CSU
RiverLAB
FacadeSTUDY
Ian Jones, Professor Charles Graves, Graduate Studio III 2013
STRUCTURE TYPOLOGY
HIGH TRANSPARENCY
1.
FULL SOLID
GRADIENT
SiteDESIGN
SECTION
The site is framed by several existing conditions. The Cuyahoga River bounds the western edge of the site while the mouth of the Kingsbury Run and a CSO outlet bound the eastern and southern edges. The steep elevation change of Jefferson Avenue bounds the northern edge. Neither the Kingsbury Run or the Cuyahoga River are in their natural state as each have been heavily modified. The unnatural state of the Kingsbury Run mouth invites more exploratory modification to its form and function. Considering the potential of several study models, stepped bodies of water isolate the mouth from the Cuyahoga, and allow a variety of programs to coexist. The RiverLAB communicates with this new program and creates a dialogue between the Cuyahoga and the smaller bodies of water.
2.
Elements
Existing Condition
GreenROOF A semi intensive green roof will be hosted on top of the RiverLAB. Native species will be planted exclusively with the goal of attracting insects beneficial to fish in the Cuyahoga River. The green roof also serves as public space.
BACKGROUND
GOALS
The East 22nd Corridor will continue south beyond Broadway in the form of a multiuse trail. This trail extension will follow Rockefeller Avenue into the industrial valley and connect to Tremont and the towpath trail via a new lift bridge at Jefferson Avenue as described in the East 22nd Corridor Master Plan. Sited on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River at Jefferson Avenue will be a new field station and nature center, changing the strictly industrial perception of the lower Cuyahoga River. The artificial mouth of Kingsbury Run and CSO outlet wrapping the south and east edge of the site will be converted to three pools of water that allow recreational activities and provide aquatic habitat. CSO occurrences will be rare due to plans of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Project Clean Lake.
CSU RiverLAB The CSU RiverLAB will celebrate the history and future of the Cuyahoga River through interactive exhibits and activities and host a field station used by Cleveland State University Environmental Science faculty and students. The field station will monitor water quality of the river as well as aquatic life and other indicators of river health. Historically the lower portion of the Cuyahoga river has been solely for industrial usage. The RiverLAB changes this perception through considerate site design and user experiences throughout the structure that allows visitors to submerge and elevate above the water. Classrooms, event space, and auditorium space allow for a wide variety of programs. Site design around the RiverLab creates further interaction with the river as well as recreational areas for swimming, fishing, and other activities in the neighboring pools. Bulkheads along the river edge will be stepped with gabion walls, providing shallow water for fish refuge and foraging habitat. Soil beyond the gabion walls will host native plants that serve as a source of food and cover. The RiverLAB creates a destination at the riverfront, engages users, and envisions the future of the Cuyahoga River.
ECOLOGY
Study Diagrams
Stepped Bulkheads
Engage
In addition to modifying the mouth of the Kingsbury Run, the edge of the Cuyahoga River is also modified to provide fish habitat and improve water quality at the lower portion of the Cuyahoga. Currently bulkheads line the banks of the lower Cuyahoga and maintain a water depth of 25’. Stepped bulkheads replace the existing structure while gabion walls help further maintain the shipping corridor. As the bulkheads step water depth is decreased and soil is introduced to the river edge, allowing plants to grow and providing refuge and oxygen for fish.
SitePLAN ROOF
Exhibit Space Labratories Classrooms Computer Lab
5’
Habitat
25’
OPENING Traditional bulkhead
section perspective looking northwest
Stepped bulkhead
WATER INFORMED Retaining the elevation of Jefferson Avenue, the building is considered through entry and procession from the top of Jefferson down to the water’s edge. The form responds to the water surrounding it, either overlooking the entire Cuyahoga, projecting over multiple bodies of water or submerging into the river.
N
100 ft.
Ground Floor Plan STRUCTURE
ACH
APPRO
PAST
ACH
APPRO
PRESENT
PR
OJ
OK
EC
WALL
T
ME
2.
RGE
PR
OJ E
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SUB
LO ER
OV 1.
Auditorium Space Classrooms Lobby
N Section Looking East.
100 ft.
Second Floor Plan
FLOOR
night looking northeast