FINAL THESIS PRESENTATION GREER HINES
TEXAS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER The Texas Wildlife Conservation Center is an educational facility that is focused on restoring the local wildlife to its intended form. This facility allows its USERS TO LEARN ABOUT THE WAYS THEY CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT through HANDS ON EXPERIENCES. THE SITE WILL ALSO FUNCTION AS A WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTER FOR NATIVE endangered SPECIES.
PROJECT SUMMARY In the last 50 years, the human population has doubled while the wildlife population on average has declined by sixty percent. The stability of nature can no longer be taken for granted. The natural world is resilient and with our help, the planet can recover. Never has it been more important to understand how the natural world works and how we can help preserve it. Humans are experiencing an overwhelming disconnect from nature because of technological advances. If we do not start using the everadvancing technologies and resources we have available to reverse the negative effects on the natural world, one day many of today’s existing species will likely be extinct. It is imperative to reconnect humans with nature through education, interaction, and community involvement to prevent and reverse, when possible, the degradation of nature. Texas, among many other states in the United States, is in need of wildlife conservation centers to properly educate the visitors and surrounding community members about current wildlife conservation issues, while fostering an environment that is healthy for all involved in the process. The Texas Wildlife Conservation Center is an educational facility intended for local community member, tourists, and conservationists to work together in efforts of bettering the life of native plants and animals. The facility strategically utilizes social learning and self determination theories to motivate users to take action to help their local wildlife. The architecture of the space mimics the natural landscapes of Texas through the use of representational materials, direct interaction with natural materials, and spatial patterns that initiate distinct experiences of nature in order to stimulate and mend the human to nature connection that are being lost. The objective is to support and inspire the local community to coexist with the surrounding wildlife, so one day humans and the natural world will flourish together.
SCHEMATI
IC DESIGN
SITE ANALYSIS THE TEXAS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER WILL BE LOCATED ON THE FORMER AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE CAMPUS. THE SITE IS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE CITY. IS SURROUNDED BY OPEN LAND, and is easily ACCESSable BY CAR OR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.. AUSTIN TEXAS IS AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR A NEW CONSERVATION EDUCATION CENTER BECAUSE THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY DECLINE IN WILDLIFE POPULATIONS. WITH PROPER EDUCATION HUMANS WILL BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE HARM THEY ARE DOING TO THE EARTH AND THE WAYS the community can come together to help..
EXISTING CONDITIONS
location
THIRD FLOOR: NOT TO SCALE
public transportation emergency department major highway gas station food school park
SECOND FLOOR: NOT TO SCALE
rain harvesting rain gardens butterfly migration garden
FIRST FLOOR: NOT TO SCALE
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH THE PROBLEM
THE SOLUTION loss of nature
LOSS OF SPECIES EVERY 20 MINUTES
COMMUNITY
THE WORLD ADDS
INTERACTIVE LEARNING
3,500 HUMAN LIVES AND LOSES 1 OR MORE
SPECIES 27,000 SPECIES LOST A YEAR
EQUAL QUALITY OF LIFE
20% of the worlds species could be gone in 30 years
DISCONNECTION SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACE
increase of city
the majority
TEXAS POPULATION
EVERY 60 MINUTES = 15 ACRES
of students learn
TODAY:: 30,541,978
240 ACRES
60%
2015: 27,695,284
OF NATURAL HABITAT IS
DESTROYED
2010: 25,145,561 2005: 22,859,968
70% OF THE WORLD’S
KNOWN SPECIES RISK EXTINCTION IF THE GLOBAL TEMPERATURE RISES MORE THEN 38 DEGREES F
75% of genetic diversity in agricultural crops has been lost
80% of the decline in biological diversity is caused by habitat distruction
biodiversity is necessary for human survival humans hold the power to stop the loss
PROPER EDUCATION
2000: 20,851,820
AMERICANS SPEND 11 HOURS A DAY WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA AVERAGE TIME ADULT (18+) AMERICANS SPEND WITH ELECTRONIC MEDIA
05:04
LIVE TV
02:46
RADIO
01:07
SMARTPHONE
01:01
INTERNET ON A PC
00:32
RECORDED TV
00:12
GAME CONSOLE
00:09
DVD
00:02
MULTIMEDIA DEVICE
more interacting with a
resource or other people than they do reading
community as communities grow, state wildlife plans will help fulfill our responsibility to conserve wildlife and the places they live for futute
steps to supportive workplace when wildlife conservationists have optimal working conditions, then they are able to direct their full attention towards wildlife issues.
education
understanding the nature of decline may help, hault, or reverse the decline.
coexist action when people are exposed to the local animals and beautiful habitats, they form connections that motivate restoritive actions.
USER PROFILE The Texas Wildlife Conservation Center is an education center intended for local community members, tourists, and conservationists to work together in efforts of bettering the life of native plants and animals. USER ICONS
-
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
EMPLOYEES
TOURISTS
NATIVE PLANTS
48.8% White 32.7% Hispanic or Latino 8.13% Black or African American 32% speak a non-English language 52% Male 48% female 26% under 18 years old
- Less then 30% are women - Average age is 41 years old = Wildlife biologists - Wildlife managers - Wildlife educatiors - Wildlife technitions - most common ages 27 to 29 years old
- Austin’S tourism industry generates $9B per year - employs more than 100K - Austin ranks as the No. 5 city for tourism - More than 27.4 million domestic visitors come to Austin annually
- 33 endangered plant species Ashy Dogweed Black Lace Cactus Pecos Sunflower Texas Snowbell Tobusch Fishhook Cactus
NATIVE ANIMALS -
42 endangerd amfibian species 32 endangered birds 34 endangered fish species 41 endangered invertebrates species - 97 endangered mammals species
BUBBLE DIAGRAMS first floor
stair ex elv invasive species exhibit
MECHANICAL EXISTING TO REMAIN
bird exhibit simulation labs
ENTRY CAFE STAIR EX
ELV
ANIMAL ELV
BATHROOM ELV
storage MEMORY WALK
ANIMAL CHECK IN
COMMUNITY INDOOR GARDEN
RECEPTION
waiting
CAFE TEMPORARY EXHIBITS
ENTRY
stair ex
STAIR ex
discovery room/ play/ art
KEY CIRCULATION GENERAL WILDLIFE EDUCATION SANITATION WORKPLACE OPEN TO BELOW OPEN TO ABOVE NATURAL LIGHT ACOUSTICS DIRECT CONNECTION path of circulation
BUBBLE DIAGRAMS second floor
stair elv outdoor garden endangered plants and animal exhibit
KEY waiting stair ex
elv
bird exhibit
displays
animal elv
bathroom aquatic exhibit
elv waiting
planatarium
discovery/ touch and see
classrooms displays
stair
stair ex
classrooms
CIRCULATION GENERAL WILDLIFE EDUCATION SANITATION WORKPLACE OPEN TO BELOW OPEN TO ABOVE NATURAL LIGHT ACOUSTICS DIRECT CONNECTION path of circulation
BUBBLE DIAGRAMS third floor stair ex
elv
conf center
open office
KEY
stair ex
elv
animal elv
scrub unit
corrinteen
animal rehab
collaboration
bathroom
terrace
collaboration
ent
animal opperation room
labs
plant garden
training wellness rooms
employee lounge
animal rehab
break OUT spaces
stair ex therapy
CIRCULATION GENERAL WILDLIFE EDUCATION SANITATION WORKPLACE OPEN TO BELOW OPEN TO ABOVE NATURAL LIGHT ACOUSTICS DIRECT CONNECTION path of circulation
STACKING BLOCK DIAGRAM PROGRAMMING CIRCULATION – 30% STAIRS - 3000 sf ELEVATORS – 300 sf WALKING PATHS- 18000 sf GENERAL- 5% RECEPTION -2,000 sf COATS WHEELCHAIRS CAFÉ- 4000sf BATHROOMS -2400 sf STORAGE -6000 sf Mechanical -13000 sf CONTROL ROOMS GENERATORS EDUCATION- 40% OPEN FORUM/ EVENT -3000 sf FIXED TEMPORARY MUSEUM -30000 sf DIORAMAS Projections SIMULATION (VR) TEMPORARY EXHIBITS FIXED EXHIBITS DISCOVERY/ TOUCH AND SEE ROOMS PLANETARIUM
MEMORY ROOM/ WALK THROUGH WOODLAND AQUATIC BIRD CLASSROOMS -3000 sf LABS -2000 sf TRAINING -2100 sf OUTSIDE ANIMALS - 0 sf GARDENS -13000 sf WILDLIFE- 10% ANIMAL QUARANTINE -1400 sf ANIMAL REHAB -6000 sf SCRUB ROOMS -800 sf operating ROOMS -1700 sf CHECK IN -1000 sf WORKPLACE- 15% OPEN OFFICE -4000 sf COLLABORATION ROOMS -1500 sf BREAK OUT SPACES -300 sf WELLNESS ROOMS -970 sf THERAPY -1145 sf CONFERENCE CENTER -2300 sf SMALL AND LARGE ROOMS TRAINING -2500 sf RESEARCH LABS -2500 sf GARDEN -1190 sf Lounge -6200 sf
third floor
second floor
first floor
CONCEPT AND PARTI A Labyrinth IS a specific path to and end goal A labyrinth is a complicated network of passages in which it is difficult to find one’s way. This experience represent the journey the users will take in finding their way to help restore the natural world. The journey will not be easy and could take some time, but the end results will be worth the adventure. 2D PARTI
3d PARTI human population
human population
wildlife population
wildlife population
coexisting
coexisting
interactive
interactive
healthy
healthy
passion
passion
The 2d and 3d parti diagrams have three parts each representing the relationship between humans and wildlife. Currently there is a strong disconnect between humans and wildife, causing the wildlife population to be much smaller compared to humans. The end goal of coexisting together is represented in both diagrams.
SKETCHES
double height ceiling
DROP CEILING WOOD PANELS
natural light
Glass overlook
Glass overlook
SIGNAGE
hanging bird display
GRAPHIC CEILING
grand stair
GLASS FOR NATURAL LIGHT ROUND RECEPTION DESK FOR ACCESS ON ALL SIDES
large diorama small diorama existing exterior wall
logo
reception
bird exhibit
LARGE WINDOWS OUTDOOR OBSERVATION OPEN FOR WAITING BUILT IN WALL DISPLAYS
planetarium heat in ceiling for the community made of metal air ventilation
glass wall
garage doors glass walls walking path
adjustable lighting strong lighting
growing area
indoor community garden
glass display
DESIGN DEV
VELOPMENT
TERMS OF CRITICISM How can community involvement and education positively impact wildlife conservation?
1. Does the facility provide proper wildlife conservation education to its users through interactive activities? 2. Does the facility demonstrate various methods of education which effectively communicate to a variety of users? 3. Does the built environment integrate the principles of social learning and self determination theories, which inspire the end user to care for and respect endangered plants and animals? 4. Does the facility help build a sense of community, resulting in a positive impact on local wildlife conservation? 5. Does the facility provide a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment for the native plants and animals in need? 6. Is the facility a safe and comfortable work environment for the employees? 7. Does the built environment relate to nature through the use of biophilia in room shapes, implied pathways, and furniture selections?
DESIGN ICONS education proper education of wildlife conservation.
community bringing community members together to learn about and act on local conservation issues.
acoustics reducing sound reverberation and blocking out sound compleatly.
social learning theory people learning by observing other behaviors
self determination theORy the theory of what makes people motivated to make choices or complete actions.
biophilia: nature analogy a method of incorperating biophilic design through indirect experiences of nature such as ornamental/ representational materials.
biophilia: nature in the space a method of incorperating biophilic design through direct interaction with nature such as plants, animals, water, and air.
biophilia: nature of the space a method of incorperating biophilic design through the four spacial patterns that initiate distinct experiences of nature.
nature of the space: refuge a place for withdrawl from environmental conditions or main flow of activity in which the individual is protected from behind and overhead.
nature of the space: prospect experiencing an unempeded view over a distance for surveillance and planning.
nature of the space: risk experiencing an identifiable threat coupled with reliable safeguard.
nature of the space: mystery The promise of more information achieved through partially obscured views or other sensory devices that entice the individual to travel deeper into the environment.
FIRST FLOOR GENERATOR MECHANICAL REPTILE EXHIBIT
ELECTRICAL
EMERGENCY POWER SECURE LOADING
BOILER ROOM
SYPPLYS SUPPLYS
STORAGE
SITTING PODS
STORAGE
VR CLASSROOM
WATER
MECH.
BIRD EXHIBIT
BR
STORAGE
ANIMAL CHECK IN
SVR.
ENTRY
CAFE
STOR. STORAGE
GIFT SHOP
BR
BR
GRASS AREA
INDOOR COMMUNITY GARDEN
SVR.
BR VR CLASSROOM
STO.
KEY
BR
BR
EXTINCT AND ENDANGERED SPECIES READING PODS
CURRENT EVENTS CAFE ENTRY
OUT OF SCOPE
GETTING INVOLVED
ACTIVE LEARNING
ACTIVE LEARNING
not to scale
SECOND FLOOR
INVASIVE SPECIES EXHIBIT
THE OUTLOOK OUTDOOR COMMUNITY GARDEN
SITTING PODS
BR
BR
OPEN TO BELOW STORAGE STORAGE
READING PODS
BR AQUARIUM
THE SPECIES UNDERGROUND EXHIBIT ANIMAL CARE
CAFE
BR
BR
STOR.
STOR.
OPEN TO BELOW
BR ALL ABOUT TEXAS INTERACTIVE MAP FLOOR PROJECTION
TECHNOLOGY TOUCH DOWN
PLANETARIUM
ANIMAL PRESENTATION CLASSROOM OPEN TO BELOW
CLASSROOM
CLASSROOM
THE SPECIES UNDERGROUND EXHIBIT INDOOR PLAY
not to scale
ENTRY
FIRST FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
ENTRY WATER FEATURE FOR INTERACTIVE EXPLORATION AND FUN CUSTOM WATER BASIN
THE BUILDING ENTRY BLURS THE LINES BETWEEN INDOORS AND OUTDOORS INTENTIONALLY CONNECTING THE USERS TO NATURE. MATERIALITY ENGAGES WITH BIOPHILIC PATHWAYS TO CAPTURE THE INTEREST OF USERS AND SPARK A LOVE OF EDUCATION AND WILDLIFE.
EXTINCT AND ENDANGERED SPECIES EXHIBIT
FIRST FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THIS EXHIBIT HAS A MORE SERIOUS ATMOSPHERE FOR LEARNING ABOUT LOCAL ENDANGERED AND EXTINCT SPECIES. AS THE USER PROGRESSES THROUGH THIS EXHIBIT THEY BECOME MORE CONIFNED TO SIMULATE THE EXPERIENCE OF SPECIES LOSING THEIR HABITATS.
CUSTOM EXHIBIT DISPLAYS
INDOOR COMMUNITY GARDEN
FIRST FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THE INDOOR GARDEN IS A PLACE FOR USERS TO GATHER AND REFLECT ON THE MANY THINGS THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE CONSERVATION CENTER. THIS SPACE ALLOWS THE COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO MEET WITH ONE ANOTHER AND ORGANIZE WAYS THEY CAN SUPPORT THE LOCAL WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EFFORTS.
NATIVE BIRD EXHIBIT
FIRST FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THE NATIVE BIRD EXHIBIT PRVIDES USERS WITH EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES WHILE MIMICKING LANDSCAPES OF TEXAS. CUSTOM FLIGHT PATTERN SIMULATOR
ROOFTOP COMMUNITY GARDEN
SECOND FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THE OUTDOOR COMMUNITY GARDEN ALLOWS USERS TO LEARN ABOUT WHAT THE NATIVE PLANT SPECIES NEED TO THRIVE. THE GARDEN IS ALSO USED TO REPOPULATE NATIVE PLANT SPECIES THAT ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE ON THEIR OWN.
INVASIVE SPECIES EXHIBIT
SECOND FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THE INVASIVE SPECES EXHIBIT PROVIDES USERS WITH THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO IDENTIFY THE SPECIES THAT ARE TAKING OVER THE TEXAS LANDSCAPES. THE CENTER DIORAMA ALLOWS USERS TO PRACTICE IDENTIFYING THE SPECIESTHAT DO NOT BELONG IN THE LOCAL HABITIAS.
PLANETARIUM AND BURROWING SPECIES EXHIBIT
SECOND FLOOR KEY: NOT TO SCALE
THIS EXHIBIT PROVIDES INTERACTIVE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE STARS ABOVE US AND THE SPECIES LIVING BELOW US.
LAYERED WALLS REPRESENT THE WAYS BURROWING SPECIES CREATE HABITATS.
CUSTOM UNDERGROUND DISPLAY
STACKING AXON
SECOND FLOOR
FIRST FLOOR
CUSTOM
M OBJECT
CUSTOM FLIGHT PATTERN SIMULATOR
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS SCALE: 1/2” = 1’-00”
DIGITAL SCREEN WITH EYE MOVEMENT DETECTION FOR FLIGHT CONTROL
FRONT ELEVATION
CURVED SCREEN FOR IMMERSION EXPERIENCE LARGE PLATFORM DESIGNED WITH ERGONOMICS IN MIND FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS DETACHABLE PLATFORM FOR UNIVERSAL ACCESSIBILITY
BACK ELEVATION
PLAN VIEW
SECTION
MATERIALS 1. PT-1 2. PT-2 3. PT-3 4. PT-4 5. PT-5 6. PT-6 7. PT-7 8. PT-8 9. CONCRETE-1 10. UF-1 11. UF-3 12. UF-4 13. UF-5 14. WD-1 15. T-1 16. WD-2 17. C-1 18. UF-6 19. UF-7 20. UF-8 21. UF-9 22. WD-3 23. T-2 24. T-3 25. T-4 26. PRESERVED MOSS
1 10
18
11
19
12
20
2 3 4 5
13
21
6 14
22
15
23
7 8
9
16
17
24
25
26
REFLECTION I have devoted the last eight months to a topic that is close to my heart and although the process was not exactly smooth and was full of challenges, it was extremely fulfilling. For as long as I can remember I have had a love of the outdoors and what nature has to offer. My father is the main contributor to this part of my life because he has always encouraged and supported my wildlife conservation education and all outdoor activities. The current state of our planet is alarming. It makes me sad to think that younger generations are not experiencing quality time in nature due to preoccupation with technology or because they do not have the access to nature that was available twenty years ago. It is critical that people become more conscious of environmental issues; and it makes my heart so full to spread this education and awareness through my thesis research. For many years I worked at the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp and was part of teaching youth about wildlife conservation. This program, while impactful, is small in scale and only runs for two weeks out of the year. I have always dreamed of creating larger educational programs that run year-round, in order to make an even greater impact on informing people of all ages about the importance of wildlife conservation. This topic is so vast and deserving of its own facilities and programs across the country. It excites me to know that as a designer I have the potential to change lives and have a positive impact on the environment through the spaces I create. I hope that one day, facilities and programs such as the one I designed are adopted across the United States, and even the world, so that the natural wonders of this beautiful planet are appreciated and preserved for generations to come. I am so grateful for my whole education at Endicott College. Over the past four years I have been challenged and put to the test, but without this challenging program I would not be the designer I am today. I thank everyone who has taught me and supported me on this journey.
THANK YOU!