RESEARCH
Existing Site Conditions
N
The proposed site sits in Roxbury and is owned by the Boston Water and Sewer Commission nearby. In a dense urban area such as this, it is important to consider what kind of effect buildings have on their neighbors. The first objective of the Site and Ecology team was to analyze existing solar and wind conditions and climate data around the proposed site. Using this data, the team then illustrated scenarios using eight basic housing typologies and solar information to demonstrate fundamental active and passive strategies for maximizing daylight exposure and responding to local wind patterns.
W
E
S
Existing Site
N
N
WINTER WINDS
E
W
E
W
S
S
SUMMER WINDS
Summer Sun (Jun 21)
Winter Sun (Dec 21)
Prevailing Winds, Summer + Winter
This diagram illustrates the position of the sun at 12:00
At 12:00 pm on the winter solstice, the sun is at an angle of
Winds in June, July, and August typically blow northwest
pm on the summer solstice. At noon, the sun is at an angle
25 degrees from the ground and rises 120 degrees east of
and west from the Atlantic Ocean and are necessary for
of 70 degrees from the ground and rises 60 degrees east
true north. Ideally, buildings on the site would have some
providing passive ventilation during these hot and humid
of true north. Rooms with larged glazed areas facing
glazing oriented towards the southeast corner of the site
months. Winter winds blow down faster, colder, and more
the northeastern edge of the site would run the risk of
so as to passively heat rooms using the winter midday sun.
frequently in a southeast direction, so positioning buildings
overheating in the hot summer sun.
with perimeters on the north and west edges of the site would help to block the surrounding open spaces from bitter winds.
2
3
Solar Radiation
Solar Envelope
The solar radiation map illustrates the annual surface irradiation based on Boston’s climate. The warmest colors represent the most concentrated irradiation. The cooler colors receive less sunlight and show areas with less irradiation. The amount of usable solar energy shown in this map can be utilized for passive heating strategies, especially flat panel photovoltaics.
The solar envelopes depicted in the diagrams to the right represent the ideal volume for a building on the site so as not to shade the surrounding buildings. The parameters used in generating this visualization include input for the shape of the lots, the range of daylight hours desired, and the latitude (42 degrees).
The map shows a high potential for collecting solar energy in this area. Boston takes advantage of this byimplementing this renewable energy strategy in many of its buildings. Across the street from the site even, the Boston Water & Sewer Commission takes advantage of the solar energy through a roof mounted solar panel system.
kWhm-2 1500 1350 1200 1050 900 750 600 450 300 150 0
N
When the daylight hours is set to 11-1 pm, it is clear that the majority of the building’s mass should be concentrated on the southwest corner of the site so as to mitigate shading. At the 2-4 pm position, however, the solar envelope is nearly flat. It would be impossible to build anything within that volume. The information drawn from this study is that a building can be designed on the site in such a way that it does not shade the surrounding area at midday, it will still end up putting other buildings in shadow during the mid- to late afternoon.
Individual lots, 2-4 pm
Individual lots, 11-1 pm
Entire site, 11-1 pm
4
5
Solar Fan
Typologies
The solar fan takes the desired open space of a design and projects a volume demonstrating the area that needs to be kept clear to minimize shade on the open space. The solar fan helps to determine the cuts on our ideal masses that would allow for adequate sunlight on the outdoor spaces created on the site.
Massing scenarios were tested on the 4 plots of the site using 8 general forms common to many contemporary housing projects. Each typology was designed to a floor area ratio of 3 and a maximum height of 70 feet. Masses consisting of double loaded corridoors were set at 60 feet wide and single loaded at 30 feet wide. After each scheme of typologies was configured, the solar fan was calculated to determine what massing changes should be made to the buildings to maximize daylighting. The schemes were then reimagined to take advantage of daylighting as a passive strategy.
The parameters used in generating this visualization include input for the shape of the open space, average first frost (October 1st), latitude (42 degrees) and the desired amount of sunlight per day (4 hours for the purposes of our study). The first frost date defines when solar access is most critical for open spaces for purposes of passive heating.
“L”
“T”
“U”
Perimeter block
The example to the right illustrates solar fans in light red. The dark red portions are where the solar fan cuts into the proposed building masses.
Carved block
6
Carved block with point block
“Z”
Bar
7
Typology Trial, Scheme 1
Typology Trial, Scheme 2
Because the courtyards in the western and northern quardrants are large and open and the buildings are 70’ tall, the solar fan cuts in Step 2 are significant.
Once again, the volumes that fully enclose their courtyards are most impacted by the solar fan cuts. Notice that the L volume on the northern quadrant is the same height as the perimeter block on the western quadrant but is less affected by the solar fan. The smaller perimeter blocks have smaller courtyards but are also strongly affected by the solar fan.
The U shaped volume in the southern quardrant would not be feasible due to low FAR, but the L and T shaped volumess could be modified to have wider, lower bars. Ultimately, it is important to striking a balance between the size of the courtyard and the proportions of the bar.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
The edge formed on the northern quadrant begins to block winter winds from the northwest.
Solar fan Cuts made by solar fan
8
9
Typology Trial, Scheme 3
Typology Trial, Scheme 4
The solar fan cut shown in Step 2 requires moderate edits to each volume. The perimeter block on the north quadrant and the U volume on the east quadrant are edited down to one or two levels, far below the required FAR of 3.
In the fourth scheme, the largest cuts are made on the T and U volumes due to their height and the size of the courtyards. It becomes apparent that it is not feasible for these large courtyards to have sun for four hours a day without shade. The northernmost open space is also exposed to prevailing winds from the northwest during the winter time. The designer must either accept shaded courtyards that are colder and less appealing, or scale them down.
The small carved block on the southern quadrant is not likely to be feasible design option, as its edited form in Step 4 would be difficult to design units for.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
If one were to design their site based on the solar data provided, a perimeter type such as the U would only be feasible if it was low to the ground and with wider proportions like the building on the western quadrant.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
The carved blocks are less impacted by the solar fan, but this is admittedly a less common housing typology, and the designer may face challenges with units getting
Step 3, Remaining Volume Step 3, Remaining Volume
10
Step 4, Revised Volume
11
12
Typology Trial, Scheme 5
Typology Trial, Scheme 6
This scheme begins to find a solution on the northern quadrant. The massive bar on its northeastern edge is working well but the smaller extrusion coming off of it is significantly eroded by the solar fan because the open space on either side of it are of considerable size. The southern edge of both the eastern and southern quadrants are eroded to allow for daylighting during the winter months and for wind during the summer months.
The scheme forms one large courtyard between the volumes on the northern and western quadrants. Like the previous scheme, building up the northeastern edge is working well and the mirrored version becomes lower to accommodate solar access as the sun moves westward across the sky.
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
13
14
Typology Trial, Scheme 7
Typology Trial, Scheme 8
In this scheme, the open spaces are nearing their optimal size; the building heights are under 40 feet, and because of this the solar fans are less intrusive. The east-west orientation of the bar volumes on the northern quadrant also allow for maximum daylighting as the sun moves across the sky. The southern quadrant experiments with a “Z” typology. Ultimately it is not feasible on the smaller plots because the required height for this volume to reach the FAR of 3 casts too much shadow onto the smaller, divided open spaces. Not only that, but this volume is configured as a 30’ wide single loaded building — less than ideal for designing and placing residential units.
The final scheme follows the success of the previous scheme by deploying the strategy of low, east-west bars in the western quadrant while continuing to open spaces divided. The “U” shaped volume on the southern quadrant is taller than the ideal of the other quadrants, but it is still moderately successful because its opening is oriented towards the south to for daylighting during the winter months. Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 1, Pure Volume
Step 2, Solar Fan Cut
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
Step 3, Remaining Volume
Step 4, Revised Volume
15
Design Recommendations Environmentally Driven Design recommendations fall under two categories: ‘Standard Driven’ and ‘Environmentally Driven.’ ‘Environmentally Driven’ recommendations are based on ideal open spaces and solar orientation. The priority of these recommendations is to maximize solar energy and daylighting potential. ‘Standard Driven’ recommendations stem from set requirements for residential buildings. Realistic building dimensions and FAR are the parameters used to make these types of conclusions. The FAR used is 3 with a maximum building height of 70’. Building widths used are either 30’ for a single loaded corridor and 60’ for a double loaded corridor.
E
W
Build Up
Orient East-West
Form a Singular Open Space
Divide the Open Spaces
Open the Southern Edge
Build up the northeastern edge of the site. This applies to
The larger northern and western quadrants of the site
The smaller plots on the southern and eastern quadrants
At 12:00 pm on the winter solstice, the sun is at an angle of
The perimeter blocks generally do not work and in many
the northern and eastern quadrants. Buildings here can be
work best when there are fragmented open spaces with
of the site work best with one large open space. Lower
25 degrees from the ground and rises 120 degrees east of
cases were cut away turning them into more of a “U”
taller and wider forming an edge on the site that won’t eat
lower buildings rather than taller buildings with larger
masses work better here too which, through the FAR,
true north. Ideally, buildings on the site would have some
type mass. Ideally the “U” typologies work best when
into the daylight of the open spaces.
more vast open spaces. Bar buildings are good options for
result in wider, double loaded typologies as favorable
glazing oriented towards the southeast corner of the site
opening up to the south for exposure to summer winds and
this strategy because they can be repeated uniformly to
choices. This shortening also opens up the site as whole to
so as to passively heat rooms using the winter midday sun.
southern light.
form the proper series of outdoor spaces with adequate
further exposure to the south.
day lighting. Placement of these masses will work best in an east to west bar orientation to give the majority of the masses exposure to southern light.
16
17
Design Recommendations Standard Driven
Feasible Widths
Height Restrictions
Designable Dimensions
Certain typologies are not possible at all because of the
Singular bar typologies are not feasible on the site either.
When working with the set FAR, keeping the masses lower
FAR of 3 combined with the set height limit of 70’. The
When working within the requirements, the masses simply
and wider tends to work better than narrow and tall. This
carved block typology typically doesn’t work. The small
become too tall. This applies both for double and single
strategy allows for more sunlight to enter the site and for
series of enclosed interior courtyards as open spaces
loaded bars.
less shading onto other buildings.
cannot function properly in terms or area or day lighting. For residential buildings, this typology is also unrealistic and doesn’t create the space required for repetitive apartment units to fit inside of it.
18
19
PROTOTYPE
AGGREGATION_CONCEPT DIAGRAM ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
SECTION AXON ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
STUDIOS 1 BEDS AMENITIES PARK CIRCULATION PARKING
14,400 GSF 28,750 GSF 2,825 GSF 5,345 GSF 14,600 GSF 15,000 GSF
BUILDING AXON ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
6.5 stories, single loaded corridor building 32 studios (40%) 46 1 bedrooms (60%) 70,920 GSF FAR: 4.73 Lot coverage ratio: .72
GROUND FLOOR PLAN ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
FLOOR PLAN LEVEL 3 ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
10,380 GSF/typical floor 7,700 ASF/typical floor
UNIT FLOOR PLANS ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
STUDIO
1 BEDROOM
450 SF 32 UNITS
10’
25’
625 SF 46 UNITS
50’
PROTOTYPE 2_concept ARCH 5110 URBAN HOUSING
EMILY WEISER
DOMESTIC LIFE 3 bedroom homes Desire for secure shared play space
2
1
STAIR
THREE LEVELS
17 ”
’-0
19’-4”
0”
21’-8”
’-1
25
770 ASF
MID REVIEW
CITY AND SUBURB BLOCK STUDY
NORTH END
SOUTH END
ROXBURY
& BEYOND
BLOCK STUDY OF THE VILLAGE
LAYER: Urban perimeter block
LAYER: Urban rowhouse
UNIT and shared open space
WHAT IS THE STATE OF FAMILY-ORIENTED HOUSING IN BOSTON?
IS OUR BACKYARD SECURE?
PARKING LOTS ARE THE ONLY THING SHARED.
UNPROGRAMMED GREEN SPACE = UNTAPPED POTENTIAL.
PROGRAM AXON
HO U S I NG M I D R E V I E W E M I LY WE I S E R
TRANSVERSE SECTION HO U S I NG M I D R E V I E W EM I LY WE I S E R
TYPICAL UNIT PLANS HO U S I NG M I D R E V I E W EMI LY WE I S E R
THREE BEDROOM (A)
900 SF 26 3BED UNITS TOTAL (20%)
THREE BEDROOM (B) 1,125 SF
BLOCK STUDY
LAYER: Urban perimeter block
LAYER: Exterior corridor and communal spaces
UNIT and shared space
TRANSVERSE SECTION HOU S I NG M I D R E V I E W EMI LY WEI S E R
TYPICAL UNIT PLANS HOU S I NG M I D R E V I E W EM I LY WEI S E R
STUDIO
450 SF 64 UNITS (48%)
ONE BEDROOM 570 SF 26 UNITS (20%)
TWO BEDROOM 710 SF 16 UNITS (12%)
LONGITUDINAL SECTION HOUS I NG M I D R E V I E W EMI LY WE I S E R
GROUND FLOOR SITE PLAN H O U S I NG M I D R E V I E W EM I LY WE I S E R
SECOND FLOOR PLAN HOU S I NG M I D R E V I E W EMI LY WEI S E R
THIRD + FOURTH FLOOR PLANS H O U S I NG M I D R E V I E W EM I LY WE I S E R
FIFTH + SIXTH FLOOR PLANS H O U S I NG M I D R E V I E W EM I LY WE I S E R
FINAL REVIEW
HOUSING AND IDENTITY
fall 2014
SITE PLAN
RESIDENTIAL FABRIC traditional perimeter housing and alternate urban strategies
EXISTING URBAN ISSUES what’s driving the design?
LACK OF SECURITY
NO SHARED SPACES
RESIDUAL GREEN SPACE
PROCESS DIAGRAM
MASSING STRATEGIES
IDENTITY
URBAN DENSITY
DIVERSITY
SECTION AXON
MASSING STRATEGIES
MASSING STRATEGIES
MASSING STRATEGIES
BELOW GRADE PLAN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
RESIDENTIAL FLOOR PLAN
UNIT PLAN
UNIT PLAN
UNIT PLAN
UNIT FACADES
glazing
ELEVATION + SECTION
ELEVATION
SECTION
PERSPECTIVE