Justin Brammer Portfolio by Justin Brammer

j ustin w brammer P: 937 430 5926 E: justinbrammer@gmail.com

327 Graham Ave. 3R Brooklyn, NY 11211

CONTACT Justin Brammer justinbrammer@gmail.com 327 Graham Ave. 3R Brooklyn, NY 11211 +1 937 430 5926

CONTENTS Academic Work

Double Agency The Institutional Public Threshold and Urban Representation Advisor: Martin Haettasch Readers: Albert Pope and Sarah Whiting

A School in Five Bladders Exploring Learning Space Through Morphological and Typological Adjustments Studio Critics: Dawn Finley and Gordon Wittenberg

A Tree Grows in Houston Hybrid Typologies and Housing Infrastructure in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Ward Studio Critic: Albert Pope

Contemporary Arts Museum Repurposing Galveston Through Economic and Ecological Infrastructure Studio Critic: Christopher Hight with Michael Robinson

Hyperdike Fluctuating Space in Houston Studio Critic: Doug Oliver

Published Work

The New Natural Photographic Essay

DOUB L E A G E N C Y The Institutional-Public Threshold and Urban Representation Rice University Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Thesis Advisor: Martin Haettasch, Readers: Albert Pope, Sarah Whiting

This thesis formally defines a diagrammatically transparent judicial system as a method of exploiting architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s urban agency. Government and judicial institutions are typically architecturalized as either a semantic reading or a monolithic object. This thesis produces an architectural double agency merging the idea of a public object and public space. Double agency creates architectural produce in two distinct capacities: creating a new relationship between the public and the courthouse, and the representation of the formal object in the city. This is addressed using the elements of form, organization, and legibility to reconfigure the relationship. Miesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; courthouse marks a shift in institutional representation from a semantic historical reading to an abstracted slab privileging organization. This thesis proposes a new shift bringing representation back to the table. The relationship between diagram and legibility challenges standard notions of the relationship between public and the courthouse institution, and between architecture and the city.

diagram // public space 4

rendering [above] // front elevation diagram [below] // concept

public object public object public object public space public space public space public visual public visual public visual 5

diagrammatic legibility This abstracted diagram specifies courthouse adjacencies and the three circulation types (public, restricted, and secure). Formal variations within this project exploit this organizational diagram while maintaining necessary adjacencies.

diagram [above] // organizational representation of a courthouse

section [left] // cut through secure areas section [right] // cut through public areas section [opposite] // cut through cores

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

RESTROOMS

LOBBY / WAITING AREA

GRAND JURY

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION LIBRARY STUDY LIBRARY STACKS

RESTROOMS LIBRARY STACKS

RESTROOMS LIBRARY STUDY

LIBRARY / STUDY AREA LIBRARY STACKS

LIBRARY LIBRARY STACKS

LIBRARY SUPPORT

STORAGE

US MARSHALL OFFICE RESTROOMS

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

CAFE

SECURITY / US MARSHALL OFFICE

COURTROOM 1

COURTROOM 2 LOBBY / WAITING AREA OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION LOUNGE / BAR

AUDITORIUM LOBBY

PUBLIC SURFACE

LOBBY / SECURITY ACCESS

TO PARKING

JUDGE’S CHAMBERS

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

RESTROOMS PUBLIC WAITING / COURTROOM ASSEMBLY

COURTROOM

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

LIBRARY

COMPUTER LAB

TRIAL JURY SUITE

RESTROOMS

LIBRARY SUPPORT LIBRARY

COMPUTER LAB

US MARSHALL OFFICE

KITCHEN

US MARSHALL OFFICE CAFE

CENTRAL CELL BLOCK OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

AUDITORIUM LOBBY

PUBLIC SURFACE

TO UNDERGROUND PARKING

TO ADJACENT PARK

transparent courthouse

rendering [opposite, above] // night perspective rendering [opposite, left] // street perspective rendering [opposite, right] // perspective from highway

Skin conditions change where the form meets the cube. The typically singular pattern is inverted at the edge creating moments of transparency, such as in the courtrooms. This connects court users to the city as well as the city to the judicial process. Section rendering below shows how public space is created by manipulating connections between courtroom and jury rooms.

courtroom

judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circulation path

judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chambers

jury deliberation walk

sectional rendering [below] // section through courtroom, jury deliberation sequence

public area

jury meeting room

public services

boxes

connectors <<< The box creates a centric node for program accessible by the secure constituency (gun-controlled) including courtrooms and the cell block. Pictured above is a courtroom that situates itself within the city through expansive views of the surroundings.

public sur face <<< The connectors span between boxes and envelop boxes. These formally shifting components maintain necessary courtroom adjacencies while allowing for a continuous public surface up through the building.

<<< Creating a new interface between the public and the institution, this continuous surface is home to various public program including a cafe, law library, and public courthouse spaces. A series of escalators connect the surfaces that are populate the tops of the connectors.

library stacks

structure

library study rooms

cafe

courtroom waiting area

jury deliberation walk office / administration

public surface entrance

rendering [top] // administration area / jury deliberation walk rendering [middle] // public surface / atrium rendering [bottom] // perp-walk over cafe

READING CLUSTER SUPPORT SERVICES

COMPUTER LAB

GROUP STUDY ROOMS

rendering [above] // perspective view of atrium

UP TO PUBLIC SURFACE

LIBRARY STACKS

READING CLUSTER

UP TO LIBRARY STACKS

GROUP STUDY ROOMS

LIBRARY RECEPTION

STUDY AREA

rendered plan [left] // atrium space and public library plans [opposite] // plans with diagramattic key

jury deliberatio rooms UNDERGROUND CONNECTION TO TUNNEL SYSTEM

OUTDOOR CAFE JUDGE CHAMBERS SUITE 2

SUPPORT

JUDGE CHAMBERS SUITE 1

cell block

auditorium

OFFICES / WORKROOMS

public exterior surface

interior entry

public exterior surface

CAFE KITCHEN

administrati offices

administration / offices conference rooms

JUDGE DELIBERATION WALK 2

public entry surface courtrooms

JUDGE DELIBERATION WALK 1 UP TO PUBLIC SURFACE

PUBLIC ACCESS

LOBBY / SECURITY CHECK

jury deliberation rooms

support

Support Services

support courtrooms

OUTDOOR CAFE

kitchen / cafe

cell block

auditorium

computer lab

library study administration / offices public exterior surface

interior entry

public exterior surface

PUBLIC SURFACE

administration / offices cafe / public space

library stacks

public waiting area / lobby

administration / offices conference rooms RESTRICTED ACCESS AND U.S. MARSHALL OFFICES

public entry surface

U.S. Marshall Office

courtrooms

ground level

support

restrooms

grand jury

restrooms

fourth level

support

Support Services

restrooms

support

courtrooms

kitchen / cafe

computer lab

library study administration / offices

cafe / public space

library stacks

public waiting area / lobby

jury deliberation rooms

READING CLUSTER

cell block

auditorium

SUPPORT SERVICES

PUBLIC ACCESS

U.S. Marshall Office

restrooms

support

restrooms

grand jury

restrooms

public exterior surface

COMPUTER LAB AUDITORIUM

public exterior surface

interior entry

administration / offices

GROUP STUDY ROOMS

administration / offices

LOBBY LOBBY

conference rooms

UP TO LOUNGE

public entry surface courtrooms

DOWN TO ENTRY UP TO PUBLIC SURFACE

DOWN TO GROUND lEVEL OPEN TO BELOW

DOWN TO GROUND lEVEL

LIBRARY STACKS

support courtrooms

READING CLUSTER

UP TO LIBRARY STACKS

kitchen / cafe

cell block

auditorium

support

Support Services

jury deliberation rooms

computer lab

library study

UP TO LOUNGE

administration / offices

CONFERENCE ROOMS

public exterior surface

interior entry

public exterior surface

administration / offices

PUBLIC ACCESS

GROUP STUDY ROOMS

cafe / public space LIBRARY RECEPTION

administration / offices

library stacks

public waiting area / lobby

STUDY AREA

conference rooms

public entry surface

U.S. Marshall Office

courtrooms

second level

support

Support Services

support courtrooms

kitchen / cafe

restrooms

support

restrooms

grand jury

fifth level

computer lab

library study administration / offices

cafe / public space

library stacks

public waiting area / lobby

public waiting area / lobby jury deliberation rooms

VISITOR AREA

TRIAL JURY SUITE 1

U.S. PROBATION OFFICE

U.S. Marshall Office

CENTRAL CELL BLOCK

cell block

auditorium

TRIAL JURY SUITE 2

restrooms

support

restrooms

COURTROOM 3

grand jury

COURTROOM 4

public exterior surface

interior entry

public exterior surface

SECURE CIRC. (PERP WALK)

administration / offices

PUBLIC LOBBY / WAITING AREA

UP TO PUBLIC SURFACE

administration / offices conference rooms

public entry surface courtrooms

PUBLIC LOBBY / WAITING AREA JURY DELIBERATION WALK 1

JURY DELIBERATION WALK 2

CONFERENCE PIT

DOWN TO LIBRARY

jury deliberation rooms

DOWN TO OFFICES

support

Support Services

support courtrooms

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

cell block

auditorium

kitchen / cafe

computer lab EXTERIOR SEATING AREA

library study

OFFICE / ADMINISTRATION

public exterior surface

administration / offices

public exterior surface

interior entry

administration / offices cafe / public space

library stacks

public waiting area / lobby

administration / offices conference rooms

COURTROOM 1

COURTROOM 2

GRAND JURY

public entry surface courtrooms

third level

support

Support Services

support courtrooms

kitchen / cafe

computer lab

U.S. Marshall Office

restrooms

support

restrooms

grand jury

sixth level 13

library study administration / offices public waiting area /

model [above] // plexiglass model [1/16â&#x20AC;? - 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;] 14

model [above] // study modell [1/16â&#x20AC;? - 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;] 15

bladders ol for graphic A SCH O O L I N F I V E B L A D D E R S Exploring Learning Space Through Morphological and Typological Variance Critics: Gordon Wittenberg and Dawn Finley (in collaboration w/ David Dahlbom and Rachel Dewane)

A simple topological concept guided the development of this building, both morphologically and programmatically: the difference between the inside and the outside of a closed, orientable surface. This closed surface is referred to as a bladder, its inside condition 2 space, and its outside condition 1 space. Deformations of this bladder were permitted so long as its status as a closed, orientable surface was maintained.

mmunication

Ultimately the deformations applied could be easily communicated with the use of three basic categories: columns (giving the bladder a waist), doughnut holes (holes that do not pierce the surface), and bulges. Using this simple topological concept and these basic deformations, we were able to satisfy a large number of demands with a continuous system. These concepts further demanded a careful reconsideration of learning environments in general, and particularly learning environments in a school devoted to media. Spatially, condition 1 and condition 2 spaces tend toward the creation of significantly different sorts of environments. The arrangements of the various deformation types are used to create a diverse range of affects thus producing interesting and useful spaces for engagement.

condition 1

condition

condition 1 condition 2

condition 1 and condition 2 space: The building is one continuous, closed, orientable surface, and as such possesses a topological “inside” and “outside.” This “inside and outside” does not necessarily correspond to the inside and outside of building as would be casually understood by that expression. In order to avoid confusion, we call the inside space —the space that is, strictly speaking, inside the bladder— condition 2 space, and the space outside and on the bladder condition 1 space. The diagram above labels these two conditions and shows an inverted view to emphasize the fact that condition 2 space is not merely poche space.

inverted view

diagram [top] // spatial condition diagram diagram [bottom] // inverted condition diagram

condition 1 and condition 2 space: The building is one continuous, closed, orientable surface, and as such p a topological “inside” and “outside.” This “inside and outside” does not necessarily correspond to the inside and of building as would be casually understood by that expression. In order to avoid confusion, we call the inside spa space that is, strictly speaking, inside the bladder— condition 2 space, and the space outside and on the bladder 1 space. The diagram above labels these two conditions and shows an inverted view to emphasize the fact that co space is not merely poche space.

rendering [above] // street view diagram [below] // deformation types

neutral

donut

column

bulge

C O LU M N S

SHELLS

In maintaining the singularity of the surface, columns curve to provide ultimate load-bearing strength. The resultant forms create programmed condition 2 spaces. Program: media classrooms, bathroom and service areas, offices.

These large surface deformations create large condition 2 spaces. Loads are dispersed through the structurally powerful shell. Program: Auditorium, lecture rooms, computer labs.

DONUTS

TRUS S

Acting as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;inverted columnâ&#x20AC;?, donuts provide structure while allowing for light to enter deep through the building. Direction of light wells are designed to optimize the amount of natural light in the building. Program: light wells, circulation, lobby areas.

Formed from a grouping of narrow columns, the truss produces an expansive area for a new learning environment experience. Program: classrooms.

Condition 2

Condition 1

Open Air Comm

Circula

Dining Ce

Instructional Comm

Recep

Student Activi

Gymnas

Media Ce

Dining Servi

Health Ce

Restroo

Specialized L

General Classro

T.V. St

Auditori

Administration Ce

Condition 2

Television and Film Academy

Graphic Arts Academy

Journalism Academy

Condition 1

program vignettes

gymnasium: Here a simple move creates locker rooms, playing floor and belachers.

condition 1 instructional commons: Here the depression in condition 1 is only accessible from the condition 2 space below. The upper level acts as an observation deck. Below, the condition 2 space is used to create an enclosed pod. This would be appropriate for a bathroom or a computer lab.

condition 2 instructional commons: Here the lower pocket in condition 2 space is visible from the upper condition 2 space, but not physically accessible. The upper level acts as an observation platform.

gymnasium: Here a simple move creates locker rooms, playing floor and circulation vignettes

belachers.

circulation vignettes

condition 2 stairs: The strict separation of condition 1 and condition 2 space demands that circulation between floors must stay within the originating condition. Here is an example of condition 2 to condition 2 stairs.

condition 1 stairs: The strict separation of condition 1 and condition 2 space demands that circulation between floors must stay within the originating condition. Here is an example of condition 1 to condition 1 stairs through “doughnut” holes.

condition 2 elevator: An elevator must abide by the same rules as the stairs and remain within its originating condition. Here the elevator shaft and mechanical apparatus are hidden within condition 2 space.

plan [above] // plan overlay drawing section [opposite, above] // section A section [opposite, below] // section B

rendering [opposite, above] // classroom space rendering [opposite, left] // entrance rendering [opposite, middle] // cafeteria rendering [opposite, right] // gymnasium

exploded axon [left] // schematic surface axon plans 1-9 [above, from top left] // detail plans 22

rendering [above] // classroom space site plan [below] // building in context

AM - arrival of students

media d ia dia

media

labs lab bss

no traditional classrooms hangout

milling about bout

There are no traditional classrooms in this school. All computer and dinin dining di i laboratory activities are located in specialized condition 2 pockets, while an entire level of condition 1 space is left reserved for general instruction. This was seen as providing an important contrast (even antidote) to the limited physical and spatial experience of the computer screen.

Though there is enough space for different classes to comfortably define their own areas on the open floor, we smokers smoke m have imagined carious measures exit entrance that might be taken to create classroom surrogates, including closedcircuit headphone networks, glass pods, and the blunt insertion of classroom trailers.

10:30AM - class time

headphone networks

12:30PM - between class/lunch

glass pods

classroom trailers

formal explorations Models and drawings of formal explorations that create a new and more productive learning environment. Context models show a raised ground-plane creating an â&#x20AC;&#x153;urban machineâ&#x20AC;? effectively pulling people up through the site and into the diverse spatial environments.

study models [above] // stretched acrylic studies sectional model [opposite] // earlier study model

one bladder

two bladders

three bladders

four bladders

model [above] // final 3D printed model showing different levels 27

A TRE E G R O W S I N H O U S T O N Hybrid Typologies and Housing Infrastructure in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Ward Critic: Albert Pope

Trees in this housing project refer not to lush carbon-dioxide absorbing plants, but rather to a diagrammatic representation of the relationship between housing and infrastructure. Hierarchical analysis of housing in Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fifth Ward results in an abstracted categorization of existing typologies as trees - lowlying connections with little degree of separation from the more complex infrastructure system. The monotonous and limited hierarchical condition suggests a strategy of typological diversity as a method of urban integration. This project integrates the buildings into the larger urban infrastructure, reclaims the green void caused by the defunct railway, connects open transportation nodes through formal intervention providing housing and shared amenities, and fosters urban interaction at a human level through the deployment of various housing typologies and complex circulation overlays. The standardized grid layout is disintegrated in the chosen site. This results in three types of connections defined here as DEAD END, LOOP, and THROUGH streets. These connection types are utilized as nodes from which more complicated typologies and hierarchical arrangements grow. Dead End connections comprise the most numerous node type within the site. The openness of this type allows for direct circulatory connection into a more complex system. Loop connections tap into the urban hierarchical circuit at points of continuous movement. This typology lends toward organizations with fewer degrees of separation such as point-loaded buildings. The through street typology branches from both sides of the street creating a building spanning the roadway. Increased density is common within this typology. This project integrates the buildings into the larger urban infrastructure, reclaims the green void caused by the defunct railway, connects open transportation nodes through formal intervention providing housing and shared amenities, and fosters urban interaction at a human level through the deployment of various housing typologies and complex circulation overlays.

ROADWAY PARKING VERTICAL CIRCULATION UNITS

COMMON AREAS

UNITS

SMALL BUILDINGS

UNITS

OADWAY

COMMON AREAS

rendering [above] // overview of housing infrastructure diagrams [below] // various hybrid housing typologies

rendering [above] // the monotonous hierarchical landscape of the Fifth Ward suggests a strategy of diversity as a method of urban integration.

DEAD END

LOOP

THROUGH

THROUGH [ tree grows ]

[ 18 ]

site

connection types

[ tree grows ]

infrastructure

connection nodes

[ 18 ]

Three types of connectors between housing and infrastructure produce complex variations branch from these starting nodes. Housing in this project builds from the hybrid typology analy[ tree grows ] [ 18 ] sis relating the unit to infrastructure. Variations in types are based on unit density and connection type within the larger infrastructure.

In this abstracted diagram units are represented by the white dots at the end of a connection series. Degrees of separation making up this series vary from hallways to greenspace to skip-stop corridors. The thick white line running throughout indicates the projects datum that connects through form and at certain moments through space. This privileging of space produces the â&#x20AC;&#x153;soft-megastructureâ&#x20AC;?.

site plan [left] // abstracted representation of site infrastructure

30’

’

x 50

35’

’

x 35

units aggregated on the horizontal datum

horizontal aggregation The raised platform creates horizontal common ground and circulation onto which units aggregate.

’05

’53

x ’0

x ’5

walkway between skip-stop corridors

vertical aggregation The vertical datum acts as an organizer for the stacked units and a sign of the building’s typology. 33

soft-megastructure

relative unit densities

footprint

axon [right] // building density strategy site [below] // full building footprint spans one mile in length

axon [above] // interior of tower typology

detail plan rendering [above] // street view of tower typology rendering [opposite] // park repurposed from defunct railway plan [below] // detailed plan of housing infrastructure spanning the highway

useum yboard

CONTEMPO R A R Y A R T S M U S E U M Fluctuating Space in Houston Critic: Doug Oliver

This Contemporary Arts Museum proposal explores the possibilities of a highly customizable space and the relationship of the building to its context. Located within Houstonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s museum district, the project aims to pull the visitor out of the street context through a series of tunnels. Juxtapositions of program and form create interesting moments as the viewers move through the spaces. Fluctuations in the cast-glass skin allow for light and views that correspond to program within the building while penetrating in at the tunnels connecting the skin as a fluid surface.

ammer ecture useum yboard

Approach to building site coming up Bissonnet Street. Site is shown in relation to the dense traffic occuring at the intersection.

ammer ecture

ng at

Houston Contemporary Arts Museum

Tunnel entrance for cars on Bissonnet side. Opening is punctured in the structure andConceptual pulled throughStoryboard narrowing throughout.

Approach to building site coming up Bissonnet Street. Site is shown in relation to the dense traffic occuring at the intersection.

Tunnel entrance for cars on Bissonnet side. Opening is punctured in the structure and pulled through narrowing throughout.

Tunnel allows for passenger drop-off while continuing to narrow and pull through to a new space.

Tunnel entrance for cars on Bissonnet side. Opening is punctured in the structure and pulled through narrowing throughout.

Approach to building site coming up Bissonnet Street. Site is shown in relation to the dense traffic occuring at the intersection.

Tunnel entrance for cars on Bissonnet side. Opening is punctured in the structure and pulled through narrowing throughout.

Lower ceiling in the entry-way with natural light filtering in to illuminate the admissions desk and surrounding area.

Lower ceiling in the entry-way allows for a greater contrast in the transition to the gallery space.

Material switches from softer to harder material to eventually transition to interior space. Shade from trees creates a cooler space before the walkway slips into a gap in the building.

rees

Lower ceiling in the entry-way with natural light filtering in to illuminate the admissions desk andStoryboard Conceptual surrounding area.

Lower ceiling in the entry-way allows for a greater contrast in the transition to the gallery space.

vel

Material switches from softer to harder material to eventually transition to interior space. Shade from trees creates a cooler space before the walkway slips into a gap in the building.

Lower ceiling in the entry-way with natural light filtering in to illuminate the admissions desk and surrounding area.

ntially

Tunnel allows for passenger drop-off while continuing to narrow and pull through to a new space.

Justin Brammer Rice University School of Architecture

vel

ntially

Tunnel allows for passenger drop-off while continuing to narrow and pull through to a new space.

Houston Contemporary Arts Museum

Lower ceiling in the entry-way allows for a greater contrast in the transition to the gallery space.

Justin Brammer Rice University School of Architecture

New space hidden by the building poses different views. Material change of the surface to a softer gravel further signifying change of space. Material also creates a new audio affect.

Circulation between floors in gallery space can be open and even continue to perform as a display area.

Pathway leading to the auditorium passes over the tunnel entrance for cars.

Circulation between floors in gallery space can be open and even continue to perform as a display area.

NewLong space hiddenspace by the Material change isofmade the surface a softertogravel gallery withbuilding naturalposes light different coming inviews. from up high. Ceiling of steeltogirders potentially further change ofwalls. space. Material also creates a new audio affect. hangsignifying art or temporary

Material switchessite fromcoming softer up to harder material eventually to to interior space.traffic Shade from trees Approach to building Bissonnet Street.toSite is showntransition in relation the dense occuring at creates a cooler space before the walkway slips into a gap in the building. the intersection.

Pathway leading to the auditorium passes over the tunnel entrance for cars.

TunnelLower allows for passenger drop-offallows while for continuing narrow and throughtotothe a new space. ceiling in the entry-way a greatertocontrast in thepull transition gallery space.

Pedestrian exit/entrance to building on Montrose. Pedestrians slip into or out of the building through a gap that leads them to the space in the back. Material change to the soft gravel again creates the sensation of a transition as one enters the new space.

Pathway leading to the auditorium passes over the tunnel entrance for cars.

Material switches from softer to harder material to eventually transition to interior space. Shade from trees Circulation floors the in gallery space continue to perform as a display area. creates a coolerbetween space before walkway slipscan intobea open gap inand theeven building.

diagram [above] // conceptual sequence diagrams

Lower ceilingfor in the withside. natural light filtering in to in illuminate the admissions and Tunnel entrance carsentry-way on Bissonnet Opening is punctured the structure and pulleddesk through surrounding area. narrowing throughout.

Lower ceilingleading in the entry-way with natural in toentrance illuminate admissions desk and Pathway to the auditorium passeslight overfiltering the tunnel forthe cars. surrounding area.

Lower ceiling exit/entrance in the entry-way allows foronaMontrose. greater contrast in the slip transition theofgallery space.through a gap Pedestrian to building Pedestrians into ortoout the building that leads them to the space in the back. Material change to the soft gravel again creates the sensation of a transition as one enters the new space.

model [above] // model in site context [1/16â&#x20AC;? = 1â&#x20AC;&#x2122;] skin model [below] // cast resin skin study model

diagram sequence [above] // series showing relationship of program, mass, and skin 40

rendering [above] // large exhibition space

rendering [below] // atrium and exhibition space 41

GALLERY SPACE

ENTRY

Skin creates an oscillating relationship with interior program, wrapping and guiding the visitor through space

plan 1

plan 2

plan 3

HYPE R D I K E Repurposing Galveston Through Economic and Ecological Infrastructure Critics: Christopher Hight and Michael Robinson (in collaboration w/ Judd Swanson)

Hyperdike addresses Galvestonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic crisis by guaranteeing the insurability and appreciation of real estate in the area and capitalizing on new modes of shipping traffic. The proposal includes the construction of a dike around the east end of the island connecting both ends of the seawall. Integrated within brownfield sites along the dike are a postPanamax containerized shipping port, various attractions and parks, wetland growth areas, beaches, and a raised urban infrastructure that revitalizes the bay-side waterfront. The dike will be primarily built using material displaced from the dredging of the new post-Panamax deep channel. The container port draws from the massive flow of goods through the Houston/East Texas area effectively redirecting the flow of containerized shipping from the Houston Ship Channel to the new Galveston port. Voids created between the shipping dock and the shore create programmatic opportunities for differentiated programs combining brownfield redevelopment, ballast water remediation, and dredge fill. These programs include a wetlands, park space, concert venue, floating casino, amusement park, and a public aquarium.

post-ikeofstatus overview post-ike conditions post-ike status west end west end

east end east end

the west end is characterized by a comparatively rich state of biodiversity and a high level of geomorphological instability. the west end is characterized by a comparatively rich state biodiversity ike andhas a high level of geomorphological instability. these factors render further development both damaging andofdangerous. underscored the futility of the traditional these factors model render when furtherapplied development both damaging and dangerous. ike has the futility the traditional development to conditions such as this. the tax revenue that underscored would be generated by of further development development model when to conditions ascity, this.must the tax would be generated by further development of the west end, crucial to applied the economic survivalsuch of the be revenue offset bythat a new source. of the west end, crucial to the economic survival of the city, must be offset by a new source.

low damage and low levels of biodiversity make low east damage and low of biodiversity make the end ideal for levels continued development. the the east for acontinued development. east endend alsoideal boasts fair a mount of existing,the east end also boasts a fair a infrastructure. mount of existing, under-utilized transportation under-utilized transportation infrastructure.

biodiversity of the gulf decreases at the sea wall biodiversity of the gulf decreases at the sea wall

rendering [abpve] // aerial perspective of housing incorporated into the levee map [left] // map showing 50 year storm damage to Galveston Island

industrial connectivity

low

the logistical economy f

p = connectivity value at given point = number of attractors in fieldera i re-purposing galveston arean infrastructure for the post-oil fi = attractive force of i-th attractor ki di = distance between i-th attractor and p i i=0 ki = drop-off constant for i-th attractor n

p= 46

high

map [left, top] // grasshopper surface showing industrial connectevity in the region map [left, bottom] // overlay of refinery locations on the connectivity map

why not galveston? port uses and capacities

In effect, logistics experts operate on the principle that capital not in motion ceases to be capital. They look at ships as floating warehouses. Ideally, there should be no point, from production to final sale, when goods sit around waiting for further processing. The flow from sale to ordering to production to shipping to the next sale should occur in one smooth motion. This is the idea behind the logistics revolution. Edna Bonacich and Jake Wilson, Getting the Goods (2007) - port - refinery

ratio of loading/unloading capacity to available storage

beaumont

houston

port arthur

250 / 266,218

1500 / 2,631,000

80 / 418,000

freeport 60 / 480,000

galveston 40 / 345,000

Sources: Port Efficiency data derived from Union Pacific Rail Road website (http://www.uprr. com/customers/ind-prod/ports/index.shtml).

tonnage distribution network

tapping in in this drawing the information from the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;tonnage distribution over transportation modalitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; diagram is mapped onto the upper texas coast. this should be viewed as a section cut from a larger, continuous circuit of global exchange. note that of the enormous amount of goods and materials that circulate through the area (460 million tons in 2006), only the tiniest portion circulates through galveston. this represents a great loss in terms of potential job creation and revenue from port leasing, and dockage and wharfage fees. it is our suggestion that if galveston tools itself up for handling a greater portion of this flow, and specifically if it does so with an eye to the anticipated changes in the type of goods that will be circulating in the near future, the city will secure for itself a financially viable future.

Ports Shipping/Highwa Railroads

diagram [right, top] // ratio of loading/unloading capacity to available storage diagram [right] // flow of goods from shipping, rail, and highway infrastructures

pro pos ed dike

e x is ti n

a ll g seaw

dike circuit is completed

dike reacts to local site conditions

forms effect local ecologies

diagrams [above] // series showing formal generation as a series of delaminations rendering [left] // perspective from concert venue within the container port

ballast water and ship type

port ecologies

container ships

Voids created between the shipping dock and the shore create programmatic opportunities for differentiated programs combining brownfield redevelopment, ballast water remediation, and dredge fill.

container ship takes on load

deposits load and takes up ballast water

dumps ballast, with aquatic organisms, at new port

container ships

the port of houston sees about 10 million gallons of container ship ballast discharge a month -- about 15 olympic sized swimming pools.

oil tankers 1 1

tanker takes on oil load

deposits load and takes on ballast water

dumps ballast, with aquatic organisms and oil contamination, at new port

oil tankers

the port of houston sees about 300 million gallons of tanker ballast discharge a month -- about 450 olympic sized swimming pools.

Sources: Information on ballast practices and pollution from â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Vessel-Source Marine Pollutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, by Alan Khee-Jin Tan. Volume information from the National Ballast Information Clearinghouse.

diagram [above] // study of container port ballast water

axon [above] // proposed container port incorporating public program 49

section b - container port and event space

section a - wetland remediation and park

section c - housing infrastructure and marina

c a

a b c

section d - cruise terminal and park space

section e - housing infrastructure and boardwalk

section f - topographic beach and dunes

e f d

levee variations

Container Port Dock Integrated Levee

dike berm creating using dredged material from shipping channel connects the two ends of the seawall and shores up the city against hurricanes, heavy surges, and sea level rise.

Shipping Container Lots on Levee

infrastructure development development on the infrastructure is guided by the offsets from the shoreline, roadways, and connections to the program under the new â&#x20AC;&#x153;datumâ&#x20AC;? created by the dike.

Earthen Levee on Interior of Island

Earthen Levee on Perimiter of Island

Highway and Traffic Systems on Levee

levee variations

Container Port Dock Integrated Levee

Earthen Levee Minimum Distance Barrier

Shipping Container Lots on Levee

Earthen Levee Reinforced with Corrugated Metal Wall (Program Exposed)

Earthen Levee on Interior of Island

Earthen Levee Reinforced with Corrugated Metal Wall

Earthen Levee on Perimiter of Island

Concrete Wall Levee

Highway and Traffic Systems on Levee

Offets Byou Lock System

diagram [above] // various levee typologies

lower program open area within the dike infrastructure creates space for development and parking. temporary business as well as public programmatic elements exist along the periphery of the marina where they are susceptible to storm damage.

park topography gently sloping topography mediates the divisive nature of the dike. variances in park topography designate programmatic use. high areas become walkways, slopes are zones of channeling along the water is a boardwalk, in between the delaminating surface is athletic fields and recreation area, and closest to the dike is an industrial park/landscape.

rendering [above] // view of housing infrastructure and marina

the new natural in collaboration w/ Tracy Bremer originally published in PLAT Journal 1.0 and Cite Magazine Issue 85 Following the industrial revolution, our environment has been so fundamentally altered that it has resulted in an ambiguity between the natural and artificial. Once considered invasive, the industrial object has become so entrenched in the landscape that it appears as a native element. Within contemporary cities it is now the natural that reveals itself as an impostor resulting with the manufactured environment as the new natural.

Contact Info: p: 937 430 5926 e: justinbrammer@gmail.com

ÂŠ 2011, Justin Brammer