boundaries, impenetrable. Visual Edge: As in material definition, not necessary new or old, but what the material defines itself as.
Breaking down the existing with transparency, physically, and visually
86 Potential Sites within the district
P oten
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Using my preliminary findings of potential circulation patterns and visual barriers, I came up with three possible macro site locations within the overall district, which I consider the main site. At the end of my preliminary presentation My panel and myself decided to choose a fourth site to continue my thesis development on. The reasoning behind this decision will be explained further in this document.
Concepts for a successful redevelopment. - A public connection to the waters edge. - Healthy cross circulation across the district. - Encouragement and tie-in of existing businesses outside the redeveloped area. - Sustainable promotion of local resources.
Preliminary Presentation
These diagrams coincide with the intentions I expressed in my sketch model. The need to interweave new architecture in a way that engages not only the existing but the public as well. My sketch model and sketches show how new architecture, possibly created by the wood artisans themselves, create this interaction.
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s k e tc h e s p r e l i m i n a ry Concept
W
ith the three potential macro sites within the district, shown on the previous page, I set out to come up with three separate concepts for each macro site. The following sketches and diagrams are how I came to the three final concepts I presented at the end of my preliminary design presentation. The final three concepts are shown in the next few pages. The first concept, shown here, was to create a strong axis thru new and existing buildings to re-connect the public to the buildings beyond the edge of the district, as well as the potential river walk that could bring needed circulation to the back edge of the district, which can only be seen at the moment from people riding the amtrak to saco island.
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Preliminary Presentation
W
hile designing the first concept from my site analysis, I was constantly thinking about the other concepts I would be developing for this presentation. While going through this process of thinking of others and designing the first I was thinking of the relationship to each other. This made me come to the idea that they were not necessarily separate concepts, but each a part of the same concept for the overall master plan of the district. I knew I would have to choose the strongest one to house my incubator building, but they could be all in the same overall idea regardless. With these ideas in place, and as you can see as my sketches develop, I started thinking of ways how these macro site concepts related to one another for when I present my ideas for the district in a master planning scale.
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P
Preliminary Presentation
reliminary sketches of concepts two, the original macro site I proposed in my diagram, and concept three are shown on these two pages. Concept two utilizes the corner of the Mill District as a merging point for the residential fabric, end of the Main Street District, Saco Island redevelopment plans, and the Saco River. The concept was to have the incubator building become one of the gateway points into the new Biddeford Mill District. Concept three breaks down ends of some existing buildings to interweave new passageways and a new incubator building on the waters edge. The building would also act as an anchor point from Alfred Street, thru the district with various woodworking shops, to the proposed incubator building towards the center of the district.
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Master Plan Vignettes
F
or the existing structures new architectural elements could be woven into the existing fabric, to create new environments and spaces that would promote economic and social growth within the re-developed mill area. The new architecture would have to pay tribute to the historic architecture without necessarily mimicking it. I stated in my presentation the stairs and railings could of different brick coursing or color. Later in the presentation my panel brought up the idea of the future trying to show the various materials better in my drawings.
Pedestrian Fort Street with retail shops
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Concept #2 Backside of Gateway
Main Street Retail Collage
Preliminary Presentation
Main Street Sloped Retail Access
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1. River Walk Park: Existing river walk along water street will continue past my proposed site for a woodworkers incubator and gallery building, and follow the rivers edge throughout the site. 2. Proposed Woodworker Building: The location would engage traffic coming across the pedestrian foot bridge from the Saco Island Mills, and the Amtrak Station also located beyond. 3. Pedestrian Street Fort Retail Shops: First floor retail with residential lofts on above floors. The easter portion of the building would be scaled back to allow more direct views into saco island and the buildings beyond. A puncture through the middle of the building would also allow an additional road to promote vehicular traffic closer to the rivers edge of the district. 4.
Pedestrian Mall: With retail shops on either side of the narrow space, and trees planted in the middle, the atmosphere will be unique and lead down to the woodworkers gallery and River Walk Park.
5. Parking Garage: Located behind one of the existing WestPoint Stevens structures, a glass roof connection will allow pedestrians utilizing the parking garage to access the pedestrian mall from it. 6. Restaurant Row: Tieing into the existing culinary businesses along Main Street, the idea will now carry into the heart of the district with various outdoor cafes overlooking the Saco River. 7. Live / Work Studios: Woodworkers, Artisans. Musicians, utilizing their rented space casual as well as their business needs. 8. Various Professional Offices: Dentists, Lawyers, Architects, etc... 9. Light Industrial Spaces: Offering bigger job opportunities, perhaps furniture manufacturers backing the idea of Biddeford as a woodworkers hub of New England. 10. Local Market: Containing Local Produce or perhaps seafood, this resource could be utilized by the local restaurants, keeping as much commerce as possible in the city. 11. River Walk Buffer Extension: This section of green space provides a buffer from the railroad tracks as well as provide easy access to the River Walk Park from Rt. 111. 12. Residential Condos and Apartments: Overlooking the river, this zoning would provide additional density to the district to support the growing commerce. 13. Saco River Playground: Open to the public promoting social interaction with children, and providing a safe atmosphere for them to play. 14. Saco Amtrak Station: Part of the Downeaster route from Boston to Portland,
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Maine.
13 12 11 14
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Parking
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Blurring the Edge Conceptual Proposed Master plan of the Mill District
Residential Live Work Commercial Light Industrial Recreational Existing Mill District Building Footprints
1
Preliminary Presentation
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Conceptual macro sites with possible incubator building layouts
Point that directs the paths Located more in the geographic center, the building form will be the center point for district, but accent other circulation patterns to other points throughout.
Point at Start and End of Paths The form has a direct relationship with the existing boundary, and becomes a gateway to the mill district interacting with multiple edges, and promoting exploration into the district.
Point Along Path The form interacts with the circulation routes around the river, promoting a connection between the gallery and pedestrian activity at the river. The form encourages circulation up the river and throughout the mill district.
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Major Circulation Patterns related to building footprint
The form acts as a destination point rather than an element in the overall circulation patterns of the district. The building doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t physically interact with the existing structures, as does the other two concepts, which strengthen the ideas of interweaving with the past.
This form has the strongest interaction with blurring the edge because it becomes an anchor point at the physical boundary of the Mill District.
This form has the strongest relationship to pedestrian activity, and the Amtrak station pedestrian bridge. The layout does not interact well with the vehicular traffic thru the district.
Preliminary Presentation
The location promotes the least amount of cross circulation into the district if it is set out as a destination point.
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Conceptual Site Models
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Concept #3
Concept #2
Preliminary Presentation
Concept #1
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Comments from Preliminary Design Review 03 / 18 / 2008 Overall, panel members thought that whatever the concepts and direction I took my building in, I should not loose the intentions of what my thesis is about. My design should reflect what my thesis abstract states in the beginning of my proposal. Most thought the site selection will become the starting point for my building’s direction, and how it blurs the edge of the district. The overall consensus was I had a lot of ideas and the material I presented reflected those ideas, but for my next review I should be able to filter those ideas in a more concise way for not only a better presentation, but for design clarity as well. Some individual comments and notes are as follows: Physical location, program, and what the terms “blur”, “interweaving” and “incubator” mean are going to be an important next step. Clearly define how you see these definitions become reality on your site will be very important for you to get across to the committee at the next review. The terms blur and interweaving need to be outlined and given parameters to filter your design thoughts through to test their validity towards your thesis abstracts. The incubator needs to be a point source within the site context as well as a definition of the actual building. ■■ The existing structures offer opportunity or unnecessary complexity. You need to determine which building must stay and which structures should go or be significantly compromised. In fact, the shell may be the only redeeming value for some structures as suggested at the review. ■■ Don’t loose site that water is a magnet! If you are going to lure the public to the site the water and how “approachable” it is needs to be addressed. ■■ If water is the magnet that lures people, public open or green spaces are what keeps them there. Public gatherings, a Sunday morning cup of coffee and the paper, walking the dog are all things your site can offer. Architecture can be the backdrop to these memories. In return, these open spaces support the architecture as well. The two are integral to each other. There is a reason why Prescott Park in Portsmouth is a favorite place to visit not just for visitors, but locals as well. ■■ I believe you may have two gateways into your proposed site. One of them needs to include Alfred Street. ■■ You touched on and should always keep in the back of the mind the importance of when they should be together and when they should be apart. In urban settings, it’s nice to walk and not fight with the cars. Vehicles are necessary though and how they are brought in and out of the area both parking and circulation have to be addressed. ■■ This is New England and seasons have to be considered. Make sure your concept addresses year round public involvement. Go to any Mall this time of year. It not just for shopping anymore! A couple of weeks ago the mall was full of walkers @ 7:30 before the stores opened @ 9:00. ■■ The master plan scope has to be narrowed down to a more manageable size for the time allotted in the thesis process. Narrowing down to edge directly across the major entrance to the site, Alfred Street, would be a great way to explore the thematic ideas better.
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■■ Pay attention to the edges diagram and to use them as a guiding principle as to what should be demo’ed and what should be preserved / readapted in the master-planning exercise. Once the decision on which boundary to work on is based, then program and form can follow for the individual building. This structure in turn, should be able to reinforce / infill the edge / boundary, but it should also be able to clarify circulation access / and viewing vistas (i.e. to enhance someone’s situational awareness and position in the city and its attractions) and to characterize the open areas / public plazas for collective use as they relate to it (i.e. you “pocket parks”)
Conclusions drawn from Preliminary Design Presentation The panel was indecisive on which concept to choose, and in the end agreed to disagree. The result was that it was up to me as the designer to choose, and use the panel as a design tool to get there, not the answer to which path to take. Some panel members thought concept number one was strongest, becoming the important node at the center of the district. I thought concept number two would be the strongest since it was located on so many different edges at different layers. Another suggesting was to abandon all three concepts and use a fourth concept. This derived from a sketch I made when extending the Alfred Street corridor thru the district. The axis was strong there and I could incorporate all three strong points of the other concept sites there. I would end up utilizing this fourth option to further explore the corridor. The panel also noted my lack of experience in master planning, but understood I was not coming up with an end all be all master plan. Instead it was understood that the master planning exercise was to find common circulation patterns throughout the district, which do not exist now. From these discovered circulation patterns I could base my building design off of. It was then mentioned by someone the master plan would be a “gentleman’s agreement”, knowing that it needs a lot of work still, but for time’s sake, would be used as a basis for my design. The panel did recommend however, any further macro exploration into this should be limited to the area where my building would be located, the Alfred Street Extension.
Direction for Schematic Exploration:
Preliminary Presentation
Explore figure ground diagrams to help determine what buildings are prohibitive to new development ,and what structures can be revitalized by weaving in the new. Start to translate the conceptual forms and ideas into more concrete spaces related to the program, and further explore the notion of blurring the edge in terms of materiality and the interweaving of new.
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Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a Woodworker â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community
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Schematic Present ation When this notion of building up upon the axis of the Alfred Street extension thru the district to the river was brought up in my last review I thought of something. A comment about what decides to raise an existing footprint versus exploring how to leave them more intact. I thought of weaving new paths thru the existing structures, and using Corbusier’s Domino House project theories to remove the envelope from the structure. I thought of the notion of using the existing structural envelope not as the building envelope anymore. It could still direct physical circulation, but couldn’t I weave paths thru the existing envelopes to get past its non permeable walls. This would allow me to weave new visual and physical circulation paths thru the existing to get where I wanted to. This thought was the basis of my exploration in the next review. Before I got to explore the idea further though I had to come up with the reasons why something might want to stay for visual framing, historical context, or whatever reason, and then decide the best way to cut thru what I didn’t want to stay.
Schematic Presentation
At this point in my thesis I was still trying to please everything in my mind, knowing that I bit off more than I could chew. The character that was becoming the rest of the district around my “thesis building” was really what my thesis was about. However I knew I had to stick to the game plan and develop a new building by the end of my thesis process. Because of this I was creating new architecture to look like old architecture, so I could relate some of my explorations with weaving new into old onto my building. Because of this it was hard to explain to my panel that this is still what my thesis is about, even though in hindsight, my abstract clearly points out the opposite. You should not put muntins in your windows just because the building next to it did, however you can not ignore the rhythm the muntins have either.
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he edge refers to the boarder adjacent to the mill district that is physical and or visual. Blurring will break down the physical and/or visual delineation between two sides of the edge minimizing the loss of character the edge has.
Above: Existing footprints. Left: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Great Wall of Biddefordâ&#x20AC;? Below: West Point Stevens Complex along Main Street
Existing Front Layers to mills Impenetrable as my diagrams show, the edges existing edges need to be blurred to gain access within the district
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As these diagrams show, even past the major edges, more and more layers of impermeable circulation continues all the way to the river front.
Major Edges
This is the starting point of the Alfred Street Extension. As you can see, the West Point Stevens building and its loading dock facing Main Street, block the way.
Schematic Presentation
Layers of Minor and Major Edges
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Figure Grounds
T
hese figure ground diagrams helped me plan out the hierarchy of spaces, major circulation routes, what buildings these routes cut thru, and what was viewed and framed along the journey.
2 ■■ Defined by major axis on the site
3 ■■ Further development within the axis
4 106 ■■ Areas within the proposed circulation patterns
Study models showing exploration o f p a t h s cu t t i n g t h r u b u i l d i n g
■■ Keyed Diagram with design base. From here I will try to maintain more of the existing footprints, working around the main axis
5
Redirection and Carving
Schematic Presentation
1
■■ Existing Character is defined by a complexity of layers ■■ Existing layers are acting as a barrier ■■ Layers do not have to mean barriers, but can still be outlined with complexity. ■■ Solution is to break down barriers with additional layers that identifies logical with the complexity already present at the site. ■■ 3D studies are generated to explore the existing and proposed layering.
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The Front Facade From my figure ground studies I got the essential abstract layout I wanted for the area around my building. The main facade of the West Point Stevens Building essentially becomes a gateway into the district with my building interwoven into the buildings facade. My ideas for the facade are explored in the following sketches and models. Essentially I use the facade of the building as nothing more than a remnant wall of the utilitarian, but historic, structure that was once the West Point Stevens Building. New Architecture then has the opportunity to sprout from the remains of the remnant wall. Paths can then be laid not only around, but thru the new and existing architecture. On top of my ideas of how the new architecture is formed, I was also exploring ways of how to stitch existing portions of the buildings into the new. My ideas expressed in these sketches show the use of technology in combination with steel materials spanning over the tops of buildings. The use if steel translates to the industrial language used when the mills where originally constructed. The technology has two purposes. First it relates to the new because it itself is new. Second is it uses technology to help bring the mills into a more sustainable state, utilizing solar tubing, photovoltaics, and wind farming in an poetic, but functional, gesture.
West Point Stevens front facade plan
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Schematic Presentation
■■ Technology and the common “new-old” material of steel stitch the new to the existing. ■■ New materials compliment the existing with similar repetition and the occasional random element. ■■ Reinforcing needed for existing structures can be displayed on exterior to amplify the repetition and rhythm and continue to stitch the new to the past. ■■ Use of existing brick materials new construction will blur the visual edge of new and old space. ■■ Suspended steel cables for vegetation growth provide a seasonal curtain as well as define the edge of space, light, and interior atmosphere in the plazas.
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West Point Stevens front facade with early conceptual sketches of the proposed facade on the left
From within the remnants of the West Point Stevens building looking thru the front facade facing Alfred Street. Conceptual sketches of the proposed building on the right.
■■ New Building twists and rises like a metal and glass plant from the ruins of the existing building. ■■ Both New and Old now create the space and blur the edge of what the existing once defined.
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■■Diagram Section - A
■■Diagram Section - B
■■Diagram Section - C
T
he following diagrams and sketches continue from the exploration of the West Point Stevens building facade, and the protrusion of the glass walled gallery of my proposed building on the left. From there I continued to explore the back side of the facade, once in the remnants of the old structure. And finally the new figure ground diagram, rough uses, and new versus old diagrams to start the three-dimensions visualization of the corridor.
■■Diagram Section - D
Schematic Presentation
New Vs. Old Diagrams
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Ve hic l e Ci r c ul a t i on
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irculation patterns and vignette view in the Alfred Street Extension curving past the proposed building. The new and old architecture blend together so that the user is not necessarily questioning what is new and what is old. Instead they are admiring the spaces for what they are and the feelings they evoke.
Pedestrian Circulation
112 S t r u c t u r a l R e p e t i t i o n
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Schematic Presentation
South Elevation (view of technology bridge gapping
Second Floor
114 G r o u n d l e v e l s c h e m a t i c l a y o u t
across existing building faces) These renderings and sketches start to bring together all the ideas I exposed with my exploration sketches and study models. The building rises from the where the existing trails off. Technology and steel poetic gestures start to stitch across the existing facades. The opening thru the West Point Stevens building is large enough to allow vehicle circulation, but subtle enough to still see the historic character of the repetitious windows. The plans start to work out program spaces and secondary circulation of wood workers, customers, and services.
West Elevation (loading area of proposed building)
Schematic Presentation
East Elevation (section thru bridge)
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Technology Bridge Study Model
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Schematic Presentation
Schematic Ideas Modal with site context
117
Integrated Building Systems Integrated building systems is an important part of any building design. Because of my ideas of technology stitching the gap between new and old I can easily expose more sustainable features in poetic gestures, that otherwise might be considered scab on out of place elements on other structures. In the research, ideas, sketches, and diagrams show here, technologies pertaining to energy efficient design will be utilized as much as possible to create responsible architecture that still focuses on the spaces it creates. Studies of day lighting, orientation, and solar gain will be utilized as well as naturally aided ventilation. Sustainable materials, such as the recycling of demo masonry brick from existing sections of the site into new architecture will be an important integration my design will strive for.
Solar roof sculpture garden
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Technologies from companies like Power Plastics has developed photovoltaics small enough to be printed on paper thin fabrics, which in had could be attached to tensions structure canvases.
Quiet Revolution 5 turbine designed for architectural applications in urban environments
Schematic Presentation
Research into wind turbines technologies revealed that the Saco and Biddeford areas have high enough wind ratings to maintain efficient levels in wind turbines. The problem though with conventional (airplane prop) wind turbines is that they want non-turbulent wind to be the most efficient. However, quiet revolution turbines are designed to be placed in more urban areas where city roofs tend to create these more turbulent winds. My renderings show these turbines in combination with my poetic technology gesture stitching over the new and existing roof tops of the mill district.
Urban Wind Turbines and Roof Walk 119
Parking technologies I choose to include some research and sketches I did on robotic parking during my schematic presentation. My intentions were to use this to expand ground use for retail and wood studios. The concept takes advantage of my ideas of using technology to span over existing buildings. In sense it is another poetic function similar to the wind turbines and solar sails. My thoughts where that the parking structure could be clad in transparent panels to see the inner workings of the mechanisms, becoming an attraction in sense. People walking about in the tiny pedestrian ways could look up to see a transparent structure exploding thru an existing adjacent building with vehicles being put in their organized space. The technology is in use now in asia, and there are a few in operation in New York. My ideas were that the parking structure would be used by workers and residents that leased spaces in the mill district. Although the technology costs more per space, it can put more than three times as many spaces in the same space it takes for a conventional parking structure. My panel was split up the middle on the idea, and in the end it took more time to discuss the topic than I originally wanted it too. The main argument was that the cost implications and ongoing technology cost would go against my model of not gentrifying the district, but instead trying to promote small startups. The other half of the argument was that the space it created was valuable, and there was no reason to create more of an urban heat island than was necessary. During the conversation entry point circulation was also brought up, and my ideas of entering in the back was not acceptable by some, saying I separating the vehicle and pedestrian circulation too much. In the end I decided that the idea would be one that an architect would present to the actual developer. I believe the component made my design stronger, but it 120 would not destroy the feeling of the spaces if it was decided not to be built either.
Pros and Cons ■■ Option of robotic parking garage, or conventional garage with ramps and elevators. ■■ Robotics garage lends itself to thesis idea of stitching new and old together with technology
Schematic Presentation
■■ robotic garage costs more per space on average, but more rentable tenant’s space for retail and commercial can be accommodated due to its compact size compared to a conventional garage.
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■■ Summer @ noon
■■ Winter @ noon
■■ Hopper
■■ Chipper
■■ Conveyor
■■ Burner
■■ Pile Burner Fire
■■ Chain conveyor to unit
Parking technologies After meeting with my systems engineer he gave me the idea to look into using the wood by product as a fuel source. The idea intrigued me a lot since this would bring the operational costs of the buildings down considerably, making it attractive to wood industry startup to locate their businesses there. The units that he showed me used a variety of by product to fuel its combustion. Some utilized sawdust that could be plumbed in from the dust collection system, while others utilized large grinders to take any wood waster into 122 bits for fuel.
■■ Heat
Building Integration Summary Points
Schematic Presentation
■■Key environmental concepts ■■This building will be designed for the unique conditions of this site, rather than have the mechanical system counteract the environmental conditions created by the site. ■■The orientation of my conceptual idea within the existing building footprint is good in terms of solar orientation. ■■The large south façade can be designed to control the elements rather than react to it. ■■Exploration with exterior shading, seasonal deciduous shading, dynamic shading, or a combination of these methods can be utilized to control solar gain and glare. ■■Various sun studies from different points in the year should be utilized to determine the best method of controlling the sun for optimum gain in the winter, and shade in the summer. ■■There should be a good balance of day lighting vs. views vs. energy loss. ■■Day lighting should be important in maintaining electrical loads during the day, but too much open glass has a negative effect in energy loss. ■■Insulation methods to control energy loss should be explored thoroughly, with a continuous insulation barrier becoming one performance requirement of the design. ■■The use of the wood by product created in the building should be explored as a possible fuel for the heating system. ■■Other areas of research should include methods of a zero loss dust collection system, and a education element for the building participants to utilize finishes with low VOC’s. 123
Comments from Schematic Design Review 05 / 15 / 2008 Overall, panel members thought that I showed a lot of “could be” spaces around my building, but they all needed work. They also thought my idea of using new brick to look like old brick was confusing, which in the end I did as well and revised the concept in my Design Development Review. As mentioned earlier, my robotic parking, and parking in general, caused a lot of debate. A parking study was suggested by one, but a majority, including myself, thought that would just sidetrack me from my thematic ideas of interweaving new and old. The other major comment had to do with door frontage, which I seamed to lack. Panel members with master planning experience stated that to get life into spaces more doors to various sub-components and stores had to be present. The other major comment had to do with my lack of drawings on the path to the river. This stemmed from my dialect in my presentation. I kept referring to families visiting the area and spending the day and going to the ice cream shop to take a break and enjoy the traffic in the spaces, and the sounds of the river. It was suggested at this point I do an interim review. The main purpose of the review would be to get one last investigation into the spaces around my building, in sense the new character district itself. Some other panel comments are as follow:
■■ Think for every action you design. Although an element might be logical, it might not fit back to the main thesis exploration questions. ■■ Explore the width of the streets more. Two point perspectives and sections are good for getting a feel for the space. ■■ The old feels fresh, which is not a bad thing, but make sure it is what you the designer wants. ■■ Dig deeper to find the ice cream, where is it. ■■ Rooftop garden might be bad idea circulation wise as it brings people away from the ground level where they spend their money. ■■ The spaces you created are intriguing. They look solid until you are up close and can see the windows are actually empty and you can pass thru them and interact with the edge, or what was the edge. ■■ Pedestrian, service, and user circulation need to be developed further. ■■ Spaces created should dictate the function used there, ex. this space is dark so perhaps it is this... ■■ Get into spaces further, you brush on them, but never fully show what they are doing. ■■ Locate the doors, more doors are needed, collection points for spaces should be thought of as well. ■■ Crystallize logic, don’t be all over, diagram simple words to convey the meaning of each space. ■■ Stop teasing with talks of the river, and show one of the paths to get there. ■■ Remember what is expensive and what is incubator, keep it simple for the users. ■■ The edge needs to be blurred further.
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Conclusions drawn from Schematic Design Presentation After the review I realized I need to clarify my intentions further. How to do this I was still a little confused myself. I tend to sit down to design at my board and get side tracked detailing various other spaces, forgetting the main idea I was going to explore in the beginning. I showed a lot of ideas this presentation that I wanted to do, with not enough exploration into each one to see if it was viable. At this point I was being torn into two because I wanted to just say good by to the spaces around the district so I could start developing the building further. On the other hand this part of exploring the spaces around my building is what really intrigued me, and what I wanted to explore further. However I kept thinking in the box and remembering that I needed to develop a finished building to meet my thesis requirements, not just develop spaces within a mill district.
Direction for Interim Schematic Exploration:
Schematic Presentation
Explore further the path to the river and the spaces to and from those points. I will do this in a large section that can show detail for each space. A comparison section of the existing path, showing buildings in the way, will be a good side by side comparison.
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Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a Woodworker â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community
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Inter im Schematic Present ation I will be frank, this portion was torturous for some reason for me to start. I blame the heat in the early summer of 2008. The major purpose of the interim was to continue to explore the language and spaces related to the areas around the proposed building before moving onto the design development of the building itself. The consensus of the panel was for me to do a particular large format drawing that would be spectacular and rock the socks off everybody before proceeding to the design development. At the end of my schematic review I thought I would schedule the interim three weeks after, taking the first week off and doing the requested drawings and sketches the following two weeks. This turned into five weeks of beautiful weather and productivity around my house instead. The result is I got a lot done with landscaping and punch list items from previous projects I never had a chance to get to get done around my house, but my drawing board lay empty until I finally scheduled the interim with David and Scott, and had to sit down and draw these “spectacular drawings”.
Schematic Interim Presentation
When I started to conceptualize the “grand section” my panel wanted I ended up looking back at some of my abstract conceptual models I did early on for my proposal to get inspiration. I did not want to stray from my ideas I had in my proposal so the models shown in this page helped me do that. The character that they displayed showed old facades against new facades. The idea was that the user was not constricted by the existing edge, nor the new edge. It was interesting that the circulation patterns was also found in the edge, which could frame views and become a very unique space in itself, before you got to the intended space.
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G e s t u r e P l a n o f Wa t e r w a y C o r r i d o r 128
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Schematic Interim Presentation
his gesture plans starts to show the major corridor to the river from Alfred Street. The spaces weave in and out of the existing building shell to blur the edge of building and space def in inti on similar to my study model on the previous page does. The plan takes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cut at entry level of the buildings. At the incubator building I showed various small shops along the curve of the Alfred Street Extension. The goal of the this gesture drawing was to show the opportunities for spaces and their corresponding doors, as well as how these spaces interact with existing masonry shells.
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he section above was a preliminary sketch at a smaller scale the sections coming up. I used it to work out some of the collective door details and passages thru existing remnant walls. The other sketches on the place further explore those entry details to the various shop spaces along the corridor to the river. While drawing the section I was also trying to think of day lighting situations to help create the space, and get be a better environmental recovery for the proposed woodworkers incubator building, shown in the background of the site section
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Schematic Interim Presentation
E x i s t i n g S i t e S e c t i o n c u t t h r u â&#x20AC;&#x153; T h e Wa l l o f Interweaving the past, a woodworkers incubator building
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Schematic Interim Presentation
Biddefordâ&#x20AC;? and spaces in the path of the waters edge
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■■ Line of Existing Building “The Wall” in foreground ■■ W o o d A r t i s a n G a l l e r y Space
■■ Operable ventilation and shade system gives a unique randomness rhythm to new building
■■ Left over facade in background behind building ■■ New Building materials represent blurring the existing by growing out of the old, rather than placed next to the old
■■ Steel truss tunnel to hold existing bridge ■■ Artisan Storefronts along edge of building facade ■■ to connect main building to support building across the street
■■ Steel struts to support free standing brick facades and represent industrial materiality of district
■■ New Window repetition to compliment scale and rhythm of existing openings in left over facade ■■ Collective door patterns are aggressively blown thru existing material to mimic how the new can tie into the old without becoming the old... even when its new
■■ Greenery planted around and on exterior envelopes will soften the hard lines created by the industrial feeling of the spaces.
S i t e S e c t i o n f r o m A l f r e d S t r e e t t o Wa t e r ’s E d g e Interweaving the past, a woodworkers incubator building
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his and the following section helped me give reasons for doing what I was doing. The captions explain what is happening where or why it is happening there.
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■■ Part of interweaving is to not differentiate new vs. old, but to use the old as part of the palette in the language. This will allow a more homogeneous language where existing does not exist
■■ Existing and new access way bridges physically tie buildings together as well as make narrow spaces more dynamic feeling while framing the views beyond ■■ Building facades arc to create a rhythm in the plan with new and existing figure ground layouts ■■ Pedestrian mall with shops cut avenues through buildings
■■ Purposefully semi-destructing the existing edges, the foot print of the old can be observed, and it will compliment the ad-hoc nature of the existing industrial additions and subtractions when the mill was operating ■■ New materials such as concrete, steel, and large swatches of glass will help tie together with selective existing elements to create the envelope of certain spaces.
■■ Steel struts to support free standing brick facades and represent industrial materiality of district ■■ Existing curved wall architecture shows character created from the industrial architects of the past
■■ Glass lofts for live work spaces give residential space, without adding a heavy load to the massing of the buildings within the district
■■ Wrought Iron gates and trellises help define the spaces with light and shadow ■■ Outdoor cafes overlook the water and pedestrian activities in the district
■■ Public river walk and gardens will tie community back to the waterfront the city was founded around.
Schematic Interim Presentation
■■ Various masonry styles compliment the ad hoc nature of existing mill build architectural styles
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■■ Live / work spaces typical above retail and professional spaces closer to street level. ■■ Existing backside portion of “Great Wall” to be carved away as necessary to allow light penetration and frame views. ■■ Where old is carved away newer materials and technologies can close the envelope in various was, such as glass clear stories.
■■ Larger existing industrial loading drives can be transformed into pedestrian plazas filled with vegetation and new entry ways to the commercial spaces on the first and second floors. ■■ Open plan concept studios left by the mill buildings natural layout make versatile spaces an incentive to startup business owners with little money for renovations.
■■ Purposefully semi-destructing the existing edges, the foot print of the old can be observed, and it will compliment the ad-hoc nature of the existing industrial additions and subtractions when the mill was operating ■■ Technology to stitch new and old interweaving patterns together ■■ Glass lofts for live work spaces give residential space, without adding a heavy load to the massing of the buildings within the district ■■ Parking solutions can be carved into the upper floors of buildings to free up potential retail space at street level
■■ New architectural materials weaved and collages under existing facades to highlight new pedestrian mall ways ■■ New Pedestrian bridges and mall ways add additional layers to circulation paths that mimic the layers found in the existing layouts.
P r o p o s e d S i t e S e c t i o n c u t t h r u “ T h e Wa l l o f B i d d e f o r d ” a n d s p a c e s i n t h e p a t h o f t h e w a t e r s e d g e Interweaving the past, a woodworkers incubator building
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■■ New openings can be created within the rhythm of the existing openings to continue the character and scale without having to mimic the existing architecture, ■■ Glass lofts for live work spaces give residential space, without adding a heavy load to the massing of the buildings within the district ■■ New materials added to existing facades to create light shelves and utilize natural day lighting better, as well as help stitch the new facades back to the existing.
■■ Glass coverings will allow light and visual penetration while protecting the space from being too open to the elements ■■ Public spaces carved out of existing building envelopes to frame views of river and provide more open space for cafes and small concert venues during special events
Schematic Interim Presentation
■■ Public river walk and gardens will tie community back to the waterfront the city was founded around.
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Comments from Schematic Design Review 06 / 25 / 2008 The panel thought my sections were what they were looking for. I clearly explored the spaces in between and around the districts edges down to the river. The major comment from the panel was that I had too many ideas for everything. My logic was a little fuzzy still, and it seamed I was trying to make separate spaces too unique from one another, rather than tie them into one another. The arches below the pedestrian bridge was one example of this. Although the panel understood I was trying to make that deep narrow space unique, the thought it should lend itself to the language i was using in the rest of my drawings. This lead to the question, what is the language you are using? I tried to answer this in the next review, however here are some of the comments that were made in my schematic interim review. ■■ The spaces you are creating are dynamic and cool, but will they draw people back after they have experienced them. ■■ Study the opportunities the site offers in terms of rhythm and carving. ■■ When you come to a situation in the site, (ie. too narrow, needs opening, etc.) what do you do with it. You need to simplify the answers into something that can be repeated, but not duplicated exactly. ■■ Intensify your answers to the conditions with conviction and intention. Continue to not be afraid to do something different. ■■ What is your position on how things go together, are the plopped on top, grown out of, etc. Have a solution to this for the next review. ■■ You hint at multiple public circulation levels in your section. There needs to be a reason for this. People will not go to the second level for the sake of going up there, instead you must draw them there. ■■ Think of various circulation patterns. Waste, loading, restocking, along with the typical pedestrian, vehicular, and user. ■■ Compare the spaces with that of know success. Use scale comparison overlays with Quincy Market and other similar spaces that the panel can relate with. ■■ Show the same level of clarity in your plans as you do with your sections and elevations. Try to show a clear line of where the existing buildings were and how your new buildings relate to it. ■■ Think if breaking up the district into phases to be more realistic. Phase 1 should be self sufficient to allow the other phases to happen later down the road.
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Conclusions drawn from Schematic Design Presentation For the first two reviews I had two separate design elements that interweaved one another very tightly. The first was the proposed site for the main woodworkers building and gallery located in the remnant walls of the old West Point Stevens main building. This â&#x20AC;&#x153;main buildingâ&#x20AC;? would become my eventual project, as I thought I was originally required by the school to have a complete building at the end of my thesis explorations. The other major element I was developing throughout the last two reviews was the language used in the immediate adjacent existing sites. These adjacent sites comprised of other incubator spaces, galleries, woodworking schools, etc. The language I was talking about, or kit of parts if you will, was integral to informing a lot of the new architecture that I was developing at the main building across from Alfred Street. At the end of my schematic review it was originally planned to drop further explorations of this language and concentrate my design development efforts towards the main building, using what I had developed from my kit of parts. However, the language was the essence of what my thesis was about, breaking down impenetrable edges to allow circulation and better development into the mill district. During the wrap up of my Schematic Interim Review it was pointed out that up to now I had been basically developing two separate architectural projects. And although the main building with the gallery was a pertinent part of the master plan design of the district, it was in essence a new signature building, with little interweaving into the existing fabric, with exception to the corners of the old West Point Stevenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Building. In contrast, my architectural language I was developing with my kit of parts was intriguing to the entire panel, and had the consensus of being directly related to my thesis ideas of interweaving with the past. It was then decided by myself, and backed up by my panel, advisor, and thesis rep, that I would continue to develop the language of the district for my design development review. What I had worked on so far would stay static for the most part as it was a part in the overall master plan, however the kit of parts I was developing was what my thesis is about. Interweaving new architecture into historic existing fabric was what I was going to develop further.
Direction for Design Development Exploration:
Schematic Interim Presentation
Create a narrative to filter down the key concepts of my ideas. Apply those general concepts to 5 or more conditions on the site. Key those conditions on a further developed plan with greater clarity, and conduct further analysis on circulation patterns in the new plan.
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Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a Woodworker â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community
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D e s i g n D eve l o p m e n t
Design Development Presentation
With the observations and discussions my thesis panel and myself had at my last review I decided to concentrate the remaining reviews into further exploring the language I had to begin to setup. What I had schematically laid out for the main wood workers building would be used as one of the anchors in a master plan phase, but I would further explore the language and kit of parts that would be used to transform the Biddeford Mill District back into the economic powerhouse it once was. It was also understood by my entire thesis panel that this decision would not produce a â&#x20AC;&#x153;finalâ&#x20AC;? building showcasing my thesis idea. Instead my architectural thesis ideals would be displayed thru a kit of parts, how they were arranged in plan, worked with one another, and created unique spaces that could be applied to other areas of the district to create a development project that interweaved new with the old to promote commerce. The idea was that these kist of parts could be given to a developer overseeing the construction of the area. In turn the developer could use the kit of parts to had off to other architects responsible for developing each building. The idea would be that the kit of parts could be expanded on, but at the same time relate each other through my set of intentions for each condition.
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hese sketches show the progression and development of my design. In order start to get the kit of parts I had to dissect the plan first, and to do that I needed to have a clear view of the existing. I started with the structural grid and footprints of the buildings and started to weave in new architecture as the conditions called for it. Looking back at previous circulation patterns I cut thru buildings as necessary to get the desired visual or physical movement effect. I jotted down the conditions as I came across them sequentially and explored them while simultaneously working on the plan, elevations, sections, and details for each condition. The goal i set out to have is a plan and section keyed to each condition, and then having several conditions detailed out.
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Loading area with pedestrian bridges. Loading area eventually becomes open space for merchants
Negative Space Diagrams
Grid System integration with spilled water on top
Plan Exploration
Passage thru building
Design Development Presentation
Vehicle Parking and circulation diagram
Preliminary Plan with Structural grid overlay
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Developmental Phase Diagram
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he point behind the phase diagram is to discover which areas of the district can be developed first. This is important because the first phase needs to be self sufficient. Once the base is set fourth it becomes more successful for the area to continue to be developed. Each phase should not just be an add on, but should add more value to the district, bringing more of a draw.
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Major Circulation Patterns
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he diagram above is overlaid on my proposed plan. It shows a breakdown of the various circulation patterns in the district. In the coming pages I will talk about the development of this plan and the conditions it associates with in my “kit of parts”.
Design Development Presentation
■■ Loading, Mornings. ■■ Emergency ■■ Garbage ■■ Vehicular ■■ Pedestrian
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Quincy Market, Boston, MA
Market Square, Portsmouth, NH
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Old Port, Portland, Maine
Scale Comparisons
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hese pages show the proposed plan at the same scale as some other better known urban spaces in the area. During the design of the plan I had the various scale comparison images printed at the same scale, and would often put them under my trace files to see the comparison of what I was currently working in in my proposed plan.
Proposed layout
Design Development Presentation
Existing Site
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Sketch Development
Design Development Presentation
Some of the conditions I thought of exploring are further are displayed on the following pages. The explorations took me through various subjects including materiality, entrances, and thru ways. Throughout my sketches I tried to embrace my thesis abstract of blurring the edge and not letting the existing dictate what the new could make better. At the same time I tried to not loose the historic character the existing shells provided. Although the historic nature of the buildings are industrial in origin, and not necessarily intended to present a show piece facade, they still have character. Character that defines downtown Biddeford in my opinion. My goal was to have the new architecture relate to the repetition and rhythm, and use materials that relate to the original, without mimicking the original.
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Building envelope doodle with continuous instillation
Development of residential condition 5
Design Development Presentation
Above two sketches : Construction details for conditions 2B (far above) and 2C
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Schematic Interim Presentation
1A
2B 4B
5A
3B
4A
2D
1A
4A
3A
2A
S e c t i o n C u t T h r u “ T h e Wa l l ” a n d A s s o c i a t e d P e d e s t r i a n S p a c e s i n p a t h t h r u b u i l d i n g s t o Wa t e r ’s E d g e Interweaving the past, a woodworkers incubator building
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his section cuts thru “The Great Biddeford Wall” and the new passage thru the long West Point Stevens Building, thru the alleyways filtering down to the river walk. The bubbles represent keys that will be identified in plan on the coming pages. Each number represents a design based off a condition that is explained in detail in the pages to come as well. As you come to each each condition, flip back to this page showing it in section, and the next page showing it in plan to see it keyed respectively. The other option is to study this section and the plan in the next pages, and when a bubbled number appears above an interest point flip ahead to see that condition in detail.
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4A
5A
Design Development Presentation
2D 1B 5B
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Existing Footprints
District Language Condition List 1. Tight alleys
1A. Slide circulation path and envelope past building shell.
1B. Carve building to allow more light penetration on path.
2. Entry ways and physical circulation openings
2A. Common collective and single low profile entry.
2B. High profile public entry, anchor space.
2C. Medium Anchor, prominent new entrance.
2D.Commutative portal, or semi-anchored space.
3. Existing Layers unpermeable of circulation and visual framing
3A. Control of materiality. Blending new with existing.
3B. Creating visual and physical circulation while leaving existing layer.
4. Long repetitious facades do not yield passing to buildings beyond.
4A. Existing torn away to reveal new path within.
4B. New prominent path is woven into existing to connect with beyond.
5. Opportunities for residential spaces and vistas.
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5A. Lofts created with spaces from eroding roof lines
5B. Spaces created at end walls from eroding corners.
3B
4B 4A
4A
NEW LOT #2
PHASE 2
T #3
PHASE 2
NEW LO
NEW LOT #1
4B 3B
2B 3A
2C 1A
1B
2A 4A
Proposed Plan Relating to Condition Keys
Design Development Presentation
PHASE 2
3B
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Condition: tight alleys prevent light penetration and give a restricted feel to circulation.
1A Path is moved into building shell so
space for ground movement is greater, and light now less of facade to hit.
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1B
Roof line is modified in key sections to allow more light where existing condition would have blocked it. The sketch below shows both 1A and 1B
1A. Slide circulation path and envelope past building shell. 1B. Carve building to allow more light penetration on path.
Design Development Presentation
Sketches for Condition 1
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A B
2 Entry ways and penetrations into
C D
closed off facades and wall planes.
C o n d i t i o n 2 : E n t r y Wa y s One of the important concepts I wanted to explore were the entry ways to the various spaces. Some would be high profile tenants, wile others may be collective node for two or more small tenants. These diagrams and drawings show how my architectural language handles a few sub conditions
2A. Common collective and single low profile entry vestibule
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â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Glass in windows removed and selective openings extended to ground. Building envelope is removed from the shell and pushed into vestibule, Actual entry door is set away to create colorful vestibule that will catch the eye.
2B. High profile and very public entry.
Design Development Presentation
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Line of building shell is turning into space with new course brick material. Glass wall continues hard edge of existing, but it is now transparent. Sloping aereogel wall is translucent of light, and some activity can be see beyond edge, but not as permeable as the first glass wall.
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Space #2
Space #3
Space #1
Interior View
2D. Commutative / semi-private space, or semi- anchor
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; This is the most literal entry way for translating the theme of blurring the edge. The existing envelope is artistically ripped and corroded away, revealing the new materials creating the vestibule. The space would draw attention, but is not as visible until you are within the opening.
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Retail / Residential Seasonal Curtain
Commutative Lobby
Office Retail
Office Retail
Interior View
Detail how steel meets new recycled brick coursing
Medium Anchor tenant, prominent new entrance
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Same treatment of artistic removal of existing envelope as 2d, but instead of new material creating entry within, the new material protrudes the existing edge to create entry outside of existing shell. This entry could be adapted in many different ways, including exterior staircases. The key would be to use the suggested weaving materials, end emphasize the idea of new structure, bleeding out into the existing alley.
Design Development Presentation
2C.
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Sketches for Condition 3 : Materiality
3.
Existing layers in plan prevent circulation into district, as well as visual sight lines into what lays beyond edge.
■■ Breakdown of existing building so that edge is penetrable. New materials define more spaces, and old materials are used in new ways to help translate between new and old.
■■ Existing brick in unpermeable building shell
2 Types of new layers New New, created with existing
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■■ Using existing in new ways. Brick coursing is used more in artistic random coursing way. Similar to how stone can be used as an aggregate compared to actual coursing. The sketches and pictures show ideas, but actual mock-ups would have to be explored with mason. ■■ T h e B r i c k c o u r s i n g samples on the opposite page are examples of how you can take existing material (demo’ed masonry) and recycle it in a new way to get a different feel, and look of a new material
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sica
hy ks P
c Blo
Blo
3A. Control of materiality for physical and light penetration
■■ Deconstructing the existing, adding new, and blending existing in a new way, all with various levels of light and circulation permeability.
ica
hys
P cks
d l an
t
Ligh
Design Development Presentation
l, ua s i v nd ks l a c a o ic Bl ys h p ht lig
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R e m n a n t Wa l l C o n s t . ■■ U n d e r p i n n e d pilaster erected next to existing
■■ New Structure Aligned with old grid ■■ New Materials Beyond
■■ Existing Structure removed from wall. Temp braces as necessary. ■■ Structural reinforcement
■■ R e m n a n t w a l l secured to new structures spaced beyond
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Proposed visually permeable barrier historic layer
3B Visual circulation thru free standing remnant Wall
E x i s t i n g v i s u a l b a r r i e r f o r w h a t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s b e y o n d
Design Development Presentation
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Certain buildings, prominently the W.P. Stevens building, are major path inhibitors to getting circulation into the heart of the mill district. Rather than totally demolish the historic facades, the remnant wall will allow the facade to stay, more or a sculpture or backdrop to the new that will be added to guide uses within the district.
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Sketches for Condition 4 : Passing thru layers
4
Long repetitious building facades do not yield passages thru to other side.
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Window openings can be extended down to create passage openings thru wall. These sketches show this in the remnant wall of characteristic 3B.
168 C o n d i t i o n 3 B a n d p a r t i a l 4 A s h o w n t o g e t h e r
Design Development Presentation
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Diagram of layers of impenetrable facades
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4A. Existing Torn away to reveal path within.
â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Path thru building is carved by pulling weather envelope away from existing shell. Same as remnant wall passage openings, but curtain walls within can direct pathways thru the entire building. This principal can also be called interior catwalks, and promote public circulation where ground level is out of reach.
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Design Development Presentation
4B New is woven into existing to create path thru â&#x2013; â&#x2013; Steel beams align with existing structure on diagonal to cut thru 2 story space, with single story path. Along the upper edges planters / patios for 2nd floor spaces can overlook pathways and provide vegetation for trellis seasonal curtain.
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Design Development Presentation
Sketches for Condition 5 : Residential Opportunities
5 Opportunity for residential spaces at upper floor levels ■■ Because of the framed site lines within the entire district, views can be opened up for the residential spaces, without destroying the existing characteristics.
5A Residential lofts created with spaces falling into roof line. ■■ Steel beams align with existing structure on diagonal to cut thru 2 story space, with single story path. Along the upper edges planters / patios for 2nd floor spaces can overlook pathways and provide vegetation for trellis seasonal curtain.
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5B Residential lofts created by walls falling into spaces.
B i r d ’s E y e V i e w o f v a r i o u s c o n d i t i o n s
Design Development Presentation
■■ Steel beams align with existing structure on diagonal to cut thru 2 story space, with single story path. Along the upper edges planters / patios for 2nd floor spaces can overlook pathways and provide vegetation for trellis seasonal curtain.
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Comments from Design Development Design Review 11 / 03 / 2008 My thesis panel reacted very positively to my content at this review. Overall everyone thought I did exactly as we discussed at the previous review and individual meetings in creating a kit if parts. The language I created for each condition was clearly stated, and transformed the existing architecture without destroying the character the older facades had. There were a few constructive criticisms though, mostly doing with the plan. Although there was a “gentlemen’s agreement” that my little master planning training and experience was arbitrary due to the extent that I was using my master plan as a design base. Panel members were still intrigued with what could be happening on a master plan level due to the fact that I only brushed on it. It was suggested that I sit down with the master planning experts in my panel to nail out something more agreeable to them before proceeding to the last review. The major comment for the next review was to incorporate my kit of parts better in the plan. The idea was that I would label specific spaces better in plan better and utilize my kit of parts as orientation devices. The panel also requested that I show the spaces from more of a human scale, rather than a birds eye scale. Other comments made by my panel at this review include the following: ■■ It would be nice to see a circulation break down further. The point would be to find the major points of collective uses and place something special there. ■■ Make Plan work better to your elements in the kit of parts. ■■ Label the important spaces and connect them architecturally. Due to the layout of the narrow buildings it is important to orientate the users with these spaces. ■■ You have a path 95% of the way to the water, but by having the last building part of Phase two you end your thought, and leave the panel wondering what is happening there. ■■ Label your uses in plan at all levels. This will help you discover opportunities relating to your kit of parts, as your circulation diagrams will encompass more complexity. ■■ Write a script for your self with a beginning, middle, and end. The intent will be to get yourself to label why you did what where. Having a reason will make a much stronger argument for your concepts. ■■ Your area near the water shows it as loading and service areas. Although you mentioned this could be timed to prevent pedestrian collisions, perhaps it might make more sense to have this as open space. ■■ Operate your gestures in plan at a bigger scale to get to the same size of the existing. You should try to get larger spaces in your plan. ■■ At the waters edge should be a large visual element that can be seen anywhere in the district as an orientation device.
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Conclusions drawn from Schematic Design Presentation Overall the review went good, and everyone is onboard with my ideas. The major comments were on refining my plan to fit my kit of parts better, and the overall scale of the site. The other comments related with getting my views down to human scale. The panel seemed anxious to see my ideas as the approach. The circulation patterns I have discovered so far for the site do not relate to a point “a” to point ”b” type of pattern. My ideas rather promote more of a filtration method, with users wandering about discovering spaces within. However for my next review I think I will pick one of these paths as the panel suggested. The point of this decision is to present my ideas in a more clear manner, taking the form of a story line. I believe the story line will show the panel how my kit of parts do relate to orientation devices. The other goal I am planning to achieve with this ground level walk around the district is to see how my elements will be interacted with. Hinds sight, looking back at my panel comments, I did seem to favor birds eye views during this presentation, and I know that is not how the spaces will be perceived by the users as the walk around corners, and thru layers of existing building facades.
Direction for Last Review:
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Explore first person views of the district. Although there are many paths, choose one, preferable from the main intersection at Alfred Street to the waters edge, and narrate it. Also come up with a space designation plan showing what functions go where.
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Blurring the Edge Interweaving with the past, a Woodworker â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Community
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Last Panel Present ation The week after my last review I sat down with two members of my thesis panel with master planning experience. The goal of the meeting was to brainstorm my ideas at a master planning level to them, so we could come to an agreement to what needs to be done, and at what phase. After we were in agreement I would be able to continue my refinement of my kit of parts, and better represent them at a human interaction level. The time period I had between this review and the last was considerably less than my average so far, and I had not time to waste.
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The master planning session left me with a many more ideas, but the most important was the fact the plan had more of an order now. Grouping the district into three sub districts gave a sense of hierarchy that promoted a cross circulation. Although the path I would be representing was located exclusively in the middle district, it was important for me to understand what the other two where about. I also decided that a new tower at the waters edge would become an ideal visual anchor. This orientating device could be framed as you walked thru the various layers, but also be one of the more notable feature at night, flooded with a soft blue light, that could be seen by the passengers arriving from the amtrak station across the river. These final ideas and refinements of previous ideas are explored further and documented on the coming pages.
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Master Planning session The sketches here were not done by me, but I wanted to show them in the book because they were important. They were drawn at a sit down charrette with two members of my panel that have good master planning experience. The sit down session was to help me get my ideas better organized at a master plan level so I could focus strictly on the spaces within afterwards. Both Andreas and Phil thought I should show the larger scaled gestures I referenced in my design development sketches better in plan. The other main idea was to conceptualize the spaces within, their sizes, functions, and relation ships together. Both also agreed that I needed to incorporate the North Dam building at the waters edge in this review. The concept we all came up with was to separate the lower portion of the mill district into three separate sub districts. The right most sub-district would house some
My concepts interpreted in a diagram done by Andreas Savvides
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of the larger anchor stores, and the left most subdistrict would house some of the larger custom shops. Perhaps these could be outlet stores, or woodworkers that have a larger presence online and this is their pick up station. The third subdistrict would be the custom woodworkers guild alley. It would be located in the middle between the two larger sub-districts, and catch the cross circulation between the two. This third sub-district would also house a woodworkers school, where some of the masters in this area could teach some of their knowledge of the craft.
My concepts interpreted in a diagram done by Philip Loheed
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The path I explored at human scale in this presentation is along this third subdistrict. My intention for this review is to get a final sense of the spaces a pedestrian would interact with while wondering in the Biddeford Mill District.
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Plan Organizational thoughts and important spaces
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These plans show the development my ideas took in the final stages of this presentation. Picking up where my master planning charrette with Andreas and Phill left off, I started to organize the placement of spaces within the district, naming the areas and spaces along with naming certain stores within those named spaces. I then moved to important space diagrams, leading to multilevel circulation corridors.
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These sketches show some of the characteristics found in each sub district. The drawings of the tower next to the building with the selectively eroded away is at the end of the custom district. This tower would be large and have the feeling of symbiosis with new and old materials twisting together. The idea would be that a large steel industrial smoke stack would rise from the ground. The stack might provide the exhaust to the wood burning mechanical heat system. Around the metal stack would be a larger circumference brick facade. The brick facade would stay away from the steel stack, but be tied back to it with jagged pieces of steel . At night my thoughts were that the inner space between the brick and steel could be flooded with a soft blue light. This beacon would be seen as you travel past the district in the Amtrak train. It would also be seen from atop of the hill in downtown Biddeford, acting as a orientation point and reference to life within the inner layers of the Biddeford mill district.
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View of tower when arriving by train at the Saco Amtrak station across the river
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Another Characteristic not shown from the path I will illustrate in this presentation is that of the pick-up loading area of the third subdistrict containing the online retailers and outlet stores. The idea would be that people could go to these larger inventory stores with their pickup and the intent to bring home a piece of furniture that day. The raised side walks would double as a makeshift loading dock for patron to load their new furniture into their vehicles with.
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Major Cross Circulation Pattern The diagram below shows the major cross circulation patterns created by combining the placement of the three subdistricts mentioned. The North and South points represent the main entrance of the district at Alfred Street, and The Decks. The Decks are another major destination point I created in the district. Built on top of a two story overlook along the water, the decks will in sense be a part of the food court of the district, offering a night life / fry shack atmosphere to that edge bordering the water. The diagram to the right is in essence a directory of what type of stores go where in the proposed plan. The spaces have been named to give a better sense of orientation to the spaces within. It is easier for someone to explain a new store is located in the Factory Outlet Area of the district than try to explain its location to someone unfamiliar with the area. The red dashed lines represent in clarity the three sub districts within the proposed plan.
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District Grouping and Future Directory
West Point BLD #3
co Br Isla idg nd e
Sa
The Decks North Building #2
Factory Outlet Area Sun Beam Building
West Point Building #4
North Building #3
West Point BLD #1
w.p. #3
West Point Show Room Area
Custom Woodworkers Guild Alley
North Building #3
Saco River Walk
T B urb ui ld ine in g
Area Part of Seperate Phase
Biddeford Fort â&#x20AC;&#x153;great Wallâ&#x20AC;?
Custom Woodworker Alleys
Factory Outlets
Larger Anchor stores that assist the incubator tenants
Incubator spaces providing an array of custom woodworking services
Larger volume custom shops, perhaps with online stores
Accessory stores to support cabinet makers
Woodworkers Guild School Classes
Unfinished furniture outlet
Frames
Kitchen Appliances
Custom Cabinets
Door and Cabinet Hardware Supply Outlet
Flooring Stores
Period Furniture
Paint Shops
Custom Guitars and Jambi Drums
Lighting Design Store
Wooden Art Sculptures
Home Furnishing Accessory Stores
Style Furniture (shaker, Oriental, etc.)
Pier 1
Custom Mantels
Pottery Barn
Front Gate
Create and Barrel
Tool supply Custom Upholstery Concrete counter tops Hardware Store
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West Point Showrooms
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T
hese images from my computer models illustrate some of the various characteristics found in my proposed mill district plan that I concentrated on. The computer model I created acted as several models in my design process. Although I was able to visualize most of the spaces in three dimensions thru my sketching, these computer models gave me endless views and the ability to re-look at areas I did not think of in my sketches. Thinking back to my original proposal and preliminary presentation, the sketches and models shown at my last presentation were only of the bottom corner of the actual district. This area was narrowed down to what you see in the last presentation due to thesis scheduling and time constraints. I believe the language I created that can be seen in this last presentation could be adapted to all over the entire mill district in several phases.
Master Plan Presented at Preliminary Presentation
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Scope of district presented at last presentation
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Model Pictures
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Model Space Massing and Shadow Diagrams
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Model Space Massing and Shadow Diagrams
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hese model renderings show some of the massing at corners and intersections. I tried to break down corners of buildings to allow greater visual corridors, and to allow more light into the circulation paths. This breakdown coincides with language condition number 1B shown in my design development presentation. The fact that I achieved the objective of this condition differently from what I did in my design development review shows how the conditions can be adapted to give various feelings of space, without straying from the character of the language used in the district.
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Existing Footprints
Small Tenant (Unique custom products or display space for studio Outlet Store (Larger anchor store or online retailer) Live / work space studio (Living quarters above) Woodworkers Guild School and gallery spaces Residential (Circulation patterns are meant for residents only, not public) Restaurant and food spaces Circulation Corridors
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PHASE 2
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his proposed plan shows the larger gestures incorporated into the layout as requested at the previous review. The spaces are keyed to designate what type of spaces are scattered about the district. The purple spaces represent food tenants, which comprise of about 30% of the overall spaces. The numbers and arrows designate what views are sketched out along the path I decided to illustrate on at the ground level coming in the following pages.
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Proposed Sub Grade Layout and Uses Diagram
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esidential spaces in the two story spaces below â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Decksâ&#x20AC;? facing the river would be larger live/work studios, while the school would have major frontage as pedestrians go thru the path I illustrated towards the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. The school also allows a place for all the master wood artisans to converge in a social manner during events or workshop teaching opportunities.
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PHASE 2
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Proposed Second Level Layout and Uses Plan
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hile some upper circulation patterns in various buildings are more accessible to the public, others are more limited, with ending circulation patterns. These limited buildings would host only residential, as the only circulation it would provide would be those of the residents. The other buildings could host live / work studios of various sizes to accommodate a better flowing circulation pattern.
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PHASE 2
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The Great Wall
Doubling the rhythm of the port hole windows along â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Wallâ&#x20AC;? and extending their height perforated the corner of the building for circulation and a covered market space
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The Envelope is carved away from the shell to open up circulation thru the corner of the The Great Wall and connect with the channel thru West Point Building #4
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Carved Away
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Channel Entrance
Walking further down the alley various entrances appear. The most prominent is the entrance to the channel, which cuts thru the building to allow passage further into the district
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The Channel
The Existing building is eroded away to expose new steel and cork style brick walls to create more spaces. Vegetation from planters soften the hard edges of the the steel and masonry.
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Sunbeam Building Corner
Being a prominent sight line, and to relate to the scale of the plan, the corner is eroded away to expose new steel and brick arches that separate various store fronts
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SunBeam Exterior Interior
Pulling the envelope away from the existing shell allows ample circulation and widens the view corridor down to The Decks
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Sunbeam Building Corner adjacent alley 6
West Point Building Corridor
This view shows the Sunbeam Building to the close right, and in the distance The West Point Area is visible thru the remnant wall
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Viewed under the trellis of the channel entrance pedestrian bridge, similar to the existing industrial ones, span between buildings to frame views and create secondary circulation above.
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The Gateways
Building is pulled back to frame bigger view of Saco Island. Archways help define beginning of new areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s within district (The Decks and The Factory Outlet Areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)
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The Decks
Major riverfront circulation is below, but an intimate path between the building and the outside sitting areas will allow perusing thru restaurants at what could be a unique food court environment
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Gateway After Study
Original Gateway proposed at last presentation
Sketches of more modern geometry
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Sketches of more modern steel materials and structural systems
A blend of modern wrought iron geometry with contemporary â&#x20AC;&#x153;smoke stackâ&#x20AC;? piers holding the gateway up
A play on the repetitious new steel used to stitch my conditions to the existing
following. I still liked the feel of wrought iron as a gateway, but wanted to explore it being used as a new material, rather than mimicking an old one. I decided a mixture of larger steel beams posed in a poetic gesture from the ground could be tied into the structure of the wrought iron gateway. The entire gateway and structure could then be basked in the soft blue light also found on the adjacent tower.
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More abstract version, with wrought Iron weaving around in an artistic way
At the last presentation some of the panel members commented on my gates ways to the decks, and the Outlet Area Subdistrict. The grouped with condition number 2, entry ways. However some commented the way my wrought iron looked like something from the turn of the century, and I realized they were right, and this goes against my thesis concept, making things look old for the sake of looking old. I decided to reinvestigate the gateway after my last presentation and came up the
Typical new steel beams protruding from existing and new brick rubble plinths that embrace a wrought iron gateway made with contemporary patterns. The wrought iron patterns will be more three dimensional cone like geometry sitting atop the steel beam
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Ty p i c a l I n c u b a t o r S p a c e
Incubator Space Expanded View
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The sketches here were done after my last presentation. It shows a typical incubator space in more detail. Although the space setup in each incubator space would vary widely, these sketches give a sense of space, material, and public versus private domains. Continuing the repetition found in the existing, and applying it to the new brick columns, eventually the space would become generic. The occupant can retrofit the space to their liking, or use it as more of an industrial workshop where they produce their goods. A 211 space would be carved out of the existing shell, and a weather tight unit such as this would be utilized.
Ty p i c a l I n c u b a t o r P u b l i c a n d P r i v a t e S p a c e s
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The scene blow shows two women entering the
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custom jambi drum shop. A worker, possible the owner of the shop, takes off his ear protection and walks out of the workshop area to great the ladies. He continues to explain to them exactly what they do, and shows some of their products on display.
Why... Hello Ladies.. welcome to my shop, what can I do for you?
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Comments from Last Design Review 12 / 18 / 2008 The panel members where overall pleased with where I took my thesis in the end. Everyone commemorated on how much work I did as well. One of the major objections I heard was that of how I presented my drawings this time. Most thought I should have added more entourage to my scenes to show more life in the spaces. I agreed and simply stated I underestimated my time and did not get to it. For this presentation I did more computer renderings than usual, and most everybody in the panel thought that it lost the typical character my other presentations had because of it. One of the recommendations was to redraw some of my computer renderings to show the more detail that my hand sketches usually portray. A few other panel members thought the computer renderings were harder looking, but the materials they displayed made it easy to differentiate the new and the old. They also though the computer renderings showed my new architecture’s unique brick coursing better than my hand renderings showed. This section of my thesis document includes some of the requested additional and revised content that the panel asked for. Some of the other comments are as follows.
■■ I was hoping to see more of some interior shots of one of the incubator spaces. I know for the most part they would be wide open, but I want to see the material selection and the sense of the space where the artisan stops working to greet a customer arriving thru their shop door. ■■ The gateways frame the views and draw a distinction when you are leaving one subdistrict to go to another. However, I do not think the material’s pattern fits within your thesis’ guidelines. You are creating something new to look old, I think it would look better if you used the old material (wrought iron) and give it more of a modern look, similar to what you have done with all the steel in your sketches. ■■ The spaces make the user feel very small, but that is not a bad thing. The way you placed these large elements make better way finding devices in the district. ■■ That is the nicest loading dock I have ever seen. ( I took this as a rhetorical humorous comment) ■■ The spaces seem very exciting, and would make me want to explore the district further. ■■ The plan seems a lot clearer at this presentation, and is organized in a logical manner, but I wish the scale comparisons were overlaid or taken to another level to compare walking distances and such.
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Conclusions drawn from The Last Design Presentation I labeled this review the last review rather than the final review because I do not think any design is final until it is built, and in some cases it does not stop their either. My investigations and accompanying sketches show the relationship new architecture can have with old architecture. In these spaces I created you can imagine your self walking around smelling the saw dust and hearing the clanging of hammers. The buzzing of saws, the array of cultures intermingling with one another, and the smell of food scattered about the pedestrian ways all give a unique sense of space for the entire district. The architecture backs up this character and allows the users of these spaces to still see the historic character within them. The only difference now is how the new interweaves itself with the past to help define space, and blur the edge where the interior spaces begin, and exterior circulation patterns end. My thesis morphed from my proposal as a static building trying to incorporate existing character in the new architecture, to an architectural language that could be utilized by various architects and planners to transform the mill district into the economic powerhouse it once was. My explorations during this thesis process will make me a stronger architect in the future and this document will hopefully share those ideas with others. In the future I hope to practice the art of architecture that enhances space for what it can be, rather than the mimic the existing to add square footage. I believe the generation of architects I belong too will truly see a transformation in the field. One that makes sustainable thinking more than adding solar panels and low VOC paint to a shed. Architecture should react to a site more than placing a weather enclosed form on top of it, and then counter acting the environmental needs with a mechanical system. And when the site and form already exist, it should not be looked at as a box that can be reconditioned to fit the new function. Architecture should try to preserve these remnants of the past not only for historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sake but for the energy and craftsmanship it took to erect them. New architecture added on to these historic structures should not always be slapped to the side of it and display the same muntin patterns. Instead they should preserve its integrity while displaying its own gestures of the current time. When you walk into a rehabilitated historic space there is often a line that is new and another that is old. I believe that line can be blurred. Give users the opportunity to walk into these spaces, and instead of distinguishing between the two terms, let them marvel in the space that is created by the two interweaving with one another. This thesis shows that you can examine any prohibitive form and blur the edges that make it restrictive to allow better opportunities for its occupants and the spaces
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created between these edges.
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( A K A t h e Tr a s h B i n )
Feel free to contact me: Tim Giguere goolier@gmail.com Last Presentation
My Thesis Space
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