Collier by Ryan Collier

Education Master of Architecture Kansas State University Manhattan, Kansas Graduation: May 2010

Il Centro Studi Citta di Orvieto Orvieto, Italy Spring 2009 (Study Abroad)

R Y A N COLLIER 2 9 3 3 P E N S T E M O N WICHITA, KS 67226 USA

316.655.0478 co l l i errrr @ gma i l .com

Honors University Life 2nd Annual Art Contest Second Place, 2009

Kansas State University CAPD Environmental Photography Competition Honorable Mention, 2010

Work Experience

Additional Experience

Spangenberg Phillips Tice Architecture

American Institute of Architecture Students

Wichita, Kansas May 2008 - August 2008 primary assistant to principal architect on-site assistance to architects communication + assistance with clients computer drafting + modeling

Head of Publications / Graphic Designer August 2008 - May 2010 correspondence with event initiators incorporation of submitted materials independent design of posters

Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates Wichita, Kansas May 2005 - December 2007 retail specialist customer / kitchen support store courier

Skills Drawing Sketching Technical Drafting Watercolor Rendering

OZ Journal Graphic Designer February 2010 - May 2010 contributed to journal graphics incorporation of submitted materials independent design of posters

Microsoft Office

Modeling Programs

Adobe Software Suite CS4

Word Excel PowerPoint

3ds Max Design Autodesk Viz SketchUp Rhino Revit

Photoshop Illustrator InDesign After Effects Premiere Pro Flash

Drawing Programs AutoCAD

BUTTERFLY BOX

T H E

SECOND YEAR 2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7

T H I R D Y E A R 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8

H I V E

DIE RUEKKHER

THE SPROUT

FOURTH YEAR 2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9

F I F T H Y E A R 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0

WELD GALLERY

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B U T T E R F L Y

B O X 002

L E P I D O P T E R A This project began as an introduction to an even larger project involving designing a retreat for a lepidopterist. However, the first step involved creating an apparatus in which the individual might place their butterfly for study and further research. The mechanism was to be designed as a catch and release system where the lepidopterist could coax the creature into the box, and at the conclusion

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of the study, release it back into the wild. A specific species of lepidoptera was to be selected and further studied as to provide further insight into the world of the lepidopterist. The creation had to be operable and speak to the spirit of the butterfly selected to be the muse in this endeavor. Finally, the dimensions of the 'box were not to exceed those which would allow for realistic human handling.

PUPA CONCEPT

P R O C E S S The creation of the apparatus was initially spurred on by research done simply on the life cycle of butterflies, an interesting topic unto itself. The liberating process of metamorphosis, as well as the different stages were of immediate influence when forming conceptual ideas. In the butterflies' larval stage, it exists as a caterpillar, armed with poisonous hairs to ward of potential predators. (defense concept) During the Pupa stage, the larva transforms into the butterfly, emerging from the shell it had been inhabiting. (pupa concept) A strand of silk is used to suspend the larva during the creation of the pupa. This notion started a creative process, thinking of this strand as being the formation of the box. (silk concept) Finally, looking towards butterfly folklore, a belief kept reappearing amongst various cultures; butterflies are an ethereal link to the soul, The qualities of a soul are difficult to determine, but most agree on one aspect; its enduring nature. (infinity concept)

INFINITY CONCEPT

SILK CONCEPT

DEFENSE CONCEPT

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fast + active fliers

88 namesake

B U T T E R F LY

1 The butterfly which was selected for further study was the 88 butterfly, or Diaethri clymena. This species gets its name from the distinctive marks on the underside of its wings which usually can be seen to say 88, but sometimes read 89. They reside in wet tropical forests and predominantly live in South America. While other butterflies use markings similar to these to confuse predators, the 88 butterfly had a natural graphic quality which was highly appealing. Conceptually speaking, the species also aided in the further development of the butterfly apparatus due to its distinctive markings.

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1/2

" wingspan

The conceptual idea of endlessness was further studied, especially in relation to the chosen 88 butterfly. Fittingly, the symbol for infinity was emblazoned on the underside of the butterfly, another curiosity involved with this project. The box started to take form with thoughts of limitlessness pervading the design. How could this sense of perpetuity be expressed in the built form? Looking for more direction, the descriptions of the soul previously mentioned in butterfly cultural folklore became of more interest. The soul is described as containing someone's essence in an ethereal, amorphous form, moving from this plane to the next to reside forever. Butterflies were seen as representations of this notion, leading towards the idea that the container must represent this infiniteness in some capacity. Thus, the materiality of the box must be representative of the beyond. Mirrors, while not considered to be amorphous do allow for a certain level of limitlessness when placed in certain arrangements. The exterior of the case was developed with a protective nature, housing the endlessness created by the mirrors inside. The shape of a cube was decided upon due to its ability to create the intended feeling of infinity inside the box. The cutouts on the cube were to allow for light to enter, as well as for air to circulate. They are also mirrored in the construction, yet another reference to the infinite space held within.

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mirror placement

butterfly box axon

contained perpetuity

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T H E

HIVE 010

view a: towards city hall

view b: towards the bay

REBUILDING

THE

HIVE

This project was done with the intent of entering it into the annual American Institute of Steel Construction competition. The task for that year was to design a structure following the theme of 'assembling housing'. These designs were to be situated in an urban location with a heavy emphasis on steel construction. The competition also made it clear that the housing should provide an evolution on the norm, emphasizing alternative construction methods. The site that was selected for our studio was located in San Francisco in the Hays Valley District. Previously used as an off ramp for the nearby highway until destroyed in an earthquake, the site had sat vacant for years, The project had to be a mixed use residential structure, with a mixture of strictly commercial spaces, mixed use, as well as live/ work units. view c: towards the hills

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L A G U N A

B A

F E L L

H I C K O R Y

O A K

O C T A V I A

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B U I L D I N G 0 - 40 feet 121- 160 feet

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H E I G H T S

41 - 85 feet 161 - 220 feet

86 - 120 feet

B U I L D I N G cultural /institutional mixed use retail / entertainment

U S E S industrial office residential / mixed use

S I T E

P U B L I C muni bus and street car golden gate transit

T R A N S P O R T BART samtrans

muni metro

A N A LY S I S

The site selected, now vacant, used to be the off ramp for Highway 101 which now filters through Octavia street at the southern portion of the site. Circulation patterns about the site include all types of motor vehicles, public transit, pedestrian, and bicycles. Major factors in many sensory aspects of the location are determined by movement about the site. Noise from vehicles is prevalent. The site's borders are heavily trafficked by vehicles moving towards or exiting Highway 101. This causes the southeastern intersection of Oak and Octavia to be a hub of traffic. To the south and north, Oak and Fell have one directional traffic. Laguna, the west border of the block, allows traffic in both directions and receives many pedestrians moving northward towards the dense commercial district on Hayes Street, only one block to the north. Octavia is the most complexly designed street in relation to the heavy traffic from the highway. Bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles coming off the freeway share this busy side of the block which ends in a public park at the north eastern intersection with Fell. There is ample public transportation nearby to the site, with buses running along Oak and connections to other lines only a block away. Connection to rail and higher speed travel is also relatively close, at the most a ten minute walk. Building density in the area surrounding the site is high, with structures ranging from one story to five stories depending on the use. Most buildings are currently being used for residential purposes with a bit of mixed use as well. Climate, along with density determine the character of the city of San Francisco as a whole. A very cool and damp climate prevails across the peninsula with over 22 micro climates within the city. The block is located on the bay side of the peninsula but will still benefit from the cool breezes coming over the hill to the west from the Pacific Ocean.

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Looking towards the future of housing, it's becomes clear that prefabrication has potential to be the way which many buildings could be built. Looking for competent forms with which to base this prefabrication, I turned towards more natural components. I started to study bees, and in their complexity found a system with which I could base this new form of housing. The honeycomb is the basic form from which a bee hive is built from. Another aspect of a bee's habitat which became of interest was a decrease in honey bee hives

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throughout the country. This epidemic, known as colony collapse disorder has become widespread in the passing years. It is characterized by a complete disappearance of an entire colony. When thinking of how this concept applied to our society, it became quite apparent there was a direct correlation. We are on a road to destruction through our increased dependence on foreign oil, as well as our continued involvement in a variety of different political disputes. It is with this thought that I started to realize a concept: rebuilding the hive.

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Creating housing which can be constructed efficiently, offer the amenities that are necessary for human existence and provide aesthetic pleasure became the main goals in the realization of this project. The hexagon became the fundamental component of this process. Each necessary component for living, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom would be contained in a hexagonal unit. These units could then be interlocked, forming larger units for families of a greater scale, allowing for a variable number of families and residents to interact. Thus, the building form started to appear as a part of this organic process of interlocking the units. The building eventually would rise to be eight stories tall, relating to the nearby larger scale buildings a few blocks away. The first two stories along Fell St. were designed to be live/work units where a person could sell their goods on the first floor, and then have a lofted apartment above that space. The ground floors were to be constructed of pre-stressed concrete, creating a base to rest the hexagonal units on. The occupiable spaces on Laguna Street were designed to be all retail with facilities ranging from two stories to three stories. The driving factor in this project was a connection to nature, whether it be derived from the form, or just a physical connection a resident could have. A large semipublic garden is located in the center of the lot, allowing for all sides to utilize this space, whether it be a restaurant allowing exterior seating, or residents playing frisbee on the weekends. Gardens were also implemented on each floor of the residential building between units, allowing for residents to grow herbs and flowers which they could use or potentially sell. These terrace's offer views of the surrounding area, as well as provide the pivotal connection to the natural realm.

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L A G U N A RETAIL

RETAIL

RETAIL ENTRY

RETAIL

WORK / LIVE

O AK

WORK / LIVE

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WORK / LIVE ENTRY WORK / LIVE WORK / LIVE

F E L L

WORK / LIVE

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I N T E R I O R Each prefabricated unit would also be equipped with prefab furniture which would be built into the non walkable space created by the hexagonal shape. This allows for a substantial increase in the amount of usable space as compared to a conventional rectangular apartment. While each units walkable space is only ten feet wide, the added side storage makes the apartment appear to be more spacious. Living compactly doesn't have to be an uncomfortable process if livability is the main concern in the design. Prefabricated furniture would include the kitchen spaces, as well as built in shelving or benches in the living sleeping quarters. These units would be able to be customized by the resident depending on their needs. For instance, if they required more storage, a set of shelves could be utilized as opposed to a built in seating area. Light is a pivotal component when designing residences. Natural light is let in on both the east and west sides of each hexagonal unit. This allows for ample daylight, especially since the footprint of the units so minimal.

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1 2 2 BEDROOM

LIVING

one bedroom apartment plan

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

3 3 3 KITCHEN

LIVING

BEDROOM

two bedroom apartment plan

LIVING

BEDROOM

three bedroom apartment plan

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pre-fabricated structure

pre-fabricated furniture pre-fabricated shell

three bedroom unit two bedroom unit one bedroom unit

unit placement

user circulation 026

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WELD G

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view a: looking south

M E TA L S T U D I O

view b: looking west

view c: looking south 029

The first semester of fourth year involved designing a structure all the way through to construction documents. Previous projects were only designed up to schematic development stage, so this new endeavor was quite an undertaking. The project selected was that of a mixed use unit located in the River Market of Kansas City, MO. The project brief called for a design that would incorporate a metalworking studio, gallery space, apartments for the curators/metalworkers, (a husband and wife team aptly named the Welds) as well as a separate apartment space for an artist in residence. The site that was selected had been vacant for some time and had been being used as a temporary parking lot. Much of the area was overgrown with vegetation with vacant buildings adjoining its eastern and western borders. Views of the Kansas City skyline were abundant from the southern portion of the site, with the Missouri river within walking distance to the north.

4TH STREET A

EXISTING

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When presented with designing a metal studio for a group of artists, one's mind could travel to a number of different places for inspiration. Taking into mind site considerations as well, the building needed to address the adjoining wall of the vacant building to the west, as well as respond to the skyline to the south. The most compelling image that kept springing to mind was the process of metalworking and how one shapes and forms metal from its molten state into something unlike its previous iteration. Plasticity then became a driving force in the creation of both the interior spaces as well as a facade. Spaces formed organically with this sentiment in mind, with an emphasis on ebb and flow. Molten metal slinking down structure, becoming part of the building as well as interacting with the ground became a very seductive thought. Architecturally speaking, this had the potential for the creation of a variety of spaces sectionally as well as providing a beautiful aesthetic.

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4TH STREET

EXISTING

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The initial programmatic elements that seemed most opposed the gallery spaces and the studio spaces. Metalworking can be a clamorous process, and if one is working on their artistic piece, privacy would be needed. The gallery on the other hand, while not necessarily needing to be quiet, does demand a composed demeanor. This sparked the physical exterior separation of the buildings from one another, forming gallery space This area is used as continuation of the interior gallery utilizing the natural world to showcase the pieces of art. The studio and gallery spaces are connected below ground with a private entrance for the artists. The Weld's apartment is located above the gallery, offering ample lofted space and providing them with an uninterrupted view of the skyline. The artist in residence's apartment is located above the studio, allowing for them to have access at all times if needed. The studio space was sunk into the ground, providing a bit of noise isolation, as well as connecting the metal work back to its origins. As this project progressed, an interesting notion began to arise; The act of viewing the metal shop itself as a piece of art.

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1/8" = 1'-0"

third floor plan Weld Second Floor Apartment Plan Weld Second Floor Apartment Plan 1 1/8" = 1'-0" 1/8" = 1'-0"

A A A

GALLERY APARTMENT

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1 2 3 B

nt Plan Artist in Residence Apartment Plan

1 2 3

STUDIO

second floor plan first floor plan

A A A

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APARTMENT

GALLERY

section b-b

Cross-Section Through Gallery

1/8" = 1'-0"

APARTMENT Cross-Section Through Weld Apartment

1/8" = 1'-0"

APARTMENT GALLERY

STUDIO

section a-a 040

Standing Seam Metal Roof Felt Eqaulizing Strip Waterproofing Membrane

Plywood Paneling Wood Nailing Strips W5 x 16 Steel Joist Gypsum Ceiling

Glulam Beam

6" Concrete Wall Bamboo Hardwood Felt Panel 2" Rigid Insulation Steel Decking Steel Open Web Joist Gypsum Board 12" Concrete Wall

7 A-501

041

5 A-50

5 01

Standing Seam Metal Roof Felt Eqaulizing Strip Waterproofing Membrane

Plywood Paneling Wood Nailing Strips W5 x 16 Steel Joist Gypsum Ceiling

Glulam Beam

Aluminum Mullion Glazing Bamboo Hardwood Flooring Felt Panel 2" Rigid Insulation Steel Decking Steel Open Web Joist Aluminum Fronting Panel Gypsum Board

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D O C U M E N TAT I O N As was mentioned previously, a full set of construction documents were created for the Weld's Gallery. Details which might have been overlooked in previous studio projects now had to be addressed. Casually stating that the rain water would naturally flow down the building is much different than designing drainage system and detailing every portion of it. The entire project was designed and drawn in Revit,

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D I E RUECKKEHR 046

Aß

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S I T E

I N T R O D U C T I O N

As with many other cities, Berlin has followed an evolutionary pattern to become the urban space that it is today. This process has weathered the city through numerous political scuffles and world wars, developing a gritty undertone to the earnest efficiency of this German city. Located in the tenacious Moabit district, the site selected for our graduate work has endured its fair share of these struggles, Moabit's urban nature exists due to its original use as an industrial zone with the site's origins being derived from its use as a rail yard during the 1800's. The first rail station erected, located just inside our site, was the Hamburger Bahnhof. It ceased to be used a rail station when the Lehrter Bahnhof was constructed, but has been converted into a contemporary art gallery currently. Lehrter Bahnhof was used for quite some time, but due to damage it endured during WWII, the majority of the station was shut down, excluding the existing S-Bahn stop. The eventual fall of the Berlin wall brought forward a resurgence in reconnecting Germany with their surrounding countries, and thus, a new station was planned. The Berlin Hauptbahnhof, which was opened in 2006, now connects Berlin

with a myriad of countries, including such cities as Prague and Amsterdam. The station could easily be seen as the new transportation nexus for all of Europe, especially connecting those coming from countries not directly adjacent to Germany. The neighborhood was also home to a bevy of hospitals as well as a monstrous corrections facility eventually utilized by the gestapo, whose remains lie just west of the site. On the opposite edge of the site lies the canal which separates the Moabit district from the Mitte district. This canal has a grave past which is largely unseen today except for a few artifacts located off the beaten path. It offered a natural barrier between East and West when the Berlin wall was erected, and became a resting place for countless individuals trying to escape to freedom. The wall rested on both sides of the canal, creating a deadly 'no man's land', so it is fair to say that our site rests on the convergence of East and West Berlin. The coalescence which Berlin experienced after the fall of the wall can definitely be felt, but the wall still exists in the spirit of the city, an ever constant reminder of the importance of autonomy.

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FIG UR E G R O UN D

U N E M P L OY M E N T

A study of the massing of the surrounding neighborhood was necessary if attempting to tie the site in question back into the natural urban fabric. This study revealed that much of the site was far less dense than the surrounding area, much of this of course due to the rail systems which run directly through the site. This look into the density also aided in forming a basic idea of building typologies as well as the variation in widths and lengths comprising the structures near the site.

The long term unemployed near the site is higher than most neighborhoods surrounding the site with an average of 6 unemployed per 100 citizens. Unemployment usually has a direct correlation to poverty levels in a community so this should be of concern when planning out urban spaces. Long Term Unemployed per 100 citizens 10-15 <10

15-20

MEDIAN

AGE

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Understanding the population already occupying the space within which our site was located was pivotal, especially considering their age. The site itself as well as the Mitte neighborhood across the canal are relatively low in senior citizens, while the area to the south, near Tiergarten is higher in the elderly. This study is of importance due to the influx of young creatives who have stormed Berlin in recent years, and who might be interested in living in the new urban proposal.

The existing transportation infrastructure bypasses much of the site, with only one bus line running through HeidestraĂ&#x;e. There are bus routes which exist on the fringe of the site, but which are not connected through to HeidestraĂ&#x;e or, on a east/west axis. The current S-Bahn line runs directly through the site without a stop and the existing U-55 line stops abruptly before the site. There are also multiple high speed rail lines which run through the site, directly connecting this area with the newly built Hauptbahnhof just a few hundred meters away.

Citizens over 64 years of age per 100 people 10-15 <10

15-20 B 123 B 187

B 120 M 27

B 147 M 85

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FIG UR E G R O UN D

NOISE POLLUTION

The site was found to be relatively vacant with a few nodes of individuals towards the northern sector. The area directly across the site from the canal is relatively low in density but towards the north raises. To the west of the site the density is also consistently high.

An intensive look into the noise levels (dB) reveals that the site is rife with noise levels which could be harmful to individuals residing in the space if not dealt with. The largest producers of noise were the high speed rail which cuts through the site at the northern end, and the Hauptbahnhof, located at the southern end of the site. Traffic ways were extremely loud as well, the most unhealthy being the main thoroughfare through the site, HeidestraĂ&#x;e.

1-4 5-20

151-250 251-350

21-70 71-150

351-450 451-550 >550

<50 dB

<75 dB

BERLIN

WALL

BUILDING TYPES

This pivotal historical remnant is a constant reminder of the struggle of the people who inhabit the city. It's proximity to our site has a direct impact on how the canal is treated as well as how one might choose to recognize the lives lost and the strife caused by its existence.

Weaving the urban plan into the existing building typologies involves understanding what is needed in the area, as well as what is already in abundance. The land use study aided with this question, noting that a majority of the existing land was being used for public facilities, along with industrial purposes. Residential was dotted through the area, with very little actually existing on site. Another aspect which was noted was the abundance of green space and of what importance this is to Berliners. Residential Public Facilities Green Space

Industrial Mixed Use

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F O S T E R

C O M M U N I T Y

One criticism commonly hurled at the modern city is that one loses a sense of community and identity amidst the greater whole. The ever increasing population, the majority residing in urban spaces, can only bolster this sentiment more. Working in tandem with the creation of a permeable plan, fostering a sense of community is of utmost importance. Community zones cut through the normative grid structure, weaving through the site on a north/south axis. These spaces allow for a communal zone which residents, visitors and commercial entities would all experience on a daily basis. Uses would be derived by a consultation between representatives from each zone, but the intent is that they would act as community gardens and green spaces. The zones also break up spaces even more, offering the pedestrian or biker even more routes when moving between blocks. Building heights play a role in enhancing this sense of connection, both tying the master plan in with Berlin's existing structures while making the building's accessible. The normative height of roughly six stories will be maintained in the urban plan, with the exception of the vertical farms which will pierce this height considerably. Along with the verticality of the buildings, the forms also foster communal space, with interior courtyards allowing light and ventilation to pierce the building, creating agreeable spaces to use.

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C R E A T E

P E R M E A B I L I T Y

The site exists in a precarious position at the moment. It is largely cut off from the surrounding neighborhoods, whether it be by rail, road, or canal. While this disconnection was probably paramount for its original use as a rail yard, the sites successful reuse relies heavily on re invigorating the space by linking it back up to the surrounding area. The initial moves involved the addition of another boulevard to offset the increasing traffic piling up on HeidestraĂ&#x;e, along with burying the rail lines which created a fissure in the connectivity before. Secondary streets were then added connecting existing streets on the west to a new bridge crossing the canal on the eastern side. This bridge would offer both pedestrian and vehicular access to the core node in the master plan, connecting the Moabit district directly with the Mitte district. Additionally, the inclusion of public transport into the plan is essential to a successfully trafficked urban space. The existing bus lines B123, B120, and B147 have all been rerouted and extended into the new master plan, along with the M6 tram. The U-55 line which originally terminated at Hauptbahnhof has been extended through the site, with one main stop at a central point in the master plan. There are numerous pedestrian zones, along with bike lanes and paths along most if not all roads and bridges.

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P R O M O T E U R B A N A G R I C U L T U R E A severe problem with the human sprawl today is the way in which we are consuming land for farming. 80% of the farmable surface has already been utilized, leaving only a small portion left. The future increase in population and movement towards the city only furthers this dilemma, because once produce is farmed, how does it travel to the city? Currently produced is trafficked from rural areas on the exterior of urban spaces, into the city to be consumed by residents. Not only does this causes an increase in carbon emissions, but it promotes an unneeded reliance on the rural areas for food. Along with this reliance comes a disconnect between humans and the fare they are eating, no doubt spurred by fast food chains whose meals are questionable at best. We have created a society that is uneducated about the origins of our food, but even worse, one that is willingly giving into the destructive nature of processed sustenance. Fortunately, this situation does have a solution, and it lies in returning the farming to the city. Urban agriculture can be utilized in a myriad of ways, whether it be growing vegetables on your windowsill, converting large scale green spaces into plots of farmable land or even vertical farming. The return of agriculture to the city would cut back on carbon emissions from the transport of goods, as well as reconnecting the residents with food they are eating. The community zones are twofold in nature, offering a space for residents to gather, but also offering space for farming. They also act as a farming spine with horizontal farming on the ground floor as well as vertical farming towers placed as nodes which drive the form in plan. The canal also acts a space where farming can be introduced in the form of aquaculture. Fish farms would allow for more than just produce being created in this district, creating a more cohesive and believable consumptive process.

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The master plan went through various transitions during the course of the design. The original design marked the first step in connecting the site to the surrounding neighborhoods with a new bridge crossing the canal. The blocks were split diagonally, but some were a bit too large to create permeability for the residents. Existing buildings were kept if possible, while the railway was buried underground. The next alteration in model form further expanded on breaking up the existing blocks with secondary streets accompanying the diagonal streets. The bay was reduced in size, allowing for boats to turn around if necessary off of the canal. Building forms started to become more manageable and the forms started to dictate the urban space in a much more realistic way. The community zones also started to appear, weaving their way through the site. The final alteration of the master plan involved a tightening of certain buildings and a further study of the communal zones and how light enters into those spaces. Attention was also given to the bay area, where an textiles school was introduced with a performance space integrated into the waterfront. The bay was also north to create a core space in the master plan where a public plaza was created utilizing views of the water.

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Throughout the research process, it came to my attention that Berlin is a city which is almost transient in nature. The residents of the city have come and gone in large numbers during the course of it's history. The detrimental image brought on by WWII and the rise of the Berlin Wall led to a number of individuals fleeing Berlin in search of a place where they wouldn't be persecuted. The wall created a barrier that dissected the city, creating varied living conditions, one being more desired than the other. The fall of the wall was a catalyst, invigorating the youth across Germany and sending a message of liberty throughout the world. As the wall fell, citizens that had once left started to return to the city they had once resided in, along with a group of new individuals discovering Berlin for the first time. This idea of a city returning to its past importance in the modern era became very influential in the master plan formation, so much so that the project was eventually titled 'Die Rueckkehr', meaning 'The Return' in German. This was also formative in the basis for the re-resurgence of urban agriculture which is present in the design. The return was not only implying a new breed of creative citizens, but also, replacing the dated system of food production which cities currently rely on. A return to the cultivation which was so inherent in our ancestors is necessary for cities to continue to thrive and the master plan responds to this notion.

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GREEN SPACE

PUBLIC TRANSIT

P A R K

The public spaces in the master plan follow along the farming zones culminating in a large central plaza near the major bay off the canal. A majority of the open spaces are semi-public and only a few are private, allowing for public access to most zones.

The existing transportation infrastructure was integrated into the site, including bus lines, the U-55 U-Bahn line, as well as the different tram systems. There are a number of stops positioned throughout the site to offer extreme permeability for users.

Parking is an unseemly e cases and has been pla for the majority of it's is street parking along along four of the se allowing ample zones for v

1 Semi-Public Space Public Space Private Space

M6 S-Bahn

Street Parking Underground Par

7 8

PROPERTY

PEDESTRIAN

OPEN S

The buildings are split up into various zones based on their uses. Most are split based on their relation to the street and pedestrian access.

The site is highly porous, focused on connectivity between the street and interior of each block. The main pedestrian thoroughfare revolves around the farming zones, moving citizens along the interior spine of the site.

Green spaces are spread throu the largest being a public sculp the canal. A large cemetery a has been kept in its original lo spaces are generally for the

Property Outlines

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2 3 U-55 Bus 123 Bus 120 Bus 147

Low Pedestrian Medium Pedestrian High Pedestrian

Green Paved

I N G

F A R M I N G

VEHICULAR

eyesore in most aced underground existence. There HeidestraĂ&#x;e and econdary streets, vehicular parking.

The farming zones are comprised of two uses, both public and private. The private facilities are placed at the end of the pedestrian zones, allowing for ample light filtration. They take their form in a vertical direction while the public spaces are horizontal.

HeidestraĂ&#x;e still remains the main thoroughfare in the new master plan. A secondary boulevard was added to aid with traffic coming from the train station, while secondary streets connect to the new bridge crossing the canal.

arking

S PAC E

ughout the city with pture garden along also existed which ocation. The paved e public to utilize.

4 5

Access Streets Secondary Streets Main Boulevards

Public Farming Private Farming

9 10

Maple trees are placed along the main boulevards, offering shade to the large sidewalks. Spree Oaks, relatively smaller than the Maple are placed along the secondary streets, while Lindens, even smaller are placed along the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge. Maple Spree Oak Linden

PHASING

The building of the master plan will have take a number of years to complete due to its size. The phases are set up to allow for each portion to be self sufficient on its own, with each phase adding a piece to the already thriving community in existence. Phase 1 (2010-2013) Phase 2 (2013-2020) Phase 3 (2020-2025) Phase 4 (2025-2030) Phase 5 (2030-2035)

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T H E

S PR OUT

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FA R M I N G I N T H E C I T Y

O R

There are numerous advantages to farming in the city, many of which are outlined in Dickson Despommier's work. Year-round crop production; 1 indoor acre is equivalent to 4-6 outdoor acres or more, depending upon the crop (e.g., strawberries: 1 indoor acre = 30 outdoor acres). There are no weather-related crop failures due to droughts, floods, pests. All VF food is grown organically: no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. VF virtually eliminates agricultural runoff by recycling black water. VF returns farmland to nature, restoring ecosystem functions and services. VF greatly reduces the incidence of many infectious diseases that are acquired at the agricultural interface. VF converts black and gray water into potable water by collecting the water of evapotranspiration. VF adds energy back to the grid via methane generation from composting non-edible parts of plants and animals. VF dramatically reduces fossil fuel use (no tractors, plows, shipping.) VF converts abandoned urban properties into food production centers. VF creates sustainable environments for urban centers. VF creates new employment opportunities. We cannot go to the moon, Mars, or beyond without first learning to farm indoors on earth. VF may prove to be useful for integrating into refugee camps. VF offers the promise of measurable economic improvement for tropical and subtropical LDCs. If this should prove to be the case, then VF may be a catalyst in helping to reduce or even reverse the population growth of LDCs as they adopt urban agriculture as a strategy for sustainable food production. VF could reduce the incidence of armed conflict over natural resources, such as water and land for agriculture

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The site selected is located in the heart of the master plan, adjacent to the bay and the main public plaza. The farm site rests at the intersection of the two farming zones which spread throughout the site, thus offering widespread connectivity to the other vertical farms. The location is pivotal for views, as a majority of major buildings lie to the south of the site which would be visible from taller floors in the farm. The location also is where a number of pedestrian paths interact, those following along the farming zones, and those following along both HeidestraĂ&#x;e and the secondary streets. Adding to this sense of movement, the farm also rests directly above a pivotal transport station and is adjacent to a number of bus stops. The newly constructed U-55 line will stop directly underneath the farm creating another point of intersection below ground. Solar access is of importance to a farming space, especially a vertically oriented design. The surrounding space near the site allows for ample solar access from southern light due to the platz to the southwest, and the bay to the southeast.

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P R O C E S S The vertical farm is a fairly new building type, so new that there are not any physical precedents as of yet. Most of the work has been theoretical, ranging from the highly theoretical to some realistic solutions. The aim for this project was to be grounded in reality, and the form came from this intent. Considering that there are no built projects to study, the initial step was to look towards the function and uses of the building to determine form. Considering the needs of a farm came into play here, the main determining factor being light. The first step was cutting away from the building to allow ample light penetration from the southern exposure, as well as ambient light filtering in from other locations. The agricultural nature of the building led to many different studies of organic form in the realms of biomimicry. An pivotal aspect of the organic form was how the building met the ground. Originally, the intent was for the building to emerge from the pavement, much like the shape of an inverted tree, with the foliage being present on the ground floor and the trunk rising into the tower. This would allow the building to spread throughout the site, integrating it even more into the daily lives of those experiencing the space. This has since changed and been inverted to allow for extensive light filtration to the site as opposed to covering the space with structure. The form morphed from the rigid components of the triangular plan to a buxom form whose shape is influenced by solar access.

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The use of a building is pivotal to the creation of itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form, and thus programming played an integral role in the creation of the vertical farm. Certain functions had to exist in a public realm, while others needed a more private building response. This interplay between public and private became a main factor in the creation of the program, as one of the main goals of the farm is to educate the masses. If the entire farm was closed off to the public, there would be no dissemination of information and the farm would fail at its main purpose. Thus, the building had to interweave the public and private spaces, offering a vision of the advantages to the individual, without allowing full access to the tower. At the core of the program was the non-for-profit organization who is funding the project and their needs, along with the demanding uses of the farm. The program was determined as follows: + Public market space allowing for the goods produced in the farm to be sold + Restaurant utilizing the produce created in the farms + General office spaces for the NGO including open offices and private offices along with conference zones + Education zones where the surrounding

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community could come to learn about production, as well as healthy living + Processing/filtration zones where the produce makes the transition from growing to being sold + Treatment zones where the produce could be studied and labs where research could be conducted. + Farming production zones where both hydroponics and aeroponics would be utilized to grow produce The building acts as a nexus, drawing individuals wishing to learn to how to live healthy, wholesome lives can be educated and hopefully participate in the vertical farms production of sustenance. Along with the programmatic elements of the farm, the subway station below ground had to be programmed for it's variety of uses: + Platform allowing for ample space for rider's movement to and from the trains + Egress from the train station below to the surface above allowing natural ventilation and light to filtrate + Information desk where tickets could be purchased as well as an area for ticket kiosks to placed + Public restrooms to be utilized be travelers on board the U-Bahn

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Given the amoebic nature of the form and the programmatic elements, the skin of the building must act in a similar notion becoming a diaphanous extension of the structure. The facade of the building has gone through various renditions, but the main component which was maintained throughout the design process was the importance of operability. The skin should act as a living unit, attached to the building to help ventilate and light the space and protect the interior from the natural elements. This however, does not mean the interior and the exterior do not have an imperative relationship. The facade acts as a mediator between the two, creating a harmonious environment to experience. User control of the skin is of importance as well to negate the use of heavy mechanical systems being implemented which would create unneeded noise and environmental disturbances. Considering the agricultural nature of the building, the skin must not prevent ample light from entering the building, but it must also moderate temperature conditions through cross and stack ventilation. Acknowledging all of these issues is quite the task and a majority of it resides in the materiality of the skin. Many elements were considered for the membrane, but the most efficient one turned out to be a material used in greenhouse architecture, ETFE sheeting. The sheeting has a low dead weight, high UV transmittance , a long life and is almost completely recyclable.

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