MARY ALLEN B.Arch Portfolio | Alfred State
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Table of Contents.
About: This portfolio includes a selection of academic and research work collected from pursuing a Bachelors of Architecture degree at Alfred State College. The works appear chronologically across my five years of study, and strive to collect a range of ability and growth throughout my academic career.
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Alfred State Commons
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A Place to Dwell
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Sorrento Visitors Center
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Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum
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Studio Sorrento
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The Network Fall 2017 | Urban Design Studio
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Research Incubator
08 09
Fall 2015 | Design Studio 1
Preliminary redesign of the campus spine on Alfred State College, studying circulation and utilization patterns.
Spring 2016 | Design Studio 2
Working within a three-dimensional 9 square grid, design a dwelling, expanding your definition of a dwelling.
Spring 2016 | Design Studio 2
An abandoned Roman ruins site in Sorrento Italy is located in a hard to access site. A visitors center that blends into the landscape creates an attractive tourist destination.
Fall 2016 | Design Studio 3
A museum design dedicated to the industrial history of Buffalo New York, focusing on the human factor in design.
Spring 2017 | Study Abroad Sorrento, Italy
Historic documentation and research utilizing 360 degree cameras, digital scanning technology, and drone technology to enhance the understanding by reconstruction and analysis.
The redesign of the “dead� Eastern Hills Mall into a live-work lifestyle center. This project included working closely with the planning board of Clarence NY.
Spring 2018 | Comprehensive Design Studio
A comprehensive building design of a Eco-Industry Incubator. The building addresses all aspects of design including conceptual, structural, mechanical, sustainable and accessible aspects.
Rural Innovation District Summer 2018 | Research Aide at SUNY Research Foundation
The development of a master plan for a proposed Bio-Refinery site in Alfred New York. This project is part of a continuing body of work by the SUNY Research Foundation.
Bio-Spaces Fall 2018 | Thesis Definition Current progress on B.Arch Thesis titled Bio-Spaces | Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology. Page 2
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Alfred State Commons. Project Statement Redesign the Alfred State common space. An outdated outdoor gathering center that is currently underused by students because of the spaces inability to facilitate student needs.
Design Approach After conducting a through site analysis of the current site, the main problems are addresses. To draw more students to the common space the main circulation spine of campus is moved into the space. Design features include creating large staircases, and a ramp make the space easily accessible from the current spine. To make the area more appealing to students, a variety of seating and gathering spaces are also introduced. These include covered areas where students can gather and do work outdoors, as well as a large water feature to create a tranquil environment.
Final Model Alfred State Commons | Fall 2015
Site Section
Site Plan Page 3
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A Place to Dwell.
BEDROOM TWO
MASTER SUITE
BEDROOM TWO
NURSERY
MASTER SUITE BEDROOM TWO NURSERY
Second Floor
SECOND FLOOR
MASTER SUITE
NURSERY
LIVING ROOM
SITTING AREA LIVING ROOM
DINING ROOM
SECOND FLOOR
DINING ROOM
HALF BATH
SECOND FLOOR
KITCHEN
ENTRY SITTING AREA LIVING ROOM
HALF BATH
DINING ROOM KITCHEN
GROUND FLOOR
Project Statement Working within a three-dimensional 9 square grid, design a dwelling, expanding your definition of a dwelling. Draw inspiration from your family heritage.
ENTRY
SITTING AREA
First Floor GARAGE
KITCHEN
GUEST SUITE
GROUND FLOOR
ENTRY LAUNDRY AREA
Design Approach Inspired by my Dutch heritage the dwelling follows a modern Dutch farmhouse style. To maintain a modern farmhouse massing (tall and skinny), the 9-square grid was divided to create usable outdoor space, and a dramatic entryway. The dwelling was also integrated into the site to minimize its vertical impact in a typical neighborhood.
LAUNDRY AREA HALF BATH
KIDS PLAY AREA GUEST SUITE
MUDROOM GARAGE
GROUND FLOOR
LAUNDRY AREA MECHANICAL/STORAGE MUDROOM
KIDS PLAY AREA GUEST SUITE
GARAGE
BASEMENT MECHANICAL/STORAGE
KIDS PLAY AREA
MUDROOM
BASEMENT
MECHANICAL/STORAGE
Basement A Place to Dwell | Spring 2016
BASEMENT
Site Plan
Elevations
Section A Page 4
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Visitors Center.
Upper Level
Project Statement Villa de Pollio Felice, an abandoned Roman ruins site in Sorrento Italy is in need of a visitors center. Located in a hard to access site, the ruins need more activities to be an attractive tourist destination. The site for the visitors center is along a walkway on the way to the ruins, mainly accessed by pedestrians, scooters, and small vehicles.
Design Approach The waterfront site for the visitors center is located about a half mile from the ruins themselves. The visitors center is designed to act as a bridge from modern Sorrento and the rich history of Villa de Pollio Felice. Thought the use of sweeping curves, visitors are gently guided on a journey through Italian history on their way to the ruins. With a major emphasis on seamless circulation, the building and site combine to enrich the visitors experience. Getting the community involved by featuring changing local artists galleries as well as permanent exhibits for the ruins makes the visitors center close to the heart of the community.
Collaborators Valerie Intini Lower Level Sorrento Visitors Center | Spring 2016
Concept Model
Entry and Sculpture Garden
Site Plan
Entry Sequence Page 5
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Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum. Project Statement The lasting influence of the Erie Canal in Buffalo, NY has left the remains of a city of industry. Much of this history is left in ruins around the city, from abandoned factories to the grain silos. Buffalo would like to create a museum that features the best of Buffalo’s industrial history. Given a site located on the Buffalo River waterfront, design a museum that captures the industrial history of the city.
Design Approach Inspired by the “Convergence” on industry in Buffalo, the Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum conveys the movement of the Industrial revolution. Conceptually the idea of converging lines speaks with the site, the massing of the building, and the industry of Buffalo. The building is also highly inspired by the site. The building is locked into its location based on specific views to site features. These include a concrete grain silo across the river, and a railroad lift bridge.
Conceptual Diagrams
Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum | Fall 2016
Site Plan
Exterior Renderings Page 6
DN
Floor Plans
South Elevation
East Elevation
Section A
Section B
Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum | Fall 2016
Lobby
Main Gallery
Changing Exhibit Gallery Page 7
Final Models
Buffalo Industrial Heritage Museum | Fall 2016
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Achieved Documentation PHOTOGRAPHY SCAN INSTA 360 KODAK VR
Studio Sorrento. Project Statement Studio Sorrento focused on historic research and documentation, taking place during my semester abroad in Sorrento, Italy. The studio utilized modern technology to study important ancient structures in and around Sorrento.
3D Photography Stitch
Utilizing 360 degree cameras, digital scanning technology, and drone technology to enhance the understanding of these structures by reconstruction and analysis.
Equipment Used Kodak 4k 360 Cameras, Insta 360 cameras, DJI OSMO, DJI Maverik Drone, Autodesk Remake, Blender, Autodesk Recap, Sketchup, Autocad, Lumion, Pixpro, Adobe Suite
Colonnade Analysis
Studio Sorrento | Spring 2017
Circulation Diagram
St. Peters Square, Vatican City
Fountain Analysis
Historic St. Peters Square in The Vatican city is a monumental example of public space. This study was conducted to analysis the design of the space, as well as utilize digital technology to document the space. This presentation was designed to make the knowledge accessible to the public , and was created in an interactive design format that allowed the user to explore the space on their own. The presentation included digitally scanned 3D models, animations, and virtual reality 360° photos and videos. In collaboration with Ryan DeBree Page 9
Detail A
Detail B
West Elevation
Section A
Section B
Chiesa di San Francesco, Sorrento Italy One of Sorrento’s oldest churches, Chiesa di San Francesco dates back to 1300 A.D. Recycled parts of Roman buildings were included in the construction of the cloister. The church and cloister were repaired and reconstructed over its 800 year lifespan which leaves an eclectic aesthetic. However, the most recent of its reconstructions in 1926 saw the renovation of the front facade in the Baroque style completed with white marble. This study was conducted to provide the church with updated documentation of existing conditions, and included 360° photography documentation. In collaboration with: Shannon Fay and Erin Cochran Studio Sorrento | Spring 2017
B Floor Plan With Roof Vaults
A
Porta de Sant’ Antonio
17th Century Sorrento
Porta de Parsano Porta de Massa
Modern Sorrento with Wall
Current Conditions
Tufa Block Structure Plaster
Ancient Walls, Sorrento Italy The city of Sorrento Italy was once defined by a large wall surrounding the city. The original wall dated back to Greek and Roman times, but the structure was added to and reduced several times over the course of the city’s history. No formal record exists of the original wall, but clear evidence exists defining the footprint of the original city. This study was conducted to analysis the remains of the wall and its continuing impact on the development of Sorrento. This presentation also included a digital 3D model and animation of the reconstructed wall.
Wall Structure Diagram
In collaboration with Ryan DeBree Page 10
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The Network.
Residential 13%
Retail 15%
Parking 15%
Project Statement This project analyzes the Eastern Hills Mall in Clarence, New York. The once successful mall is now considered a dead mall, a growing problem across the United States. The task was to turn the mall and its surrounding site into a lifestyle center in an attempt to create a livable community that respects the demographic, economic, and social context of the town of Clarence and the surrounding region. Throughout the project the students developed close contact with the planing board of Clarence, NY, and the final presentation took place in a public town meeting.
Office/Tech 35%
Design Approach: By creating a campus shaped around Universal Design, and Technology, with a Focus on Sustainability, we developed a community, fully accessible to people of all abilities that will be the first of its kind.
Amenity 12%
Collaborators The studio worked as a collaborative team of 13 members. My roles included design collaborator, project management, graphics, and book production.
Additional Resources The studio developed a book summarizing the findings of this studio. It can be found at https://issuu.com/maryallenstudentportfolio/docs/network_book The Network | Fall 2017
Medical 10%
Program
Final Adaptation
Spine Placement
Anchor Stores
Existing Hardscape
Existing Mall
Master Plan
Main Street
Design Development
Shared Streets
Townhouse Streets
Streetscape Design Page 11
Pedestrian Spine
The Network | Fall 2017
The Hub The Hub is designed as a community resource center for the site. The hub houses spaces that engage community involvement. This includes public gathering spaces, learning spaces, a small auditorium, and a botanical garden. The news station formerly located in interstitial space of the mall has been relocated here, and acts as a anchor. The structure includes the adaptive reuse of the former Macy’s of the mall, as well as new additions.
Recreation Center
Building Design
The recreational center is an important amenity of the site. It is designed to be accessible to all. It houses a double gymnasium space with indoor track above. It also includes a large pool facility with inclusive lifts and ramps. Adjacent to a generously sized work out room is a lift assisted rock wall, and a variety of indoor courts.
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Concept
07
+
Concept
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
+ 1
Form
Concept
Tradition
Research Incubator. 1
+
Embracing2 Technology Embracing Technology
Technology
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Tradition
+
Concept Program
Concept Concept + Adaption to Program Design Considerations Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
+
Form
+ Technology Tradition Technology 1 + Tradition
Form
Technology
2
Embracing Technology
3
Adaption to Program
1 Elongate Greenhouse to Maximize Southern Exposure Form
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
1
Tradition
+
Technolog
2 Stack Lab Programing to Utilize Sloping Site Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Form Concept
+
Program
+
Concept Design Considerations Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Tradition + 1 Technology Tradition
1
Form Form
+
Technology
Combining the simplicity Combining of the simplicity traditionalofgreenhouse the traditional formgreenhouse to adapt to form the needs to adapt of emerging to the needs technology. of emerging technology.
Project Statement
1
3
+
1
Concept DesignDesign Approach:Considerations
Tradition
+
Technology
2
Embracing Technology
Office, Laboratory, Greenhouse Program
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Passive Solar Greenh
Conventional Greenhouse
•Uninsulated Glass •Excess Heat Vented out and Lost •Heated at Night + Winter
•Thermal Mass Walls and 1 E •No Additional Heat Need •Optimal Sun Angle 2 S
45̊
Design Considerations Implemented
The facility is a bioluminescent research building, housing a large greenhouse, and lab space. The design focuses on creating a pleasing work + environment, in harmony with the greenhouse facilities. A key aspect of the design is the inclusion of a large scale water thermal mass system, that + regulates theForm greenhouse temperature. The design also draws inspiration Conventional Greenhouse from the simplicity of steel and light as greenhouse construction as a central theme, unifying the building. Program Tradition
Connect Public Entry
Stack Lab Programing to Utilize Sloping Site
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
1
•Uninsulated Glass •Excess Heat Vented out and Lost •Heated at Night + Winter
Elongate Greenhouse to Maximize Southern Exposure
This project is from my Comprehensive Design Studio. This studios focus is on completing a comprehensive building that addresses all aspects of design Form including Program conceptual, structural, mechanical, sustainable and accessible aspects. 2
Conventional Greenhouse
ProgramProgram
•Uninsulated Glass •Excess Heat Vented out and Lost •Heated at Night + Winter
28% 96%
Combining the simplicity Combining of the simplicity traditionalofgreenhouse the traditional formgreenhouse to adapt to form the needs to adapt of emerging to the needs technology. of emerging technology.
Technology
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
2
Design Design Considerations 1. Maximize southern exposure Site Considerations Development 2. Stack program to utilize slope
Embracing Technology
1
Adaption to ProgramExposure Elongate Greenhouse3 to Maximize Southern
2
Stack Lab Programing to Utilize Sloping Site
Passive Solar Greenhouse
45̊
Implemented Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
28% 96%
17̊
•Thermal Mass Walls and Floor Absorbs Excess 62̊Heat •No Additional Heat Needed at Night + Winter •Optimal Sun Angle
Conventiona
•Uninsula •Excess H •Heated a
Optimal Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
0% 97%
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Design Considerations Site Development 45̊
Implemented
Program
Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
Elongate Greenhouse to Maximize Southern Exposure Stack Lab Programing to Utilize Sloping Site 62̊
28% 96%
Site Development Design Considerations
Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
•Uninsulated Glass •Uninsulated Glass •Excess Heat Vented •Excess out Heat and Lost Vented out and Lost •Heated at Night•Heated + Winterat Night + Winter
3. Connect Public Entry 3
Connect Public Entry
17̊
45̊
Implemented
Minimum
Optimal
Combining the simplicity of the traditional greenhouse form to adapt to the needs of emerging technology.
Research Incubator | Spring 2018
1 2
Conventional Conventional GreenhouseGreenhouse
0% 97%
Program Development
Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
Angle of Incidence Light Transmission
45% 95%
Passive Solar Gree
Conventional Greenhouse
•Uninsulated Glass •Excess Heat Vented out and Lost •Heated at Night + Winter
•Thermal Mass Walls •No Additional Heat •Optimal Sun Angle 45̊
45̊
Site Development Implemented Implemented Angle of Incidence Angle of28% Incidence Light Transmission Light Transmission 96%
28% 96%
oncept ept +
+ 1
orm
Tradition
+ 1Technology Tradition +
Technology
2
Embracing Technology 2 Embracing Technology
3
Adap
3
Conn
bining y of thethe traditional simplicitygreenhouse of the traditional form togreenhouse adapt to theform needs to adapt of emerging to the technology. needs of emerging technology.
Exterior Rendering
1
Elongate Greenhouse 1 Elongate to Maximize Greenhouse Southern to Maximize Exposure Southern Exposure
2
Stack Lab Programing 2 Stack to Utilize Lab Programing Sloping Site to Utilize Sloping Site
ogram
bining y of thethe traditional simplicitygreenhouse of the traditional form togreenhouse adapt to theform needs to adapt of emerging to the technology. needs of emerging technology.
gn esign Considerations Considerations Entry
Conventional Greenhouse
Uninsulated Conventional Conventional GreenhouseGlass Greenhouse Excess Heat Vented •Uninsulated Glass •Uninsulated Glass and Lost •Excess Heat Vented •Excess out and Heat Lost out and Lost Heated at NightVented + Winter •Heated at Night + •Heated Winter at Night + Winter
Passive Solar Greenhouse Passive Greenhouse Greenhouse ThermalSolar MassPassive absorbsSolar Excess Heat
Mass Heat Walls •Thermal and Mass Absorbs Excess and Floor Heat Absorbs Excess He No•Thermal Additional at Floor Night +Walls Winter •No Additional Heat•No Needed Additional at Night Heat + Winter Needed at Night + Winter Optimal •OptimalSun Sun Angle Angle•Optimal Sun Angle
Sustainable Design Development
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1. Isolated Gain 2. Thermal Mass 3. Air Quality 4. Daylighting
Sustainable Features
Lobby Research Incubator | Spring 2018
Office
Observation Room
1
2 2.1
2.2
3
3.1
3.2 4
5
8
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E A Vestibule
B
Document Storage
F
Mech/ Storage
17
Open Office
Lobby
C
Womens Toilet Room
Kitchen
Mens Toilet Room
Labratory 1
Conference Room Lounge
Directors Office
Educational Observation Room
D
D
G
G
Greenhouse A
H
Upper Floor
H
11
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16
15
Upper Floor
6
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7 E Storage
Mechanical Room
F
Crating/Uncrating
17
Toilet Room
Electrical Room
Shippping
D
D
G
G
Labratory 2
Storage/Mech
Greenhouse
H
Lower LowerFloor Floor
H
11
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Greenhouse Page 14
Structural Axonometric
A
B
Building Section 1 Research Incubator | Spring 2018
C
Detail A
Detail B Final Model
Detail C
Structural Model Page 15
Innovation
01
08
Rural Innovation District.
A
B C D
E F
A B
This research exploration took place during my time at the SUNY Research Foundation. The project goals were to develop a set of design values and master plan following the principles of rural innovation districts. The project addressed a proposed site for a Bio-Refinery located in Allegheny County, in conjunction with academic facilities linked to Alfred State College.
C D
A team of four students from various SUNY schools worked together to develop this proposal, and utilized and expanded upon existing research by team leader, Preston Gilbert, and his research titled The New Forest Economy. My main role in this project was student leader, as well as design developer .
Project Goals:
•Utilize New Sustainable Technology in Industry • Rethink Approach to Rural Industrial Site Design • Communicate this New Approach as a Teaching Model for Future Development
Design Values: 01. Innovation 02. Human Factor 03. Environmental Factors
Rural Innovation District | Summer 2018
Entrepreneurial
New Technology with Teach-ability
Collaborative
Education, Industry, and Community
Mixed Use
Research, Residential, Academic, Greenhouse, Public Space, Industry
Flexible Growth
Expected Future Development
Access Management Integration of Industry and Enjoyable Public Space
Human Factor
02
Project Statement
Eco- Industry
“Green” Technology Viable to the Region
E
Place Identity
Public Entry, Public vs Private
Community
Collaboration of Functions, Integration of 3rd Places and Gathering Spaces
Local Context
Materiality, Education Resource
Walkability
Pedestrian Scale Valued over Vehicular
Integration of Green Space
Forest Bathing, Green Roofs, Public Gathering Green Space
Environmental Factor
03 A B C
Ecosystem Services
Habitat Preservation
Green Infrastructure
Manufactured Wetlands, and Rain Gardens
Controlled Environment Agriculture Greenhouse Integration
Research and Education Building Site Amentiy: Farm Brewery
Welcome Center and Administration Bio-Refinery Greenhouse
Master Plan
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Streetscape Design Familiar Vernacular- By using a model of a traditional main street, the pubic feels welcomed and is aware that this is public realm. Large Tree Canopy - Street trees provide shade and cover, reducing the heat island effect of the paved road. Frequent and Raised Crossing - Act as speed bumps, and provide safety for the pedestrian. Parallel Street Parking - Parked cars act as safety buffer between vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic. Narrow Driving Lanes - Driving lane widths of 11’ unconsciously slows down moving traffic and raises awareness of pedestrians. Materiality - Different pavement material clearly marks pedestrian realm, increasing human comfort. Rural Innovation District | Summer 2018
Suite
Suite
Suite
Suite
Storage
Roof Deck
Level 3 Elevation 16’
el 3
on 16’
Suite
Suite
Lab Roof Deck Lab
Lab
Open Office Meeting Room Office Office
Office Office
Level 3
tion 9’-6”
n 0’
Suite
Storage
Level 2 Elevation 9’-6” vel 2
l1
Suite
Elevation 16’
Storage Mechanical Bathroom Furniture Storage Bathroom
Classroom 1
Gathering Space
Lab
Lab
Classroom 2
Research and Education Building
Lab
Open Office
Meeting Room Office
The Research and Education facility is a mixed use building that has three main functions (depicted by its three levels). The first is flexible classroom space and gathering space, to create an academic environment. The second is an office and lab space to accommodate researchers and students alike. And the third is extended stay suites to welcome long term researchers to the site.
Office
Office
Office
Level 1 Elevation 0’
Level 2
Elevation 9’-6”
Level 3
Elevation 16’
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Bio Spaces.
Traditional Park
Project Statement A year long thesis project serving as the culminating project of my time at Alfred State. The summary of work from the fall semester included narrowing the are of research and throughly backing the topic of exploration, as well as initial programing. The following semester will further this research into design development.
Design Approach: This thesis, titled Bio-Spaces | Reconnection of Nature in Urban Ecology, explores the integration of biophilic design in a new typology of public accessible buildings, to promote preventative health measures in dense urban settings. This project also explores the value of third places in strengthening community. The end result aims to be a mixed use building housing a variety of public and private spaces, that integrates nature as a unifying element.
Proposed Biophilic Public Building Benefits Responds to vertical density context Provides benefit to more people Provides space for more activity types Increases sustainable impact
Bio-Spaces | Fall 2018
Problem Identification:
North America 88%
Canada 87% Europe 83%
World 68% Asia 66%
Trend of Urbanization Worldwide, the UN projects that by the year 2050, sixty eight percent of the world population will be living in urban spaces. Census data projects that the population in the city of Toronto will increase by fifty percent in the next fifty years. The density of the city is also increasing drastically from 4,000 people per square kilometer, to more than 7,700 in the year 2066.
Toronto Green Space:
Average Green Space:
13%
24%
0% 1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
2050
Lack of Green Space Only thirteen percent of Toronto’s total land area is dedicated green space/park space. This is considerable less than comparable cities in North America that average at twenty four percent.
Proposed Solution:
If practices of biophilic design can be incorporated into a publicly accessible building, then positive psychological impacts can provide benefit to a wider population. This hypothesis will be tested through the conceptual design of a new typology of green amenity in an urban setting. On a broader scale, this project strives to reconnect humans to nature in urban settings, in an effort to gain the psychological benefits that correspond. On a smaller scale this project will result in the conceptual design of a prototype of building, addressing new concepts regarding how the public interacts with biophilic design.
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WHY Biophilic Design? The research of biophilia suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life . Biophilic design is the corresponding field of design that implements elements of the natural environment into the built environment. Physical Benefits Promotes physical activity Increased social activity Psychological Benefits Increased Mental Behavior Wide range of relaxation and stress reducers Environmental Benefits Better Air Quality Natural compounds boost immune system
Results
Biophilic Design Principles 1 2 3 4 5 6
Environmental Features Natural Patterns and Processes Natural Shapes and Forms Light and Space Human+Nature Relationships Place Based Relationships
All of these elements combined can result in a multitude of health benefits that have shown positive effects on ADHD, anxiety, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, migraines, musculoskeletal complaints, respiratory disease, and an overall increase in healing time.
Existing Stresses in Urban Life Rapid Increase in Urbanization Increased Mental Illness in Urban Areas Higher Reported Levels of Obesity, Cardiovascular Disease and High Blood Pressure in Urban Areas Results
Bio-Spaces | Fall 2018
= Preventative Health care Focused on Wellbeing
Spending time in these natural elements promotes many health effects, both physical and mental. The public perception of natural and biophilic elements as a luxury item rather than a fundamental need is not only scientifically disproven, but continues detrimental to the future of public health. Overall giving biophilic design the potential to serve as a relatively inexpensive intervention in public health issues that plague urban areas today.
What are Third Places Sociologist Ray Oldenburg defines third places as “a place of refuge other than home or the workplace where people can regularly visit and communicate with friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers.� Additional research and support has emerged, pushing for the necessary inclusion of third places to create vibrant, and strong communities. Common forms of third places are coffee shops, small businesses, bars, pubs, community centers, post offices, main streets, and small retail stores.
Not Home, Not Work... The places in-between
Third Places Role in Community Cohesion
Common Context Third places provide a common context in which residents can judge the trustworthiness of other residents and strangers. Third places provide common interactions with both the regular and the new/exotic, creating connections between community members that would not exist otherwise. Sense of Place Third places help create a sense of place within a neighborhood, creating pride and sentiment for the community as a whole. Neutral Meeting Ground Community interactions that take place in third places help decrease the social stratification, and overall unifying social ties between social classes.
THIRD PLACES ARE A SOURCE OF UNTAPPED POTENTIAL TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES AND ARE A VITAL PART OF CREATING HEALTHY SOCIAL INTERACTIONS. Page 19
Private
Program Development Zone 6 Hostel
Key to the entertainment districts success is an ever-changing influx of tourists attracted to entertainment, the inclusion of a hostel in this building provides a needed service to the area. A hostel is another example of a positive third place. The hostel provides a meeting and mixing ground for strangers and regulars, providing a positive influx of users to the whole building.
Zone 5 Co-Working Office
Through the small fee a company can gain access to the space and is welcome to use it on an individual or company wide scale. This offers companies and individuals the choice to remove themselves from a typical office setting which may be stressful and unproductive, and work in an environment that promotes productivity, health and wellbeing.
Zone 4 Restorative Health Retreat While the entire building promotes restorative environments, this zone will provide additional resources for healing. The spaces will incorporate a mixture of settings that allow quiet private reflection and relaxation space, as well as larger gathering spaces where group meeting/ therapies can be held.
Zone 3 Community Living Room The Community Living Room is intended to serve as the central third place for the community. It is crucial to provide gathering space for community groups, and individuals. Its function is similar to that of public space available in a library, or community center.
Zone 2 Recreation The inclusion of recreation space is a strong desire of the neighborhood. The goals of this project are to promote a restorative health environment, promoting well-being. Respecting that, the activity in this zone will focus on mindful, peaceful activities within a biophilic setting, centering on practices to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Public
Zone 1 Marketplace
Bio-Spaces | Fall 2018
The marketplace is the strategic entry point of the facility. The marketplace will be defined by a mixture of indoor/outdoor spaces that draw a user in. One key characteristics of third places intended to be used here is the permeability and transparency of the facility, opening itself up to the public realm.
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Site Analysis Summer Solstice Sunrise
Summer Solstice Sunset
Fall/Spring Equinox
Winter Solstice Sunset
Winter Solstice Sunrise
This site was chosen because of its central location in Toronto, Ontario. Currently the site is a surface parking lot, located in The Entertainment District. It is a growing community, with a vibrant mixture of some of Toronto’s biggest attractions. According to 2016 census data, the population in the entertainment district has increased in by 39.5% from 2006 to 2016, from just 37,000 to over 94,000 residents in 2016. The districts master plan reflects the desire of the neighborhoods to keep to its roots in entertainment, while also appealing to its maturing resident base.
Climate Analysis
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