In my second-year Design project, I will be working in Design Il studio, which is organized in opposition to Design I. The objective of the studio is to develop a critical approach to form finding through evidence-based design methodologies, suspending categorical thinking and classifications. In the first semester, I will develop an understanding of how to read and activate a specific concept and idea in architecture through an architecture analysis. In the second semester, I will study the opposite pedagogy by defining a territory and approaching architecture through a site-specific intervention.
My project will involve designing a visitor’s center for Central Park, which will be a meeting place for locals and tourists to interact with and learn about Central Park’s natural living environment. The goal is to inspire preservation and coexistence of humans with nature through gardens, innovative educational programs, gathering and exhibition spaces. The center will integrate with the park’s biodiversity, complex circulation systems, and control access mechanisms, engaging with formal continuity, double curvature, fluidity, and complex construction systems such as steel and reinforced concrete.
Located off the corner of 5th Avenue and Central Park South, my proposal will become the gateway from the city to nature. Given its location, the topographical site’s immediate environmental richness includes the pond, nature trails, Hallet’s Nature Sanctuary, large scale rocks, trees, vegetation, and lush landscapes which act as a habitat for a variety of species. Throughout the semester, I will develop a spatial topology in relation to the program circulation and to interior and exterior spatial continuity, engaging with the site specificity and living environment of the park.
Central Park is an iconic urban park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. Spanning 843 acres, it is the most visited urban park in the United States and one of the most filmed locations in the world. The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux and opened in 1858. Central Park offers a wide range of recreational activities, including jogging and biking paths, sports fields, a zoo, gardens, and lakes. It also features numerous sculptures, fountains, and other works of public art. Central Park is not only a haven for locals and tourists seeking a natural escape from the city, but also a vital habitat for wildlife in the midst of one of the world’s most bustling cities.
In my project, I wanted to create a building that was seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape. To achieve this, I decided to carve the building into the bedrock, which not only helped to preserve the existing trees and greenery, but also increased the area of the nearby pond. By creating this larger water feature, I was able to make a little island for the Gapstow Bridge, which adds an extra element of interest and visual appeal to the area. This approach not only helped to minimize the building’s impact on the environment, but also created a unique and memorable space that is in harmony with its surroundings.
In addition to carving the building into the bedrock, I also made sure to preserve the original pathways and circulation routes of the area. To accomplish this, I designed suspended structures that would allow visitors to move through the site without disrupting the existing paths. These structures not only help to maintain the integrity of the site, but also create a sense of movement and flow that is in keeping with the natural contours of the landscape
For a precedent study analysis I was assigned the Igualada Cemetery. The Igualada Cemetery, located in Catalonia, Spain, is a striking example of modernist architecture that has been widely studied and admired for its innovative design and use of materials. The cemetery was designed by architect Enric Miralles and completed in 1994. The design is characterized by a series of undulating walls that create a sense of movement and flow throughout the space. The walls are made of prefabricated concrete blocks, which were cast on site and then stacked together to create the complex, curving forms.
One of the main takeaways from studying the Igualada Cemetery is the importance of creating spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. Miralles was able to create a space that is not only practical for its intended use, but also deeply moving and evocative. The sweeping curves of the walls and the use of natural light create a sense of serenity and calm that is fitting for a cemetery, while also serving as a powerful architectural statement.
Another key takeaway is the importance of materials and construction techniques in shaping the overall design of a building. Miralles was able to achieve the complex forms of the Igualada Cemetery by using prefabricated concrete blocks, a material that allowed for precise construction and efficient use of resources. The result is a building that is both beautiful and functional, with a design that is closely tied to the materiality of its construction.
Prior to the midterm review, my proposal was to create a dynamic and functional structure that would enhance the existing circulation of the site. To achieve this, I envisioned a building with three peaks that are separated by walkways, preserving the original circulation of the site before any land manipulations took place.
The central peak of the building would serve as the main entrance, similar to the iconic glass pyramids at the Louvre. Upon entering the building, visitors would be greeted by a spacious atrium below, which would be flooded with natural light from above. The atrium would serve as a central hub, connecting the various spaces within the building, including classrooms, a library, an auditorium, and a cafe. These spaces would be laid out around the atrium in a way that promotes flow and encourages interaction.
To maximize natural light and provide breathtaking views of the surrounding Central Park, the front facade of the building would be covered in glass. The glass facade would also create an impressive and modern aesthetic that would stand out within the park. Meanwhile, the back of the building would expose the bedrock that the building is carved into, creating a stunning contrast between the natural and built environments.
My biggest takeaway from the Midterm review was further exploring the idea of intervening pathways and creating an abundance of them, both in terms of creating interesting moments within the building, but also using the negative space to develop means of circulation for pedestrians that will not enter the galleries. This design approach completely changed the appearance of the building.
I started with paper models adjusted to a wire to play with different curves and intervening paths. The paper model I liked the most has a long pathway that started at the bottom, raised up, and then curved back down, allowing visitors to explore different height levels without the need of stairs.
After modeling this into Rhino, I decided to create a series of secondary pathways that started below the building. Some of the pathways connect other parts of Central Park, such as the ice skating ring, and some lead upwards to the green pavilions- semi-opened zones that provide shade and protect plants from the elements, allowing the building to have rooftop gardens.
I ultimately settled on a curvy form that was inspired by the natural shapes and contours found in the surrounding landscape of Central Park. This form allowed me to create a building that seamlessly blended with its environment while also providing an interesting and engaging experience for visitors. The curved form also allowed me to incorporate the multiple intervening pathways and alternative circulation routes that were key elements of my design approach.
Sustainability was a key consideration in my design approach, and I incorporated several sustainable features into the building’s design.
One of these features is the use of pozzolanic concrete, a material made from natural volcanic ash that has a lower carbon footprint than traditional concrete. This type of concrete is not only more environmentally friendly but also has superior durability and strength compared to regular concrete. By using pozzolanic concrete, I was able to reduce the building’s environmental impact while also ensuring its longevity and structural integrity.
Another sustainable feature of the building is the use of bird-safe kiln glass. This type of glass is designed to reduce the number of bird collisions with the building by making the glass more visible to birds. This is achieved through a specialized ceramic frit pattern that reflects ultraviolet light, which is visible to birds but not humans. By using bird-safe kiln glass, I was able to create a safer environment for birds while also reducing the likelihood of damage to the building’s exterior.
The rooftop garden serves multiple purposes, including providing a space for visitors to relax and enjoy the natural environment, as well as promoting sustainable practices such as urban gardening.
One of the key benefits of the rooftop garden is its ability to help preserve existing trees while also adding new greenery to the building. The garden is designed to be a habitat for local pollinators and wildlife, which helps to promote biodiversity and enhance the overall ecosystem of the surrounding area. Additionally, the plants in the rooftop garden help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which can increase energy consumption and contribute to climate change.
By incorporating the rooftop garden into the building’s design, I was able to create a space that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. This feature helps to promote sustainability by preserving existing trees and adding new greenery to the building, while also providing a space for visitors to connect with nature and learn about sustainable urban practices.
The structure of the building is held up by two large concrete hollow tubes that also house all the HVAC systems and other mechanical components. These tubes, which run the height of the building, serve as the primary load-bearing elements of the structure, allowing for an open floor plan with minimal internal support columns.
In addition to providing structural support, the concrete tubes also help to regulate the building’s temperature and environmental systems. All of the building’s HVAC systems and mechanical components are housed within these tubes, which allows for more efficient distribution of air and temperature control throughout the building.
One of the key features of the building is its ability to illuminate pathways and public spaces around it at night, making the park safer for visitors. The building’s innovative lighting system, which is integrated into the structure itself, creates a warm and inviting glow that enhances the beauty of the surrounding environment while also promoting safety and security.
By strategically placing lights throughout the building’s exterior and surrounding pathways, visitors are able to navigate the park safely and comfortably, even after dark. The lighting system is designed to be energy-efficient, utilizing low-power LED lights that provide ample illumination while minimizing energy consumption.
