Core Studio I - Fall 2007 Critic: Galia Solomonoff Archived Project
Program: Atmosphere: dimming the sun, taming the waves
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Atmosphere Lab Galia Solomonoff
After two short projects studying atmosphere and the work of climatologists, the final project of this semester was to design a climatology lab for Columbia University. The site was on the Hudson River at the end of 125th Street, in Manhattanville. The focus of this lab was to research the existence and trajectory of particles in water and air by sampling deep water and high altitude air in the region. These samples were used to research and educate the public about global climate change. My approach utilized the visibility of the site from adjacent expressways and the water, designing the form and materiality of the building as a visual register of local air quality and movement in the immediate vicinity. In my proposal, the inflated skin of the building is integrated with both an exterior self-cleaning coating and the internal HVAC system, making the building appear as a ‘cloud’ floating on the water, next to the expressway.
air pressure
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wind
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Pollution particles land on the surface, changing its appearance.
Skin and Form Studies Material Studies
Catalyzed by UV, the TiO2 coating breaks down the particles.
Rain travels down the hydrophilic surface in sheets, washing the particles away.
Skin-Systems Diagram
Sky Platform Floor Plans Balloon Launch Weather Instruments
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Interior of Lab
Cloud Level 3 Public Exhibit
Cloud Level 2 Open Lab Wet Lab Monitoring Cells Offices Conference Room Maintenance Garage
Cloud Level 1 Apartments Gym Car Garage
Ground/Pier Access & Circulation
Below Grade Solar Generator Data Hub Inflation Machinery
Site Section Showing Adjacent Transportation Model of Balloon Launch Platform