O E 24 H Social by lily riefkohl

0 E 24 H Energy

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of Master of Architecture At Savannah College of Art and Design May, 2012, Lily Marie Riefkohl

_________________________________________________________________/__/___ Professor Amy Wynne

Date

Committee Chair _________________________________________________________________/__/___ Professor Daniel Brown

Date

Committee Member _________________________________________________________________/__/___ Nancy Sharifi Committee Member

Date

0 E 24 H Social

A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Architecture In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Architecture Savannah College of Art and Design

Lily M. Riefkohl Savannah, Georgia May, 2012

edication

This work is dedicated in the loving memory to my grandmother Maria M. Puig

It is a great pleasure to thank the many people who made this thesis possible.

I would like to thank my committee chair, Amy Wayne for creating a positive and inspiring learning environment. Throughout my graduate experience, she constantly encouraged further exploration both architecturally and graphically. I wish to express my immense gratitude to my faculty advisor, Daniel Brown for his time and for helping me focus the scope of my project. His support over all the process has truly been invaluable. I am grateful for the aid of Prof. Jain Kwon for constantly expanding my perspective of the interior spaces. I am deeply greatful with my topic consultant Nancy Sharifi for her constant advise and support in the environmental aspect of my project.

cknowledgements:

I am indebted to my many friends and colleagues for providing a stimulating environment and for always pushing me into inspiration. Specially Daniela Rey for all her interest, admiration and support during the process. I wish to thank my aunt, my mom and my sister Claudie, among other members of my family, for their guidance, support, faith, encouragement and enthusiasm. Finally I need to thank to my spiritual guidance and spiritual forces who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let me fall and push me to keep working on this thesis when I was about to give up.

Abstract 1 Arguable Position 3

able of Contents

1. Background, Goals and Justification

1.1 Introduction 7

1.2 Background Information and Theoretical Context

1.3 Cultural Technical and Environmental Objects

1.4 Cultural Historic Background 17 1.5 Architectural Historic Background 23 1.5.1 Vernacular Architecture 25 1.5.2 Colonial Architecture 27 1.5.3 Current Architecture 31

1.6 Environmental and Sustainability Issues

1.7 Economical Issues 39

1.7.1 Cost of Petroleum VS cost of electricity

2. Context 45 2.1 Demographics 47 2.2 Industry 49

2.3 Educational and Professional Context

2.4 Description of the Region 53 2.5 Climate 57

3. Site Analysis 59

4.5 Transitional Spaces 125

4.6 Building Clock 127

3.2 Site Surroundings 65

4.7 Case Studies 129

3.3 Uses 71

5. Quantitative Program 133

3.4 Height 72

5.1 Occupants per area 140

3.5 Closing Time 73

5.2 Zoning Requirements 141

3.6 Site Existing Conditions 74

6. Schematic Design 143

3.7 Climatic Conditions 75

6.1 Concept 145

3.8 Transportation and Transit 76

6.2 Form Evolution 147

4. Program Analysis 73

6.3 Process Perspectives 149

4.1 Program Planning Goals 81

6.4 Program 153

4.2 Sustainability 83

6.5 Schematic Plans 155

6.6 Perspective View 161

3.1 History and Description of the Region

4.2.1 Sustainable Technologies for Energy Generation

4.2.1.1 Solar Power 90

7 Design Development 162

4.2.1.2 Wave Power 95

7.1 Building Plans 163

4.2.1.3 Wind Power 98

7.2 Building Section 169

4.2.2 Sustainable Materials 101

7.3 Wall Section 170

4.2.3 Other Sustainable Aspects 111

7.4 Applied Technologies 173

4.3 Adjacencies 113

7.5 Building Exterior 175

7.6 Building Energy Consumption 178

4.4 Uses and Spatial Qualities of Interior and Exterior Spaces

115

7.7 Restaurant Plans 179 7.8 Restaurant Views 181 7.9 Conclusion 183 Bibliography 187 Table of figures 191 Appendix 199

0 E 24 H Social

A 1

Rises in energy rates, global economic crisis, global warming, apprehension for the

planet and our future generations are vast concerns for general population. Puerto Rico suffers from all of the previous issues mentioned, but also lacks the sustainability and the spread of this knowledge in the population; which could minimize some of the impacts of the crisis the world and specifically the island is going through. A lot of spaces designated for the interaction of people have been closed or removed, affecting the cultural aspect of socialization. Working with these issues while implementing architecture, design and sustainability into a cultural and social building that becomes a teaching tool by the interaction of environment and user is what is intended to be achieved in this project. A solution to a sustainable concern in the island of Puerto Rico is introduced through architecture in a multi-functional building that responds to site and public interests, it also serves as a device for learning about technological possibilities by implement-

bstract

ing not only solar, tidal and wind power but also interactive sustainable features that are functional and serve to enhance education though social interaction. Achieving a zero energy building is difficult but not impossible. The amount of sources required to produce the energy the building would consume are really high, especially because the building will be working throughout 24 hours. The energy needed to achieve functionality of the building is high enough as to be impossible to apply technologies only in the infrastructure of the building. Additional energy generating technologies were implemented in the site and surroundings in order to meet energy requirements. 2

rguable Position

Through a 24 hours social space, architecture can become an educational tool, teaching people sustainability while keeping them busy and entertained.

hapter 1

Background, Goals and Justifications 6

the term understood only by a few 3 end up looking as a utopia.

It’s been said that architects design according to the client’s needs and budget.4

Letting people interact with architecture and environment, is making them part of the design.5 Is not the same having a design for the people, for the revival of culture, design with a social conscience; that just designing for a client and a specific use. The user will

ntroduction

be the client, and as a social effect, the building will become the key for letting people interact with nature, environment and sustainability while making them part of a holistic design.6 People like to feel good about things they do, and this project will be an opportunity to not only integrate community, but make them an active part of contribution to the environment and economic situation the country is passing thru. Making the people interact with architecture and be part of the sustainable aspect of the building is making them the protagonist of the scene, which could make the building even more

Sustainability is a word often repeated but not habitually practiced when it

comes to Puerto Rican way of living.1 Many people use the word because they have heard it many times before, not knowing exactly what it implies. Sustainability can be reflected in many aspects such as social, economic, environmental, and architectural; all of these relating with each other and affecting way of living.2 Architecture is not only a way of expressing art and creating spaces while being functional, but can also be a tool for communication and teaching. Since Puerto Rican architecture lack sustainability; 1 Jorge San Inocencio, Monografias, Es Puerto Rico un pais Sustentable?, Monografias.com/ trabajos64/PuertoRico-pais-sustentable.shtml, accessed April 18, 2012 2 Peter Docherty, Abraham B Shani, Creating Sustainable Work Systems: Developing Social Sustainability, Second Edition, (Oxon, OX, 2009) Pg 7 7

successful.

Since Puerto Rican clients don’t know about the actual benefit of having an en-

vironmentally designed and sustainable building, and they just saw it as a huge initial expense, architects haven’t had the opportunity to express it as much as desirable in the

3 Odette Rodriguez Garcia, Puerto Rico: una isla de sustentabilidad, Universia Puerto Rico No-

ticias, 09/7/2008, http://noticias.universia.pr/ciencia-nn-tt/noticia/2008/09/17/132387/puertorico-isla-sustentabilidad.html 4 Alan Jefferis, David A. Madsen, Architectural Drafting and Design fifth edition, (Clifton Park, NY, 2005) 5 5 Sensing architecture, New Ideas for architecture of tomorrow by Maria Lorena Lehman Why Architecture Can Make a Positive Difference in an Occupant’s Life, http://sensingarchitecture. com/8099/why-architecture-can-make-a-positive-difference-in-an-occupant%e2%80%99s-life/ 6 http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-holistic-design.htm, what is holistic design, article written by S.E. Smith, edited by O. Wallace, Last modified 05, April 2012, copyright protected 2003-2012 conjecture corporation 8

country. 7 If nature, user, and sustainable techniques are applied interacting with them-

understood. Building’s environment and experience linked to design will make the build-

selves 24 hours a day, during 7 days per week, people will eventually understand the con-

ing self-explanatory. Sustainable technologies, materials and principles in conjunction to

cept and give it the value and importance that it requires to improve quality of life.

environmental design will be applied throughout the building in order to achieve a holistic

design.

Puerto Rican population tends to be very social,8 this public building can only

achieve the purpose if the program gather the community in social activities while enter-

taining them in different ways. Using the entertainment as an excuse, the learning expe-

to the design and exposed with their explanations. Other aspects of sustainability will be

rience will be enhanced and promote by curiosity, questioning and wondering looking

incorporated as well in order to achieve a more sustainable and environmental friendly

for answers an amaze in the user. Most of the population is very visual9 what will make

building as possible.

possible to address the information throughout different types of users (different ages and

“The amount of information we are processing at one time determines our stimulation

different social classes). This will gather people as a solution and stimulation of the social

level at the moment, if a place give us a lot to think about because there’s a lot of variety in

aspect of the Puerto Rican culture, as well as the economical aspect, letting the possibility

the objects within it, that space is more stimulating to us. A place is particularly stimulat-

of becoming a touristic attraction.

ing if we cannot predict what we will experience next.”10

This project will include rentable spaces such as restaurants and activities rooms,

Technologies such as tidal power, sun power and wind power would be applied

Architecture is where people experiment spaces and had the opportunity to iden-

as well as places for free cost. The purpose is to generate a capital from those rent, while

tify with them.11 This project intend to do the same for the country and its population,

having other areas for the enjoyment of general public.

while improving a situation that is becoming a crisis.

The building could be semi- open, open or enclosed or transformable, depending

of the use or necessity. The importance of all the design and transformation is the way the place could become educational tool in an unconventional way. The way the building is experienced becomes the learning tool avoiding the need of literature or teachers to be 7 Jorge San Inocencio, Monografias, Es Puerto Rico un pais Sustentable?, Monografias.com/trabajos64/ PuertoRico-pais-sustentable.shtml, accessed April 18, 2012 8 Raffaello Beetti, Survival of Weak Countries in the Face of Globalization: Perto Rico and the Caribbean, (San Juan, PR, 2003) 94 9 Charles Smith, Sensory Learning Styles Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Learning Styles in Grappling, whitebelt.org, accessed 04/21/2012

10 Sally Agustin PhD, Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture, (New Jersey, 2009) page 137 11 Sally Agustin PhD, Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture, (New Jersey, 2009) page 118

dependent, but collective, which make public spaces really important.4 Due to global economical crisis, this cultural aspect has been seriously affected. Changing a societies’ way of living could affect their way of feeling with themselves, with the economical situation and with life. Effects such as depression, among other problems, affect their wellness overall and end up affecting the culture in general.5 The lack of employment has

ackground Information and Theoretical Context

injected desperation in the population, becoming more aggressive and violent.6 This is completely linked to their mental capacity, and the criminality that is constantly increasing in the island, as a result of the economic situation.7

Puerto Rico climate is known to be very hot consistently throughout almost ev-

ery season. Lately, this has been getting worst due to global warming. Puerto Ricans have not taken advantage of natural ventilation to address the issue of high temperatures inside living and work spaces; developments and constructions in general have Puerto Rico is mainly known by the tourism, nightlife, hospitality, food and cul-

not been designed environmentally oriented.8 The lack of vegetation and the constant

ture. It is known for being a relaxing destination, a place to go and have fun. Tourism

creation of massive concrete buildings, where civilians gather the most, make it impos-

has been an important source of income for the island and especially has been an es-

sible to cool places naturally.

sential factor in our cities’ development.1 Today touristic areas are still active, but un-

fortunately because of the increase of the life style cost, some of these areas have been affected, causing the closure of many local businesses. 2

Since ever, the culture has been known for having people that interacts with

each other in every aspect of their life.3 People in Puerto Rico don’ tend to be very in1Julio Morales, Puerto Rican Poverty and Migration, We just had to try elsewhere, (West Port, CT, 1986) 33 2 Marian Diaz, “Hay Negocio despues de la quiebra”, El Nuevo Dia, 9/26/2010, Negocios 3 Raffaello Beetti, Survival of Weakn Countries in the Face of Globalization: Perto Rico and the Caribbean, (San Juan, PR, 2003) 94

During the last few years the economy has passed through such bad situation

4 Progrma de Desarrollo Profesional, UPR/PUPR/ATI, Mejora de la calidad de espacio public peatonal a lo largo de la Avenida Roosevelt, 4, 30 informe final 5 Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, “Crisis Economica y Criminalidad:un explosive binomio”, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-un-explosivo-binomio. html, accessed 4/19/2012 6 Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, “Crisis Economica y Criminalidad: un explosivo binomio”, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-un-explosivo-binomio. html, accessed 4/19/2012 7 Puerto Rico Expresa, “La falta de empleos es la verdadera crisis”, 10/18/2011, http://www.puertoricoexpresa.com/2011/10/la-falta-de-empleos-es-la-verdadera-crisis/, accessed 4/19/2012 8 We care green team UPRM, “Reducir energia”, http://www.uprm.edu/wecare.redenergy.html, accessed 4/19/2012.

that the costs for utilities have been duplicated, or even triplicated, depending of the area.9 Currently Puerto Rican government is working on a project to reduce energy cost with the use of natural gas, but the expenses to make this possible have been so high that the hope to reduce energy cost relies on eliminating the dependence of petroleum.

The incomes of people havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t increased, but more people are losing their jobs

as a result of the economical crisis that has affected many countries.10 This makes it difficult to afford the lifestyle that people use to have before this crisis begun. Architects are not helping to improve the environment and the financial situation, what makes shorter the list of environmental friendly buildings in Puerto Rico. 11

Knowing about the importance of the culture and the socialization among

Puerto Rican people, and been aware of the adverse effect of the economical crisis, we can say that a harmful effect have occurred with traditions among this population, which has been vanished or significantly reduced.

9 Senator Fas Alzamora, Senado de Purto Rico, Resolution R.del S. 2247. 10 Peter Gevorkian, Alternative Energy systems in Building design, (2009), 11 Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Crisis Economica y Criminalidad:un explosive binomioâ&#x20AC;?, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-un-explosivo-binomio. html, accessed 4/19/2012

utilization of the concept of the conservation of energy can definitely be of substantial importance for the improvement of the economy and the development of new sustainable-energy options. Using the right technology, electrical as well as water costs can be reduced significantly, making it possible to keep a business running without major expenses. More people will have to learn about this technology, experts in the area will be

ultural, Technical and Environmental Objects

hired; more employments and more opportunities will be created. The requirements of people to install and give maintenance to these will help reduce the rate of unemployed population in the country as well. This change in electrical expenses could improve economy. All this together could also be translated into a decrease in unemployment rates, and the possibility of increasing salaries.

The creation of a sustainable space in which people and nature will provide the

energy for the building operates is the ideal option to reduce expenses. Reduction in

Could architecture be the solution for health, criminality and economy? This

utility cost could end up reducing prices of items sold and result in savings for custom-

could create conflict of values but looking from the sustainable perspective this could

er’s pocket; allowing people to maintain the socialization aspect of culture.

become a reality in a near future. Sustainability can improve and even change non ar-

The project will be located in the coast of Puerto Rico, where breezes, water, sun and

chitectural issues, such as economical problems, over a long term period.1 At this time,

moon could be transformed to provide a great contribution to the energy the build-

is imperative to think in a sustainable way to understand that this could put an end to

ing needs. Another element to take into consideration for the contribution of sustain-

the economical crisis, and at the same time this could recover cultural traditions.

able energy sources will be the customers themselves and the energy obtained by their

There are many options for the solution to problems regarding electrical ex-

movements. Since energy is not destructed but transformed, every step taken can be

penses that people have not even considered in the country, such as tidal power, wind

translated into energy if advantage is taken of existent technology. This energy could be

power, solar energy and people’s energy. The implementation of these, as well as the

transformed, adding this as a source of power the project will use to run with.

1 David Edwards, “Energy trading & investing trading, risk management and structuring deals in the energy markets”, (2009)

ultural Historic Background

on diverted by the influence of Americans.2 These cultures bring to Puerto Rico backgrounds of dissimilar life styles, behaviors and characteristics that people from different countries used to have in the past, and which have evolved as one unique through history once they have mixed together.

The first inhabitants of Puerto Rico were native Taíno, a descendant Venezuela

Arawak Indians tribe. The Taíno Indians lived in theocratic kingdoms and had a hierarchically arranged chiefs or caciques.3 The Taínos were divided in three social classes, and depending on their social level were the task they used to perform: the naborias (work class), the nitaínos or sub-chiefs and noblemen (priests and medicine men) and the caciques (chiefs). Every yucayeque or village used to have one cacique.4 The naborias were free workers subject to service obligations who carried out the more onerous and repetitive tasks.5 Under the Spanish the labors performed by the naborias for the

What is a country without culture? What is a culture without people? People

caciques were transferred to the holders of the Encomienda. (The Encomienda was the

define the culture as culture can define a country, always referring to background and

legal system employed by the Spanish crown during the colonization of the Americas to

history to explain present. According to Merrian-Webster dictionary culture is defined

regulate Native American labor.) The pre-Conquest organization of the naborias labor

as the integrated pattern of human knowledge, belief, and behavior that depends upon

made it easier to introduce the eventual distribution of the workers.6

the capacity for learning and transmitting knowledge to succeeding generations. Pop-

ular culture is defined as the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a

the great extent on seafood. They use to entertain themselves with football (batú), mu-

racial, religious, or social group; and the characteristic features of everyday existence

sic, dance and rituals. They use to be very collective and had many activities in which

shared by people in a place or time . 1

Puerto Rican culture is the resultant mix of Taínos, Spanish and Africans, later

1Merrian Webster dictionary,2012, http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture%5B1%5D?show =0&t=1326336686 17

Taínos, use to settle closer to sea or rivers, since they were sea going and live in

2 Sebastian Robiou, Aportacion indigena a la cultura Puertorriquena, 1992, Premio Concurso de Articulos V Centenario 3 Robert L Muckley, Adela Martinez Santiago, Stories From Puerto Rico, 134 4 Http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/taino.shtml 5 Robert L. Muckley, Adela Martinez Santiago, Stories of Puerto Rico 135 6 Fernando Pico, History of Puerto Rico a Panorama of its People, (Princeton, NJ) 15

socializing played an important role. The areitos was known as the maximum indig-

small bands. Since the beginning of the 16th century, the music area of the island heav-

enous artistic expression, in which Taínos used to assemble to perform sacred dances,

ily influenced by the Spanish presence included a variety of instruments of European

smoke tobacco and herbs while invoking their gods by the use of music and dance.

extraction such as drums, harp, bells and the harpsichord, among others. Music and

religion were not the only aspects of Taino habits and culture that changed, but also the

At each stage in history the various inhabitants of the country have used re-

sources of Puerto Rican islands to satisfy their needs for food, housing and collective

architecture, social classes, government, economy and lifestyle in general.

needs. Nevertheless, their use of these resources has sometimes failed to preserve the

necessary balance for their renewal. The early Taínos barely modify the insular ecology.

for them to provide gold to the Spanish crown. News of the island wealth encourage

Their settlements near the mangrove swamps made little impact on the surrounding

other Spaniards to join in the colonization. The contacts with the Spaniards and the new

land, flora and fauna. Later on Taínos of the agro-ceramic cultures began cultivation

work regime eventually exposed the Tainos to diseases they have never experienced

by using the technique known as slash-and-burn. They set fire to a piece of land to

before and for which they lack immunity. 10

clear the undergrowth and then to take advantage of the initial fertility provided by the

ashes. This practice, although it damaged the soil which was then exposed to erosion

land. The groups of African affecting the ethnic and cultural formation of the island in-

by wind and rain, did not affect the fertility of the land when the number of people who

clude Ashanti and Fante in Ghana, the southern shore of River Niger Carabalíes, Congos

lived on it was relatively low, between 25 and 100. Nine to ten years was enough for the

of Equatorial Africa and, from late eighteen century until the middle of the nineteen

abandoned terrain to recover its residual topsoil and develop new tree canopies.

century, the Yoruba and Mende of West Africa. Slaves were characterized by a strong

foundation to their traditions and ancestral beliefs, intimately linked to their dances and

Christopher Columbus, arrived to the Island on November 19, 1493, on his sec-

The conquerors founded gold deposits in the island, which lead Taínos to work

In 1511, King Ferdinand authorized massive trade of African slaves on the is-

ond travel to the New World. In 1508 Juan Ponce de Leon settles on the island with 42

music.11

men, and became the first governor of San Juan Bautista, Spanish name for Boriquen

(Puerto Rico).

Upon arrival, the Spanish colonists began a chain of events that redi-

ties, music, rituals, and religion which become directly from their African roots. Bringing

rected the music, religious and lifestyle course of Puerto Rico. The Church and the army

with them their music, religion and traditions; and adapting it with the Caribbean envi-

change: Catholicism imported instruments and teachers, while the militia instituted

ronment and the materials they find to make musical instruments they begin the cre-

7 Http://www.topuertorico.org/reference/taino.shtml 8 Fernando Pico, History of Puerto Rico a Panorama of its People, (Princeton, NJ) 13 9 Lisa Pierce Flores, History of Puerto Rico, 8

10 R. A. Van Middeldyk, The History of Puerto Rico, (2008) 9 11 Fernando Pico, History of Puerto Rico: A Panorama of its People, (Princeton, NJ, 2009) 143

As slaves, segregated from the rest of the community, they had their own activi-

ation of different music styles, dances, drinks and activities overall. Some of the music

created by them still alive today forming an important part of the Puerto Rican culture.

assigned an American governor to the Island. Further on after many rebellions and

With these styles festivals, dances and parties celebrated under trees or any other place

disputes, Puerto Rico in 1949 achieved to have their own elected governor. In 1952

in contact with nature.

the US Congress and the Puerto Rican people ratify constitution, making Puerto Rico a

Commonwealth or freely associated state (Estado Libre Asociado).15

Fortress have been constructed to protect the island from attacks, and the is-

In 1898 American troops led by General Nelson Miles, invade Puerto Rico and

land became important due to geographical position and wealthy. In the first half of

The presence of United States in the island brought with it many changes relat-

the sixteenth century, many Spanish ships took advantages of the favorable northeast-

ed to economy, industry and politics.16 Upon the arrival of Americans, existent Puerto

erly trade winds in navigation, what made of Puerto Rico’s western coast their first stop

Rican culture based on agrarian capitalism of coffee and sugar plantations with peas-

in the New World. There they took on water and provisions for their journey to Santo

ant economy and patriarchal and semi-feudal relations, adverse those from the United

Domingo, Veracruz, the Panama coast, or some other Spanish Port. These stops at the

Sates with its industrial capitalism, and financial and trade. 17

watering places on the western coast stimulated the early development of that part of the island.

Once the exportation of gold declined in the 1520, the island became less pro-

ductive, establishments of sugar mills in Puerto Rico started. Every mill had a hacienda, (modest area of land, generally situated on the banks of a river, and a destined for sugarcane cultivation and the necessary food supplies for its workers. It generally included meadows for oxen and other domestic and industrial use. )14 The few slaves left on the island by the end of the 16th century were concentrated in the haciendas. The estancia’s workface was its household. Depending on the resources of the hato’s owners, it could accommodate kinsmen, slaves, servants, or any others who, in one way or another, found in it a means of subsistence. 12 Ivonne Figueroa, AfroBorinquen Culture, El Boricua, http://www.elboricua.com/AfroBorinquen_Culture. html, accessed 4/24/2012 13 Fernando Pico, History of Puerto Rico: A Panorama of its People., 71 14 Fernando Pico, History of Puerto Rico: A Panorama of Its People, (Princeton, NJ, )65

15 Lisa Pierce Flores, The History of Puerto Rico, 24 16 Carlos Di Nubila, Carmen N. Rodriguez Cortes, “Puerto Rico:Sociedad, cultura y educacion:ANtologia de Lecturas, 108 17 Carlos Di Nubila, Carmen N. Rodriguez Cortes, “Puerto Rico:Sociedad, cultura y educacion:Antologia de Lecturas, 109

If we go back to the primitive hut, we will understand how everything was re-

lated to basic needs only and people helping them in favor of nature.1 With the pass of the years this concept have changed drastically, same as architectural expressions. Constructions used to be done in order to fulfill basics needs only, but history have gave it other characteristics when changing government, religion or ideas. It have be-

rchitectural Historic Background

come a direct representation of the historic time we live therefore a depiction of culture and country.

As architecture represent space and space define the way the user will experi-

ence the building and how it will feel in it, with architectural and aesthetic changes during the history quality of spaces have varied as well; changing for better or worse the quality of spaces people are daily using and experiencing.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A wide range of environmental factors has influenced architecture in the Caribbean Islands, and these factors differ from island to island, as well on individual island. Each environmental aspect affected building material availability and each presented unique demands for shelter and comfort requirements.â&#x20AC;? - Edward E. Crain, Historic Architecture in the Caribbean Islands

1 Historic architecture in the Caribbean Island

reeds lapel made of Rattans with roofs of palm leaves, straw, leaving in the top a vent for the easily extraction of air and smoke from the members who always kept the homes. A single bohío could accommodate several families, was common among the taínos married daughters lived in the homes of parents.

ernacular Architecture

Both type of housing were made of wood poles or bamboo buried in soil and

The Taíno settlements were single family units in town of 50 or more houses ar-

ranged around circular counts. Taino villages were called yucayeques. The houses were

Generally, villages were arranged surrounding a square or a platform in which

the batey was performed, as well as the major festivities, such as the areítos and the ceremony of cohoba. Hammocks were hung on the tree to be protected from sun and rain effect.

Figure 1.1

Figure 1.2

of two types: the huts and the caney.1 Huts, also called “bohios”, were circular, with diameter made from bamboo an exterior fixed with wild cane or palms which were secured with small branches of vine. (Figure 1.1) A cone shaped roof was framed to the center posts and attached with grass and palm fronds. The second tye of housing existent was the “Caney”, where the chieftains used to live. (Figure 1.2) It was rectangular in shape and a more spacious than the “Bohio”, with roof gable and a front marquee of receipt being located opposite the batey or place where the member of the tribe were gathered to celebrate many of their social and ceremonial activities. 1 Bobby Kalman, The Lands, People and Culture Series, New York, NY, 2003, 6 25

Soon they started to join tiles and bricks as decorative materials. 2

MĂŠlange of buildings that range from Popular style during the conquest to Neo-

classic in the 19th century. The Dominican Convent is another 16th century structure, in which tall arcades galleries and large interior patios predominates.

olonial Architecture

Churches were constructed near or in connection with the plaza of the munici-

pality. This was important becoming the focus of a large open space.

All churches

were constructed with the same characteristics, predominantly Gothic influence. 4

Colonial architecture has interior courtyards (Figure 1.4), balconies and canti-

lever roof to protect spaces from sun and to bring breezes into spaces. The need to form a connection with outdoors environment is fundamental. 5

More appreciation

for the outdoor allowed the garden to become an important part of the living environment, which led the connection of architectural elements between the outdoors and the building enclosure.6 Architectural elements such as galleries, verandas, porches, Colonial architecture was created in Puerto Rico during the 16th and 17th cen-

balconies, larger windows, louvers, among others, are used as aesthetic as well as cli-

tury with the arrival of Spaniards to the Island. This buildings were painted in pastel

mate features. These take advantage of the climate and at the same time offer a degree

colors, had tiled roof and balconies with ornaments (Figure 1.3). All these buildings ac-

of privacy while filtering sunlight, allowing air to flow into the building and maintaining

cessed to an inner courtyard style of Andalucia in Southern Spain. 1

a visual connection with the outside. Interior courtyards allow the flow of the breezes

Fortress were constructed during these period as well, since the island was first

port of call for galleons entering the West Indies and the last safe harbor for ships, laden with treasures , making the return to Cadiz or Sevilla. The most notable of these structures include El Morro, the San Juan Cathedral and the Dominican Convent Casa Blanca. Constructions were made out of materials available in the area such as stone and wood. 1 Eduardo Tejeira Davis, Roots of Latin American Architecture, 1987, 420

from one side of the building to the other while letting indirect light come into the 2 Eduardo Tejeira Davis, Roots of Latin American Architecture, 1987, 23 3Thomas S Marvel, Maria Luisa Moreno, La Arquietctura de Templos Parroquiales de Puerto Rico, (San Juan, PR 1994)32. 4Thomas S Marvel, Maria Luisa Moreno, La Arquietctura de Templos Parroquiales de Puerto Rico, (San Juan, PR 1994)34. 5 Edward E. Crain, Historic Architecture in the Caribbean Islands, University Press of Florida, Gainsville, FL, 85 6 Edward E. Crain, Historic Architecture in the Caribbean Islands, University Press of Florida, Gainsville, FL, 86

spaces. Courtyards allow the plantation of vegetation, and at the same time create a space for gathering people as well as for creating activities in contact with nature.

Porches allow crossed ventilation improving the quality of air inside of the build-

ings. The roof of the porch is the shadow device that avoids the direct entrance of light, and allows the pass of natural diffuse light into spaces. (Figure 1.5) This decreases the need of artificial light during the day, as well as the need of artificial ventilation because Figure 1.3

air can get into spaces through the windows and because the presence of diffused light does not transmit as much heat as the direct light do.

Figure 1.4

Figure 1.5 29

dows to allow crossed ventilation. The relationship between human and nature use to be sacred, a really important part of life in every person. During this period the relationship with nature still important but addressed in a different manner. Since materials have changed, the application of new materials with non-seen before qualities became important and even popular. A good example of this is the glass, material that allow the

urrent Architecture

entrance of natural light, and creating windows with that material also allow the cross ventilation. Concrete is really important for Puerto Rican architecture, since its qualities allow it to persist during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Wood was substituted, mainly by these new materials that were inexistent before. The qualities, strengths, durability among other characteristics that these new materials had put them in the list of preferences when constructing; at the same time began the way to harm the environment.1

The industrial revolution introduced to the world man made materials which

require a lot of energy to be produced and which could be affecting nonrenewable resources, which end up affecting nature and the environment we live in. With the presence of the Americans in the island, many changes occurred in architecture. Americans brought to the island that sense of modernism the island didn’t had and the view of progress that later on changed quality of spaces and modified lifestyle and relationship with environment.

Nature and spaces for gathering people and socializing, used to be an impor-

tant part of the architecture, as well as part of the cultural aspect. It was very common the use of wood doors to access interior courtyards and the existence of multiple win31

In colonial architecture the architecture, construction, decorations, among oth-

ers, were made from natural materials, most taken from renewable sources. It doesn’t imply that these types of construction doesn’t harm environment at all, but at least, the way of manipulating the materials didn’t polished the environment in the same way these new materials were acting. Not only that, but also the inclination about the programs of the building were a problem to the environmental ambit as well. Constructing industries was seen as a symbol of progress and economic growth but at the same time it was a subsidy for the environment and health of people. The implementation of machinery left in a secondary position the architectural design, giving more impor1 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 87

tance to those engineering technologies.2 The implementation of air conditioning was the solution for hot weather and the substitution of crossed ventilation. Mentality of people began to change believing that comfort was created by equipment rather than architectural design.3

The new materials required as well new people to build trained in these materi-

als. Architects from different parts of the world came to the island to implement the modern architecture. Henry Klumb was an important architect in the transformation of the island, and responsible for many important buildings, now considered historic. He implemented the environmental design in conjunction with the industrial techniques, creating spaces that improve the quality of life. His architecture implemented the use Figure 1.6

of natural light. (Figure 1.6) cross ventilation, environmental orientation of the building, relationship user with nature (Figure 1.7), referencing to all those strategies used in colonial architecture, but with the use of new materials. Many other architects tried to do similar things and many of them accomplished it. The problem became with the pass of the years, when the concrete became massive in the island and the dearth of vegetation improved even more. (Figure 1.8) Standardization in construction, brought ceilings to its minimum making them 8 ft. height, what concentrate the heat absorbed by the concrete during all day and liberating that heat during night making spaces warm all day long. What used to be cantilevers to use as shade have been reduced to the point that natural light have become uncomfortable for the interior spaces, creating the necessity of curtains and therefore the use of artificial light in the interior space.4 (Figure 1.9)

Figure 1.7 33

2Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 88 3 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 87 4 Enrique Vivoni, Periferia: Publications: Hacia una modernidad tropical: la obra de Henry Klumb, http:// www.periferia.org/publications/obraklumb.html, accessed 4/20/2012

All those things that were used in the past for a better quality of life have been

forgotten with the pass of the years making the new generations unaware of the importance of nature, of the environment and ignorant of the meaning of sustainability. Currently most spaces created are not environmentally oriented and do not related to nature. Many of the plazas created donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have trees to provide shadow and better quality of air and breeze. Almost all of the new buildings constructed, try to be too modern forgetting about all the environmental aspects that apply on the island. This is a big mistake made by architects where the incorrect use of glass in buildings have let the pass massive amount of light without being filtered making a space uncomfortable and Figure 1.8

hotter.

New developments are not taking in consideration geographical position, light,

wind, among other natural consideration, while taking design decisions. Many trees have been taken off the site without been replanted.

Prior to the advent of air-conditioning, hot conditions were ameliorated by

shading and air movement. To permit ventilation windows were operable and distributed across different high elevations. 5 The lack of vegetation and the constant creation of massive concrete buildings, where civilians gather the most, make it impossible to cool places naturally.6

Figure 1.9 35

5 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 80 6 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 98

artificial light, during the day. This practice has been lost. New constructions have not been environmentally oriented, what have made necessary the use of air conditioning in every building.3

Puerto Rico climate is known to be very hot consistently throughout almost ev-

ery season. Lately, this has been getting worst due to global warming.4 Puerto Ricans

nvironmental and Sustainability Issues

have not taken advantage of natural ventilation to address the issue of high temperatures inside living and work spaces; developments and constructions in general have not been designed environmentally oriented. .

The opening in windows is really important for the indoor air quality.5 To con-

trol the air that is coming in the building as well as the quality of the air, is important to consider certain factors, such as building sitting orientation, building height, building openings, establishment of interior light and noise criteria, selection of ventilation and

All those things that were used in the past for a better quality of life have been

HVAC systems. All this considerations have to be appropriate for the climate, location

forgotten with the pass of the years making the new generations unaware of the impor-

and building type and occupancy.

tance of nature, of the environment and ignorant of the meaning of sustainability.1

There is a lack of sustainable technologies, as well as a lack of practice of envi-

which make the situation even worst.6 The number of spaces without air conditioning

ronmental design in the buildings that have been created in Puerto Rico, during the last

in the island are becoming inexistent because is impossible to be without it due to the

couple of decades. Many years ago the sustainable technologies were inexistent but

lack of ventilation. Even when windows are open there’s no flow of air because of the

the design of buildings played an important role in the inner spaces.2 The orientation

bad orientation or the quantity of wind barriers (other buildings). The island is becom-

of the buildings and the design, use to allow natural ventilation as well as natural light

ing a mass of concrete with no ventilation and no interaction with nature.

into spaces, making unnecessary the use of artificial ventilation, and reducing the use of

3 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 87 4 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 90 5 Marian Keeler, Bill Burke, Fundamentals of integrated design for sustainable buildings, Hoboken, NJ, 84 6 Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, Gobierno Municipal Autonomo de Carolina, Declaración de Impacto Ambiental Preliminar de la Revision Integral del Plan Territorial, June 2005

1 Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico, Gobierno Municipal Autonomo de Carolina, Declaración de Impacto Ambiental Preliminar de la Revision Integral del Plan Territorial, June 2005 2 Student Service Building, http://innbrooklyn.wordpress.com/2010/05/04/tropical-modern-architecturewith-a-green-twist/, accessed 5/7/2012

The quantity and quality of green spaces in the island is reducing considerably,

especially now when been green is the latest trend, have become very fashionable and popular. The issue in Puerto Rico is that people don’t know how to be green, they think recycling and reusing is the only way, but people haven’t started thinking about planting vegetation, using sun or wind for creating energy instead of the conventional energy source produced by petroleum, among many other options available. These are issues

conomical Issues

that could improve even better the situation. This won’t change the environment completely, but at least would help the economy; reducing costs of utilities.

world. These have been affecting even worst the culture, because the lack of money and the amount of closing business have been restricting certain social habits. Figure 1.10 shows the unemployment rate in the island.

Utilities cost are increasing every day making unable the stability of business.1

Puerto Rican culture, as well as wellness of the people has been affected due to this. The mix of lack of sustainability and the increase in utilities prices have become a problem in the country. Since sustainable technologies haven’t been implemented in the country and the design have not been environmentally oriented, people don’t know of ways to reduce cost and get a better life style.

With all the environmental issues that have been created globally is really im-

portant to begin using technologies to help improve the situation, and to create resources for future generations. This is something many people try to apply to their life, 1CB Staff of Caribbean Business, Industry unhappy about imminent 100% rise in water rates, Puerto Rico Herald, June 23, 2005 http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues2/2005/vol09n25/CBIndustry.html, accessed 5/7/2012

The economic crisis has affected salaries, employments and business all over the

Because of the importance of the culture and the socialization among Puerto

Rican people, and the negative effect of the economic crisis, traditions among this population has been lost or significantly reduced. The variety of places for people to socialize has been significantly reduced, which affects directly the social aspect of Puerto Rican population.

The economic crisis has affected the possibilities of people affording the lifestyle

that people use to have before this crisis begun. 2

We are living in a period in which resources are limited even when we might

think they aren’t. Starting by the water which compose 74% of the earth3 and 60 % of 2 The wall Street Journal, Puerto Rico’s Economic Slump Weighs Hard on Consumers Cost of Living Surges As Inflation Helps Tip Island Into Recession, August 14, 2007, The wall Street Journal, Economy, http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118705864479596908.html, accessed 5/7/2012 3 Christen Petersen, Renewing Earth’s Water, Tarrytown, NY, 2011, 8

human body, 4 97 % of the water the of the world is polluted, 2 % is frozen into polar ice

changes of 1% or 2%, but in people’s budget are significant. The salaries of the popula-

sheets and glaciers and only 1% is remaining for consumption. This is what makes a re-

tion are not increasing at all but the life style is what makes imperative a solution for

sources basic as water important thou expensive.5 With combustible we are experienc-

things such as energy cost.

ing similar circumstances. Energy for cooling places, for light, refrigeration, and even for

gas to run a car depend on this. Combustible comes from fossil fuels (non-renewable re-

it will contribute to the economy.

source) many miles away from distance. This way of acquiring energy could have been

changed many years ago by many other existent alternatives, but still economy and

nificantly, making it possible to keep a business running without major expenses. More

government still supporting the entrance of this to the island. This source is hard to get

people will have to learn about this technology, experts in the area will be hired; more

and expensive since there’s not much left. The rises in these prices compromise every

employments and more opportunities will be created. The requirements of people to

day more customer’s pockets.

install and give maintenance to these will help reduce the rate of unemployed popula-

tion in the country as well. This change in electrical expenses could improve economy.

All this could be seen as an environmental issue, but many people don’t see it as

Solving energy cost in the country would not solve the economical problem but Using the right technology, electrical as well as water costs can be reduced sig-

an issue till their budgets is affected, seeing it from another perspective; economical.

All this together could also be translated into a decrease in unemployment rates, and

Puerto Rico has become one more in the list of countries affected by this issue. This has

the possibility of increasing salaries.

resumed in the increase of utilities prices.

Unemployment Rate

In 1978 the cost of petroleum starts increasing, but in 1985 it began decreasing 18

again. The problem with this increases in petroleum price is that is immediately reflect-

ed in the cost of electricity, but once the price of petroleum decrease is hard to see the

difference in reductions of energy prices. Even when the petroleum reduces its costs

the life style of people is changing, reason for the company to increase cost of energy.

The really notable change in price of petroleum begins in 1998, since that the

cost of electricity has changed yearly, affecting population economies. During the year

2010, the changes in price of electricity have increased monthly. These increases are 4 Denis M. Medeiros,Robert E. C. Wildman, Advanced Human Nutrition, MA, 2000,169 Second Edition 5 Markita K. Hill, Understanding Environmental Pollution, Cambridge University Press, 2010, 267

Unemployment Rate

Figure 1.10

0 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

120

ost of Petroleum VS Cost of Electricity

100

Diagrams show how the cost of electricity, as well as the cost of the petroleum have

Â˘

Axis Title

Chart Title

been increasing from 1976 to 2007 . Prices reflected are: cents per kwh for electricity and cent per liter in petroleum.

1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1934 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

8.05 7.69 9.41 9.65 8.97 9.49 9.11 9.84 9.76 10.15 9.7

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

1989

1988

7.8

1987

1986

1985

1934

1983

1982

1981

1980

1979

1978

1977

Series1 5.32 5.69 6.62 7.47 9.83 10.98 10.64 10.64 10.59 8.86

Price of Kwh - Electricity 5.32 5.69 5.62 7.47 9.83 10.98 10.64 10.64 10.59 8.86 7.8 8.05 7.69 9.41 9.65 8.97 9.49 9.11 9.48 9.76 10.15 9.7 8.99 10.94 12.44 11.3 12.61 12.83 14.81 17.99 17.76 22.19

Series2 13.36 14.43 13.79 22.04 30.7 29.66 28.35 29.11 28.76 20.99 15.24 16.56 14.8 18.35 18.36 14.98 17.05 15.81 17.57 19.09 20.68 18.79 14.96 23.94 29.73 23.25 30.52 30.98 39.96 56.78 58.68 84.63

1976

Price of liter - Petroleum 13.36 14.43 13.79 22.04 30.7 29.66 28.35 29.11 28.76 20.99 15.24 16.56 14.8 18.35 18.36 14.98 17.05 15.81 17.57 19.09 20.68 18.79 14.96 23.94 29.73 23.25 30.52 30.98 39.96 56.78 58.68 84.63

8.99 10.94 12.44 11.3 12.61 12.83 14.81 17.99 17.76 22.19

Figure 1.11 44

hapter 2

Context 46

emographics Ages AgesofofPopulation Population

Population (1960-2010)

GenderPopulation of Population Population

45%

Population, 4.027 millions

40% 35%

4 30% Percentage

Millions

3 3 2

52%

20%

48%

Female

Male

10%

52%

15%

Figure 2.1

25%

0 1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2004

2005

2010

Figure 2.2

0-15

15-44

45-64

65 +

Figure 2.3 48

Industry (comparison between USA and Puerto Rico) Industry Comparison Between Puerto Rico and USA 2.5

Other Private Services

9.4

Hospitality and Food services

ndustry

0.5

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

19.9

Health and Welfare 3.3

Educational Service

Administrative Services and Waste Management 1.5

Companies and Enterpraises Management

Technical and Profesional Services

6.7

Finances, Insurances and Real State 3.1

Information

Agriculture plays a small role in the economy. Goods-producing industries, such

as construction and manufacturing, are significant when compared to the norm in the United States (Table 2). The government also plays an important role: many of the utilities (electricity and water), education, and a lesser extent, health services are provided by government entities, In manufacturing, the number of jobs in the production of pharmaceuticals is exceptionally high. Nearly 4 % of all employees in the private sector of the Island work in this industry, more than ten times the average on the continent. Educational services are a substantial share of private sector jobs on the Island. In contrast, the number of jobs in industries professional and technical services is relatively low and until the share of services in the field Financial is somewhat lower than average. 49

Puerto Rico USA

Public Services

2.3

Transportation and Storage

18.4

Retail Trade 4.4

Wholesale 3.7

Pharmaceutical Products

14.9

Manufacturing 8.3

Construction 0.2

Mining

1.5

Agriculture, Forestry fishing and hunting 0

Figure 2.4 50

Today, education is a matter of high priority for Puerto Rico; it is evident in the

islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall literacy rate of 90 percent and its budget for education, approximately 40%. Education is obligatory between 6 to 17 years old. Primary school consists of six grades; the secondary levels are divided into 2 cycles of 3 years each. The school term in

ducational and Professional Context

public schools starts in August through mid-December and January through late May. The school system is administered by the Department of Education and has several levels of learning. The language used in the schools is Spanish, however, English is taught from kindergarten to high school as part of the school curriculum. Some private schools Education (Population between 25 and 44 years old)

provide English programs where all classes are conducted in English except for the Spanish class.

Puerto Rico has more than 50 institutions of higher education. Puerto Rico has

achieved one of the highest college education rates in the world (6th) with 56% of its

college-age students attending institutions of higher learning, according to World Bank

data.

At the present time only a 17.9 percent of population between 25 and 44 years

old havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t finished high school, while 25.5 of the population have as higher education 20

achieved a high school diploma. The majority of population in the country between

those ages is educated, having a 16.4 of population with some college education and 40.1 with associate degree, bachelor degree, or any graduate or professional degrees

achieved.1

0 No high school Diploma

Figure 2.5 51

High School Diploma

Some College

Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree, Master Degree or PhD

U.S. Census Bureau, 2005 American Community Survey.

reserves and recreational areas.

Puerto Rico is located at latitude 17 ° 50 ‘and 18 ° 30’ north and longitude 65 °

13 ‘and 67 ° 58’ at the north of the Ecuador and south of the tropic of Cancer. This area of land which means that receives direct sunlight throughout the year. The location in the tropics provides basic weather conditions along with other factors like the sea, making

escription of the Region

defined as tropical maritime climate. The tropical condition establishes a hot weather condition throughout the year.

The winds are another factor that affects the climate of Puerto Rico. The main

pattern of winds from the east-northeast and are called trade winds and the shaft, central mountain. Its geographical position places the country in an area of cyclones or hurricanes. Known as La Isla Grande, the main island of Puerto Rico is almost rectangular in shape

Puerto Rico is part of the Antilles arc of islands that constitute as an introduction

and has an area of 100 miles long by 35 miles wide. The territory is very mountainous

to Central America and helps form the inland seas American, Caribbean Sea and Gulf

(cover 60%), except in the regional coasts, but Puerto Rico offers astonishing variety:

of Mexico. The Antilles is a chain of islands that stretch more than 1500 miles starting

rain forest, deserts, beaches, caves, oceans and rivers. It is divided into three geographi-

from Florida (USA) to Venezuela (South America). They enclose the Caribbean sea. To the

cal areas; the Central Interior Mountain Ranges, Northern Karst, Coastal Plains. The cen-

north and east is the Atlantic Ocean.

tral interior Mountain Ranges cover the most of the island, including interior mountains,

mountain sides, low areas within the mountains and hills. These mountain ranges are La

These are divided into 3 main groups, the Bahamas, Greater Antilles and the

Lesser Antilles. 1

Cordillera Central, La Sierra de Cayey, La Sierra de Luquillo, and La Sierra Bermeja.

Puerto Rico is actually an archipelago of islands within the archipelago of the

The Northern Karst is located in the northern interior mountainous part of the island

Antilles. The smaller nearby islands are also part of Puerto Rico. Two of them, Vieques

of Puerto Rico. This particular area consists of formations of limestone rock dissolved

and Culebra, are municipalities and most of the other small islands are used for wild life

by water throughout the geological ages. This area consists of formations of rugged

1 Jose Manuel Garcia Leduc, Apuntes para una historia breve de arquitectura,San Juan , PR, 2003, 67

volcanic rock dissolved by water throughout the geological ages. This limestone region 54

is an extremely attractive zone of haystack hills, sinkholes, caves, limestone cliffs, and other karst features. The Coastal Plains are smaller in square miles than the Central Interior Mountain Ranges and the Northern Karst. (Figure 2.6) This area, which is relatively flat, was originally formed by the erosion of the interior mountains. The largest cities on the island are

Atlantic Ocean

located here, San Juan to the north, Ponce to the south and Mayaguez to the west. Beaches and sand dunes are abundant on Puerto Ricoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1,126 kilometers of coast.

2Patricia Levy, Nazry Bahrawi, Cultures of the World Puerto Rico, Tarrytown, 2005, Second EditionNew York, 7-12

Caribbean Sea

Costal Plains Areas of Karst Topography

Mountainous Area Approximate axis of mountain chain Figure 2.6 55

120

limate

The climate is Tropical Marine with regular temperature of 86°F. Puerto Rico en-

joys warm and sunny days most of the year. The winds, which blow from the East, moder-

100

Temperature

Maximum and Minimum Temperature San Juan Temperature in San Juan Maximum and in Minimum

60 Max.

ate temperatures. In the interior, the temperature fluctuates between 73°F and 82°F.

Rain tends to be evenly distributed throughout the year, but doubles during the

Min. 40

months from May to October, which, unfortunately, coincides with hurricane season, as falls from November to April, with a driest period from January to April. The north coast gets twice as much rain as the south coast.

Puerto Rico is expose to the cyclones of Caribbean. Hurricanes frequently occur

between August and October. Dozens of hurricanes have been recorded in the island’s history, but probably the most destructive was San Ciriaco, which struck on August 8,

1899. The relative humidity is high, about 80% throughout the year. 57

Month

Figure 2.7 58

Puerto Rico

hapter 3

Site Analysis

N Figure 3.1 Location of the Island in the World Map. 60

San Juan

istory and Description of the Area

Condado San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico is divided in many districts, being Condado

one of them. (See Figure 3.2 for location map) Condado is a wealthy tourist-oriented neighborhood, located near Old San Juan, and surrounded by Atlantic Sea and the Condado Lagoon. Currently all the area is being revitalized, erecting new buildings, restoring the roads and other residential buildings in the zone. According to the 2000 United States Census, it has a population of 6,170 residents.

The beaches in the area are located along all the Atlantic coast, these are popu-

lar by surfers and kite surfers. At the north as well, along the coastline, many hotels are located, as well as many commercial buildings such as nightclubs, casinos, shops and restaurants. (See Figure 3.3) This makes Condado one of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s primary tourist des-

Site

tinations, as well as a successful zone. It is also one of the few pedestrian oriented areas of Puerto Rico. 61

Figure 3.2 62

The site can be accessed from El Puente Dos Hermanos, a bridge that connects

the Historic San Juan with the Ave. Ashford, Condado. In the 1970 this bridge was the place where people use to go from Thursday to Saturday at night. The frequency of people there, as well as having vendors who converted trucks into food stands, con-

Atla ntic O

ouristic Map

taminating Condado lagoon with food residue and trash. Puerto Rico government concea n

structs a sanitary sewer system to service the structures that were discharging their raw sewage into the water body. This effort in addition with the enlargement of the Dos Hermanos Bridge to increase water flow into the lagoon, improved significantly the water quality of the area. Now over 300 species, including birds, reptiles, amphibians and tropical fishes, are associated with the Lagoon and its mangrove habitat, including 124 species of fish. The Lagoon includes coral reefs that are home to sponges, starfish and sea urchins and other fish and marine invertebrates. Turtles and manatees now make the Condado Lagoon their habitat.

El Condado began its process of urbanization in 1908 by the Behn brothers, two

brothers who worked in the industry in America. Their growth and development was Con d

ado

mostly in the form of transport-influenced by sub urbanization and developed a Plan Lag

oon

grid. El Condado becomes a typical suburb to the traditional urban center of old San Juan. This area experienced a change in the early decades of the 20th century, when some of the richest families built their homes in the area, giving some prestige to the zone.

The area looks very different compared to what it was in the 20th the century.

Some of the luxurious homes located between the skyscrapers of condominiums have Figure 3.3 63

become mall inns, shops, museums and restaurants. 64

Con d

ado

Walking Time:

Figure 3.5

cea n

Ramada

Atla ntic O

Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza

ite Surroundings

Puente Dos Hermanos

Lag

oon

Figure 3.6

Time in walking distance is measured from the center of the site Site

First radius - 2.5 minutes walking distance, which equal 1/4 of a mile. Second radius - 5 minutes walk equals 1/2 mile and Third radius - 10 minutes walking distance, which equals 1 mile of distance from the center of the site. 65

Figure 3.4

Figure 3.7

View of the site surroundings taken

from the street in the direction the arrow is pointing

ile

Figure 3.8

Atla ntic O

cea n

ile

Figure 3.9

Con d

ado

Lag

oon

Figure 3.10

Figure 3.11 67

Figure 3.12

Figure 3.13

Figure 3.14 68

Solid Void: 1

ile

cea n

Figure 3.16

Figure 3.19

Figure 3.20

Figure 3.21

Of fice Building Restaurant

Atla ntic O

Residence

Figure 3.17

Con d

ado

The site is currently occupying two parking lots facing the beach front of Con-

dado and having at one side the Ramada Hotel (Figure 3.15), at the other side an office building (Figure 3.16) and a restaurant (Figure 3.17). In front of the site are residential buildings. (Figure 3.18) The Ramada Hotel is currently abandoned, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a plan for its revitalization in a near future. Right next to this hotel is located the Conrad San Juan

Lag

Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino. (Figure 3.5) It is currently the closest functional hotel

oon

to the site, and a place often frequented by tourist and Puerto Rican population.

The Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino is a luxury hotel in

located at the entrance of Condado. This hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and Condado Lagoon. The building has an energized and chic decoration. This resort has to offer, museums, upscale shopping, restaurants (Figure 3.19), a lounge (Figure 3.20), bar Figure 3.15 69

Figure 3.18

(Figure 3.21) and casino. 70

m /2

ile

Con d

ado

eight

Lag

oon

ado

11-15 Story Building 1-5 Story Building

Residential

6-10 Story Building

Parking

+ 15 Story Building

Commercial

Parking Lot

Site

Green Areas / Plaza

cea n

ile

Con d

Hotel

Figure 3.22 71

cea n

Atla ntic O

1/2

ile

1m i

ses

Lag

oon

Figure 3.23 72

losing Time

ile

Atla ntic O

ile

cea n

Figure 3.25

ite Existing Conditions N

ado

Lag

oon

Project Area = 71,925 sq. ft..

Public Building - Open from 9 am to 8 PM Public Building - Open from 11 am to 12 am

195’

Public Building- Open from 6 PM to 2 am Site

2’

24 hours Open Space

Figure 3.24 73

’

Private Building - Open 24 hours

Con d

148

Public Building - Open 24 hours

cea n

247’

Atla ntic O

Figure 3.26 74

Atla ntic O

limatic Conditions

cea n

Summer Solstice

Equinox

The site is in a position where receive direct sun in almost every part during Winter Solstice

every season of the year. It is also positioned in a place where wind affects directly, making possible the utilization of sustainable technologies for the generation of energy.

Con d

ado

Receives a constant wind from the north east at an average speed of 12 m/h at a height of 33 ft. The east side of the site receive strong waves with an altitude of 6 to 8 ft., what

Lag

oon

also allows to implements the wave power as an energy generator technology.

Figure 3.27 75

N 1m

Atla ntic O

Figure 3.28

ile

cea n

ransportation and Transit

ile

The approach to the site could be pedestrian as well as vehicular. (Figure 3.29)

The main road is located in front of the site. One bus stop is located in front of the site, (Figure 3.28) there are several near the area. There are also several parking lots and

Figure 3.29

Con d

parking garages available for the use of the public inside of the 5 minute walk radius. (See Figure 3.30 for parking garages, parking lots, bus stops and road direction)

ado

Site

Lag

oon

Green Areas / Square/ Park Parking Garage Parking Lot Figure 3.30 77

hapter 4

Program Analysis 80

rogram Planning Goals

are the hotels, which are more directed for tourist rather than for the community. Since the project and the program are unique, it is necessary to have a different aesthetic in the building, in comparison with the rest of the buildings surrounding the area. Even when the aesthetic of the project will be different from other buildings, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a need of respecting the context and surrounding. The interior spaces will be different from each other in lighting, sizes of spaces, materiality, technologies, systems integrated, ways of interacting with nature, and the sensorial aspect of each space. Because of the lack of sustainable design in the country and the lack of knowledge from population, sustainable technologies as well as sustainable materials, practices and design decisions will be applied to the project and to the program. Sustainability covers a lot of different aspects, including among them the reduction of

The site is located in a residential and touristic area, where many hotels and restaurants are located. The different typologies, and the importance of the zone for the economic development of the country, is what makes this project important to improve the zone, activating and transforming it into a hub. Having a project with 24 hours program will promote activity in the zone and contribute to a sustainable project. Because of the ambience and qualities the area possess people from all over the Metropolitan Area of Puerto Rico, (including San Juan, Caguas, Bayamon, Guaynabo, Trujillo Alto, Carolina and CataĂąo) comes frequently to work, diligences or for leisure purposes. This project tries to gather people of different taste and ages. The lack of places open 24 hours and the lack of options for different user groups create the need for this unique program. The only buildings open 24 hours in the area are residential, apart from that 81

land used for construction and the use of minimal space as possible. The project will aim to only 50% of the site for the buildings, using the rest as landscape. With tourist from other countries as well as people from different parts of Puerto Rico visiting this area, it is suitable to promote the learning of sustainability through a building that people from all ages can enjoy. The location of the site provides the conditions needed to potentially apply several technologies such as solar, wind and tidal power.

use of energy, materials and the comfort of well being. The Biomimicry principle implies the change through every step of design and the humble process of unlearning and relearning. In some cases the implementation of Biomimicry can imply the application of certain technologies such as photovoltaic cells, playing a large role in energy generating without pollution, just with the use of sun light.2 This concept can also become

ustainability

broader when not utilizing any technologies but implementing the environmental design in the project. Both the sustainable design by the implementation of technologies and the environmental design will be applied in the design of the building shape taking nature in consideration and reflecting it in building responses. The reflection of these in the building will be shown not only in shape of buildings and openings but also with the use of design principles such as natural ventilation, daylight and passive solar heating. Figure 4.1 shows the climate in the site and possible shape of a building taking those elements in consideration. As part of the program the building shape will take an important role deeply exploring the way of taking advantages of those climatic condi-

In sustainable design the health, safety and well being of people in the built

environment are addressed by implementing six principles. 1.

Respect of Wisdom of Natural Systems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Biomimicry Principle

The respect of wisdom of natural systems is the most important principles, basically the one that incorporate the other five principles. This principle not only state the approach to site design, in which includes attitude toward climate and place, but also the

1. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 38

tions. 2.

Respect for People â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Human Vitality Principle

Sustainable design endeavor to create healthy habitats for all people without diminishing the ability of nature to provide nourishing places for all creation as well as for our own species in the future. 3 The creation of open spaces for people to gather while being 2. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 35-44 3. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 46-50 84

community to community. In sustainable design picks up not only on place but also on culture and individual differences.4 This project is not only directed to environment but also an important part of the project is the user and the culture. The project intent to revive an important part of culture which is social aspect of it and the program as well as the building design will enhance socialization. The ecosystems would be improved by the addition of vegetation of the site. The existing rocks will stay in their original place and the design will interact with the existent. 4.

Respect for Cycle of Life –

This is the Seven Generation Principle, in which we understand that choices make today have consequences for animals and people yet to be born. Issues of today are no longer about choosing the best of two evils, but to do choosing right solutions without harming any part.

“The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery – not over nature – but of ourselves.” - Rachel Carson Figure 4.1

in contact with nature will contribute to this principle. Views to exterior, to ocean to

“Energy is a critically valuable resource and that the use of energy always comes with a

green spaces, to the lagoon, will enhance the relationship user- nature. (See figure 4.2

great responsibility. We have a responsibility to use as little energy as technologically

for open spaces diagram)

possible within any design, while striving to maximize the quality of the built environ-

4. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 53-60

Respect for Place – Ecosystem Principle.

A respect for place demands that built environment differ from region to region and 85

Principle of energy -

5. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 63-71

ment. We need to head to a future where combustion as a primary mode of deriving energy has been replaced with only renewable source of fuel. We need to head to a

Use of Open Space on Site

future where all our energy should come directly from the sun, wind and tides” .6 Some

Plaza, connection space between buildings and

energy generating technologies will be discussed further in this chapter.

street. Beach, create a public space that connect the

Respect for the Process – Holistic Thinking Principle

beach with the plaza and the rest of the project.

Life cycle analysis consider a material’s impact through all stages of its life from resourc-

Public space smaller than the beach and the

es extraction thought construction, use and disposal. Suggestions of sustainable mate-

plaza but which let the user have view to the

rials will be discussed further on this chapter.

ocean and to the plaza and street as well.

The project will have different type of users and

it is suitable for families, couples or groups.

Plaza Beach Smaller Public Space Family

6. Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, Kanss City, Missouri, 2004, 73-76

Couples Groups Figure 4.2

ustainable Technologies for Energy Generation

There are various methods of sustainability that could be applied such as solar

olar Power

The conversion of solar energy into power could help significantly to reduce

power, wave power, wind power and kinetic power. Since Puerto Rico is an island sur-

the amount of electrical power needed in any infrastructure. This is really important

rounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea it has a lot of wind and sun dur-

because electrical power use nonrenewable natural resources, which is detrimental for

ing all seasons; and having the site located at the coast provide the perfect conditions

the environment. 1

to take advantages of wave power as well.

What makes possible the conversion into power is the geographical position of

the island, which is located in the humid tropical zone at the north of the Equator line in the Caribbean where every season the sun is present.2

“It is not enough to recognize the evils; one should know their roots and causes, [and]

The sun has produced energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the sun’s rays (solar

according to the circumstances, provide the remedies.”

1 Supt. of Docs., U.S. Government Printing Office, The environmental impact of

- Colonel George C. Flinter

electrical power generation: Nuclear and fossil: a minicourse for secondary schools and adult education, 1975, 89

2. Herman Schneider, Nina Schneider, Heath science series, DC Heath, 1973, 265 89

radiation) that reach the Earth. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy,

Solar Ivy (Figure 4.3)

such as heat and electricity. Radiant energy from the sun has powered life on Earth for

many millions of years. Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and

sun to generate energy. Density of Solar Ivy leaves can be increased or reduced de-

photovoltaic.3 To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to use solar panels.

pending on goals for energy gain, visibility requirements, or architectural needs. Its

Solar technologies are broadly characterized as either passive solar or active

light-sourcing leaves are not static, allowing them to move around and catch the sun

solar depending on the way they capture, convert and distribute solar energy. Active

from many directions. The organic shape of each panel, permit them to act like real

solar techniques include the use of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors to

leaves, providing a more authentic climbing ivy aesthetic.

harness the energy.

3. Andrej Stefan,V. Alexander Stefan, The Solar Cell Power in Your Home and Your Workplace: All You Need to Know, La Jolla California, 2009, 20 4. Leonard L. Northrup Jr, Solar Energy: Solar Power, Concentrating Solar Power, 2010, 32 Figure 4.3

Figure 4.4

The Solar Ivy is one of the several sustainable technologies that work with the

The stainless steel mesh that roots Solar Ivy to a building or sub-structure is

flexible enough to stretch, bend, and curve to hug the contours of almost any surface, including building facades. It is also light weight what makes easy mounting it into a wall. The Solar Ivy system is modular in nature and made up of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bricksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of 5 leaves which may be scaled to any size necessary. Every leave is capable of generate 4 Watts, a 4 by 7 foot strip of Solar Ivy is capable of generating 85 Watts of solar power.

Dye Solar Cell Technology (Figure 4.4)

Dye Solar Cell technology can be described as artificial photosynthesis. It uses

electrolyte, a layer of titania (pigment) and ruthenium dye sandwiched between glass. Light striking the dye excites electrons which are then absorbed by the titania to become an electric current many times stronger than that found in natural photosynthesis in plants.

When operating in a solar cell the sensitizer S gets excited by the visible light.

5. SMIT,inhabitat, 2012, http://inhabitat.com/solar-ivy-photovoltaic-leaves-climb-to-newheights/smitsolarivy-2/, accessed 5/20/2012 91

Then it gets oxidized due to charge injection, and recycled by iodide reduction. The rate

ity. Individual PV cells are grouped into panels and arrays of panels that can be used in

constants for charge injection and iodide reduction are at least 109 times higher than

a wide range of applications ranging from single small cells that charge calculator and

the rate constants for excited and oxidized state degradation. The sensitizer should be

watch batteries, to systems that power single homes, to large power plants covering

able to undergo around one billion cycles without significant degradation. 6Side reac-

many acres. 8

tions such as sensitization of oxygen are efficiently suppressed due to ultrafast electron

injection into TiO2. Compared to conventional silicon based photovoltaic technology,

cell is usually small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. To boost the power

produces electricity more efficiently even in low light conditions and can be directly

output of PV cells, they are connected together to form larger units called modules.

incorporated into buildings by replacing conventional glass panels rather than taking

Modules, in turn, can be connected to form even larger units called arrays, which can be

up roof or extra land area.7

interconnected to produce more power, and so on. In this way, PV systems can be built

to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.

Dye solar cells from Solaronix perform remarkable photochemical stability

A photovoltaic is made up of several photovoltaic solar cells. An individual PV

under intense and continuous light irradiation. After 6000 hours at full sunlight, corre-

Illustration of solar cells combined to make a module and modules combined to make

sponding to about seven years of outside light exposure no loss of tri-iodide or chemi-

an array.9

cal transformation of the sensitizer was observed. Heating of a test solar cell at 70°C

for 1000 hours under irradiation did not affect the conversion efficiency, indicating an

also include structures that point them toward the sun and components that take the

excellent chemical stability.

direct-current electricity produced by modules and “condition” that electricity, usually

by converting it to alternate-current electricity. 10

The overall quantum efficiency for green light is about 90%, with the “lost” 10%

By themselves, modules or arrays do not represent an entire PV system. Systems

being largely accounted for by the optical losses in top electrode.

Photovoltaic Cells (Figure 4.5)

Photovoltaic (PV devices) or “solar cells” change sunlight directly into electric-

6. Dyesol, DSC Applications, Australia, 2005, http://www.dyesol.com/index. php?page=DSC+Applications, accessed 5/20/2012 7. Dyesol, Dyesol - Global Leaders in Dye Solar Cell Technology, Australia, 2005, http://www. dyesol.com/, accessed 5/12/2012 93

Figure 4.5 8. Antonio Luque,Steven Hegedus, Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering United Kingdom, 2011, Second Edition, 53 9. Elena Papadopoulou, Photovoltaic Industrial Systems: An Environmental Approach, Berlin Heidelberg, 2011, 34 10. James Will, Photovoltaic Cells, a great way to utilize clean energy from the sun, world press, myhomesolarpower.com, April 9, 2011, accessed 5/20/2012 94

currents. Its nature-inspired design (Biomimicry) combines high conversion efficiency with the ability to continuously align with the current direction.

The system employs an oscillating hydrofoil system to extract energy from mov-

ing water. For the system to work properly it needs at least 2.5 m/s of peak current speed.

ave Power

The site currently have a minimum current of 2.5 m/s ad the maximum of 16

m/s which makes it suitable for the application of this technology. 13

An onboard computer continually adjusts the angle of the hydrofoil (fin) relative

to the oncoming flow such that the tail and fin system develops a swimming motion. The energy transferred by this side-to-side motion is converted to electricity by O-Drive modules installed on the BioSTREAM. Each system can generate 250KW14

Pelamis Technology (Figure 4.7)

The Pelamis is an offshore wave energy converter that uses the motion of waves

Wave energy is a concentrated form of solar energy, when the sun causes differ-

to generate electricity. This machine is typically installed 2 to 10 km away from the coast

ences in temperature across the globe causing winds that blow over the ocean surfaces

and operates in water depths greater than 50 m. The machine is rated at 250KW with

causing ripples which grows into swells. These waves can travel thousand of miles with-

a target capacity factor of 25-40 per cent, depending on the conditions at the chosen

out loosing energy. The power density generated by the waves is much higher than the

project site.

power generated by the sun or wind.

The machine floats semi-submerged on the surface of the water and inherently

faces into the direction of the waves. Is made up of five tube sections linked by universal

BioSTREAM (Figure 4.6)

The BioSTREAM is being developed for utility-scale power production from tidal

11. Jo達o Cruz, Ocean Wave Energy: Current Status and Future Perspectives, Berlin Heidelberg, 2008, 1 95

12. Bio Power System, BioSTREAM, http://www.biopowersystems.com/biostream.html, 2011, accessed 5/21/2012 13. Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System, http://www.caricoos.org/drupal/san_juan, accessed 5/21/2012 14. Bio Power System, BioSTREAM, http://www.biopowersystems.com/biostream.html, 2011, accessed 5/21/2012 96

joints which allow flexing in two directions. As waves pass down the length of the machine and the sections bend in the water, the movement is converted into electricity via hydraulic power take-off systems housed inside each joint of the machine tubes, and power is transmitted to shore using standard subsea cables and equipment.15 15. Pelamis Wave Power, Leith, Edinburgh, http://www.pelamiswave.com/wave-power, accessed 5/20/2012

ind Power

Figure 4.6

Wind flow patterns are modified by the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrain, bodies of water, and veg-

etation. Humans use this wind flow, or motion energy, for many purposes. The terms wind energy or wind power describes the process by which the wind is used to generate mechanical power or electricity. Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. This mechanical power can be used for specific tasks or a generator can convert this mechanical power into electricity.

Figure 4.7

When the wind strikes the blades of a wind turbine, it imparts a thrust or force

that turns the rotor. A finite amount of energy in the spinning rotor. When a force does work on an object, energy is transferred from one to another.

Wind turbines range in

16. Paul Gipe, Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business, White River Junc97

size from minuscule .05 meter in diameter to giant machines with rotors of 100 meters in diameter. The .05 meter diameter wind turbine can generate 20 watts while the 100

Whale Power (Figure 4.10)

meter diameter wind turbine can generate as much as 3 MW17

speeds, increasing the amount of time and the number of locations where they can

Modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups: the horizontal-axis variety (Fig-

This technology use Tubercle Technology blades which require lower wind

ure 4.9) and the vertical-axis design (Figure 4.8). Horizontal-axis wind turbines typically

actively generate electricity.18

either have two or three blades. These three-bladed wind turbines are operated “up-

wind,” with the blades facing into the wind.

tion, VT, 2004, 3 17. Paul Gipe, Wind Power: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business, White River Junction, VT, 2004, 9

Figure 4.8 99

18. Whale Energy, Our Technology, manufacturer’s website, http://www.whalepower.com/ drupal/?q=node/3, accessed 5/20/2012

Figure 4.9

Figure 4.10 100

Materials and interior spaces play a very important role in every user experi-

ence. A material can change mood, orient people and transmit information. This can be achieved not only by shape, application and color but also with smell, texture, interaction, among other qualities. A material can also define the safety of a place. The fire rating in materials is very important, and probably the most popular when thinking about

ustainable Materials

safety in a building. There are also many other things to keep in mind while choosing materials for a place. Many materials for public use have high emission of toxins. Due to the application of chemical substance to make a material safer during fire, some materials end up harming users in other ways. Fortunately there are new materials in the market that are suitable for health and safety.

In very frequented building is very important to select materials that can avoid

dirt or self-cleaning materials, because this will help to keep the place clean avoiding â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sustainability of this industrial sector is dependent on a fundamental shift in the way in which resources are used, from nonrenewable to renewable, from high levels of waste to high levels of reuse and recycling, and from products based on lowest first cost to those based on life cycle costs and full cost accounting, especially as applied to waste and emissions from the industrial processes that support construction activity.â&#x20AC;? 1

bacteria and the propagation of any disease in the building. Since the building will be frequented during every time of the day, the materials will have to collaborate with the cleaning process of the building.

When planning interior the first thing that comes up to mind is the color, which

will set the mood of the place we design. Paint in walls is the most common thing we can think of when giving color to surface, but thinking about environmental paint is not that common. Reben is a paint made 100 from natural ingredients with no harmful organic volatile compounds. This paint controls humidity and prevent molds and bacteria as well as flame spread. When this paint is illuminated it gets to deodorize the space and absorb pollution.

1. Charles J. Kibert and others, Construction Ecology Nature as a basis for green buildings, New York, NY, 2002, 7 101

Beside paint there are other different materials with similar qualities. An exam102

ple of a recycled material that have a very low emission of toxins is the Acrovyn 3000, this material is a wall panel available in different colors. 1

FR Eco Intelligent Polyester is perpetually recyclable material with a nontoxic

footprint. 2 This material have pattern and texture unlike the Acrovnym 300 (Figure 4.11) that comes in a solid color. The FR Eco Intelligent Polyester’s(Figure 4.12) pattern and texture which can help to create a different environment.

Textile is another material that can give color and texture to a space. Textiles

are not only used for furniture and curtains but also for the exterior design. Remede3 Figure 4.11

(Figure 4.13) is a breathable textile which finishes protect from spills and stains. Stains is not the only thing a material need to be proof of, because bacteria and microbes can still be in some materials without been seen. Fosshield-Powder Pellet is a coating material that protect against 99.99% of odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and other

Figure 4.12

microbes. This can be incorporated into nearly any fabric, polymer or rubber. Can be applied to a endless list of products where odor –causing bacteria and deteriorating microbial growth is not desired. Among these products we can include carpets, wall covering, bedding, furniture, HVAC air filters among others.

Another product that reduces the dirt and water from being tracked into build-

ings is the Power Point’s Berber Pattern.4 (Figure 4.14) Having wet surface can promote

Figure 4.13 103

1. Construction Specialist Inc, Acrovyn products 2010, Mc Graw Hill Construction, http:// www.c-sgroup.com/acrovyn/, accessed 5/19/2012 2. Victor, Group Inc, FR Eco Intelligent polyester, 2008, http://www.victor-innovatex.com/en/ ecoProducts.php, accessed 5/19/2012 3. HDR Inc, Fabric Furniture and Function, http://www.hdrinc.com/sites/all/files/content/articles/article-files/3690-fabric-furniture-and-function.pdf, accessed 5/19/2012 4 Construction Specialist Inc, CS Entrance Flooring, 2010, http://www.c-sgroup.com/entranceflooring/design-step/power_point_pwpt, accessed 5/12/2012 104

the growing of bacteria into surfaces and can cause users to fall, especially in those areas where kids will be conglomerated.

Among flooring materials we can find a wide variety, from materials that pro-

mote good indoor quality, such as the Acoustiflor5 (Figure 4.15)to materials that are stain resistant such as the MG Paradiso tile (Figure 4.16) or the Microban Ceramic tiles6 Figure 4.14

(Figure 4.17), recycled material that reduce the 99% of bacteria and have low reflective properties.

There are also other technologies available for flooring options, which achieve

something different to everything mentioned before. Smart materials are very helpful for transmitting signals and information. Is important to keep in mind the teaching goal in addition to the sustainability and letting people interact with the material havFigure 4.15

ing visual reactions in response is a great way. Metal Series7 (Figure 4.18) is a material that can trace the footsteps of the user.

Going back to textiles and surfaces we have to mention Naturtex A-14628, (Fig-

ure 4.19) is made from linen and cork, what makes it unique and textured. The material Figure 4.16

has warm colors. Beside Naturtex there are also other materials that have texture and are suitable for touch sense. Super Cilia Skin9 (Figure 4.20) is a tactile, visual and smart

Figure 4.17 105

5. Johnsonite a Tarkett Company, Acczent Heterogeneous Sheet, http://www.johnsonite.com/ Default.aspx?tabid=911, accessed 5/17/2012 6. Microban International, Building Materials, 2012, http://www.microban.com/partners/americas/building-materials/english, accessed 5/12/2012 7. Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial 3: A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment, New York, NY, 2010, Volumen 3, 113 8. XNaturtex fabrics, rugs and more, product A-1462, Spain, http://www.naturtex.es/en/products/fabrics/nature-sense/a-1462, accessed 5/19/2012 9. MIT: Tangible Interfaces, Super Cilia Skin, http://web.media.mit.edu/~hayes/mas834/scs1. 106

material that contains computer-controlled actuators that are anchored to an elastic membrane. It is able to reply dynamic gestures which makes it valuable tool for education and hepatic communication. Figure 4.18

Part of a childhood is writing on walls, but thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not something that looks good

at all aesthetically speaking. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a water based finish called Wink10 that turns any surface into a dry-erase surface, making the surface to act as a whiteboard. This is a material that could be potentially used in any of the kids area, letting them space for perform a new art every day.

Figure 4.19

The use of light is very important to define each space, depending on this

the mood we want to create in the space the lighting should change; always keeping in mind the important factor of saving as much energy as possible. The Fuzzy Light Switch11 (Figure 4.21)is an embroided light sensor for dimming lights or controlling electronic devices. It is an interactive material that can cover a wall or even become part of furniture, what makes it incredibly versatile. Because of the implementation of the environmental factors we can also consider to have window treatments to control the entrance of light in the space. There are many different of treatments that can be applied

Figure 4.20

but every treatment have a different reaction in space, as well as a different aesthetic. The Sun Control Selector 12is a solar shade made from aluminum extrusion, what makes

Figure 4.21 107

html, accessed 5/20/2012 10. Wolf-Gordon, Wink, Wolf-Gordon 2011, http://www.wallsloveink.com/about_wink.html, accessed 5/20/2012 11. Blaine Brownell, Fuzzy Light Switch, Transmaterial, textile, June 27, 2011, http://transmaterial.net/index.php/2011/06/27/fuzzy-light-switch/, accessed 5/0/2012 12. Construction Specialist Inc, The Sun Control Selector, Mc Graw Hill Construction, 2010, http://products.construction.com/manufacturer/c-s-sun-controls-nst151576/products/suncontrols-color-selector-nst33975-p, accessed 5/20/2012 108

it durable and resistant to weather conditions. It provides to the building effective sun

wool panel with very good sound absorption. Is very important that this acoustic panel

control admitting soft dappled light but at the same time offering views to the exte-

donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any harmful effect on humans since donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t produce toxic emissions and also

rior. On the other hand we have Solarmotion Dynamic Facades13 (Figure 4.22), which is

contribute with the environment since save resources during production.

an intelligent sun shading system. This system is formed from louvers attached to an

electronic mechanism that respond to external environment and adapts to provide the

available in the market. Fortunately the environment is becoming an important issue,

most optical building conditions. It is an effective way to reduce heat and glare, lower

and materials designers are taking it in count when designing.

These materials mentioned are only few examples of the hundreds of options

energy consumption and maximize dimmed light that come into the building. Louvers are good options for dimming light, Kool Shade is screen with miniature louvers which blocks the directs rays of solar light coming into the space, but at the same time allowing view to the exterior. This screen blocks 86% of the heat, what eventually results in a reduction of energy use.

Window treatments materials are not the only materials that deal with light,

Light Sensitive Concrete14 (Figure 4.23) is a technology that allows concrete to be sensitive to ambient light level. It distributes the light in the surface of the material and send

Figure 4.22

Figure 4.23

Figure 4.24

data to a computer which can control sound light projected visuals among others.

Sound is something that is really important to maintain the environment de-

sired and to avoid loud noises provided from the users of the building, reason why acoustic panels are very important. Heradesign Fine15 (Figure 4.24) is a decorative wood 13. Construction Specialist Inc, The Sun Control Selector, Mc Graw Hill Construction, 2010, http://products.construction.com/manufacturer/c-s-sun-controls-nst151576/products/suncontrols-color-selector-nst33975-p, accessed 5/20/20 14. Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial 3 A Catalog of Materials That Redefine Our Physical Environment, New York, NY, 2010, 21 15. Knauf Insulation GmbH, Heradesign, Austria, http://www.heradesign.com/heradesignspanisch/loesungen/heradesign-fine.php, accessed 5/1/2012 109

110

ther Sustainable Aspects

Expansive windows and ceilings that emit natural light throughout the units as

well as motion-sensors contribute to the reduction of energy use in the building.

To reduce the waste produced is important to have recycling and composting

containers in the building.

The transportation could be addressed by the implementation of bicycle stor-

age or public transportation. As part of variety and interaction with natural environment and part of a visual connection between different types of users, different zones of open plazas, green roofs, balconies and interior courtyard will be created. The site is located in beach front, and near the Condado Lagoon, these views could be implemented as part of the program of the project to enhance the user experience.

The zoning allows the different programming opportunities and the desire to

Beside all the energy technologies and the sustainable materials, there are many other

make it available to most user groups as possible bring a wide range of activities to it.

factors to consider in the program in order to make a project sustainable and environ-

mental friendly.

lic can interact with buildings created and with nature. Different zones in open space

Water for instance, is a natural resource that cannot be wasted, and which can

could function as transitional areas. Beach area will be one open zone that should be

be reused. The recollection of water from the rain, water conservation measures; en-

divided from the plaza created in the middle of the site, which is the welcoming area for

hanced waste-water treatment; and recycling protocols could be an alternative for the

the project. Some other smaller public area can also be provided, this open the possibil-

reduction of water demand.

ity to having outdoor dining or space for more quiet activities.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a possibility to create different zones in the public space where the pub-

The creation of green roof in the building and green spaces are important for

the reduction of heat in the building, as well as for the implementation of nature into it. The plants to be used should be native plants to minimize water needs. 111

112

djacencies

See Figure 4.25

Figure 4.25 113

114

but also transforms it and allow interaction between man-made and nature. This restaurant can open to center of the buildings, where the plaza ends. This gave the opportunity to use the exterior in a different way

ses and Spatial Qualities of Interior and Exterior Spaces

The possible opening of the space to the exterior not only expands the space

Beach Club – Needs to be oriented to the beach. This space is supposed to emu-

late fantasy and excitement, in different layers of water from natural to artificial; the ocean being the natural, turning into hot tub with natural rocks in the intermediate level and an elevated and floating crystal pool. The pool will bring the feeling as if people walks under the water and that the space is compressed in that area. There will be two

All the places designated to serve food need to be located having access a plaza

to make easier the access to it specially during breakfast and lunch hours. These space will have that in common but will be totally different in spatial qualities. (See figure 4.26) 1.

Café – Will be a very open and with minimal design, wide spaces, high light

level and no variety in seating and tables. Here the connection with the plaza will create the opportunity of having interior and exterior seating. 2.

Boutique restaurant – High design space with different types of light depend-

ing of the area, as well as different types of seating and table areas. This space could be transformed into a sophisticated nightclub – lounge during night. Figure 4.26 115

116

levels, giving the opportunity to enjoy the view of the different systems from different

building is a kids learning center while during the night it becomes a baby-sitting. This

heights.

building need access to the plaza (Figure 4.28) and to be located in a position there’s

There’s an opportunity to represent the wave power in the beach club using the

direct visibility between the lobby of the main building and this building for those par-

pool as a vivid representation of how nature acts. People in the beach club will have

ents that leave their kids while enjoying other programmatic space of the project. The

direct connection with nature, in a tropical environment, receiving natural breezes, hav-

intent is to make kids to appreciate nature and have fun with it while learning about

ing contact with sky, ocean and the rest of the city and having view to technologies

environment. The space need light enough to make them feel comfortable and secure.

such as wind power generator and solar power generator. The building accessed from

The playgrounds will be a series of natural hardscapes bringing nature to these kids in

the beach and from the plaza, (Figure 4.27) located in the middle of the other buildings

a playful way. This space should have a feeling of been relax and be stimulant to learn

will be alluding the ancestral culture, when the taínos used to live near the sea in con-

while having fun.

nection with nature and with the batey in front (their plaza). In this building having access from the beach will open the opportunity to attract not only people that is enjoy-

Beside the Child Care, all other programmatic spaces designated for the use of kids or

ing the beach but also people that comes from the street because of the dual access.

teenagers will be located in the same floor to concentrate ages per area as a security

During the day it will be place for aquatic rentals as well. The building will be open dur-

measure. This is the reason why the kid’s gym, game room and teen’s club should be ad-

ing day and night, to serve food and drinks and also to make activities.

jacent one to the other. (See Figure 4.29) Even when it is not directly connected to other

Child Care – This part of the program requires a separate building because of

levels, every space in this level will include outside balconies or green space to enhance

the importance of high hygiene, of less noise and security issues. During the day this

the communication between other programmatic areas, as well as the connection with the exterior, context and nature.

Figure 4.27

Kid’s Gym – This will be a gym designed specially for kids, to teach them to take

care of health. There will be some rooms for dance classes and a climbing wall will be made from the rocks of the site. Some connection with outside spaces will be an impor-

Figure 4.28 117

118

tant part in the design. This place becomes a teen’s club during night.

Game room – Is a child’s place and therefore contains those qualities in the de-

ing an open floor plan, but different rooms for classes at the sides. The rooms for differ-

sign. The colors are juvenile and the design is one dynamic and playful. Materials should

ent classes bring the opportunity of having different activities and gathering different

be non-slippery and antibacterial, since kids are touching everything all the time. The

users at the same time. It also allows performing a sequential transformation of space in

games should be related to nature, environment and sustainability. This place open the

order to have the building working 24 hours. This space is transformed into a nightclub

possibility of implementing interactive materials, where by using difference senses the

during night.

kids can have different experiences.

Teen’s Club - This space is created to the enjoyment of teenagers what cannot

tion with nature is very important in this space, as well as the visual connection with all

go into night clubs but are interested in them. This is a trendy place to dance and make

the sustainable technologies. Is from this space where wind turbines and the tor are

parties but also to be in contact with nature and with the technologies. Technologies

visibly seen from everywhere, as well as other technologies such as the tidal pool, the

will be implemented visually as well as physically by the implementation of systems as

energy wall, the solar ivy, etc. The roof gardens change the feeling of what being in a

the sustainable dance floor.

typical nightclub is. 10.

119

Nightclub – Located in upper levels. It is mostly open and uncovered. The rela-

Hookah – Bed lounge – wine bar - This space is the connector between two

buildings, main building and beach club. This space appearance is modern, and sophis-

Same technique used with children and teenagers is used with adults trying to concentrate them in an area. (Figure 4.30)

Adult’s gym – The gym is not a typical gym. This gym is more oriented in hav-

Figure 4.29

Figure 4.30

ticated. Contains beds to relax as a Zen space and connection to the outside with view to the plaza, to the pool, to the sea and to the beach.

120

Views:

Psychological Effect of Spaces in the User:

Views to exterior (sea)

Calming

View to the plaza

Dramatic

View to the street

Dynamic

View to other space

Eccentric Energetic

Direct Access to:

Increase Thoughts

Exterior spaces

Mystic

Other part of the program

Peace

(Lobby not included)

Provoke Creativity

Versatility:

Purity

Transformable Space

Refreshing Spiritual Realization

Movable Walls to integrate:

Warm

Exterior with interior

Youthful

Different programmatic spac-

121

n rv at io se Ob

Lo b

lu b gh tC

om Ro e Ga m

Gy m

d’s

ym lt’ sG Ad u

Ca fe

e ng

To w er

Ba W in

ra nt Re st Lo u

ut iq

ub Cl h ac

Figure 4.31

ild

Ca re

lu b

To w er n

n’s C

Te e

rv at io

by Lo b

Ob se

b lu gh tC

om Ho

Ro e Ga m

Gy m

d’s Ki

lt’ sG Ad u

Ca fe

Re st Lo u

ut iq

ub Bo

Cl h ac

ild

Ca re

W in

ra nt

Figure 4.32 122

Green Roof Materials: Systems integration:

Durable Interactive

Solar Technology:

Recyclable

(Physical integration)

Opacities

(Visual integration)

Transparencies Translucencies

Wave Technology: (Physical integration)

Lighting:

(Visually integration)

Different type of lighting High light level

Wind Technology:

Low light level

(Physical integration)

123

To w er

rv at io se Ob

Lo b

lu b gh tC

om Ro e Ga m

Gy m

d’s

ym lt’ sG Ad u

Ca fe

W in

ra nt e ng Lo u

ut iq

ub Cl h

Ca re ild Ch

Figure 4.33

Re st

To w er n rv at io se Ob

Lo b

lu b gh tC

om Ho

Ro e Ga m

Gy m d’s

lt’ sG Ad u

Ca fe

Re st Lo u

ut iq

ub Cl h ac

ild

Ca re

W in

ra nt

(Visual integration)

Figure 4.34 124

ransitional Spaces

Diagram show how spaces transform during the day. (Figure 4.35) What

from 6 AM to 9 PM is used as a gym designated for adults, becomes a Nightclub from 10 PM till 5 AM. The place need to provide a solution to machines and equipment in order to work properly as nightclub and as gym. Something similar happens with the kid’s gym and the teen’s club, which relationship between spaces is not other but transformation of a same space. The kid’s gym works from 4 AM till 6 PM, transforming to a Club for teenagers at 8 PM and closing at 3 AM. On the other hand, the restaurant, which is used as lounge as well don’t have a transformation of space but a transition in environment. The intent is to create a restaurant, which later in night become a lounge, party but relaxing scene for young adults and professionals. The restaurant will be working from Noon till Midnight and overlapping this hours the lounge environment will begin at 10 PM and will be open till 5 AM. 125

Figure 4.35 126

uilding Clock

AM Clock PM Clock

12 1

Adult’s Gym

Game Room

Cafe

Night Club

Beach Club

Child Care

Hookah Bar

Aquatic Rental

Lobby

Kid’s Gym

Restaurant

Teen’s Club

Lounge

5 6

7 6

Figure 4.36 127

128

ase Studies

L/B’ S. Lounge, Cape Town South Africa, designed by Sabina Lang and Daniel Baumann

Is a “dream like bar” made for cultural events, discussions, parties and video

screening. The design play with curves, changing levels and colors. (Figure 4.37) Application in 0E 24H Social:

The colors and the organic forms of this design could be similar to the ambience

is intended to be achieved in areas oriented to kids.

Greenhouse, New York , designed by Bluarch Architecture + interiors, Antonio Di Oronzo Figure 4.37

New York’s first environmentally friendly and LEED-approved nightclub. Veg-

etation is inserted in the interior space achieving to convey the dynamism of nature. The place intent to bring outdoors to the interior. (Figure 4.38) Application in 0E 24H Social:

The building will intent to bring the exterior in to the interior and to integrate

nature in different ways. The vegetation is inserted in the interior the same way the rocks of the site could be inserted in the gym as a climbing wall. Figure 4.38

Bed Supperclub, Bangkok Thailand, designed by Kim Inglis

Is a ‘dining in bed’ experience. Combination of upscale restaurant, club, art gal-

lery, theatre and stage merged into one. Housed in a custom-built building with a modern, all white futuristic setting, BED crosses the divide between dining and cutting edge entertainment.1 (Figure 3.39) Application in 0E 24H Social: Figure 4.38 129

1 Kim Inglis,Masano Kawana, Asian Bar and Restaurant Design, 2007, 92 130

The variant program of the Bed Supperclub is what is intended to be done in this proj-

lation of different systems in the facades of the building.

ect. The concept used in the Bed Supperclub, where beds are used to dine will be simi-

LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)(sculptural installation), Los Angeles, by Chris Bur-

lar to the Hookah Bed and Wine Bar, where hookah and wine will be served in bed.

den (Figure 4.41)

The Clubhouse, located at Bali, designed by Shinta Siregar. (Figure 4.39)

from Los Angeles County4

This is a chic multifunctional club, which serves as a hotel reception concierge,

The sculpture incorporates more than two hundred restore cast-iron lamp posts

internet access room, bar, restaurant and pool lounging area. Is a very open area where

Application in 0 E 24 H Social:

interior and exterior are connected and all the different uses purposes mix in a same

space.

for the installation of wind technology in the site. The installation of wind turbines can

Application in 0E 24H Social:

become a sculptural an artistic element in the design of site and building instead of an

The openness of this project is what is intended to be done in the beach club.

Having various functions such as pool, restaurant, bar and equipment rental in the same

Figure 4.39

Figure 4.41

The way the lamp post are integrated as a sculpture can be used as a precedent

object in the space.

building.

Austin Convention Center, Austin Texas, designed by James Carpenter (Figure 4.40)

Is a LEED Gold certified building located in the heart of the capital of Texas. Con-

structed of native Texas materials, from rustic limestone to polished granite, the facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s different facades reflect the architectural diversity of an historic and vibrant city.3 The new facade is an installation of photovoltaic panels. Application in 0 E 24 H Social:

The application of the PV in the facade can be used as a precedent for the instal-

2. Kim Inglis,Masano Kawana, Asian Bar and Restaurant Design, 2007, 48 3. Austin Convention center Department, http://www.austinconventioncenter.com/, accessed 5/21/2012 131

Figure 4.40

4. David, Art & Perception a multi-disciplinary dialog, Urban Light / Chris Burden @BCAM @ LACMA, 2008, http://artandperception.com/2008/02/urban-light-chris-burden-bcam-lacma. html, accessed 05/21/2012 132

hapter 5

133

Quantitative Program 134

Programmatic Space

Service Space Amount

Sq. ft.. per space

Total Sq.Ft.

Lobby 1 2900 2900 Restrooms 1 280 280

Programmatic Space

Service Space Amount

Boutique Restaurant -

Sq. ft.. per space

Total Sq.Ft.

Kitchen 1 523 523 Restrooms 1 280 280 Storage 1 120 120

Security Office- 1 150 150

Dj Booth 1 60 60

Information

Bar 1 512 512

Observatory 1 2000 2000

Outside Area 2

400

860

1260

Seating Area 1 4465 4465 Service Circulation n/a 440 440

Egress n/a 1780 1780 Circulation n/a 2000 2000 CafĂŠ Kitchen 1 550 550

390

380

505

1275

8495

Beach Club

Kitchen 1 175 175 Aquatic Rental 1 200 200

Bar

170

645

815

Dj Booth

140

Restrooms 1 200 200

Bar 1 325 325

Pool 1 1755 1755

Storage 1 150 150

Hot Tub 1 480 480

Seating Area 1 5835 5835

Seating Area 1 1375 1375

Deck to Ocean 1 3500 3500

Exterior Space 1 700 700

7560 135

Lounge Area

8640 136

Programmatic Space

Service Space Amount

Sq. ft. per space

Total Sq.Ft.

Programmatic Space

Service Space Amount

Sq. ft.. per space

Total Sq.Ft..

Child Care

Game Room

Office 2 150 each 300

Kitchen- 1 215 215

Restrooms 1 300 300

Storage

Classroom 5 400 each 2000

Bar 1 325 325

Art Room 1 350 350

Exterior Space 1 2675 2675

Kitchen 1 200 200

Machines 1 3635 3635

Playground 1 1000 1000

7200

4150 Adult's Gym Kid's Gym

Interior Space 1 11800 11800

Climbing Wall 1 300 300

Storage 1 300 300

Showers 1 775 775

Bar 1 370 370

Restrooms 1 650 650

Dj Booth 1 80 80

Office 1 200 200

Restrooms 1 5000 5000

Bar

275

Office 1 80 80

Dj Booth

Dance Room 1 350 350

Rooms 2 80 each 160

6480

2 205 each 410

Storage

530 600 250 260 1640

205 130

480

210

Exterior Space 1 2200 2200 Game Room

18525

Restrooms 1 350 350 137

138

Function of Space Programmatic Space

Service Space Amount

Sq. Ft. per space

Total Sq.Ft.

Hookah-Bed Lounge Wine Bar Bar 1 315 315 Dj Booth 1 1000 1000 Storage 1 125 125 Restrooms 1 250 250 Exterior Space 1 4195 4196 Interior Space 1 1750 1750 7635 Total Project area 70,675 Total Site Area - 71,925 Area of Site permitted to be used by code

75%

Floor Area in Sq.Ft.

Sq. Ft. per function

Occupants

Per Occupant Accessory Storage Area Mechanical Equipment Room 300 gross

5000 Sq.Ft.

Assembly Gaming Floor 11 gross 7200 Sq.Ft. 654 Assembly without food seats - standing space

5 net

3905 Sq.Ft.

781

Assembly with food tables and chairs

15 net

3910 Sq.Ft.

200

Day Care 35 net 1050 Sq.Ft. 30 Institutional Sleeping Area

120 gross

4200 Sq.Ft.

Kitchen, Commercial

200 gross

9120 Sq.Ft.

Reading Room 50 net 500 Sq.Ft. 10

Build Area of the Site 23,240 Sq.Ft.

Stack Area

Area of the site impacted with enclosed construction

Locker Room 50 gross 1755 Sq.Ft. 35

32%

Open Space-Landscape- Recreation Area 48,685

100 gross

1350 Sq. Ft.

Deck 15 gross 3500 Sq.Ft. 233 Stages and Platform

15 net

1035 Sq.Ft.

Exercise Room 50 gross 20490 Sq.Ft. 409 139

140

The site is located in a Touristic-Residential zone. Zoning code only permits the

use of 75% of the site, and require to have a design in the building where facade is different from the building surroundings. From the 75 % of area permitted to be used only a 32 % of the site is programmatically used for buildings while the rest is used for open space. Parking in this zone and for this type of building is not required only if a parking

oning Requirements

lot or parking garage is available near the 1 mile radius. Figure 5. 1 shows the site with its measurements, the purple color shows the 75 % of the site, which is maximum area permitted to be built.

247’

Atlantic Ocean

Site Area: 71,925 sq. ft..

132

148

’

195’

’

141

Figure 5.1 142

hapter 6

143

Schematic Design Figure 6.1 144

oncept

The design intent to attract and engage the majority of the public, which in-

The project will be dynamic and changing due to technologies applied in the building, materials and the effect of time and climatic conditions in the building. The uses change as well in some programmatic areas but other areas stay the same throughout the day. The building wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move, it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change, but the materials applied will make it look dynamic even though is constant. Building will be controlled by the nature, the way it changes with time, what makes supernatural force to be acting over it all the time, since climatic conditions are uncontrolled.

4) Genre of electronic dance music4

Music will be present in many of the programmatic areas of the project.

5) Unconscious condition; a state of concentration, awareness and/or focus

voluntarily and unconsciously will get involved with nature, sustainable practices and

that filters information and experience. 5

project in general, while having social activities. The concept used in this project is the

The building will be a different and innovative experience for the country and Puerto

Trance. Trance is a word with several meanings which need to be defined in order to

Rican society. The information every technology and material reflects integrated with

understand the application of the concept to the project.:

the shape of the building and interaction with nature will be filtered by the user and

1) Psychological state induced by magical incantation1

captured with the pass of time.

The project try to achieve a change in people in the way they feel in the project and the

Using the Trance as a concept an inspirational image was created in order to get in-

way they interact, as if magical incantation take control of the environment.

spired for the design of the building. (Figure 6.1)

2) Capture, attract2

3) Denotes a variety of processes, techniques, modalities and states. Trance

1 Dictionary.com, Trance, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trance, accessed 5/22/2012 2 Enciclopedia Britanica Company, Merrian Webster Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/trance, accessed 5/12/2012 145

states may occur involuntarily and unbidden. 3

3 Dictionary.com, Trance, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/trance, accessed 5/22/2012 4 Farflex, The Free Dictionary, http://www.thefreedictionary.com/trance, accessed 5/22/2012 5 Enciclopedia Britanica Company, Merrian Webster Dictionary, http://www.merriam-webster. com/dictionary/trance, accessed 5/12/2012 146

Figure 6.5 Atlantic Ocean

orm Evolution (Diagrams) N

Figure 6.2

Figure 6.3 Atlantic Ocean

147

Figure 6.4 Atlantic Ocean

Figure 6.6 Atlantic Ocean

Atlantic Ocean

N 148

The design have to take in consideration the public spaces to be created (beach

and plaza) (Figure 6.2), as well as to integrate the shape with the environmental factors and the sustainable technologies to be implemented. (Figure 6.3) During the evolution of form of the building and the site development the building moved to different positions in the site as well as the shape varies trying to take the most advantage as

rocess Perspectives

possible of the climatic conditions. The Figure 6.4 shows how the main building was retracted while a smaller building interacted with the street, all of them varying in form to achieve better sun light and wind. Doing that will block the view to the ocean because the building will need to be high in order to be able to fit the program in it. Doing 2 towers connected by bridges would divide the program and the purpose of having a social building will not be achieved (Figure 6.7). With this diagram emerged a space that frame a view to the ocean while creating a new public space, smaller and intimate than the other two (Figure 6.8).

Further on the buildings were spread in the site and retracted to the ocean to

give more space to public space (Figure 6.5) but that decision donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allowed interaction between buildings and the context. (Figure 6.6) Bringing the buildings to interact with the street and context and making a bigger footprint not only helps improve the interaction among building but also demarcates the public spaces. Figure 6.9 and 6.10 are sketches of the idea and Figure 6.11 is a computer model of it, where angles in the walls and abrupt changes in form around the building helps to take advantages of natural conditions. Taking in consideration the higher the better a wind turbine work, it was included a tower where turbines will be inserted and where the observation point will Figure 6.7 149

Figure 6.8

be located. (Figure 6.12) 150

Figure 6.9

151

Figure 6.10

Figure 6.11

Figure 6.12

152

Program Diagram

Open space VS Enclosed Space

Figure 6.14

Figure 6.15

rogram Observation Tower / Wind Turbines

Night Club t Club Adult’s Gym/ Nigh Club Kid’s Gym/ Teen’

Hookah/Bed Lounge/W ine Bar Lobby and Game Ro om vertical Beach Club circulation Restaurant / Lounge

Cafe

Child Ca re Figure 6.13 153

Program adjacencies inserted in shape of building 154

GROUND LEVEL

chematic Plans

Figure 6.16

TOP VIEW 155

Figure 6.17 156

SECOND LEVEL

N Figure 6.18

157

THIRD LEVEL

Figure 6.19 158

FOURTH LEVEL

ELEVATION

Wind Turbines

Solar Ivy

Zero Energy Media Wall

Whale Power

N Figure 6.20 159

Figure 6.21 160

erspective View

hapter 7

Figure 6.22 161

Design Development 162

Figure 7.1

uilding Plans

Wind Sun

Lobby Child Care Aquatic Rental Beach Club Restaurant Lounge Cafe

163

N Figure 7.2

GROUND LEVEL - SITE PLAN 164

Figure 7.7

Figure 7.4

AM PM

N Figure 7.3 165

AM PM

N SECOND LEVEL

Figure 7.5

Figure 76

THIRD LEVEL 166

Figure 7.8

Figure 7.12

Adultâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym Night Club Hookah Bar AM PM

AM PM

Creating a versatile and functional 24 hours building needs conditional and unconditional spaces to be transformed when the space change program. This makes imperative the creation of transitional spaces. The gym becomes a nightclub during night; machines are stored in a movable platform that becomes a stage. (See Figure 6.

N Figure 7.9 167

FOURTH LEVEL

Figure 7.10

Figure 6.11

FIFTH LEVEL

Night club 168

uilding Section

all Section This section shows the green roof and the istallation of the zero energy media wall. Sectio taken where marked in Figure 7.15

Figure 7.13 169

SECTION A-A

Figure 7.14

Figure 7.15 170

This section shows the

construction

details from ground level to the top of the tower where the observation point is located, cutting the building and also the wind turbines to show their parts

CONSTRUCTION DETAIL Figure 7.16 171

172

Figure 7.18

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED IN DESIGN, PERSPECTIVE VIEW

pplied Technologies

BioSTREAM

Figure 7.17 173

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS APPLIED IN DESIGN, SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES INTEGRATED, VIEW OF WAVE POWER 174

uilding Exterior

Figure 7.19 175

VIEW OF BUILDING EXTERIOR TERRACES

Figure 7.20 VIEW OF THE PLAZA 176

Figure 7.21

Energy Consumption

PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE PROJECT

Typical Restaurant use 50KWH per Sq.Ft. Interior building area 52,000Sq.Ft. 52,000 X 50 KWH = 2,600,000

Total energy generated by technologies applied to the building Technology Size / Amount KW Area or amount KW generated Total in the building Solar PV 2’ X4’ Panels 300 Watts 21,852 sq.ft.. 8,195 KWH Ivy Solar 24 leaves per Sq.Ft. 4 Watts per leave 45,000 sq.ft.. 19,440 KWH Zero Energy Media Wall 1 sq.ft.. 35 KWH 25,650 sq.ft. 16,450 KWH Wind 30 ft.. rotor diameter 1 35 KWH 4 140 KWH 22 ft.. rotor diameter 1 10 KWH 4 40 KWH 14 ft.. rotor diameter 1 4 KWH 7 28 KWH 44,293 KWH

Total energy generated by technologies located at the site and water PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS

177

Technology Size / Amount KW Area or amount KW generated Total in the building Wind 30 m. rotor diameter 1 2,500 KWH 870 2,000,208 Wave BioSTREAM 1 1,000 KWH 600 600,000 KWH 2,600,208 KWH 178

RESTAURANT FLOOR PLAN Figure 7.22

RESTAURANT CEILING PLAN Figure 7.23

estaurant Plans 1

179

180

estaurant Views

RESTAURANT ELEVATION

Figure 7.24

RESTAURANT VIEW 1

Figure 7.25

Figure 7.26

RESTAURANT VIEW 2

RECYCLED CD CASE CHANDELIER

SUSTAINABLE DANCE FLOOR

181

182

onclusion

that will be visible as part of the aesthetic of the building. Having people interacting with it, such as in the dance floor, can make a significant impact in people and their understanding of the project but not as significant in the energy generation. This, as well as the low amount of energy generated by the implemented devices, forced the designer to add a significant quantity of devices compared to what was originally stipulated in order to accomplish the goal of zero energy building. All these devices (wind turbines and tidal power generators) were added at the end final phase of the design and located throughout the plaza and sea perimeter, what end up giving the look of a visual sustainable gallery.

Since the beginning there were many things to keep in mind in order to keep

this building functional, what makes it much more complicated than what it could be think of. Changing uses of spaces from day to night, and depending of the day of the week; requires a high standard design and meticulous thinking about users, uses and equipment. Making people understand and learn from materials and technologies is

During investigation and design process results of sustainability and energy re-

hard to do without a reading or hearing explanation, but making people notice chang-

compiling wasn’t as expected. The original intention was to have a building that could

es in their surrounding isn’t. Maybe people doesn’t learn directly about how does the

run by itself without needing any external energy and by using sustainable techniques

technologies implemented in the building work, how much energy does it generates or

to generate energy and to teach people. Achieving this sounded easy as a theory but

what is it for, but they notice changes drastically enough at least to make them wonder.

proving and implementing it was became a challenge. During the process of design the

Without a manual or instructions is hard to understand how a sustainable dance floor

building emerge into the site being one environmentally and sustainable designed, but

works, but people will anyway know that their steps are changing the lighting of the

that didn’t imply that at the end it will became a zero energy. Even when the building

space, what will make them feel they are making a contribution in some way.

doesn’t harm the environment with its impact, the accomplish of having a zero energy

building takes much more than just implementing technologies that would teach and

more accessible. Places that achieve to have different uses also are more visited. The

183

Making the building available to be frequented the 24 hours a day makes it 184

more types of users than can be gathered in one place the more suitable for the implementation of cultural activities. The creation of a social place in which people from different ages and social status can share culture and join to do different activities was completely accomplished since there were many places designed for different taste and activities.

Changes in nature will always occur, and materials in this building highlight

those changes. The nature is all over the site, and this is in direct contact with the building interior since the building opens in majority to the exterior taking advantage to views, natural light and ventilation. This is something people will totally understand while experimenting the building, since the building doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only demonstrate nature, sustainability and architecture; but also the change of space through time making every second a different memory and different story.

185

186

ibliography

Alan Jefferis, David A. Madsen, Architectural Drafting and Design fifth edition, (Clifton Park, NY, 2005) 5 Charles Smith, Sensory Learning Styles Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic Learning Styles in Grappling, whitebelt.org David Edwards, “Energy trading & investing trading, risk management and structuring deals in the energy markets”, (2009) Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, “Crisis Economica y Criminalidad:un explosive binomio”, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-unexplosivo-binomio.html, accessed 4/19/2012 Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, “Crisis Economica y Criminalidad: un explosivo binomio”, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-unexplosivo-binomio.html, accessed 4/19/2012 Erica Sanchez, Camila Espina, “Crisis Economica y Criminalidad:un explosive binomio”, Dialogo Digital, 6/21/2011, www.dialogodigital.com/index.php/Crisis-economica-y-criminalidad-unexplosivo-binomio.html, accessed 4/19/2012 Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, (Kansas City, Missouri, 2004) 79 Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, (Kansas City, Missouri, 2004) Jorge San Inocencio, Monografias, Es Puerto Rico un pais Sustentable?, Monografias.com/trabajos64/PuertoRico-pais-sustentable.shtml, accessed April 18, 2012 Julio Morales, Puerto Rican Poverty and Migration, We just had to try elsewhere, (West Port, CT, 1986) 33 Louise Jones, environmentally responsible design: green and sustainable design for interior designers (New Jersey, 2008) 4-5

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Maria Lorena Lehman , Sensing architecture, New Ideas for architecture of tomorrow, Why Architecture Can Make a Positive Difference in an Occupant’s Life, http://sensingarchitecture. com/8099/why-architecture-can-make-a-positive-difference-in-an-occupant%e2%80%99s-life/ Marian Diaz, “Hay Negocio despues de la quiebra”, El Nuevo Dia, 9/26/2010, Negocios Merrian Webster dictionary,2012,http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture%5B1%5 D?show=0&t=1326336686 Odette Rodriguez Garcia, Puerto Rico: una isla de sustentabilidad, Universia Puerto Rico Noticias, 09/7/2008, http://noticias.universia.pr/ciencia-nn-tt/noticia/2008/09/17/132387/puertorico-isla-sustentabilidad.html Peter Gevorkian, Alternative Energy systems in Building design, (2009), Progrma de Desarrollo Profesional, UPR/PUPR/ATI, Mejora de la calidad de espacio public peatonal a lo largo de la Avenida Roosevelt, 4, 30 informe final Puerto Rico Expresa, “La falta de empleos es la verdadera crisis”, 10/18/2011, http://www.puertoricoexpresa.com/2011/10/la-falta-de-empleos-es-la-verdadera-crisis/, accessed 4/19/2012 Rachel Carson Jason F. McLennan, The Philosophy of Sustainable Design: The Future of Architecture, (Kansas City, Missouri, 2004) 72 Raffaello Beetti, Survival of Weakn Countries in the Face of Globalization: Perto Rico and the Caribbean, (San Juan, PR, 2003) 94 Sally Agustin PhD, Place Advantage: Applied Psychology for Interior Architecture, (New Jersey, 2009) Senator Fas Alzamora, Senado de Purto Rico, Resolution R.del S. 2247. S.E. Smith, O. Wallace,http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-holistic-design.htm, what is holistic design, article written Last modified 05, April 2012, copyright protected 2003-2012 conjecture corporation We care green team UPRM, “Reducir energia”, http://www.uprm.edu/wecare.redenergy.html, accessed 4/19/2012. 189

190

Figures Chapter 1: 1.1 - Bohio

able of Figures

1.2 - Caney 1.3 - Colonial Architecture in Old San Juan 1.4 - Interior Courtyards from colonial architecture 1.5 - Balconies and large windows from colonial architecture 1.6 - Henry Klumb Church, the picture shows the entrance of natural light and the openings for the entrance of natural ventilation 1.7 - Henry Klumb House brings the exterior to the interior by having a house that is completely open leaving the air to flow freely and the light to come into the space. 1.8 - Construction where houses are near each other not allowing flow of air nor natural light. 1.9 - New building from the University of Puerto Rico, where the south facade use large amounts of glass. This space allow the natural light to come into the space but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t filter it in any way and the windows are fixed not letting the air flow what makes the space inside uncomfortable for the user. 1.10 - Table of unemployment rates in the island. 1.11 - Cost of Petroleum versus the cost of Electricity in the Island. Figures from Chapter 2: 2.1 - Population of Puerto Rico from 1963 till 2010 2.2 - Percentage of population by ages. 2.3 -Percentage of population by gender. 192

2.4 - Industry, comparison between the industry in Puerto Rico and the industry in the

3.14 - Diagram showing where pictures 3.8 - 3.13 were taken.

United States of America

3.15 - Solid Void

2.5 - Education of Population in the Island.

3.16 - Office building next to the site

2.6 - Geographical Map.

3.17 - Restaurant next to the office building.

2.7 - Maximum and Minimum temperature per month in San Juan area.

3.18 - Residential buildings in front of the site. 3.19 - Restaurant located in the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino

Figures Chapter 3:

3.20 - Lounge located in the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino

3.1 - Location of Puerto Rico in the world map.

3.21 - Bar located in the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino

3.2 - Location of San Juan in the map of Puerto Rico, location of Condado in the map of

3.22 - Diagram of the uses of surrounding buildings.

San Juan and location of the site in Condado.

3.23 - Diagram of the height of surrounding buildings.

3.3 - Touristic map of the site surroundings.

3.24 - Diagram of closing time of the buildings around the site.

3.4 - Walking time radius.

3.25 - Picture of the site.

3.5 - Picture of the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and Casino and the Puente do

3.26 - Site natural conditions, palms, trees, rock area and beach area.

Hemanos.

3.27 - Diagram of climatic conditions for the site

3.6 - Picture of the Ramada Hotel.

3.28 - Picture of the bus stop located in front of the site.

3.7 - Picture of the site/

3.29 - Picture of peatonal, vehicular and public transportation in the site area.

3.8 - Picture looking from the site to the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel and

3.30 - Diagram of transportation and transit in the area.

Casino.

193

3.9 - Residential Building in front of the site, (picture taken from site)

Figures Chapter 4:

3.10 - View of the Street in front of the site and buildings around it.

4.1 - Diagram of shape of building based on climatic conditions of the site

3.11 - View of the Street in front of the site and buildings around it.

4.2 - Use of open spaces on site

3.12 - View of the Street in front of the site and buildings around it.

4.3 - Solar Ivy

3.13 - View of the Street in front of the site and buildings around it.

4.4 - Dye solar Technology 194

4.5 - Photovoltaic Cells

4.28 - Child care diagram of relationship with the plaza

4.6 - BioSTREAM

4.29 - Diagram of children and teenager level adjacencies

4.7 - Pelamis Technology

4.30 - Diagram of adult level adjacencies

4.8 - Vertical Axis Turbine

4.31 - Psychological effect of space in the user

4.9 - Wind Turbine, horizontal Axis

4.32 - Diagram of access, versatility and views

4.10 - Whale Power

4.33 - Diagram of Spatial qualities

4.11 - Acrovyn 3000

4.34 - Diagram of System integration

4.12 - FR Eco Intelligent Polyester

4.35 - Diagram of transitional spaces

4.13 - Remede

4.36 - Building clock

4.14 - Power Pointâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Berber Pattern

4.37 - L/B Lounge, Cape Town

4.15 - Acoustiflor

4.38 - Greenhouse, New York

4.16 - MG Paradiso

4.39 - Bed Supperclub, Bangkok

4.17 - Microbium Ceramic tile

4.40 - The clubhouse, Bali

4.18 - Metal Series

4.41 - Austin Convention Center

4.19 - Naturex A 1462

4.42 - LACMA

4.20 - Super Celia Skin 4.21 - The Fuzzy Light Switch

Figures Chapter 5

4.22 - Solar Motion Dynamic Facades

5.1 - Zoning Requirements

4.23 - Light Sensitive Concrete

195

4.24 - Era Design Fine

Figures Chapter 6

4.25 - Diagram of adjacencies

6.1 - Inspiration Image

4.26 - Diagram of food level adjacencies (cafe, restaurant, lounge)

6.2 - Diagram showing public spaces to be created

4.27 - Ground level access to beach club

6.3 - Diagram of possible shape of building taking advantages of climatic conditions 196

6.4 - Shape evolution, sketched plan

7.4 - Second level clock

6.5 - Shape evolution, sketched plan

7.5 - Section of beach club connection between plaza and ocean

6.6 - Shape evolution, sketched plan

7.6 - Third level plan

6.7 - Shape evolution, sketched perspective

7.7 - Third level clock

6.8 - Shape evolution, sketched perspective

7.8 - Fourth level clock

6.9 - Shape evolution, sketched perspective

7.9 - Fourth level plan

6.10- Shape evolution, sketched elevation

7.10- Gym to club transitional space, storage of machines

6.11- Shape evolution, computer model

7.11- Fifth level plan

6.12- Shape evolution, computer model

7.12- Fifth level clock

6.13- Program adjacencies inserted in building shape, 3 dimensional diagram

7.13- Building section A-A

6.14- Program adjacencies shown in plan

7.14- Wall Section

6.15- Diagram of open areas VS enclosed space

7.15- Diagram showing where wall section was taken

6.16- Schematic design top view

7.16- Construction detail

6.17- Schematic design ground and site plan

7.17- Climatic conditions applied in design, sustainable integration of wave power tech-

6.18- Schematic design second level

nology

6.19- Schematic design third level

7.18- Sustainable technologies applied in design, perspective view

6.20- Schematic design fourth level

7.19- Building exterior showing terraces

6.21- Schematic design elevation

7.20- View to the plaza

6.22- Schematic design perspective view

7.21- Perspective view of the project 7.22- Restaurant floor plan

197

Figures Chapter 7

7.23- Restaurant Ceiling plan

7.1 - Ground level clock

7.24- Restaurant elevation

7.2 - Ground level plan inserted in site

7.25- Restaurant view 1

7.3 - Second level plan

7.26- Restaurant view 2 198

First Review Board 1-3

A 199

ppendix 200

First Review Board 2-3

201

First Review Board 3-3

202

Inspiration Board

203

Schematic Design Board 2-2

204

Schematic Design Board 1-2

205

Third Review Board 1

206

Final Defense Board 1-2

207

Final Defense Board 2-2

208

Exhibition Board

209

210