C.A.R.A. Boathouse, Oatland Island, GA

Genius Loci fluid acrylic on mylar, transfer, photocopy, acetate, charcoal 20 x 26 inches

5

SITE 7

Situated on the tidal marshes of Oatland Island, the current Frank W. Spencer Boat Ramp Park will become a new rowing facility serving the city of Savannah. The future facility is located on Wilmington River, and will boast top class facilities and host racing regattas. The salt marsh upon which it is sited is a unique ecosystem that is the one of the most biologically productive natural systems on earth. The future rowing facility has the potential to respond and resonate with this site in a way that establishes a distinct sense of place.

8

savannah river and site 9

10

site analysis

building site

11

Oatland Island Site Model fluid acrylic on layered acrylic sheets, welded steel trees, wood 20 x 30 inches

13

PROGRAM 15

case studies

16

17

program sizing and distribution

18

C.A.R.A visit

19

IDEA 21

Conceptual models portraying the rhythms of environment. From left to right: Concept No. 1, wood and wire / Concept No. 2, wood and watercolor / Concept No. 3, wire and shrink wrap 22

Conceptual models portraying the rhythms of man and boat. From left to right: Concept No. 4, wood and string / Concept No. 5, particle board and string / Concept No. 6, acrylic, steel and string 23

24

Conceptual models synthesizing prior observations. From left to right: Bound Together, fluid acrylic on acrylic sheet, walnut, and string, approx 10” x 4” x 4” / Window Panes, fluid acrylic on acrylic sheet, walnut, approx 10” x 4” x 4” / Equilibrium, fluid acrylic on acrylic sheet, walnut, and string, approx 10” x 4” x 4”

25

conceptual massing models 26

The transitional nature of the site with high tidal fluctuations and the rare opportunity to glimpse the horizon line from the site developed into the concept of between. The notion of “in-between� grew from the site and a process of making that was removed from the process of thinking. The solution is informed by every act made in this process, be it a conscious decision or not. To be between there must be a separation; an awareness of anteriority and interiority. The goal was to consider how the user could have awareness of the interstitial in all aspects of design. The final result is a synthesis of what I saw and what I knew; somewhere between the abstract and the real. parti diagram, initial sketch (above) 27

DEVELOPMENT 29

“Everything exists as between

the visible and the articulate...�

-Peter Eisenman

longitudinal elevation 30

transverse elevation and sections 31

site plan 32

33

initial floor plans, circulation detail exploration (above) 34

section model, threshold section exploration (above) 35

SOLUTION 37

38

Rowers Perspective watercolor on paper 11 x 17 inches 39

greater site plan 40

building site plan

level 2

level 1

floor plans

42

north elevation

west elevation

43

44

south elevation

east elevation

45

prospect-procession-threshold diagram, program diagram (above left), egress diagram (above right) 46

47

wall detail 48

section cuts

49

north elevation

east elevation

C.A.R.A Boathouse Model cherry, steel, pulp board, wire, acrylic 15 x 20 inches

south elevation

west elevation 51

52

53

ADDENDUM 55

OXFORD BOAT RACE

The boat race is one of the biggest free sporting events in London, drawing hundreds of thousands to join in a celebration of college rivalry. Like most sporting events, those who are not ­­physically adept for partaking in the sport lament their circumstance by consuming excessive quantities of booze. The irony of this is that by doing so they further reduce any chances of ever partaking in the sport. What interest me are the social and cultural implications of this famous race.

The sporting event has its official beer, official clothing company, and a slew of top dollar sponsors. All of this contributes to the spectacle of the race. After weeks of anticipation, the

crowds unite on the banks of the river, and after a mere 15 minutes the race is over. What a thrilling moment that was! Now that it’s over, the spectators can get on with the real excit­­ement. This event provides the opportunity for lavish parties and expensive celebration. Englanders dress their best, and the sponsors boast buffets and open bars at private Rowing Clubs. The “Lady in London” describes her experience: “We were directed to the building where the ball was taking place, and walked into a large room with a high blue-lit glass ceiling. The space was buzzing with tuxedoes, gowns, and cocktail dresses. We immediately ran into our friends and enjoyed a glass of Champagne with them before dinner.” For the spectators, the real spectacle is not the race, but the opportunity to dress their best and enjoy themselves.

Of the racing spectacles I have been to, I admit I can relate. The real spectacle involves people watching and the partying that go hand in hand. The difference between America and

England however, is how they seem to keep their partying considerably classier. Are these type of events a real benefit to society? I would argue that there is nothing wrong with a cause for celebration, and this kind of camaraderie adds variety and excitement to everyday living. ­­­

GENIUS LOCI

The Latin word Genius Loci, Genius-meaning spirit and locus­- meaning place, describes a qualitative aspect of space. It is important to differentiate space from place. Place requires space, but space can be place-less. Significant and responsible architecture creates place; which resonates with surrounding space and goes beyond to imbue it with a consciousness of the world and our own sense of self. This human ability to sense a unique atmosphere within the world, defines a space’s Genius Loci.

Objective Chance, the idea that existence of coincidence is evidence that reality is illogical and irrational, suggests that the identity of space is the result of mere chance. The chance of any two places being exactly alike is scientifically impossible. The Surrealists argued that access to reality could only be achieved through the unconscious mind.

With these observations, I propose that the spirit of place is an intuitive human absorption of the world, and a simultaneous conscious projection of ourselves in it. It requires processes of both the conscious and unconscious mind.

selected essays

56

SUSTAINABILITY

The precedence selected from the book Towards Zero Energy is in a temperate coastal climate similar to our site in Savannah GA. It has achieved Zero Energy consumption status largely due to it passive systems, site design, and high performance appliances. In taking a holistic approach to design of my building, I was also able to take advantage of many of the same sustainable techniques.

The main considerations to the sustainability of my boathouse were in regards to sun, wind, drainage, erosion, daylight, and wind. The building is oriented North-South for sun control, and utilizes top lighting through the building to provide adequate day lighting. The only side windows face the North-East for views of the water and the interstitial space between the two building volumes.

The interstitial space between the volumes is also oriented to take advantage of cooling summer winds through the venturi effect and block North-Western winter winds. Operable doors and windows on the North and South faces can be opened during the hot summer months to allow for cross ventilation. The whole building is lifted off the ground to be above the flood plain, and also to protect the natural drainage of the topography towards the water. In a sensitive ecosystem such as the marsh reducing erosion is a responsible action towards sustainability.

The wrap around deck on the second floor acts as an overhang for the first floor. The boat storage bays will have open louvers at ceiling height on the walls providing natural ventilation. The program, natural ventilation, and the overhang negate the need for conditioned air in the boat storage space all together.

The building materials will be mostly timber, steel, and wood siding. The lumber can be chosen sustainably by finding a local provider. Timber from the existing boardwalk can be reclaimed for use somewhere throughout the interior. The oyster shells found in surplus at the site can also be used as an additive in the concrete.

IMPACT ON COMMUNITY

The C.A.R.A. boathouse is an architecture that can serve the greater Savannah community in a beneficial way. The new public boat dock will be a floating dock for fishermen and serve as a visiting team put-in. This new dock is an improvement on the existing boat ramp that cannot be utilized at low tide. Expanded parking capacity and landscaping make improvements on the quality of the facility. Security to the site has the potential to cut down on sexual crimes previously prevalent at the site.

The Chatham Area Rowing Association benefits the community by involving people in the

sport of rowing. Rowing provides physical and mental benefits; participants learn teamwork, engage in healthy competition, and strive for a common goal. The facilities can support rowing teams of all ages and abilities, and are fully handicap accessible.

57

studio space, final board (right) 58

59