Plastination Exhibition Centre
Providing permanent exhibition centre for plastinated exhibits, joining communities, creating a gate house to welcome visitors to the cathedral grounds as well as the centre.
Proposed Site Reopen existing entrances to allow circulation to flow throughout entire site - also provide gateway house
Lighting: Cathedral creates most
of shadows and site sits in this during later hours. Design must have multiple solutions towards lighting.
Summer
1
2
Frozen
3
Cremation
Winter
4
Burial
Plastination
Concept: Plastination is an option open to us all as an after-death [practice. It provides an educational source where we can view the intricate systems that we could never accurately model. The exhibition travels around the world to the major cities, but does not have a permanent exhibition centre.
Car Access
Existing Entrances Nodes
Areas of relevance surround site equally, yet only west facing entrances are open. Opening other entrances eases circulation and also draws people throughout the site.
Proposed Entrances
Foot access
Plastination: The Process Forced impregnation
Embalming Decomposition prevented using formaldehyde
Dissection
Sawing
Posed specimens are dissected
Frozen specimens cut into 3.5mm slices
Fluid Removal
Acetone
Fluids replaced by acetone - cold acetone bath
Solid Plastic ◀ Liquid Plastic
Elimination of fluids + fats
Using a vacuum , acetone is gradually replaced with plastic
Fat Removal Soluble fats replaced by acetone - warm acetone bath
Positioning
Casting Slices
Each specimen is specifically posed
Slices are laid between glass plates
Gas Cured
Heat Cured
Posed Specimen
Plastinated Slices
Infused with silicon rubber
Infused with epoxy resin
Gunther von Hagens: “Plastination unveils the beauty beneath the skin, frozen in time between death and decay.”
Plastination: Exhibits intend to educate viewers mainly presenting bone and muscle structures. By researching into the integral elements in both systems I intend to use different elements within my design.
Bone Structure: Bones use a theory of minimal surface, creating a series of different spaces within the structure itself.
Modeling:
Replication:
I firstly used a chocolate box to replicate the ideologies of the structure. There were a series of voids within a surface.
Using mod roc to create firstly a bone like texture and also to create a slightly more free form effect. However, as the weight was distributed unevenly horizontally the model did not stand up even when the bottom was evened off.
Construction: Similar to honeycomb structure, there are a series of voids throughout the bones, yet the structure is incredibly strong due to the forces being distributed through the different routes.
Duplication:
Developing:
I used another chocolate box to create a pristine version of the previous version. Plaster was poured into the mould to create this effect. As the plaster was poured evenly this version stood up on its own but was not stable.
A cube like structure would have increased the structural stability within the model but I analysed the structure in a different way which created a structurally sound result.
Radius
Co-ordinates
Point
Circles
Minimum surface component
Height
Meeting Point
Frei Otto experiment When a series of wool pieces are strung from two surfaces, when dry they fall equally and vertical. However, when immersed in water the fibres within the wool pull together to create most effective structural solution. I created a grid system and analysed the wool pieces and selected a solution most fitting. Grid System By translating the grid pattern into coordinates it allowed me to create the surfaces i wanted using Grasshopper. The script is a relatively simple one, using points circles and minimum surface component to create to structural forms.
Lower section Forms
Upper section Forms
Two way shape memory: Nitinol allows movement depending on temperature change. This can be utilised to control the facade.
Parent Phase
l oo
C
ss
e Str
t
a He
Austentite
Martensite Two Way
Stress
Control: Using nitinol rods in specific organisation, they would simply push corners of the individual pillows out, to allow air to flow through the building and naturally ventilate.
Physical Model: I created a model to depict the light effects from each of the walls. Different effects were produced depending on where the light was arriving from.
Contours: Using the lines from collected images of muscles fibers, I analysed them and created a front that cloned the arrangements.
Rationalisation: To allow a structural facade to be created the first drawing needed to be rationalised so that a series of steel bars could create the form. ETFE pillows would then be attached to the rod sections. Muscle Fibres: The form of muscles are generically organic and each tissue is of a different configuration. I wanted to use this theory within my design, and wanted to create a facade that would replicate this fibre form.
Distinguish I previously looked at the overall structure of bones, and the voids that it created. I then focused by attention on the singular internal structural systems and developed models from these. Material Forming I attempted to create a form using fabric forming, creating a mold from material and filling the cavities with plaster. It was difficult to succinctly dictate exactly where the plaster would form, which did result in an organic configuration, but not the form I required.
Structural integrity Due to the multiple elements within the composition, it found its own balance points and became structurally sound. These elements could be used to create the primary structure, or aid it.
Solid Structure I sculpted the form I intended to create from foam and then used modroc to create a stronger, textured structure.
Reference This form also bears reference to the circulatory system within the bodies. However due to the nature of the structure, and how I intend to employ it within my design, I don't believe it should be identified as an aesthetical reference.
Association Internal structures derived from concept models
Existing Solar analysis : Summer:
Temperature :
During the summer months the shadows on the site are relatively shallow, and exist mainly around the cathedral. The composite model shows quite clearly where he shadows lie, and although my chosen site is in the path of the cathedral, considering the nature of the building (exhibition centre), direct sunlight is not required, ambient lighting is acceptable.
Temperature is an integral part of my design, and dictates the character of the facade. Depending on the exterior temperature the facade will open or close, allowing natural ventilation to cool the building.
Winter:
The winter months are considerably darker in general, and shadows cast are significantly larger. I configured my windows to ensure that large amounts of light can reach the interior of the building when the sun is on the west side of the Cathedral to guarantee that some form of natural lighting is available.
This system works from a series of nitinol rods, which is a shape memory alloy. They can be dictated to change into specific shapes at specific temperatures, which would push sections of the facade out.
Surrounding Buildings:
After looking at the temperatures local to the site, the rods would be set so that they are closed at 10 degrees, but would gradually open in differing degrees depending on the temperature.
The only buildings that would affect my design as a result of shadowing the site would be the Cathedral. The surrounding buildings are primarily terrace housing, and do not affect the site. My chosen site is partially shaded after 6pm but due to the configuration of windows, light can still reach the interior
During the winter months the temperature drops to below the 10 degrees, therefore underfloor heating would be installed to help heat the building, and the concrete walls would aid the thermal mass effect and heat would not be lost too easily.
Summer Composite
Summer Composite
Winter Composite
Winter Composite
Winter 10:00 AM
Summer 10:00 AM
Wind Frequency (HRS) Summer
Wind Temperature Summer
Wind Frequency Winter (HRS)
Wind Temperature Winter
Rain shadow effect:
Winter 01:00 PM
Summer 01:00 PM
Prevailing winds drive clouds inland which release their rain as they continue inland to higher pressure areas such as Liverpool. The pressure from the increased topography forces the air the rise and condense, so as the cloud continues over the mountains, it holds little rainwater and creates a cry area, or rain shadow effect.
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10m
Wind in section Above shows how the wind moves across the site, and rises with the topography. To the left shows how the wind would react when in proximity of my building.
Prevailing winds: Winter 04:00 PM
Summer 04:00PM Prevailing winds come from the west ad move directly across the site in an easterly direction. The wind is reflected up and over the Cathedral from the topography, creating a sheltered space within the bowl/void of our site. As the site is comparatively close to the sea, there are changeable winds. For this site, the most common wind direction is East-South, and North-West. The site is protected in most directions due to the topography, considering the site is within a void, which provides a natural shelter from strong winds.
Rainfall analysis :
Some wind catches around the sides of the cathedral, causing higher pressures and allowing some wind to come across the site when coming from the West to the East but is other wise reasonably sheltered.
The site is within a void space, where water can be collected therefore I have analysed rainfall information. Average rainfall for Liverpool is slightly higher than average for rainfall due to the Regional rain-shadow effect, explained in the diagram on the right. However, the rock that the site consists of is relatively permeable, and flooding is not of high threat. In any case, the main structural components and the actual building is risen above the main ground plain by a minimum of 6 metres, so would not have any problems.
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Rain permeates through rock
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Site Response
Kirsti Williams c3252536
Extreme Change Year 2
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Schedule of accommodation: Exhibition space:
Lit by Concrete voided wall and large glass wall. Large multi circulatory space allows for a range of exhibition fixtures.
Foyer:
This area welcomes visitors and provides space for services such as purchasing tickets and receiving information about the exhibition centre. Lit by large glass wall facing west.
Void:
This void looks down onto the bottom level floor, and provides an interesting viewing point.
Lobby/Entrance: Seperate to the main foyer, it prevents cold air entering the building directly Fire Stairs Takes people onto exterior ramp to safety. Only one exit on this floor is required as the entrance provides an alternate route. Circulation: Stairwell provides circulation to all three levels, and is lit by large glass wall facing south
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10m 0m
Ventilation:
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The facade opens to allow natural ventilation into the building. The system can be controlled by users of the building. The air moves through the voids within the concrete wall into the main spaces, and as it collects heat, rises to the top of the building. I have provided a Pressure flap within the concrete wall at the top to allow for release.
Office Space: This office space is naturally lit by west facing glass wall and would hold mostly administrative facilities.
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Natural Lighting :
West facing wall: 0m
There are a series of voids within the concrete wall which would create several streaks of light into all floors of the centre. The image of my model depicts tje lighting effects that these voids create. They would add an interesting feature to the interior. However, it may detract from attention in other circumstances, such as office workings, therefore they have been separated.
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Schedule of accommodation: Exhibition space:
Small area for views across the site and also provides space for a exhibits.
Glass walls:
The south facing glass wall would allow a large amount of light to illuminate the stairwell section and also the mezzanine area. The wall is continued to the middle floor but not to the lower level, however the light will enter the void space and illuminate sections of the lower level.
Main Space:
This area provides eating facilities, as well as a viewing platform to lower space. Circulation to spaces moves along this area.
Facade:
As the facade is made of ETFE pillows, which are largely transparent, it would not block the light but would diffuse it to create an ambient glow within the entire centre.
Void:
This void looks down onto the bottom level floor, and provides an interesting viewing point.
Toilets: Situated next to the cafe and store, provides services to visitors. Fire Stairs Two options on this level leads to exterior spaces. The first leads to ramp, and the section goes to lower levels and then to exterior. Circulation: Stairwell provides circulation to all three levels, and is lit by large glass wall facing south
Office/Storage Space: These office spaces are artificially lit as lighting in exhibition halls are not suitable for office work. Cafe: Small cafeteria provides amenities to visitors, storage space is situated directly next to it and close to lift for easy access.
Heating: Artificial Lighting :
Underfloor heating allows heat to be distributed equally throughout. If kept on a low constant heat, it is the most efficient way of heating the building. Due to the nature of the building, thermal mass effect would help heat the building warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Interior:
Using a series of small halogen lights set within the concrete ceiling slabs, they will light up the exhibition without harsh direct light, creating an even light throughout. Within the office spaces, strip lights would be attached to the concrete ceiling slabs to provide a brighter light o work in.
User Comfort:
Exterior:
Lighting: The main exhibition is lit by the large South facing glass wall, and also the West facing wall consisting of various voids. The services that would hold offices therefore computers and toilets are subjected from this light as it may become disorientating. Artificial light will be used, controlled by motion sensors as well as by switches, to allow for user comfort, and also environmental strategy.
Using red spot lighting at the bottom of the facade, it creates an ambient atmosphere replicating a fleshy affect, which is integral to my design. These lights could be solar charged, but also with a source of electricity to control the system.
Heating: Underfloor heating is utilised on all floors to heat the large space. Screed panels are placed as the top layer to allow for repairs if there are problems with it. The facade can also be controlled by electricity, as the heat produced when conducting starts the transition of the shape memory alloy rods.
Ventilation: As the facade is controlled on its own, it allows the temperature to be naturally regulated. This increases the overall ease of use throughout the building as a whole.
Water: THe building would be linked to the local water systems, both drainage and clean water supplies, which are retrieved from Lake Vyrnwy in Wales.
5m
2m 9m
16m
6m 10m
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12m
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17m 13m
10m
Sustainability:
Schedule of accommodation:
Life Span:
Exhibition space:
Large space available for use with exhibits Level 0
Level 2 0m
0m
It may seem that using concrete throughout my building would be an unsustainable method of creating a building of that scale, however due to the average life span and also the lack of maintenance required, it results in one of the better choices of material.
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Exit:
Nitinol Rods:
Small area that again prevents cold air from directly entering the exhibition space, and also provides a space for information that viewers may want to take away with them.
The facade is controlled mainly by the exterior temperature, and the rods then react to this. No electricity is required for this process, I have provided it as a controller option if required. This saves on energy required to control movements within the building and facade.
Fire Exits:
Fire Strategy:
Only one fire option for this level as Exit can be used in case of fire. Fire space exits straight onto ramp. 7m
Circulation: Stairs leads to above levels.
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8m
20m
I have provided exits at opposite ends of the building to allow safe movement in the case of a fire. The maximum length I have in my building is 30m on level 2, but as the building is made almost entirely of concrete, it is seen as a low risk building which permits this span.
ETFE Pillows: The lifespan is as yet not necessarily known, as the material has not been in place on any buildings long enough to conclude the life span of the material. It has been tested for 50 years and does not fatigue past this point, therefore lasts a relatively long time wihout need for replacement.
There are two cores which are highlighted on the diagrams, one that runs the the height from the second level to ground and services level 1 and 2, and another from level 1 to ground which services level 1 and 0. Other exits are the main entrances and exits.
7m 4m
Offices: Allows accommodation for staff that are situated at the end of the building to help with visitors. Level 1 0m
10m
Environmental Response
Kirsti Williams c3252536
Extreme Change Year 2
West facing facade - Red lighting positioned within facade lights lower section, cresting flesh like effect.