Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory by kelsey.timmer9105

EXPANSION GAME ADE 521: ADV. ARCHITECTURAL STUDIO I

CASE STUDY: CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY TYPOLOGY: LONG BUILDING

PRODUCED AT THE REQUEST OF FELIPE MESA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN THE HERBERGER INSTITUTE FOR DESIGN AND THE ARTS BY KENNEDY FRAZIER, KELSEY TIMMER, AARYAMAN SRIVASTAVA AND SUSANNAH MONTGOMERY SUBMITTED IN PART FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE LEADING TO THE MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

22ND NOVEMBER 2021

CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY:

RESEARCH: SLIDE 1

RESEARCH

INTRODUCTION

What are the building’s key details?

Architect: I.M. Pei/ Conklin and Rossant Area: 13,000 sq.ft. Volume: 862,053 cubic feet Year: 1983-1988 Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Greenhouse: noun; a building made of glass panes in which heat and humidity can be regulated in order to grow plants “Good architecture lets nature in”- Mario Pei 3

What is the context of this conservatory?

HISTORY 1950s

Following the Great Depression, Dust Bowl, and WWII, Oklahoma City leaders were noticing a negative trend in their downtown and wanted to address the issue

1964

I. M. Pei revealed his Master Plan that included a large portion of the downtown area be dedicated to a botanical garden, paving the way for OKC’s “urban renewal”

1977

The Biltmore Hotel was demolished to make room for the new gardens, but this demolition sparked a negative public view of the project

1977-1983

The citizens of Oklahoma City saw this project as quite the money pit. From 1977 to 1983, it quite literally looked like the construction workers were just pushing dirt around.

1983

Construction for the conservatory starts

1988

The gardens open to the public

2011

The gardens and conservatory underwent their first major renovation. The upgrade includes a restaurant, ice skating rink, amphitheater, children’s play area and a small dog park. In addition, all 3,028 acrylic panels were replaced and steel trusses were painted.

RESEARCH: SLIDE 2

Fig.1 Crystal Bridge Conservatory broke ground in 1977

Fig.2 Construction lasted from 1983 until 1988

What are important design facts, program, and materials?

DESIGN INFORMATION Conservatory

Within the 13,000 square feet there is a waterfall, a sky bridge (conservation gallery), a gift shop, and over 750 plant species existing in two distinct zones. The belly of the building which exists underneath the gardens, but above the water, is made of cast concrete, forming a structural bridge. Rock outcroppings within the gardens are a silicone latex mold of actual rock, creating a realistic rock wall. These molds are installed onto reinforced steel angle iron which provide support.

Site

The 15 acres of park include a children’s splash park, an amphitheater, dog park, outdoor gardens, two restaurants, ice rink, a great lawn for entertaining, and winding paths to connect to nature.

RESEARCH: SLIDE 3

Fig.3 Birds eye view of Crystal Bridge Conservatory

Fig.4 One of many renovations Crystal Bridge Conservatory underwent

What technical systems are possesed by Crystal Bridge Conservatory?

BUILDING SYSTEMS Within the existing conservatory, a few technical systems were put into the building to help the unique plants in the conservatory to thrive and to maintain an easier maintenance system for the building. In total, there are 17 tri-cord, steel trusses that were custom made for this conservatory; it took the largest crane in a five state region to install the 17 trusses. They are spaced 14’ on center and have a diameter of 70 feet. In 2011, all 3,028 original acrylic panels were replaced with highly-durable acrylic panels which helps assist in maintaining the tropical atmosphere inside of the building. Dampers, which are lined in two locations on the cylinder, provide additional help with temperature control. A motorized aluminum gantry was installed to reach these dampers in order to keep them operable when adjusting the temperature within the building. Another form of temperature control for the conservatory: 20 evaporative coolers service the conservatory, providing 16,000 cubic feet of cooled air per minute. Alvine Engineering developed the lighting design concept which included the replacement of the original metal halide lighting system with a colorchanging LED lighting system that was energy-efficient, easy to control, and capable of displaying spectacular visual effects. The lamp life of the new LED fixtures is dramatically longer than the metal halide, saving both lamp and labor costs in the future as well as operational energy savings of approximately 37%.

RESEARCH: SLIDE 4

Fig.5 View of tricord truss system and observational bridge through gardens

What botanical collections exist in Crystal Bridge?

BOTANICAL COLLECTIONS The bridge includes two distinct climates that host two different collections. The south end is the tropical wet zone, and has a year-round temperature range from 62 to 87 degrees. The north end hosts a tropical dry zone. Summer temperatures range from 60-95 degrees and winter from 62-78 depending on outdoor cloud cover. The Crystal Bridge features over 1,000 species of plants representing every continent except Antarctica. Examples of plant species include palms, cycads, gingers, orchids, euphorbias and begonias. One of the most unique plant species is known as the “corpse flower”. The blooming of the corpse flower is so rare that it occurs less than 10 times worldwide each year.

RESEARCH: SLIDE 5

Fig.6 Flower species

Fig.7 Tropical wet zone

Fig.8 Tropical dry zone

Fig. 9 Collage 1

RESEARCH: SLIDE 6

Fig. 10 Collage 2

Fig. 11 Collage 3

RESEARCH: SLIDE 7

Fig. 12 Collage 4

CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY:

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 8

RECONSTRUCTION

EXISTING BUILDING To draw is to understand. This unique composition of steel and glass with the explicit decision to make the building a bridge calls for detailed reconstruction to truly know its character.

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 9

Existing Plans: Roof, Main, Basement

D BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

10'

1/32" = 1' 0' 5' 10'

20'

40'

1/28" = 1' 0'

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20'

35'

1/16" = 1' 0'

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20'

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 10

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

= 1'

3/32" = 1'

S-4 Existing Section through Bridge

D BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

10'

1/32" = 1' 0' 5' 10'

20'

40'

1/28" = 1' 0'

10'

20'

35'

1/16" = 1' 0'

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20'

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

= 1'

3/32" = 1'

North Elevation

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

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1 32"

1 28"

1 16"

= 1'

RECONSTRUCTION: 1 SLIDE 11

= 1'

3/32" = 1' 0'

10'

1/32" = 1' 0' 5' 10'

20'

40'

1/28" = 1' 0'

10'

20'

35'

1/16" = 1' 0'

10'

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PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

3 32"

West Elevation

4” STD. CHORD TRUSS 1/4” PLATE

2 1/2” DIA. PIPE

BENT, GALVANIZED STEEL GRATING

3/8” WIRE ROPE HANGER- 14’ OC

BRIDGE: 3’9” RADIUS 100 PSF LIVE LOAD

THIMBLE 5/8” ANCHOR SHACKLE (WELDED PLATE JOINT) 1/2” PLATE

2 1/2” H.S. BOLTS 3/16” CAP PLATE 2 3/4” H.S. BOLTS STEEL STRUT BRACE, PIPE 3 STD.- 28’ OC GALV. STEEL GRATING TENSILE STRENGTH CLAMP 6x4x1/4”, CONT. BETWEEN CABLE SUPPORTS 1/4” WELDED PLATES

Observation Gallery Detail 3/4”=1’

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 12

STD. MULLION 1/2” THICK ACRYLIC PANEL 1/2” BASE PLATE TYP. LOCKNUT WITH WELDED PLATE CONNECTION 1 3/8” ANCHOR BOLT- AT CHORD TRUSS 4 WELDED FITTING FOR 2” DIA. SUPPLY CONNECTION WELDED FITTING FOR 3/4” DRAIN CONNECTION 1/2” BASE PLATE 1 1/2” GROUT FILL 3’ LONG BOLT WITH TACKWELD AND 3x3” ANCHOR PLATE

14” DIAGONAL STRUT

TYP. WATERSTOP- DAMPPROOFING

2’ MIN. CLEAN SAND FILL

10” CAST CONCRETE WALL

5” SLAB ON GRADE- 4” SAND FILL ON EXISTING SUB GRADE

2’x1’ CONCRETE BASE FOR WALL

Truss/Ground Connection Detail 1/2”=1’

14” DIA. COLUMNS

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 13

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 14

RECONSTRUCTION: SLIDE 15

CRYSTAL BRIDGE CONSERVATORY:

EXPANSION: SLIDE 16

EXPANSION

DESIGN CHALLENGES WITH EXISTING BOTANICAL GARDENS I. Sustainability the existing building does not implement any sustainable solutions, despite the botanical garden’s current water and energy consumption, nor does the Crystal Bridge Conservatory educate its users about the importance of sustainability and it’s current impact on the environment

II. Public Space currently, Crystal Bridge Conservatory does not possess the ability to draw in the public. even though there is adequate public space on site, the current space isn’t informed or programmed to users, does not provide permeability, and does not connect with the park

III. Call to place though the building is unique in both form and structure, it does not have a dialogue with its location. by intentionally designing an extension with the goal of evoking a sense of place, the building can become a powerful monument to Oklahoma, both what it is and

REFLECTING I.M.PEI’S ORIGINAL PLAN: TWO, TWIN, PARALLEL CYLINDERS

GOING UP, RATHER THAN OUT

TWO BODIES OF WATER: DOUBLE BRIDGE

EXPANSION: SLIDE 17

SETTLED ON A WELCOMING TRANSITION INTO THE SPACE

EXPLORING INTERSECTING PATHS OF CIRCULATION IN AND OUT OF THE BRIDGE

STACKED CYLINDERS, RUNNING PERPENDICULAR

EXPANSION: SLIDE 18

PROPOSED DESIGN SOLUTIONS WITH BOTANICAL GARDENS ADDITION

Is it truly a long building? Remove the lobby and interior steep topography and you are left with a mere 112’ to display botanical collections. This extension fulfills the conservatory’s desire to stretch across the site connecting it to downtown Oklahoma City. After an in-depth analysis of the existing building, there are several notable areas of improvement. Though the Crystal Bridge is located in a public park, it does not have the infrastructure to support populous communal gatherings. Therefore, our design incorporates large, open-air pavilions. To address the notable lack of sustainable systems incorporated into the original design, solar panels provide energy and shade the outdoor pavilions. To save further on energy and resources, water filtration systems have been integrated with the new wetland botanical collection to filter graywater. Architecture has the power to give people a sense of pride in their culture and place. It can also invoke a sense of responsibility to take care of their home. The Crystal Bridge is neither good nor bad in this regard. It is neutral. To bring this design home, the botanical history of its location is explored.

EXPANSION: SLIDE 19

UCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

" = 1'

S-1 S-7 (not depicted) Native Vegetation

3/32" = 1' 0'

10'

EXPANSION: SLIDE 20

PRO

S-1 IS THE SOUTHERN-MOST ADDITION AND IS AN OUTDOOR PRAIRIE-GRASS EXHIBIT, SHOWCASING NATIVE GRASSES AND WILDFLOWERS. IT SERVES AS A CALL TO PLACE, A PUBLIC GATHERING SPACE, AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EDUCATION ON PRESERVATION. IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN AREAS OF OKLAHOMA, VAST GRASSLANDS ARE DOMINATED BY TALLGRASSES SUCH AS BIG BLUESTEM, LITTLE BLUESTEM, SWITCH GRASS, AND INDIAN GRASS (THE OFFICIAL STATE GRASS OF OKLAHOMA). IN NATURE, THESE PRAIRIES ARE HOME TO OVER 700 PLANT SPECIES, 300 BIRDS, AND 80 MAMMALS. S-7 IS THE NORTHERN MOST ADDITION AND SERVES AS AN EXHIBIT THAT CULTIVATES CROPS AND ENCOURAGES ITS USERS TO PARTAKE IN ITS ABUNDANCE. THIS OUTDOOR PAVILION IS TRANSFORMED INTO A COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE WHERE FARMERS AND SMALL BUSINESSES COME TOGETHER TO EXCHANGE GOODS WITH THE COMMUNITY, AS A GIFT AND TO SERVE EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. THESE EXHIBITS UTILIZES SOLAR PANELS ON THE EXTERIOR TRUSS SYSTEM IN AN EFFORT TO HARNESS NATURAL ENERGY AND CREATE A MORE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING.

CED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

= 1'

S-3 S-5 (not depicted) Oklahoma Wetlands

3/32" = 1' 0'

10'

EXPANSION: SLIDE 21

S-3 IS AN EXHIBIT REPRESENTING OKLAHOMA’S WETLANDS. THESE WETLANDS PROVIDE BALANCE FOR NATURE’S ECOSYSTEM, SHELTER & FOOD FOR ANIMALS, EROSION PROTECTION, AND NATURAL WATER PURIFICATION. THEY ACT AS A “KIDNEY” BY RECHARGING GROUNDWATER. DESPITE THE BENEFITS, WETLANDS ARE IN DANGER. OKLAHOMA HAS LOST 67% OF ITS WETLANDS TO FARMING, DREDGING, MINING, AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. THROUGH THIS EXHIBIT WE AIM TO EDUCATE ABOUT NOT ONLY PRESERVATION OF WETLANDS, BUT ALSO USE THE NATURAL WATER FILTRATION TO SUSTAINABLY WATER OUR THE OTHER EXHIBITS OF PLANT SPECIES S-5 HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE AND MANKIND’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EARTH, SOIL, AND PLANTS. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE WOULD GROW CORN, BEANS, AND SQUASH TOGETHER TO PRESERVE A HARMONIOUS AND MUTUALISTIC RELATIONSHIP. ONCE AGRICULTURE BECAME INDUSTRIALIZED, MUCH OF THE NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS WERE LOST TO MONOCULTURES, UNFORTUNATELY LOSING THE INTEGRITY OF THE SOIL AND ULTIMATELY RESULTING IN THE DUST BOWL. THIS EXHIBIT ALSO SERVES AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE.

CED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

= 1'

3/32" = 1' 0'

10'

SPACE FOR CLASSROOMS & RESTROOMS

S-6 S-1 (not depicted) Sustainability Information Center

EXPANSION: SLIDE 22

AFTER BEING PRESENTED WITH ALL THIS KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION, WHAT ARE USERS SUPPOSED TO DO WITH IT? THESE ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS ARE EQUIPPED WITH BOTH STANDARD TICKET DESKS BUT ALSO FUNCTION AS SUSTAINABLE INFORMATION CENTERS. THESE EDUCATIONAL SPACES/LOBBIES PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CURRENT ENVIRONMENTAL TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE AND HOW INDIVIDUAL CITIZENS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE CONSERVATION OF NATIVE ECOSYSTEMS.