Chapter 1 Structure
Structure and skin work to define the look and feel of 41 Cooper Square. The constant interactions between these two building components allows Morphosis to compose a building that reads like a series of dialogues. When approaching the site, there is an immediate interaction between the exterior columns, which angle towards the building and tuck under the steel skin [Fig. 7]. This represents the first instance of Morphosis using layering in this project. Once you enter into the main lobby space, the greatest integration of structure and surface - the central atrium and grand stair - appears as a twisting skeleton. The visual effects used within the atrium and exterior cladding actually betray the fairly simple structure. 41 Cooper Square is a two-way slab construction supported by a column grid. The sliced model shown in figure 2 details the regular column structure, which holds the floor slabs [Fig. 1]. Figures 3, 4, and 6 detail the construction methods for the concrete structure used at 41 Cooper Square. The simplicity of erecting the main structural system allowed Morphosis greater amounts of time to work on the integration of aesthetic, secondary systems.
Accessibility code 213.2 suggests the use of unisex, single-use bathrooms, for the benefit of persons who use opposite sex personal care assistants. [Fig. 3] Figure 1 shows the standard dimensions for an accessible toilet stall. Figure 2 shows the standard dimensions for the stall partition and the minimum distance to the wall beyond the stall opening. SLAB PLATES
Morphosis is in compliance with all ADA bathroom specifications. Figure 4 on the proceeding page shows a typical bathroom layout at 41 Cooper Square.
Building Model
oper Square
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Figure 2 Morphosis Architects
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Chr
Structural Analysis: Columns
Rebar (greater concentration from column to center span)
Crossing Rebar (two -way)
Figure 3 Morphosis Architects
Ben Crocker
Structural Analysis: Floor Slab
41 Cooper Square
John McCambpell
Chris Ross
Wire reinforcing Concrete Vapor Retarder crushed stone Framing
Figure 4 41 Cooper Square
Morphosis Architects
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John McCambpell
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Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
structural grid
Figure 8
structural grid
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Figure 9
Figures 8, 9, and 11 detail the ground, 1st and 2nd floors respectively. While the column grid remains consistant, the placement, size and shape of the columns do not. The image in figure 10 shows typical wall structure within the building, which hides some of the column grid.
structural grid
Figure 10
Figure 11
Chapter 2 Infill
The major infill system at 41 Cooper Square is the torqued atrium’s steel lattice work, which is intended to accentuate the main mixing space for students or “vertical piazza” as it has been coined by Thom Mayne. This lattice work serves as a light veil around the perimeter of the space and a strong visual que for both the atrium and the “sky bridges” of stairs that span the space. The classrooms, labs and offices then form a doughnut of program around this hollow core of light. The next largest infill system, architecturally speaking is interior curtain wall glass. The programmed spaces around the piazza visually connect to the lattice by means of glass walls, of varying transparencies along many of the east and west facing interior partitions or at the doors. This move of transparency through glass walls at some classrooms and frosted glass doors at offices is paramount in daylighting a vast majority of the spaces and it provides for a great degree of visual connectivity. Architecturally, another major interior infill move is the perforated paneling that is used throughout the atrium. This adds a huge amount of sound absorption to the space and a great deal of texture to what would otherwise be vast expanses of drywall. The remaining infill walls use a vast amount of standard rated and unrated GWB walls. But at the ceilings of the hallways perforated suspended steel grating provides another visually accent as it denotes all of the major egress pathways and hallways. Once inside the programs spaces there is a mix of exposed whitewashed ceilings or hung integrated ceiling panels.
Figure 1- The white steel mesh as viewed from the second floor landing of the expansive atrium stair. Also on the left edge of the photo you can just gleam the perforated paneling lining a portion of the “vertical piazza”. Figure 2- The development of both the mesh facade(discussed later in Chapter 3) are integrally linked such that the skin cut and it’s development provides the initial starting “a” shaped geometry for the steel mesh outlining the central atrium.
Figure 2
Figure 1
EXPOSED CAST-INPLACE CONCRETE STRUCTURE DATA CABLE AND WIRING BASKET
TYPICAL DETAIL AT HALL WAYS
SUSPENDED PERFORATED METAL CEILING GWB SOFFIT OVER LGMF SUSPENDED ACOUSTICAL CEILING SPRINKLER INTERIOR GLASS CURTAIN WALL SYSTEM EXPOSED CAST-INPLACE CONCRETE STRUCTURE
Figure 1
41 Cooper Square
Figure 2
Morphosis Architects
Ben Crocker
John McCambpell
Chris Ross
Figure 1- This drawing shows a typical interior detail for both the class rooms and the office spaces. Slab to suspended ceiling height of 12’ and ceiling to underside of slab is 3’. Figure 2- Along the eastern hallways west wall the majority of the mechanical chases and plumbing chases can be found. This forms a major interior articulation running north south in the building and reinforces a clear and simple grid logic that the concrete structure also follows. (marked in red on the Level 5 floor plan) Figure 3- figure 4- 3D wire frame showing the atrium lattice work in relation to the auditorium stair and the large central piazza stairway. Figure 4/5- Glass partition walls along the interior corridors that parallel the central atrium mixing space.
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Chapter 3 Skin
The skin of 41 Cooper square is the defining characteristic of the building. More than just providing solar shielding, keeping out elements, and insulating the interior, the skin at 41 Cooper square gives the building it’s identity. Under the skin, 41 Cooper square is a basic concrete slab construction, and is rather conventional. It is the faceted, shaped, and cut skin that gives 41 Cooper Square it’s unique presence on the block. Indeed, the metal screen is only one element in the layered screen system. Aside from the unique geometry of the screen, it is the layering of materials that ties the skin into the rest of the systems inside. 41 Cooper Square is a building of layers. The program of layering is expressed in the skin in various ways. Firstly, the metal mesh screen which site on the outside is not, in fact the main weather seal at all. Beneath the screen lies a conventional curtain wall, which is the main thermal and climatic break in the building. The pattern of perforations on the screen allow for a visual transparency to expose the inner layers of the building to the larger city. Another aspect which the screen assists is the flow of natural ventilation to the interior of the building. Operable openings in the screen allow for the interior windows to link with the openings in the skin to allow for fresh air to pass through to the interior. These openings are tightly controlled, and operate under an HVAC management software which controls their opening and shutting. Furthermore, the pattern of punctuations carved into the facade animate the otherwise static facade and provide a measure of variation which responds to climatic needs. The facade itself mediates the view from interior to exterior. The cuts in the facade are calibrated with the interior to focus views west and north, the two most significant axis relating to the building. The facade of 41 Cooper Square is the most dynamic aspect of the building and the single element that most defines its identity. It is unique that such a spectacularly unconventional looking building could be so conventional in its structure and construction.
The skin system at 41 Cooper Square consists of two main components. The outer layer consists of a digitally fabricated aluminum facade (Fig. 1). The aluminum facade is two toned to create a seemingly random pattern on the facade, and providing a visual break to the otherwise monolithic facade. The facade also has thousands of circular perforations allowing a measured transparency both into the building and from within looking outwards. The panels are affixed to the concrete structure using a steel system which allows for the flexibility of depth within the section as well (Fig. 2). As the building approaches the street, the depth of the skin increases, giving a sense of shading or coverage to the street below. The main system of glazing, the curtain wall, is exposed where the screen is cut (Fig. 4). This occurs opposite the atrium which serves to bring natural daylight into the building, coordinating with the Green criteria present in the design of 41 Cooper tics of the Square. kin: PERF. METAL
ated Steel
Figure 1. Patterning on Aluminum Skin
ative Perforated
Glazing
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Figure 3. Perforation Detail Ben Crocker
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BUILDING SKIN- CLEAR
are 2 feet by 6 re afixed with steel screws three to aluminum frames. ized panel sections ck to the slab edge engineered clipm of aluminum . For the most part panels are set 1 from the inner , but on the west s distance increasuch as 10 to 12 the panels swoop mate the building orm a canopy above ce. Figure 2. Section through skin
OPAQUE
Glazing
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Figure 4. Clear Glazing in West Facade Cut
The aesthetics of the building skin: Perforated Steel Alternative Perforated Clear Glazing
SUN PATH DIAGRAM- WINTER SOLSTICE
Building Skin
Opaque Glazing
Figure 1. Glazing and skin conditions highlighted 41 Cooper Square
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WINTER SOLSTICE 8AM
Figure 2. Winter SolsticeWINTER Sun studies SOLSCTICE41 Cooper Square
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WINTER SOLSTICE 12PM
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WINTER SOLSTICE- 10AM
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FACADE UNITS
Two additional systems at work in the screen of 41 Cooper Square are variations in opacity and sun shading. 41 Cooper Square uses variations in opaque and clear glass, as well as sun shading. The variations in opacity allow for variation of privacy and exposure for the programs within. For example, a secondary stair is clad in opaque glass(Fig. 2), shielding the program within, which doesn’t necessarily contribute positively to the facade of GLAZING UNIT the building. Opposingly, the large cut in PERFORATED the west facade is clad in clearMETAL glass (Fig. MESH SCREEN UNIT (LIGHT 1), allowing view both in and out ofGREY the SHADED AREAS INDICATE building, and allowing light into the main DENSER SCREEN atrium space. The building also uses the facade to self shade, as the perforated metal panels significantly reduce heat transmission to the interior and OPAQUE GLAZING UNIT consequently reduce cooling load for the entire building(Fig. 2) While the massing of the building itself doesn’t necessarily encourage self shading or effective solar orientation, the skin of the building 41 Cooper accomplishes much of these tasks onSquare it’s own, making it an essential component of the buildings design and function.
Figure 3. Three different Glazing opacities Ben Crocker
John McCambpell
FACADE AS INTEGRATED SYSTEM-SKETCH
Morphosis Architects
Figure 4. Opaque Glazing in Sairwell
41 Cooper Square
Figure 5. Concept Sketch
Morphosis Architects
Ben Crocker
John McCambpell
Chapter 4
Squares commitment to sustainable strategies provide leverage to Major Bloomater PlaNYC 2030 campaign which will have a lasting impact at the regional use it’s 400+ initiatives address ALL scales of sustainablit. These scales in-
Sustainability
d neighborhoods public spaces s\waterways ly tion
y e ange lth
stems ding
pportunity agement lity indicators
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Sustainability is a defining feature of 41 Cooper Square. Sustainable concepts are incorporated in every level of design decision making from the placement of the large atrium, or `vertical Piazza`, to the specing and design of the lights and sensors. Cooper Union`s own Institute for Sustainable design states, `the institue is comitted to a strategy that addresses ecological and social concerns by bringing sustainablility to the forefront of our educational egenda.`1 The Cooper Union, and particularly 41 Cooper Square, operates sustainably on multiple scales: The Region, the Neighbourhood, The Street, the Building and the Room. At the scale of the Region, we can look at water runoff. Manhattan is served by 11 Tier 1 Combined Sewage Outflalls (CSO). Any way to reduce the waste water runoff flowing into the sewers and CSO`s is beneficial and the 41 Cooper Square accomplishes this in two ways. Firstly there is a Green Roof system to reduce water runoff from the roof and, secondly, 41 Cooper Square uses low flow fixtures in all of the restrooms to reduce ouflows at the outset. This also ties in to the building scale. At the scale of the block, 41 Cooper Square is located at the confluence of many subway stops and walking distance to many amenities. At the scale of the neighborhood, 41 Cooper Square works with Planet Green Building services to act as a catylist to involve and activate the neighbourhood. At the room scale all of the fixtures in 41 Cooper square are, when possible, compact fluorescents low energy. All the rooms which have the potential for varied occupancy are equipped with motion sensors to shut off the lights. Additionally, 41 Cooper Square`s heating and cooling systems are advanced radiant heating and cooling systems. 41 Cooper Square uses a Combined Heating and Power system to generate a large portion of his electricity and heat. The air that is circulated is captured and recirculated to the labs before being exhausted to the exterior, thereby saving on energy use and maintainging a high indoor air quality. All of these result in 41 Cooper Square being certified LEED Platinum, one of the first in the field of higher education. 1
Kevin Bone, Director, The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design
As a member of the Mayor’s PlaNYC Challenge Partners The Cooper Union will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 percent by 2010. In addition to our new academic building which will likely achieve LEEP Platinum, we are in the process of retrofitting Cooper Union’s historic foundation building to include many environmental upgrades, such a cogeneration plant and advanced control systems. The two buildings together will enable us to go beyond the Mayor’s goal much earlier than the target date of 2017 -George Campbell Jr. Cooper Union’s President
10/9/12
Room
Green Measures: Double Skin
10/9/12
Figure 2. Green Spaces Ben Crocker
McGraw-Hill Construction - Continuing Education Center
Figure 1. Subways and Bus Stops near 41 Cooper Square McGraw-Hill Construction - Continuing Education Center
Figure 3. View through Screen
1 About two-thirds of the Cooper Union building in NYC relies on some form of radiant system.
Johncontinuingeducation.construction.com/article_print.php?L=5&C=691 McCambpell Chris Ross
Figure 4. Installation of Radiant Floor 7/9
This project is a good example of an integrated r
Figure 1. Diagrams of Sustainable Systems
EXHAUST COOLING OIL
ENGINE COOLING
WATER FROM SITE
AIR GAS
CUSTOMER WATER TO SITE EXHAUST HEAT EXCHANGER
ENGINE
ALTERNATOR
Figure 2. Diagram of Cogeneration Heating and Power Plant
ELECTRICITY TO SITE
The Cooper Union’s overarching energy strategy aligns with the overall greening strategy of New York City, while far surpassing it. 41 Cooper Square puts The Cooper Union in a leadership position moving forward in the Greening of New York. The Cooper Union uses a comprehensive network of Active and Passive systems to achieve a LEED Platinum rating. 41 Cooper Union uses it’s urban site to it’s fullest advantage, promoting subway use. It’s mesh screen, a defining feature of the building also serves as a passive solar screen with operable openings to allow the permiation of fresh air into the building. 41 Cooper Square’s multi faceted approach to sustainability is one that can be used as a case study moving into the future of academic buildings.
Figure 3. Stack Effect in Atrium
Figure 4. Solar Shielding Diagram
Figure 5. Green Roof
Chapter 5 Plumbing and Fire Safety ADA and Egress
While not the most glamorous aspect of building design, the plumbing and fire safety aspect of 41 Cooper Square is nevertheless critical to its functioning and if you dig deep, there are some rather interesting aspects and design features. How the 41 Cooper square deals with fire safety is an interesting case study of egress pathways and fire isolation. The biggest challenge presented in 41 Cooper Square is that of it’s large central atrium. The atrium runs the height of the building and more or less divides it in two. This creates an interesting fire safety situation, as the atrium must be isolated in the event of a fire, as it would otherwise act as a chimney, bringing fire and smoke throughout the building. 41 Cooper Square accomplishes this by sealing off the main atrium with fire shutters and routing egress pathways around this atrium. 41 Cooper Union uses advanced fire suppression systems, with a plethora of sensors controlling a wet pipe system ensures that the facilities are protected. The building is a type 1-B system, so it is inherently fire resistant as well. The water risers for the sprinklers and hose cabinets are located at either end of the building in the emergency stairwells. Indeed, these emergency stairwells serve each half of the building which would otherwise be divided by the central atrium. The plumbing system in 41 Cooper Square ties back in to the stated goals of sustainability. The plumbing system is designed to reduce the amount of water used as much as possible, as well as harvesting water for use in the systems which reduces the demand of the external city water lines. 41 Cooper Square’s green roof serves to reduce stormwater runoff, and to collect water for use in the toilets. These systems combine to drastically reduce Cooper Square’s environmental impact.
Gross Sf- 175000 Total Occupancy Load for a Type B building of this Size
1750 Occupancy Load/ Floor
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EGRESS
Convergence Point
Convergence at intermediate landing (the capacity must account for the sum of the two floors) EGRESS
Point of Convergence= Additive Egress
Figure 2
Courtesy of ICC
23
Ben Crocker Morphosis Architects
Egress convergence (1004.5)
John McCambpell
41 Cooper Square
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Max Exiting DistanceHallway Width- (.3 X Occupancy Load/ Floor)= 58”. Our hallways are mostly 60”
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Figure 3 EGRESS
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Figure 1
Chris R
quare
Emergency lighting must be maintained
Minimum distance 48” Wheelchair safe zone must be maintained
Must Maintain Stairway arc Doorway Must meet minimum widths
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Figure 4
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Nathan Wittasek was the Project Manager for Arup at 41 Cooper Square. Currently working for Exponent, his brief states that he“has extensive experience addressing issues related to combustible and flammable liquids, explosions, fire alarm and detection systems, fire resistive compartmentation and materials, fire department access and water supplies, fire modeling, fire testing of construction assemblies, fire suppression systems, flame spread analysis, hazardous materials classification and mitigation, means of egress, smoke movement and smoke control” (Exponent). He was involved in the selection of Cornell iron Fire roll down shutters , Weinstein & Hotlzman Fire Hold open doors, Xtend mesh railing by Post Road Iron Works, and other materials relevant to issues of egress and fire containment or control. Morphosis took great care in planning for the safety of the students at 41 Cooper Square. When analyzing the means of egress, we must consider three seperate and distinct parts. 1) The Exit Access 2) The Exit and 3) Exit Discharge. The Path of Egress is measured from the furthest point from exit entrance.
The fire suppression systems in 41 Cooper Square are fairly conventional, in that they are a standard wet pipe system delivered through traditional upright head overhead sprinkler systems, as well as concealed sprinkler heads, which are actually not concealed oddly enough. (Fig. 6). In a system like the one in 41 Cooper Square, there is a vast complexity of parts and elements to the system, even if in the sheet amount of fixtures (Fig. 7). The ceilings of the hallways (Fig. 5), consist of a corrugated metal mesh, echoing the mesh layered facade system, which allow the sprinklers to exist above the ceilings and still provide enough water output. This furthers the aesthetic of the building, while providing a neat solution to the mechanical systems. This system didn’t continue through the whole building, leaving some awkward moments, (Fig. 6) where concealed sprinkler heads become exposed.
Figure 5. Main Hallway in 41 Cooper Square
Plumbing Schematic
Bathroom Layout Schematic
Figure 6. Exposed Sprinkler head 41 Cooper Square
Morphosis Architects
Figure 7. Plumbing Diagram Ben Crocker
John McCambpell
Chris Ross
Figure 1. Egress Pathways
Figure 8 SPRINKLER RISER
SPRINKLER RISER
FIRE PUMP ROOM
CITY SUPPLY
TYPICAL ROOM BRANCHING TO SPRINKLER HEADS
Figure 9. Sprinklering breakdown
NOTE: SPRINKLER RISERS SPLIT ONE TO EAST SIDE AND TWO TO WEST SIDE AT ALL LEVELS WITH ATRIUM
STAND PIPE
reen roof and a storm wacollection system, which ages storm run-off and lutants, ensures that no The egress pathway system in 41 able water is used for irCooper squarewater is quite and interesting ation and provides toilet fixtures on the case study. The exits are located along er floors.
the west facade (Fig.8 ) as opposed to the more typical corners of the building. This is done in conjunction with the routing of the paths of egress to isolate and seal off the atrium from the rest of the building. This is accomplished through the use of fire shutters more commonly used in storefronts (Fig. 13). In 41 Cooper Square these are integrated on a level which makes them almost invisible. This isolation allows for 41 Cooper Square to comply to all the exit path requirements for a type 1-B Sprinklered building. The Water conservation and redistribution features of 41 Cooper Square are effective in reducing the overall water demand by 600,000 gallons a year. This system also ensures that no potable water is used for irrigation, and provides water for the fixtures (Fig 10). These two systems, although separate, work together to ensure the safety and efficiency of 41 Cooper Square
Cooper Square
Morphosis Architects
Figure 11. Key for Fire Shutters
Figure 10. Water Riser Diagram
Ben Crocker
Figure 12. Fire Hose Cabinet and Water Risers
Figure 13. Fire Shutters
John McCambpell
Chapter 6 Life Safety
41 Cooper Square required many life safety considerations, due to the extensive program held within its walls. Not only does the structure house offices, a gallery, classrooms, a massive atrium and grand stairway, it also contains active laboratories. Morphosis teamed up with Berzak Schoen Consultants, Ltd. and laboratory consultants Steve Rosenstein Associates, Inc. to address the code requirements for the project. The programmatic issues associated with life safety can be thought of as a major organizing principle for this project, since each program has its own area, based on their requirements [Fig. 2]. Discussing the laboratories, we can understand the quantitative as well as qualitative aspects of designing for life safety. The National Fire Protection Assocation (NFPA) life safety code requirements for lab spaces dictates in section 8.3.1: “Ventilation must be designed to ensure that chemical fumes, vapors, or gasses originating from the laboratory shall not be recirculated.” [Fig.1] Section 8.4.1 restates: “Air exhausted from chemical fume hoods and other special local exhaust shall not be recirculated.” Cooper Union’s engineering department discusses how Morphosis managed to get the most out of this requirement: “Building codes require that all air which is circulated through laboratory spaces must be immediately exhausted outside the building in order to prevent potential contamination of the air supply system by harmful substances present in these laboratories. Using an air-handling unit which treats 100% outside air to
ventilate these spaces would be extremely wasteful and inefficient, as the energy invested into cooling or heating the air would only be utilized momentarily before being exhausted back outside. Consequently, 41 Cooper Square utilizes an innovative recirculation system that allows treated air from non-laboratory spaces air to be recycled, and used to ventilate laboratory spaces before being exhausted.� The remainder of the facility must comply with the standard issues of life safety for a commercial building. These include addressing egress/ escape routes, fire containment systems, accessibility, and protective systems. Recirculated air is finally used in the labs, where it is exhausted through hoods.
Figure 1 Program Layouts
Student Social Space
Public Space
Office Space
Art Studios
Classrooms
Laboratories
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 3 shows the ground floor layout with egress hallways, major fire stairs and elevators. To comply with life safety code, the floors above must follow section 10-2.5.1: “No common path of travel shall exceed 75 ft.; no dead end shall exceed 20 ft.” [Fig. 4] As a general rule, “an exit shall not exceed 150 feet from any point in the building” (Cote, 378) All atrium spaces must be sprinklered and there needs to be a smoke suppression system. Morphosis uses steel fire shutters that drop down in the event of a fire. These shutters prevent smoke and fire from reaching the egress pathways and fire stairs. [Fig. 6] 41 Cooper Square used hardware products from ASSA ABLOY Group brands for the doors and security.
Figure 5
“A blend of doorway security, life-safety, aesthetics and sustainability is achieved with CURRIES hollow metal 707 doors and McKINNEY three-knuckle hinges along with 8200 Series mortise locks, 80 Series exit devices and 351 Series door closers from SARGENT” (Assa Abloy) The doorways feature a mix of mechanical and electromechanical locks that provide balanced security throughout the building, enabling facility personnel to set access privileges according to their needs. These mechanisms are implemented throughout the fire exit pathway to make egress uninhibited during emergencies.
Figure 6
Chapter 7 ADA Compliance
41 Cooper Square is a commercial-use, educational facility, which adheres to all common regulations for accessibility. From the ground up, the building makes sure that accessibility is for everyone. The sealed floors are compliant with code 302.1 for firm, slip-resistant surfaces. The building does not contain ramps for accessibility, though there are ramps for services. The vertical network throughout the building consists of stairs and elevators; however, there is not a limit to experience. The central atrium is accessible at each level to provide a comparable experience for all levels of ability. From the initial access to the site, where Morphosis applied for curb cuts to comply with 503.4 Floor and Ground Surfaces, which states that “vehicle pull-up spaces and access aisles serving them shall comply with 302. Access aisles shall be at the same level as the vehicle pull-up space they serve. Changes in level are not permitted.� Entry into the building is flush without any changes in grade or surface, enabling access to the two main elevators. Throughout the building, Morphosis complies with ADA issues of height, providing sinks, drinking fountains, hand rails and bars to allow for ergonomic comfort for all.
Accessibility code 213.2 suggests the use of unisex, single-use bathrooms, for the benefit of persons who use opposite sex personal care assistants. [Fig. 3] Figure 1 shows the standard dimensions for an accessible toilet stall. Figure 2 shows the standard dimensions for the stall partition and the minimum distance to the wall beyond the stall opening. Morphosis is in compliance with all ADA bathroom specifications. Figure 4 on the proceeding page shows a typical bathroom layout at 41 Cooper Square.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4 shows the smaller multiuse bathroom with a gracious spacing beyond the stall door and angled entryway for privacy. Note the immediate exit out of the building from the fire stair above. Figure 5 details all of the major doors located at the ground floor. All hallway doors are fire hold open doors by Weinstein & Hotlzman, installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC.
Figure 3 Figure 3
Figure 4
Section 403.5.3, which deals with passing spaces, states: “An accessible route with a clear width less than 60 inches (1525 mm) shall provide passing spaces at intervals of 200 feet (61 m) maximum. Passing spaces shall be either: a space 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum; or, an intersection of two walking surfaces providing a T-shaped space complying with Figure 5 304.3.2 where the base and arms of the T-shaped space extend 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum beyond the intersection. [See Fig. 8]
Figure 6
Less than 200’-0”
Passing Space
Figure 7
Chapter 8 Lighting and Daylighting
At 41 Cooper Square the lighting design takes on all necessary functions to be task lighting, general lighting, and accent lighting all while illuminating sculptural qualities of the architectural work and it too being playfully sculptural. This is particularly true in the main atrium where large suspended lights of varying sizes create a playful perforated pattern and in the main stair where the wall sconces dance across the wall as they are placed between the main piazza mesh. The lighting at times can also be seamless, as in the hallways where it washes the walls and is recessed behind the open perforated screen. The lighting design also is allowed to be very “normal� in a sense in the offices where it is apart of a integrated ceiling system or in the studio spaces where track of linear fixtures are mounted to a bare white washed ceiling of exposed ducts, conduit and the like. Which ever track the lighting takes be it sculptural in and of itself or more functional it often picks up a architectural theme; some of these themes are layering, perforation and transparency. But whichever tack it is always well integrated, adjustable and fully functional with the lighting requirements of the given space. In terms of sustainability the lighting too is integrated into the BMS system and will dim or shut off if no occupants are sensed or it will adjust to balance daylight and the desired foot candles appropriate for the given space. This adjustability combined with low voltage fixtures in all cases is extremely important in reducing the electrical demands of the building. Again as in all of the systems of the building the architectural parti and the systems functionality work interdependently to create holistic design.
“The architecture by Morphosis is a powerful expression of art and engineering through dynamic forms that create spaces for human interaction at numerous scales, and within this framework rests a diagram of classrooms, offices, and laboratories. Lighting responds directly in both sculptural and pragmatic ways.” -Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Designs Figure 1- In the vertical piazza the stair railings have integrated vertical strip lighting that creates a functional and beautiful affect both when on the stair and when viewed from below. Figure 2-The “perforated” or dapled effect of the double height entry atrium’s recessed can fixtures. Figure 3- The horizontal floursecent strip lighting found throughout the buildings hallways. It accents the walls well and reflects warmly off the polished concrete floors. Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 4- At night the building radiates a consistent warm glow that beautifully shows through the mesh screen and highlights different programmed spaces. This image also demonstrate the very successful “even” quality to the interior lighting. Figure 5- This two story gallery space is found to the east of the main entry. It is unique because of the varied dimpled effect of the large ceiling cans and the unique use of gallery track lighting as a perimeter band at floor level. Figure 6- This is a view standing atop the main atrium or piazza stairwell looking down. The stippled effects of the wall sconces mimic’s the building facades blend of different perforation densities and it mixes well into the large mesh structure that spans 9 stories up through the vertical piazza. Figure 7- This is a more typical suspended fluorescent track lighting system found in the art studio spaces. Figure 7
Figure 6
Chapter 9 HVAC SYSTEM
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems at 41 Cooper Square are extremely advanced and complex computer controlled systems that are run by a large centralized computer system called the Building Management System. Here graphs, charts, current conditions and historical data can be called up instantly to ensure that the building always maintains a healthy and extremely comfortable environment. The four main systems at Cooper Square are the six air handling units supplying fresh air as needed, the heated floor slabs, the chilled ceiling beams and to keep it all running efficiently and in as much of a “closed loop” (energy wise) as possible the cogeneration plant. Integral to each system is a series of internal sensors that are constantly monitoring performance and making small adjustments based on current conditions. That is to say that there is never ever just a “on” and “off” position. Through use of sensors, the enthalpy switchover, variable air valves and the BMS the whole building HVAC can constantly make small adjustments to ensure that minimums are always meet. This high degree of monitoring always ensures that the system is running smoothly and very efficiently. In addition to all the internal heating, cooling and ventilating systems passive methods are also employed at Cooper Square through BMS controlled window opening actuators. These actuators open the windows when outside temperature and humidity characteristics prove suitable to ventilate certain interior spaces like the classrooms, offices and atrium. Although complex and very elaborate the HVAC at Cooper Square is a major factor in the building achieving a LEED Platinum rating.
“Some of the innovative engineering applications included: radiant heating and cooling ceiling panels, an airside energy recovery system, demand-controlled ventilation, a double-wall façade, a green roof and building management system (BMS) controls. As Engineer of Record, Syska Hennessy collaborated with IBE Engineers to design and implement a Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) infrastructurethat would provide flexible design for the next 100 years.” -From Syska Hennessy Group Figure 1- The cogeneration plant being craned into position on the roof at Cooper Square. This plant is the single biggest factor to Cooper Square achieving it’s 30% reduction of it’s greenhouse gas footprint (elite energy systems). The system in it’s basic sense allows excess energy to be reused on site to run systems like the AHU’s. Figure 2-One of the roof mounted AHU’s. Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 3 and 4 - The highlighted areas give just a partial picture of the large spatial requirements of 41 Cooper Squares extensive HAVC system. At left is the mechanical room in the lower basement level. At bottom left is (3) of the six AHU’s, 4 of the many exhaust fans, two chillers. Figure 5- Radiant slab heating tubing tied down to the structural slab awaiting a topping slab to be poured. Figure 6- Screen shot from the BMS showing AHU-3. Given that Cooper Union has labs, offices and classrooms the air handling system to be thoughtful must be interrelated. In this case 100% fresh air from the outside is treated put into the offices and classrooms this then is vented to the atrium and this air is then recycled and retreated to put back into the lab spaces because then can not use direct outside air.
Figure 6
Figure 5
Chapter 10 Finishes
The building finishes at 41 Cooper Square are incredibly varied, while always maintaining a industrial tone. The concept behind the building seems to be clean detailing with simple, yet elegant material matches. Morphosis’ use of layering allows for interesting lighting and shadow effects. There is also a strong emphasis on varying the level of opacity. Working with the lighting designer Horton Lees Brogden Lighting Design Inc., acoustics engineer Martin Newson & Associates, LLC, and the facade consultant Gordon H. Smith Corporation, Morphosis creates a design aesthetic that is pervasive throughout the complex. The level of complexity associated with a project of this scale can easily be seen in the list of material vendors: Metal/glass curtainwall: Perforated metal skin fabricated by A. Zahner Company Suspension grid: Armstrong Installed by: W&W Glass, LLC Installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC. Oldcastle Glass Metal Radiant(Ceiling) Panels: Nelson Industrial Installed by: W&W Glass, LLC Inc, Concrete: TWA, Architectural Material Resources Boardformed architectural concrete Grid and Metal Ceiling panels installed by DonaldInstalled by: Century Maxim son GFRC- glass fiber reinforced concrete by Plasterform Acoustics LLC, INC.; Metal Radiant Panels inInstalled by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC. stalled Aluminum: by Steamfitters EXTERIOR Oldcastle Glass Ceiling mounted operable partition Installed by: W&W Glass, LLC (SKYFOLD partition): Modernfold/Styles Inc Glazing Cabinetwork and custom woodwork: Lab casework Glass: Viracon by Advanced Lab Concepts; custom millwork by Installed by: W&W Glass, LLC Legere Group and Bauerschmidt & Sons Wire Mesh ceiling: Simplex - Wire Mesh Paints and stains: Benjamin Moore & Co. Installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC.
Installed by: EVERGREENE PAINTING STUDIOS, INC Paneling 1: Stained gray acoustical perforated maple wood by Legere Group; Paneling 2: Montana mesh by Haver & Boecker; Installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC. Paneling 2: Resin by 3Form Installed by: Legere Group Plastic laminate: Formica Installed by: Legere Group Solid surfacing: Cesar stone and Richlite Installed by: King Hoist
Special Surfacing: GFRG atrium acoustical wall by Plasterform Installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC. Special Surfacing: GFRG (glass fiber reinforced gypsum) atrium megamesh by Cooper Plastering Corporation Installed by: Donaldson Acoustics LLC, INC. Atrium Mesh structure (under GFRG cladding): King Hoist
Perforated Steel (Irregular Pattern)
Back Lit Steel Screen
Perforated Steel (Regular Pattern)
Steel Screen
Grid Pattern Steel Screen
Perforated Stair
Opaque Glazing
Clear Glazing
Concrete (Air-Entrained)
Smooth Ashlar Concrete
Concrete (Non-Air Entrained)
Concrete (Textured in Situ w/ rebar & formwork Pattern
Wood Texture (Poured in Situ)
Plastic Perforated Texture (wall Pattern)
Drop Ceiling (Exposing Grate)
Fine Perforated grating, drop ceiling
Steel Welded Skeleton
Figure 6