ARCHITECTURAL MEDIATION: Man and the Lick Run Elements - Jordan Sauer
M.Arch University of Cincinnati 2021 - soli Deo gloria
Abstract
We marvel at it, yet we fight it. We need it, yet do not control it. Since the beginning of time, mankind has been intertwined with the elements of nature. The problem is that man must still have shelter. Architecture is a great mediator between man and the elements. Simple architectural choices can either facilitate or block connections between the two parties. As a result, the relationship between the two has not always been harmonious. Today, the elements are often completely blocked from our buildings and daily life. This blockage can also be seen in other aspects of the built environment like infrastructure. The ancient Lick Run has been forced through a sewer pipe for over 100 years. Controlling the watershed has been challenging and resulted in 1.5 billion gallons of combined sewer overflow a year. As a result, a massive 200 million dollar, 1.5 mile long greenway attempting to daylight the Lick Run is nearing completion. This project demolished 92 buildings in an already crumbling neighborhood that is a major transportational thoroughfare. If the Lick Run Greenway is successful, architecture will harmoniously mediate between humans and the natural elements while fulfilling community needs. This means architecture must facilitate connections to wind, earth, water, sun, and living organisms. Ultimately, it is an opportunity to jump start a struggling South Fairmount with development that complements the Lick Run and encourages community participation.
Overall Axon
Site Analysis
South Fairmount is the home of the Lick Run. The watershed for the creek is highlighted in blue. That water flows to combined sewer overflow number 5 which is at the east of the greenway. This leads leads to the Mill Creek then south to the Ohio River. This location is challenging because of its steep topography, major traffic arteries, and neighborhood decay.
Site Map
Site Analysis
The valley is one of the main thoroughfares from Western Hills to Clifton and to Downtown. There are also north/south highway and railroad connections.
Transportation Map
Site Analysis
A timeline is shown to the right. The Lick Run was buried in 1907 to make way for industrialization from factories and railroads. After neglect and suburbanization, the valley fell into decay. Today, the Lick Run Greenway, new Western Hills Viaduct, and Mill Creek Bike Trail promise to bring change.
History of South Fairmount, Cincinnati
Site Analysis
There is controversy with the demolition of numerous buildings that forced families and businesses to relocate. Some say this greenway is the last hope of the community. Others say it will lead to gentrification and high taxes.
Google Earth 2014
Google Earth 2019
Site Analysis
This is the proposed master plan from the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati (MSD). The creek is generally well designed. However, there are missed opportunities with northern buildings that have no connection with daylighting the creek or nature.
MSD Master Plan
MSD Ecosystem Plan
Site Analysis
During heavy rains, sewer waste, combined with stormwater, would dump into the Mill Creek. In the new separated system, the creek and backup box are only for stormwater. The creek will flow throughout the year thanks to pumping and aeration systems.
MSD Stormwater Section
New Greenway Conditions (South Fairmount Community Council)
Site Analysis
Because of the unique topography, the micro climate of this site must be studied. The water runoff from heavy rains, solar orientations, and wind velocities can be estimated and mapped.
Solar Studies for Summer
Water Runoff
Northern Wind Flow Velocity
Solar Studies for Winter
Western Wind Flow Velocity
Principals
Principals come from biophilic and passive design strategies. The goal is to use simple choices to help users experience nature. Providing views to nature, having operable windows, and using natural materials are just three examples. In general artificial materials with high embodied energy are avoided. Wood, stone, and materials like copper age over time and better reinforce my ideas.
Sun, Wind, and Light: Architectural Design Strategies
Biophilic Design: The Theory, Science, and Practice of Bringing Buildings to Life
Simple Design Choices
Principals
It’s also important to define what nature is. Sisero, Taigio, and Bonfadio defined three types of nature. The first type of nature is unadulterated by man. The second type is a manmade alternative from the first. The third type is nature combined with art. These old ideas were abstracted and blended together. On this map, the darker greens are closer to the first type, while the lighter greens are closer to the third type.
The Lick Run is the string that ties together the seven blocks. This creates a necklace.
Sauer Master Plan
In terms of traffic. Queen City Avenue becomes a slower local street, while Harrison and Westwood Avenues become the main thoroughfares.
Block 1 is the beginning focal point of the Greenway and where the Lick Run first sees the light. Block 2 and 3 contain affordable living. An experience on the edge of a soothing creek and coordinated vegetation produce a garden like setting. Block 4 is a hydroponic farm with mixed use units to the north. The terrace is a 2nd type of nature that optimizes the amount of sunlight plants get and creates programmable space underneath.
Block 5 is the largest and contains a community center, recreational spaces, and mixed use buildings. The purpose is to surround these functions with native vegetation to create a sense of “wildness”. Paths encourage guests to meander and mounds are used to separate the block from urban sounds and sights. Block 6 is the lake portion of the Greenway and contains a multi-use building that includes commercial space, residential tower, and green roof. To the east is light manufacturing. Block 7 is the end of the Greenway. This is an attractive viewing point where the Lick Run empties into the Mill Creek. This is also the connecting point to the Mill Creek Bike Trail.
Sauer Master Plan
The west/east section shows the overall length of the Greenway. Thanks to elevated bridges, the user experiences a continuous voyage through the Greenway. Larger historic buildings justify five story tall apartments in blocks 2 and 3. Three story row houses dictate a lower height for the farm.
Section A (west/east) - video showing context across north street - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmopSYhEEoI
Typical North/South Section
The historic western hills pumping station is across the street from the community center. Finally, factories across the street to the north justify larger buildings on block 6. The animation travels downstream to the east and better shows how the Lick Run connects the various blocks.
Animation going downstream to the east - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8negenT2mY&t=27s
Affordable Living - Block 2 and 3
The winter section is affordable living. These duplex apartments are organized along the creek bank. Each duplex shares a semi-private balcony. This gives residents access to natural ventilation, light, and sounds such as hearing the creek at night. Each story alternates from the previous one to break up the mass.
2nd Story
Ground Floor Plan
North/South Section
Interior Perspective
Affordable Living - Block 2 and 3 Circulation to the units is to the north. Balconies are covered, but open to outside air. A northern facade blocks unfavorable winter conditions. Pine trees create an appropriate gradient between the building and street.
Southern Perspective
Street Perspective
Hydroponic Farm- Block 4
The spring section is the terraced hydroponic farm. This private farm allows activity all year long with increased efficiency. Water runoff from the large surfaces is collected and processed for irrigation. Units are staggered to break up the mass and provide better access to natural light.
STOR.
OFFICE
STOR.
STOR.
Ground Floor
2nd Floor Plan
North/South Section
Interior Perspective
PRODUCE
RESTAURANT
KIT.
Hydroponic Farm- Block 4 A parking garage is underneath the terrace. Commercial space is on the first floor facing the north. This includes a farmer’s market, office, small restaurant, and storage. Above this are two stories of apartments for farmers.
Southern Perspective
Street Perspective
Community Center - Block 5
The summer section is the community center and stage. At this block, nature is dominant over the architecture. The main circulation is the covered patio surrounding the building. This forces users to circulate outside for fresh air and sunlight. The south of the building is a large banquet hall. To the east is the kitchen, office, and medium meeting room. To the north are smaller individual rooms.
Ground Floor Plan
North/South Section
Interior Perspective
Community Center - Block 5 The low height and partial southern burial of the building makes it blend in with the environment. Southern facing skylights bring extra light and air into the spaces. Outdoor seating for the stage is terraced to follow a natural slope. Below the stage is a beach for interaction with the creek.
Southern Perspective
Street Perspective
Bicycle Manufacturing - Block 6
The fall section is the bicycle manufacturing plant. The display shop is to the north facing Queen City Avenue. East of the display is the production room with loading docks facing State Avenue.
Ground Floor Plan
North/South Section
Bicycle Manufacturing - Block 6
Along with help from trees, the building is partially buried to hide it from the road and path. Through the use of sawtooth windows and a mezzanine above the production room, light and air is let into the building.
Southern Perspective
Street Perspective
In conclusion, I am using architecture to harmoniously mediate between man and the elements. This produces spaces that are healthier, enjoyable for humans, and respectful of the environment. Despite the issues, I believe South Fairmount has an opportunity with the new greenway. This thesis gives a glimpse of what the future can be like.
Thank you