01 Pirouette
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER
02 Pirouette
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER
AXES
Process The form of the building is created by the intersection of two axes where the epicenter of these axes markes the location of the middle of the exhibition space. It is from the two lower spaces where you can circulate to the exhibition hall or enter through either end .
CIRCULATION
SITE PLAN 1:100
What is a Pirouette?
Sustainable Design Strategies
Defined by its recognizable twirl, the Pirouette is the act of spinning on one foot with the other leg raised. This delicate and beautiful move performed by the dancer is one with a great deal of physics at play. Two Forces counterracting each other keeping the dancer in a perpetual cycle of motion. While one force pushes the other pulls, the give and take is even between the two. When the two forces fall out of balance the system breaks and the graceful act ceases.
Within this building there are countless design strategies used in order to promote the sustainability of use of environmental resourves as well as the human body.
Humans and Nature. Two forces seemingly at odds however remove Nature from the equation and Humans cease to exist. Similar to the Pirouette, the equation must be balanced or else the system fails to succeed.
A major sustainable site strategy was to leave as much of the topography alone as possible in order to minimize the amount of grading needed except for that necessary to excavate the lower level.
The upper tube is representative of the double helix but more importantly the representation of these two forces spiraling around each other creating the exhibition hall. It gracefully rests on the landscape much like a dancer performing this move. The spiral is then adorned in perforated metal panel and a more natural translucent fabric. Human and Nature. Man-Made vs Natural in perfect harmony creating a space that harkens itself to the Pirouette. This space as a result represents harmony and gracefulness.
Sun Shading via Sun Sails and Perforated Metal Skin
Green Roof
Natural daylighting is take advantage of in the exhibition space as the dynamic structure and shading devices help to block out the sun while allowing enough through to comfortably light the space. The lower buildings have large floor to ceiling windows to allow in as much light as possible. All glass in the building is Photovoltaic thus allowing the ability to be able to harness the sun to generate energy.
The Art of The Dance
As the site sits on an area prone to flooding and drainage it is important to look at how water makes its way out of the site. The lower level being below grade leads to water draining to here so multiple strategies are implemented in order to prevent flooding. The first was to implement a bioswale as well as loose pavers which will help to handle a surge in water. The second step is to instal underground cisterns that will help to store water for later reuse in processes such as sprinklers.
Located on The University of Maryland Campus, the Sustainable Innovation Center is a place where all walks of people can come in order to take part in the ongoing discussions of sustainability. The site is located on the Historic South Campus southeast of the Memorial Chapel and southwest of Fraternity Row. The site is located near many off-site amenities and is located on one of the top research institutions in the country which will surely benefit the users of this space.
The Body should also be treated sustainably and that is why the site is surrounded by open interactable green space and it can be seen out of every window with every pane of glass providing a wonderful outdoor view. In addition to that Gender Neutral Bathrooms are implement beginning to break away from the stigatism as well as unsustainable practice of building Opposite Sex Restrooms,
The Program consists of classroom and work spaces as well as a research institution. The facility is capable of holding large events as well as extensive research towards a more sustainable future. The exhibition hall is capable of holding large or small scale exhibits. There is additional exhibit space outside which allows for outdoor features.
PhotoVoltaic Glass
Bioswale and Loose Pavers for Water Drainage
Underground Cistern Water Collection and Reuse SUSTAINABILITY DIAGRAM
SUN SHADE AND PERFORATED METAL DETAIL
03 Pirouette
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER
04 Pirouette
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION CENTER
Entrenchment Carved out of the ground, the research and learning elements of the institution remain underground. The decision to place these spaces under the landscape was done for two main reasons. The first reason is to help minimize the visual impact the building has on the field. Due to the fields importance as a landmark for the campus it is important that existing views of the site and from are maintained. The second reason is to create an experience for visitors of this building. By pulling the ground away users essentialy enter into a parted mass. The large retaining walls slowly curve back to vertical position as you descend the walls begin to close in around you. Once reaching the public plaza you can look upwards to see above ground thus giving the sense the user is underground while still bein able to see the sky above.
Campus Edge The proposed Sustainable Innovation Center at UMD sits on the southern gate of Campus at the corner of Regents Dr and Route 1 on Chapel field, an iconic landmark to the Univeristy. The proposed structure environmentally responds and shapes a new vision for the south side of the University while also acting as a new threshold for potential campus vistors.
Restoring the Landscape The global forecast of forest regrowth is beginning to slim wth less large trees being grown back and they are being replaced with meadows. Not only do meadows provide an aesthetic look on a tight budget to the area they also are relatively maintenance free. Similar to wetlands a healthy meadow is self maintaning and regulating. In addition to that, meadows also act as a living classroom giving the opportunities for users to learn about different types of plants and meadow as well as how they work and interact with it all in person. Humans aren’t the only ones who benefit from these meadows as all different kind of animals use meadows as homes as well as food. Meadows while they are not as effective as trees they do work to sequester some carbon out of the air.
Pathways The fabric of a University is constantly denoted by its buildings as well as its paths. Running across Chapel Field is a path that connects the corner of Route 1 and Chapel Field to the Eastern end of Mckeldin Mall. This inconsequential path provides an easy route for students to cut across the field. The proposal for the Innovation Center enhances this path as a clear axis between these two points while the opposing path passes over to connect the southwest side of the field to Fraternity Row. CREATION OF PATHWAYS
Materials A wide array of materials were chosen for this building each carrying with them their own plusses and negatives. Some materials were chosen for their sustainable benefits while others were selected for their aesthetic quality. The main materials chosen were: aluminum, concrete, steel, and glass. Their ability and tactness to withstand significant wear and tear in a shift environment is unmached. Special areas such as the interiors of the lower two buildings received white stucco on the ceiling.
Main Pedestrian Routes
Tomorrow’s Challenge The need for a collaborative and open work space is an increasingly important commodity in the modern day. Open and flexible spaces allow for people to come together and work in order to help solve the sustainability challenges of the future. The connection of researchers and students as well as a close proximity to a flourishing campus provide a hive for bright and creative solutions.
Photovoltaic Glass
Translucent Mesh Membrane
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The User Experience
Cars, Buses, and Other Vehicles Main Campus Entrance South Gate
Space For Pop-Up Events
Moveable Room Dividers
10 Idea Collection Spaces
Places For Informal Learning
Environmental Social Activism
Hands-On Volunteering
Close To Amenities And Landmarks
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11 Polished Concrete Floor
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Pre-Cast Concrete Panels and Sheets
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SITE CIRCULATION & PATHWAYS
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Perforated Metal Panel
LONGITUDINAL SECTION
Aluminum Metal Structure and Support
SCALE: 3/32”=1’-0” LOWER FLOOR PLAN
SCALE: 1/16”=1’-0”
UPPER FLOOR PLAN
SCALE: 1/16”=1’-0”
Vestibule Lobby Open Class Space Storage Classrooms Office Storage Restroom
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Reception Area Open Office Space Conference Room Copy And Break Area Loading Dock Bioswale Public Courtyard Exhibition Area