More Than Skin Deep by Peter Wong

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Building Sustainable Surfaces Peter Wong Kevin Franz

School of Architecture, University of North Carolina Charlotte Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Charlotte, North Carolina

2 © 2010 Peter Wong. All rights reserved. Publisher – Lulu®. This book is printed with the font Optima, designed by Hermann Zapf in 1952. The work in this publication is made possible with support from the School of Architecture, College of Arts + Architecture at University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

http://coaa.uncc.edu/The-college Inquires about this publication may be made to Peter Wong, Associate Professor at plwong@uncc.edu.

Cover Image: Desk Work. Opposite Page Image: 1 Bank of America Center, Charlotte.

Contents 5

More Than Skin Deep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Peter Wong

The Entangled Bank â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Kevin Franz

Team A: Los Angeles, California

Team B: Shanghai, China

101

Team C: London, United Kingdom

147

Team D: Charlotte, North Carolina

185

Acknowledgments

M. Pelz and O. Villa, Kunsthaus Bregenz case study.

Peter Wong, Associate Professor School of Architecture, UNC Charlotte

More Than Skin Deep Beneath the Surface of Skins We started with coverings. Clothes on the body, wrappings as skin. Seeking to hide rather than reveal. No bones about it. Bones were the tradition of the Modern Movement in architecture. The rise of steel, concrete and glass allowed a new look and meaning for buildings. As religious, civic, and aristocratic themes retreated from buildings at the turn of the 20th century, so lost were the ornaments and figural decorations scattered about their surfaces conveying significance and meaning. Orthodox modernism favored structural expression over skin. Moreover, building form and function took precedent, and the literary model previously employed was replaced with the stories of construction, materials, and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;machine aesthetic.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; But could this new outward expression for architecture be as well understood? How clearly would the abstract expression of programmatic form or the sheer transparency and display of uses within communicate building functions and uses, and in turn, a new set of meanings for architecture? Adolf Loos once told us that,

Architecture awakens sentiments in man. It is therefore the task of the architect to define exactly the sentiment. The room must evoke a warm feeling, the house must be pleasant to live in. The judicial building must appear as a threatening gesture to secret vice. The bank must say: here your money is secured and well-protected by honest people.1 Lacking expressive skins and representational ornament, would the new architecture not be left open to misinterpretation, devoid of recognizable signs, muddled by ambiguous or esoteric form, forfeiting its ability to communicate? Communication and representation have been key questions in modern architecture for the past 100 years. While religious and civic expressions of architecture still exist, they stand in contrast to an increasing number of private and commercial buildings that have a stronger hold on our perception of the built environment. Today, an increase in our expectations on how buildings perform technically, alongside the design-

er’s responsibility to provide buildings expressive of life’s performances heightens both the challenges and the possibilities for architects seeking to create buildings that communicate. New demands for performance-based architecture – often associated with sustainable architecture or “green building” – adds a new dimension to architecture’s potential for awakening Loos’s “sentiments.” Promoted as an impending issue to 6

N. Goss and E. Unruh, John Lewis Department Store case study.

be reckoned with, sustainable architecture generates mutual understanding on how buildings should be in order to offset the negative consequences they have on the environment. In political terms, it is a movement that incites actions and solutions, creating a tight circle of collective meaning built on promotion, media, building standards, and branding. Sustainable architecture is a modern manifesto par excellence, reliant on identifying a crisis, coming up with a plan and implementing it. The dialec7

R. Adams and K. Williams, Sendai Mediatheque case study.

tical problem of sustainable building is therefore two-fold: 1) how to create buildings that perform responsibly and 2) how to express this ethical message through building form and material. The projects presented in this book attempt to negotiate this two-fold thesis. By focusing on building skins and envelopes, we sought to take a deep look into building components that might allow architects to innovate both building performance and building purpose. 8

Middle Layers of the Design Process The projects in this volume were completed in the Spring of 2010 as part of an advanced design studio for graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. The studio was structured as a “design development” laboratory, where students moved quickly beyond typical project goals – e.g., small-scale concept, parti, schematic development – to iterative envelope and skin investigations at scales of 1/2” and 3/4”. This allowed the class to measure the soundness of their initial ideas against large-order material, construction, and thermal requirements. This mid-field position anticipated the more definitive phase of construction documentation while holding at a distance the fetish of details.

A. Denton and J. Todd, Torre Agbar casestudy.

Wandering through the middle-ground of the design process during the semester specifically allowed: 1) the design of an aesthetic for the exterior skin, 2) an exploration of material possibilities, 3) an understanding of construction methods and sequences, 4) the research of new and traditional sustainable technologies, 5) a way to reconcile urban conditions adjacent to the envelope, 6) strategizing an

M. Andrade and S. Jiang, de Young Museum Tower case study.

Existing Charlotte Regional Realtor速 Association (CRRA) building (built in 1969), Charlotte, North Carolina.

appropriate climatic response, and 7) the interior design of specific habitable opportunities at the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perimeter. These were marked as specific goals for the studio. The semester was sectioned into three parts. The first asked students to engage a series of case study projects. The second project explored lessons afforded by the case studies for the design of a new enclosure and skin for an existing office building (examples on this and subsequent pages). The final project revisited similar envelope issues but was based on 11 a large-scale urban block proposal recently completed by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting for a client in Dallas Texas. Existing Building Re-Skin The second project of the semester involved a facade retrofit for an existing 5-story concrete frame structure for the Charlotte Regional RealtorÂŽ Association (CRRA) in Charlotte, NC. This followed on the heels of the case study assignment (refer to previous pages) where students worked in teams of two to analyze and reconstruct complex envelopes from well-known international projects. For these analyses, the students were asked to recreate detailed wall section drawings based on literary and Internet research. In addition, each team physically modeled a partial section of the building that revealed internal working components of the skin. The teams also created various details in digital form to capture the minute aspects of construction and the potential sequence of assembly. Some of these case studies also featured sustainable elements (automatic louvers, heat absorbing thermal walls, shadM. Pelz, CRRA, daylight study and shading strategies.

ing devices, special material considerations, etc.) which they documented in a comprehensive report. The case study served as a model for their design proposals for the CRRA façade retrofit, with many of the students using their research as a departure point for modifications and additions to the building’s vertical surface. The CRRA building represented a typical example of architecture from the 1960s that suffers from a lack of adequate thermal protection, inadequate natural light to the interior as well as restricted interior views for its occupants. It was in need of updating based on the requirements of its owner, who found the building’s outward presence unsuited for the Association’s promotion of up-to-date real estate trends in the Charlotte housing market. For an organization dedicated to sustainable living, the existing building sent the wrong message. The structure of the building did however possess the aesthetic of classic modernism, voicing the priorities of its era through straightforward massing and clear methods of construction. In addition, the surrounding neighborhood was home to a number of R. Adams, CRRA, wall section and photo voltaic enclosure.

similar buildings erected in the same period. There 13 was a type of honesty and simplicity to the structure that the students found authentic. Therefore they were sensitive to the historical significance of the building and many chose to find continuity with its materials and massing in their design proposals. Many of the designs sought to remove the brick panels that covered 85 percent of the building to liberate the precast flooring and framing system of the building. The bones of the building served as the superstructure on which more lightweight, energy conserving strategies were situated, in order to permit daylight to penetrate the body of the 70-foot deep building. Most schemes incorporated double skin envelopes to control lighting and ventilation as well as to house photovoltaic technology. Varying faรงade designs around the building responded to varying solar conditions. Light, Lightness, and On Being Light Current interest for lightness in architecture became a working strategy for the second assignment. L. Li, CRRA, study models of new building screen.

A. Dailey, CCRA, wall section and southeast facade retrofitted with solar shading devices.

A. Dailey, CCRA, main facade retrofit.

Contemporary materials, in particular glass and metal, create larger demands for energy than more traditional materials. At the same time, they allow the designer degrees of flexibility for controlling the environmental effects of the envelope – e.g., through opacity, transparency, and screening. This contradiction is an inherent problem for today’s architectural construction, causing debate among designers interested in green products, and forging different opinions on architecture’s material expression vs. its sustainable features. Moreover, if advances in architectural technology are a part of the equation for environmental responsibility, then research on lessening the impact of technological production must strike a balance between innovation and the exploitation of the resources necessary for building. This dilemma is not an easy one to live with. As W. G. Clark has written, We don’t know why we are here on this Earth. We do know, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated among us, that our presence here is probably harmful, an imposition. That knowledge causes us to want to assuage the fouling and killing aspects of our existence

in order to simply be at some ease with our occupation. We want to belong rather than only use. Sick at killing the cow, yet having to eat, we make rules of propriety and economy governing the slaughter. We must eat the whole cow; we may not kill extra cows; we may never take pleasure in the kill. In a bare existence, economy is necessary for survival. But it is also, in any existence, an ethical act that regrets the taking; imposing itself as a respectful, if insufficient, act of atonement.2 The students accepted this necessary evil in their 15 proposals for the CRRA. Rather than completely cannibalizing the existing structure, some of the proposals reused existing brick and concrete materials, recomposing them alongside new, lighter components to maintain the building’s original character as well as to reduce the need for additional resources and energy. Lessons learned in this problem allowed the students to make better-informed decisions in the latter part of the course. As they moved on to the Entangled Bank assignment – that required them to site projects in several corners of the globe – they ably adapted these envelope-focused innovations to differing cultural climates and environmental conditions.

Notes: 1. Adolf Loos, “Architecture (1910),” translated by H. F. Mallgrave, Midgård, Vol. 1, No. 1, 1987, 55. 2. Richard Jensen, Clark and Menefee (New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2000), 10.

Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Entangled Bank proposal for Dallas, TX, 2009.

Kevin Franz, AIA, LEED AP, BD+C Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, Charlotte, NC

The Entangled Bank It is interesting to contemplate an entangled bank, clothed with many plants of many kinds, with birds singing on the bushes, with various insects flitting about and with worms crawling through the damp earth, and to reflect that these elaborately constructed forms, so different from each other, and dependent on each other in so complex a manner, have all been produced by laws acting around us.1 In his conclusion to On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin describes an entangled bank to the reader as an example of a natural cycle of life, each element unknowingly, yet dependent on others, within a network of coincidental encounters. Metaphorically, a sustainable community comprises an interwoven set of social, economic and environmental components, each relying on the framework in which they are bound. An Urban Example of the Entangled Bank Little’s project for a sustainable urban block substituted social, environmental and economic constitu-

17 ents for the organisms within the entangled bank metaphor. The project originated as a competition sponsored by Urban Re:Vision, an organization of architects, community leaders, and business individuals working to generate visionary ideas, innovations and design solutions different from typical developer-driven project. The competition program asked participants to focus on a single urban block in Dallas, Texas. The goal of Little’s project was to develop a malleable program whose defined components could be modified to rejuvenate other urban communities worldwide.

The research efforts for the project sought to gather and analyze cultural, regional and social elements of the site in order to understand the entangled web of influences in this particular place. This data was broken down into parts – retail, residential, social services, and educational facilities – that were woven into complex relationships that could predict and utilize the interactions necessary to reinforce and renew the urban framework. This investigation of the surrounding context exposed a diverse collection of existing community resources that included elementary schools, transit stops, public

The Entangled Bank site in context with downtown Dallas.

Block section showing sustainable elements.

Early sketch depicting future expansion and path to downtown.

Programming of the block.

park facilities, open-air food markets and assistance shelters for the homeless. All of these components were situated side by side as a comprehensive web of services.

vices (daycare, fitness, social consulting).

Little’s Proposal

The block was configured by the dynamic forces between two intersecting street grids in Dallas in conjunction with a solar orientation that would best suit the agricultural requirements of the project. This is demonstrated by the placement of a 33-story residential tower shaped to reflect these two forces. The geometry and features of the tower serve as a formal anchor linking the project to downtown. Behind the vertical garden of the tower are elevated pastures, located at every fourth floor. These elevated levels – like Darwin’s diverse model – function as social spaces, productive fields and private leisure areas, creating an ever-changing façade condition throughout the year.

The main programmatic features of Little’s solution for the block included: 1) an emphasis in agricultural production and retail services (elevated pastures/vertical farm, organic market, educational laboratories, culinary institute, and food services), 2) multi-family residential programs (both market-rate condominiums, affordable housing, and subsidized SRO units) and 3) wellness facilities and social ser-

The low-rise portion of the block is organized around a meandering path that ramps upwards from the entrance of the block elevating the occupant both physically and spiritually as they move to the landscaped terraces above. This part of the block incorporates social services, live entertainment, retail, educational and learning facilities as well as additional live/work residential units.

In conjunction with the social and economic factors, the environmental characteristics played a major role in shaping the renewable ecosystems integrated into the skin of the architecture. Knowledge of wind direction and speeds, annual precipitation, seasonal temperature variations and solar orientation of the site helped determine which types of systems would be best suited for Dallas.

Alternative configurations for the modular affordable residential units.

Street view facing the live/work residential units with vertical farm (33-story tower) beyond.

Gray water recover system at elevated park level.

Passive hydronic, heat recovery system at residential facade.

Innovative Technologies Three sustainable systems make up the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin. A curtain wall glazing system extends from floor to floor providing maximum natural day lighting and optimum views from within. Copper piping harnesses solar thermal resources of the sun to condition water that is transferred to the mechanical systems within each unit. Finally, photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into electrical energy that is distributed to each of the residential units. Other sustainable features of the project include green roofs, a vertical wind turbine and ventilation system, a gray water recovery system and modular concrete construction for the residential portion of the program. These sustainable systems would serve as the focus for further development by the students at UNC Charlotte. Detail of wind turbines at windward edge of tower.

A Los Angeles.

C London.

B Shanghai.

D Charlotte.

Students presenting their initial proposals to architects at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, April 2010.

The Collaboration The Entangled Bank succeeded in providing a framework of elements designed to renew and sustain an urban city block in downtown Dallas. In collaboration with the School of Architecture at UNC Charlotte, Little provided students with the concept and framework of components as a precedent for further design development of the project’s sustainable features. The students were divided into teams and presented with four sites, each of which presented cultural and environmental characteristics specifically chosen to test the program itself. Members from Little, as well as the Entangled Bank team, participated in the teaching and the review of the students’ designs throughout the semester, sharing the knowledge that had been gained during the original design of the project. In turn, the students provided further design development of Little’s original proposal, seeking to help inform, as well as learn about, new ways of working with these complex systems. Four different cities with varying climatic zones

were selected to further explore alternative energy- 23 conserving strategies. The collaboration presented a two-fold opportunity: 1) for the students to obtain first hand experience with an actual sustainable project given full professional objectives (e.g., client requirements, programmatic needs, development feasibility, presentation needs, etc.), and 2) for professionals to further explore their proposal in terms of detailed sustainable systems, materials and envelope possibilities developed by the students. While the former provided important lessons for students about professional practice, the latter afforded professionals new perspectives on enhancing the original project’s level of sustainability. Practice allied with research became the important objective of this collaboration. The projects that follow foreground the opportunities provided by this collaborative “town and gown” approach in an effort to strengthen the relationship between professional practice, university research, and student learning. Notes: 1. Charles R. Darwin, On the Origin of Species (London: John Murray, 1859), 489.

Los Angeles, California Los Angeles: the land of unabashed advertising. Billboards leave no surface untouched. Do these surfaces have the potential to advertise more than just goods and services? It is commonly agreed that the Los Angeles lifestyle is unique. How can this be represented through building facades? This project explores three façade concepts in order to collectively represent the lifestyle of Los Angeles. The first concept advertises the work of the residents in the media industry by projecting imagery to the rooftop garden and beyond, while simultaneously collecting solar energy. The second is a breathing screen which advertises a concern with environmental consciousness and healthy living. The third concept advertises the cultural history of Hollywood by creating a perspective-dependent iconic image for commuters on the freeway. None of the façade concepts are “purely sustainable” – but this can also be said of the Los Angeles lifestyle. Energy and water are collected where they can then be used for the enjoyment of the collector. This is a lifestyle Los Angeles enjoys, and it is one that draws many new residents to the city each year.

Downtown Media Wall Los Angeles

Team: Kelsey Williams, Elizabeth Unruh, Jiang Shuang Map of county and highway infrastructure.

26 Claimed as a multi-cultural society, the majority

of American cities, like Los Angeles, have been homelands for those with various racial backgrounds. Such diverse conditions in the American city promises a greater chance for communication, understanding, and collaborating, which is claimed by some to be a distinguishing trait of American city life. While Los Angeles highways serve as significant factors to facilitating local life, they also perform a dramatic function, pointing to the prosperity and fast-paced style of West Coast living. Moreover, this is reflected in the argument that ‘the highway’ provides a truer sense of the city and the mindset of modern American culture. Found with ease in high traffic areas of Los Angeles, billboards have created a distinct landscape for its environs, contributing the town’s identity and unique character. The impact of these billboards – which exist as commercial advertisements, public advocating or events announcements – have become a crucial part of American highway culture.

Plan of Los Angeles (downtown).

Analysis of neighboring building uses.

Aerial view of district with site located.

Figure/ground diagram of site.

Aerial view of site.

Site panorama.

While known worldwide for the entertainment industry that thrives in Los Angeles, its economic landscape is just as broad as other major cities. Tourism/hospitality is actually the largest industry in the city, followed by professional services and then entertainment. The downtown region, the location of our site, is home to the financial core, convention district, and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major performance venues. Hotels are the primary employers and the cultural mix combines financiers, theatergoers and up-andcoming artists. Not long ago life in downtown L.A. was abandoned with the departure of the last commuter at 5pm, but a resurgence over the last several years is creating a fuller sense of life with new residents living in the core. This housing is pricey though, and has been marketed primarily to a class of people that own several residences. Our project proposes the creation of apartments that appeal to a variety of socioeconomic classes, thus enabling the hotel employee or struggling artist to take up residence in the currently exclusive neighborhood of Downtown LA. Imagine that, being able to live near where you work in Los Angeles! Map of downtown and neighboring districts.

Street Car to Motor Vehicle.

Union Station.

Wind chart.

In September of 1781, L.A was officially founded. In the early 1900s the rail lines moved in. The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rails were comprehensive rivaling even New York City for the most mileage. In 1939 the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal (Union Station) opened creating a landmark for the rail lines. Street cars became the dominant mode of transportation until WWII. At the end of WWII the private automobile replaced street cars. Today, freeways are a defining characteristic of the city. Natural ventilation.

The weather of the Los Angeles basin is characterized by a Mediterranean climate. The Los Angeles basin receives ample sunshine, with 320 sunny days and 40 rainy days on average per year. The Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry shore winds that sweep through Southern California. These winds are remembered most for the hot dry weather (often the hottest of the year) they bring in the fall. Good natural ventilation, window overhangs, and operable sunshades can reduce or eliminate air conditioning. Sunny wind-protected outdoor spaces can extend living areas in cool weather.

Typical tower plan diagram (residential).

Diagram of block plan.

Background case studies.

View from Disney Hall.

33 When designing the mass of the block we looked at a precedent that worked with a folded form. The folded form allowed the roof to become a dynamic outdoor public space. We took the idea of this public space and incorporated it into our building. Instead of a folded volume we have regular volumes covered by folded exterior skins. Keeping the volumes regular allowed freedom for the development of different types of detached skins with varying geometries.

Our program contains three main elements. We divided the super structure into three parts in reflection to this. Each part contains a base that rises up into a tower. A ring of program and circulation surrounds the three towers to unify them. The mass of our project involves the uses of both interior space and exterior. This mass allows the negative space (exterior) to be transformed into outdoor rooms.

Site and block massing.

Entrance.

Views afforded when traveling Hwy 101.

35 One of the main industries of Los Angeles is the arts. We brought this into our project through the educational component. The three main educational units are performing arts (orange), fashion design (blue), and craft (purple). We have also incorporated the healthy lifestyle of Los Angeles by including a wholistic medicine facility, spa, and vegan friendly restaurant (pink ring). The large space between the craft and fashion design schools will contain an open air market for organic foods.

The towers mostly contain our residential units. There are four types ranging from a studio apartment to a two story condo. The two media walls take the ideas of advertisement and media of Los Angeles and represent them in a sustainable and modern manner.

Program massing.

Media Screens

COMPONENT A.1 Kelsey Williams

Preliminary media wall sketch model.

36 Embedded in the culture of Los Angeles is the

paradox of consumer vs. convervationist. People conserve energy only to immediately use it preserving nothing. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Mediatectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the terminology for the new digital technology being used in the media, especially in Los Angeles. By combining these two concepts we have developed a screen that is applied to the southern facades. Each of the two screen will display work and performances from the educational facilities in the complex. One will be specific to rooftop viewing by the people local to the block. The other is oriented so it can be seen from the greater downtown area. The screen is made of two parts, LED and photovoltaic panels. The PV panels are fixed in their location. The angle at which the two components meet mimic the original idea of a folded surface. The orientation of the panels are what determines the specific viewing points. At these points the panel reads as a single display screen.

Final media wall model incorporating PVs and LEDs.

Diagram demonstrating the two media wall viewing angles.

Building section at media wall and bridge condition (B2).

The screens are anchored to the surface of the towers creating bridging elements which connect the towers together. Given the social concept of these screens, outdoor public space is created in the areas behind each screen.

Panel locations on city-side facades.

Each screen incorporates PV and LED components but have different viewing audiences. The smaller screen is oriented toward the neighborhood theatre plaza adjacent to the east tower. The downtown projection screen, displaying images to the city, is higher and larger in scale.

steel girder steel wide flange concrete 18â&#x20AC;? sleepers finish floor

photovoltaic panel steel bracket LED panel bolt connection

drop ceiling private balcony

steel tube

maintainance catwalk steel bldg structural column

Bay Elevation (corresponding with wall section to right).

Wall section (B1).

Section model of media wall.

Detail panel orientation.

Each media screen is an independent system from the rest of the building facade. The two different panel types are positioned using a bracket to fix their location. The brackets are then tied back to a catwalk system for maintenance. Cross-bracing provides the lateral support for the system. This portion of the screen projects off of the building, attached at the ends to the â&#x20AC;&#x153;breathing screen.â&#x20AC;? A catwalk is braced by the main column structure of the tower for access. The space between the private balconies and the catwalk create a transitional space from the air pollutants of the city in order to alter the micro-climate of the outdoor balconies. Given the translucency of both the PV and LED panels, light will penetrate these exterior spaces. This provides the opportunity for soft light to show a record of time as the it passes across the facade creating variation and pattern during the day. At night, the LEDs illuminate the space making an engaging social atmosphere that reflects lifestyle of Los Angeles.

Detail system structure.

View from city.

View from outdoor theatre.

The Media screens are used to project information to the city, to draw individuals to the complex, and to support the local neighborhood theater function of the project. The screens create a connection for locals in the art community as well as provide a larger service to the community. They also invoke a specific atmosphere to the residents living in the units behind them. They are part of the social character of the complex both exterior and interior.

Interstitial space.

Breathing Screen

COMPONENT A.2 Elizabeth Unruh

Precedent for Breathing Screen - SOM’s Living Wall.

44 The design of the southern façade is quite ambi-

tious in its attempt to “advertise” the environmentally conscious lifestyle of Los Angeles. Through a double-skin façade, an interior living screen and outdoor living spaces, it creates a naturally ventilated greenhouse with many potential benefits. The temperate climate in Los Angeles makes the city ideally suited for energy-saving natural ventilation. With dry and cool incoming air, the use of plant life to create a warm and humid environment between the skins encourages displacement through a threestory stack. SOM’s Living Wall study revealed that as air passes through a field of plant life, the root rhizomes absorb a substantial amount of toxic material resulting in 200-300% cleaner air. With freeways in close proximity to the site, and smog a constant presence in the city’s atmosphere, the integration of a breathing screen between the skins of the façade creates healthier outdoor spaces by purifying the air as it flows through the cavity. The challenges for this design became how to design a façade that reads as a whole, to encourage community among the residents, and to design a breathing screen that increases biophilia.

MODERATE TEMP. -

- NATURAL VENTILATION

SOLAR RADIATION -

- SHADE FROM SCREEN

DRY AIR -

SMOG -

- PLANT-INDUCED HUMIDITY

- AIR PURIFICATION THROUGH PLANTS

LACK OF BIOPHILIA -

- VIEW OF LIVING THINGS

Strategies for ventilation and location of sustainable components.

Single Floor Wall Section (Scale: 1/4” = 1’-0”).

The southern façade of each tower is divided into three-story blocks (left) which allow for fire-safe stack ventilation and present unique opportunities for residential community. Each block has one breathing screen that runs continuously from top to bottom. To encourage residents to experience the planted side of the screen, enjoy an unhindered view, and travel effortlessly between the three floors, four openings are created in each scheme. One of these openings is detailed in the bay elevation and partial wall section (right). 46

Residents have the option of relaxing on their private patios, descending the steps to the public path in order to visit their neighbors, or passing through the breathing screen to experience a new view and traverse the entire length of the façade. With this last option, the screen not only serves as an advertisement of the lifestyle that exists behind it, but also plays the role of a backdrop to the actual life itself when the residents choose to emerge from within. If you watch patiently, you might even catch one of the inhabitants momentarily remove their most personal protective layer – their sunglasses.

Exploration of building elevation.

Partial Floor Plan (Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”).

Bay Elevation (Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”).

Partial Wall Section (Scale: 1/8” = 1’-0”).

The design of two schemes for the breathing screen resulted from studies of certain non-flowering and flowering plants, chosen for their effectiveness in air purification. The first design, the Leaf Scheme, represents the pattern of nutrient travel in the leaf of an elephant ear plant. In this double-layer screen, the plants are contained within rectangular-shaped pots that are passed through the corresponding holes in the screen (see rendering, right). As the water passes through the prominent vertical members, it is distributed to the 48 plants through the secondary members.

Elephant ear leaf.

After the scheme was designed in Rhinoceros and applied on a flat surface, one of the units was modeled in Grasshopper (a parametric modeling plug-in for Rhinoceros). By changing parameters through the Grasshopper model, the unit can be stretched horizontally or vertically to cover complex surfaces, and the holes in the component can be enlarged or shrunk to accommodate different views and plant life, respectively. Rendering of Terra Cotta screen.

Grasshopper (parametric) model & element for leaf screen.

Detail of Leaf Scheme screen.

View from patio through screen.

Screen shadow on patio.

Natural ventilation through wall.

Wall section model with Leaf Scheme screen.

Hibiscus Flower.

Fuchsia Flower.

Initial sketches of screen motif.

50 The second design, the Petal Scheme, represents the

anatomies of two types of air-purifying flowers. In a hibiscus flower the pistil and stamen grow directly out of splayed petals, represented in the prominent unit of the screen design. In a fuchsia flower, however, the petals are set-back and the pistil and stamen grow from a secondary cup of petals. This is represented through the inversion of the prominent unit in the design. Only a single layer, this screen holds flowering plants in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;potsâ&#x20AC;? created by the petals on the southern side. Since this planted side faces away from the residents and toward the sun, the screen was designed to be equally effective in increasing biophilia when viewed from both sides. The nonplanted side facing the patios displays a similar primary unit in both original and inverted form, thus revealing the anatomy of both hibiscus and fuchsia flowers. An alternative for both schemes of the screen is terra cotta. Its porous texture allows for the dispersion of water, and the process of slip-casting enables it to be used in 3-D designs. A small section of this petal scheme was prototyped in order to convey the spatial and tactile nature of the design.

Rendering of terra cotta screen.

Detail of planted side of petal screen.

3-D printed model of petal screen.

Detail of residential side of petal screen.

View from Patio looking up.

Billboard

COMPONENT A.3 Shuang Jiang 52 Highway:

Instead of the typical facade for the north side of the building, the three residential towers are fitted with signage for passers-by traveling Hwy 101 and the Santa Monica Highway. Media Culture: The images advertised on these surfaces represent the cultural roots tied to LAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment and suburban traditions. Panels holding these images will be changed or altered depending on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media trends and fashions.

North billboards facades oriented to 101 and Santa Monica Hwy.

Precedent examples for the folded strategy of the billboard wall.

Billboard: As a counterpoint to the high-tech media screens at the southern faces of the building, the north exposure annotates the media culture of Los Angeles via a static set of creases and folds displayed to speeding traffic of the freeways. Program: The residents of the towers populate this wall as they keep pace with cars, moving to their individual units. Concepts: Outside --- Images of Hollywood, and LA in general, are exhibited as poster displays. Classic or newly-released Hollywood blockbusters face travelers in route to beach or mountain. Also can be seen are the human activities behind this folded facade, but at a scale that is dwarfed by the large images of celebrity heroes.

Step 1: original image

Step 2: convert the image into black and white

Inside --- Residents moving to their units can pause and peak through the eyes of these giant starlets. They wander inside the billboard via the corridor enjoying the exhibition on both sides. Skin --- The triangulated folds of the billboard, the tetrahedre extend beyond the facade, provide an opportunity for views of the traffic and mountains beyond. Incidental light and shadow change as time passes throughout the day. This is afforded by the perforated metal panels, which also hold the main images of the billboard. As opposed to expressing structure on these folded surfaces, mixed popular imagery is displayed.

Step 3: invert the black and white

Step 4: pixel pattern translated into an alternating grid of protruding and depressed embossings, stamped at different depths.

Los Angelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love affair with the sign.

Building section through billboard wall, showing the relationship between exterior walkway and unit interiors.

Diagrams of the billboard screen and sequence of construction.

Model photo in detail.

Views of the billboard walls as seen from Hwy 101 and the Santa Monica Freeway.

Study models of the folded north facing walls.

Shanghai, China Our initial premise for the masterplan of this sustainable block, and the subsequent envelope design strategies, was that of the Lilong housing type. Shanghai is a city that is rich in culture & community in part due to these Lilong communities and how they foster interaction through proximity and layout. The city is beginning to lose some of this typological richness at the street plane due to constant population growth, which forces new construction of high rise structures up and away from the street. It was our intention to bring back this formal and social structure to the city by not only reinventing appropriate street conditions, but by also designing residences above the ground plane that foster and promote community among neighbors through visual and physical means. The image of Lilong living at the right therefore served as the start for the development of this project.

is it possible to slide the image so the site is not spit?

Yangpu District Renewal Shanghai, China

Team: Riann Adams, Mimi Andrade, Ryan Trimble Satellite view of Shanghai region.

64 The project site is located in the Yangpu district of

Shanghai, just a few blocks from the Hangpu River. Shanghai is a densely populated, steadily growing metropolitan hub whose architecture is changing and adapting just as fast as its population. With an ever-changing built landscape to contend with, Shanghai needs a site responsive proposal and also a culturally responsive one that will be able to adapt with the city as it continues to grow. Our group looked first at the pedestrian/vehicular patterns within the vicinity of the site and took note of the various raised highways and meandering canals. This created an opportunity for juxtaposition within the city that directly impacts how buildings are accessed and viewed. We also took a close look at the surrounding transportation hubs and local attractions in order to come up with a strong procession through the block similar to the Lilong typology. These site studies also uncovered the possibilities of the Lilong housing type in this particular district. As a result of these initial site studies, we started with producing schematic programmatic layouts that would directly respond to the above mentioned site conditions.

Shanghai city skyline from the Pudong financial district.

Vehicular infrastructure.

Vehicular Circulation Primary/Secondary axes of influence.

Aerial view of Yangpu district.

Analysis of neighboring building uses.

Aerial view of site.

Existing buildings in the Yangpu District.

The Yangpu District is primarily a residential district, however it lacks a true sense of identity. Our project seeks to bring key components of urban design into a single location to create a new center of activity. There is a noticeable lack of green space in the area. Residents lack necessary spaces to interact, both with one another and with nature. The raised clusters of units in our design help to foster this sense of connectivity by providing ample, layered green space. Some of this space is intended to be planted with local species of vegetation, both to encourage interaction with nature and to assist in purifying the air of the city. A portion of this space is also intended to offer a place for sports. This outdoor sports area, along with a large recreation facility, will further help the project to foster a sense of community in the district. The community is supported by abundant residential units designed to be modular and easily erected or updated. The units also are flexible enough to incorporate multiple floors to accommodate larger families or various income levels within the same structure, thus achieving a more sustainable atmosphere. The ground floor of each building also includes live/work or retail spaces. These spaces are intended to form a interactive streetscape similar to that of the traditional Lilong.

Diagrams of programmatic spaces (top to bottom): living roofs, retail, residential.

North Elevation of the block.

Street and block plan.

Traditional Lilong morphology.

Our final master plan for the site depicts a respect for the traditional Lilong housing typology. This vernacular morphology was often arranged as rows of units clustered along narrow alleyways that encouraged social interaction. These alleys spilled out into larger lanes that served as central pedestrian paths and gathering area. In our reinterpretation of the type we sought to maintain the porous nature of the traditional Lilong. This porosity refers not only to the multitude of access points for pedestrians, but also to the building massing itself, which is pulled apart to allow natural forces such as sunlight and wind to easily penetrate the dense urban configuration. The notion of compression and release is created as the alleyways inherently bring people closer together, physically and socially, with a central square and cross axes of lanes allowing for larger community events. The mixed use nature of this project, combined with its prominent location within the fabric of the Yangpu District enables it to serve as a focal point for the entire neighborhood. We envision that the site will be not only environmentally sustainable but also strengthen and renew the social and urban character of the Yangpu District.

Cross Section diagram of unit configuration.

Massing Model.

Massing model (view of â&#x20AC;&#x153;lanesâ&#x20AC;? lifted into the air).

The Old Shi-ku-men Lilong House

Below: 1. Courtyard 2. Central Hall 3. Bedroom 4. Light-well 5. Kitchen 6. Storage 7. Bathroom 8. Auxiliary Room

Above: 1. Skywell 2. Porch 3. Main Hall 4. Bedroom 5. Kitchen

Following the general pattern of row-housing originating in London in the 1850s, the layout and structure of the Lilong is adjusted spatially to the traditional Chinese dwelling models that were present in south-east China. The basic housing prototype of the Shi-ku-men Lilong took the form of a main two-storied building at the front of the site enclosed by a central courtyard with linked to a one-storied building via a light court. This housing type was accessed from side lanes from the front and back. The front lane allowed formal entry to the house; the rear lane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; often called the service lane â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was used for preparation of cooking and served as a play area for children. These two lane conditions face each other creating a unique combination of formal and informal activities,

The New Old Shi-ku-men Lilong House 5

8 2

3 3

After the collapse of Chinese Empire in 1911, the traditional extended family began to disintegrate. Due to the rapid growth of Shanghaiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population, Lilongs were adapted to suit low income families who could afford and required less space. The Old Shi-ku-men Lilongs were modified into highdensity units with smaller courtyards. The houses were mostly comprised of a single Jian, facing a smaller front courtyard. They were composed of two primary parts: a living zone at the front and service area at the back.

Traditional Shanghai Lilong neighborhoods.

Shanghai Growing Vertically

Le Corbusier, Ville Contemporaine, 1922.

Shanghai today is a vast metropolis of 22 million residents, the largest city in the world’s most populous nation. In a mere three decades its population has nearly doubled, and the city has been physically transformed by the building of modern highrises and elevated freeways. Formerly a horizontal expanse of dense and sprawling Lilong neighborhoods, Shanghai has grown vertically. Nearly 400 high-rises of twenty stories or more were built in the historic Puxi core since 1990, and colossal elevated roads fly over old neighborhoods. The Yangpu district is rapidly losing the traditional way of life and cultural sense of community that the morphology of the Lilong once embraced. Increasingly higher and more dense residential towers, similar to Le Corbusier’s modern concept of “the tower in the park,” are taking over the district of Yangpu to accommodate housing needs in this rapid growing district.

Shanghai residential building in the 1970s.

Diagram illustrating major site circulation/gathering space.

Mithun’s Vertical Farm Building, Romses Architects’ Harvest Tower, and Phipps-Rose-Dattner-Grimshaw’s Via Verde projects all offer a sense of unique sustainability, both socially and environmentally.

The transformation of the city is captured at the scale of our site through multiple satellite images over the past ten years. Analysis of these images shows a neighborhood once rich in small scale residential units that has undergone a drastic transformation. Traditional spaces of interaction have been replaced by western-style highrises oblivious to the needs of the local culture. Our scheme attempts to reintroduce these traditional planning back into the built form of the city and provide a cultural condition and a model more consistent with the history of the city of Shanghai.

November 10, 2000.

January 29, 2004.

Analysis of the climate of Shanghai reveals many similarities to the Charlotte region. Its latitude at 31 degrees north of the equator and proximity to the coast give the area a humid sub-tropical classification. With four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are generally sunny, warm, pleasant, and dry. During the summer the city is subject to 40” of annual rain and is very hot and humid. The humidity is also prevalent in the winter, along with a cold wind from the north. Temperatures can drop below freezing, but snow in the city is rare.

April 19, 2006.

May 10, 2009.

Shanghai Office Complex

COMPONENT B.1 Riann Adams

A project featuring sky gardens.

74 The office complex portion of the Shanghai block

is inspired by the sky gardens created at every third level of the residential blocks. These sky gardens provided the needed green space as well as a place that fosters interaction among neighbors similar to the Lilong precedent for our project. This feature makes its way into the office program as an additional way for providing a diverse set of private to publicly occupied spaces. Two schematic section diagrams were investigated to test how the exterior skin of the building might be configured. Rather than creating a tight facade of thin surfaces, the depth of the building is open, promoting interaction spatially via its section. The first section features a series of cascading atriums, which ultimately lead to one of the sky gardens that connects commercial with residential sectors of the block. The second section features a cantilevering atrium that leads onto the shared garden. In the final iteration the atrium concept evolved into open air space that would serve as both a visual and physical connection between the street and interior block.

Initial building section diagrams.

Butt-glazed mullion system.

Front Elevation.

Building Section.

Perspective of block.

Plan diagrams illustrating the open courtyards.

The two cantilevering courtyards are the main feature of the Shanghai Office Complex. While the facade studies of the residential units were more technically driven, the focus of the office wing was to maintain social interaction by creating a public space with the block. The perspective (upper left image) represents the view people would have at the blockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perimeter. It was our intention to make it not only visually open, but also to allow the public spaces beyond to be destination points. The circulation to each courtyard has been exposed and celebrated on the facade, creating an invitation to passersby. It was also important to create oasislike spaces for the office workers for use during lunch hours as well as after hours in the evening. The offices are clad in a butt-glazed curtain wall system that allows the extruded courtyards to be perceived beyond. Plan view of block.

Bay Elevation.

Wall Section.

Section through facade.

The courtyard elements are clad in white metal panels in order to bounce and reflect light through the open air space. The transparent and lightweight skin of the street facade is supported by a hollowcore concrete floor structure. The circulation ramp facing the main street is cantilevered. The detail section (at right) illustrates how the ramp is connected to the vertical circulation core by cantilevered steel beams. It is also held on the far side by a cable system that connects directly into the roof plane of the courtyard structure. This system allows the extruded ramps to hover on the facade facing the street.

Ramp Section.

Site Perspective.

Views of section model.

The physical section model illustrates a portion of one of the courtyard gardens. It is double the height of the office floors and will feature not only garden areas but also restaurant vendors and sitting areas.

Section Model.

Front Elevation.

Garden and office extensions.

Air-Water Cleansing Facade

COMPONENT B.2 Mirna Andrade

Image() depicting concept, envelope strategy or precedent.

82 While investigating the site and region of the project

it was ascertained that significant problems related to air and water quality needed to be reconciled. Further research in how to alleviate these problems led to the material titanium dioxide, a commonly used product for hygiene. This material provided the possibility to address both air and water quality issues. Titanium dioxide is a fog-proof, self cleaning, antibacterial, anti-viral, self-cleaning, air and water purifier. The mineral is effective when employed through nanotechnology, functioning via individual atoms and molecular reaction. What makes this filtration possible is through the photocatalytic reaction of the material to create an electron exchange when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Our proposal is to use titanium as a coating incorporated into a double skin glass screen. Since titanium needs water in order to filter the air, contaminated city or rain water can be collected and moved across this material surface through a series of voids and channels. Once water is filtered it is collected in an underground reservoir and distributed as a gray water resource to residential units.

A typical Shanghai skyline view.

oating Ti02 c

1 smog, bacteria & germs in the air

particles adhere to coating

ce surfa wall

oating Ti02 c

RAIN oating Ti02 c

ce surfa wall

4 Water and Air puriďŹ cation & dirt is washed away

SUN

ce surfa wall

Photocatalytic Reaction breaks down the dirt

Titanium Dioxide - photocatalytic reaction /air and water filtration.

Sketch ideas of water movement through the facade. 83 Air Purification

Water Purification

Early facade studies.

Facade model.

additional text and/ or images

Study of water flow.

To the right is an early scheme developed for the air and water cleansing facade. The pattern is a metaphorical representation of gravitational forces required to draw down the water. This movement is controlled and channeled through the double skin in order to leave areas clear for visibility and light penetration. Some of these voids are also left open without glazing in specific areas; such as the sky gardens. The remainder of these openings are sealed with glass. Although, most of the areas are glazed, the double skin is offset from the actual structure of the building to allow air movement and create an open, healthy environment. The disadvantage of these openings is that it reduces the amount of panels where the water can filtrate. However this configuration allows gravitational forces and the manner in which the panels are oriented to direct the water at increased velocities allowing greater volumes of water to be cleansed. Another drawback of the scheme is that it creates some issues between opaque and transparent surfaces for each floor where the space behind the screen accommodates either a corridor or outdoor patio. All of these issues are later resolved the in final scheme.

Corridor/Apartment entrance

Outdoor Patio

Corridor/Apartment entrance

Sky Garden

Outdoor Patio

Corridor/Apartment entrance

Outdoor Patio

Sky Garden

Corridor/Apartment entrance

Outdoor Patio

Corridor/Apartment entrance

Physical study model of 1st scheme.

Elevation of 1st scheme.

Preliminary sketches for facade system.

Preliminary joint and fastening details.

Concrete superstructure.

Section through public corridor.

Transparency vs. opacity study of the screen.

Final patterning of screen.

Water channeled through facade

Section model showing the three top floors.

The final facade scheme solves construction issues of the relationship between habitable spaces and the concrete structure. Water moves in various directions in order to delay the cleaning process and to create a system of opaque screens that will provide increased privacy to the corridor floors. The use of glass has been minimized in order to provide more open spaces to the outdoor patios as well as to the sky gardens. This scheme provides an increase in the volume of water, allowing for a better cleaning process and a facade that is more connected to the activities that are occurring in the building.

Facade anchored to floor slab

Water collection at grade

Gray water recycled for reuse

Additional image.

Plan view of screen connection to slab.

Steel plate embedded into slab with adjustment component welded to vertical screen.

Model photo in detail.

Typical north elevation of residential units.

Sustainable Facade Modules

COMPONENT B.3 Ryan Trimble

Kurokawa’s Nakagin Capsule Tower, Tokyo, 1972.

90 Focusing on the southern facing residential facades,

this typology is designed to encompass each element of sustainability. Various modules are to be attached to the facade through the informed decision of the tenant. Mass customization is achieved by developing a set of modules that can be personalized and updated over time. Each is angled to incorporate necessary sun orientation as well as provide views to activities below. In an ever-changing city like Shanghai this system attempts to keep development on the cutting edge. Precedent: Modularity From the outset of this project we realized the dynamic building atmosphere in Shanghai. The city is constantly being rebuilt with greater density. Projects such as Kurokawa’s Capsule Tower in Tokyo and other projects of the Metabolist Movement exemplify an attempt to allow architecture to respond to this realization. Our project incorporates standard building components to which facade modules can be attached. These modules are individually customizable and able to be replaced or renovated with minimal effort. The Capsule Building also affords a dynamic facade while utilizing a very regularized

building module that is attached to a standard structural system. This too is our aim in Shanghai. Precedent: Social Understanding Humans have a basic need to interact on various levels. Of concern for us is personal/social interaction, which our scheme attempts to capture from traditional Lilong planning. Another interest is to provide indirect visual interaction. This is observed through the phenomenon of “people watching.” SOM’s sky boxes at Willis Tower allow direct interaction between people and their surroundings. The desire is evident when people press their foreheads against glass. Hence the tilted glass facades of our proposal encourages residents to partake in this type of social interaction.

Diagram of public spaces given the modular configuration of the project.

Residential modules composed on site (above right - alternative configurations).

Image, etc.

Each residential unit exists within a three-floor cluster. These clusters allow the traditional connections between individuals of the Lilong urban development to be maintained while allowing green space to exist within a vertical layout. The upper and lower floors of each cluster allow for the placement of a chosen module. Residents select from a variety of modules based on their specific needs or aesthetic preferences. As such, the aesthetic of the facade is driven by the residents with a constantly changing quilt of modules. The modules are designed to be replaceable; whether by the next resident or when new technology emerges. Each consists of an independent structure, which is connected at floor levels to the superstructure of the residential units. Within the cast aluminum structural members of the modules are pin locations for connection elements. These connectors either support the external glazing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which is laminated with a photovoltaic film on the upper section â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or other alternative modules specific to function. There are four basic modules each specific to the needs of Shanghai living, these are: social interaction, green space, solar protection, and solar water heating.

Bay Section with modules.

Bay Elevation showing individualized use of module types.

Social Module

The Social Module is intended to maximize development to encourage human interaction. This facade system incorporates the ability not only to promote visual interaction, but also through a folding system with the wall becoming a balcony. This exterior space opens the unit to the surrounding units, thus promoting social interaction. The opening also allows for natural cross ventilation on pleasant days.

STANDARD MODULE COMPONENTS Photo voltaic Film Laminated Glass Incorporated Lighting Cast Aluminum Module Structure Member Air Supply Concealed by Drop Ceiling Concrete Superstructure Multi-purpose Connection Member Renewable Bamboo Flooring Lower Module Pin Connection Facade Aluminum Panels Sky Garden Lighting

Green Module

The Green Module furthers the ability of a resident to personalize their unit facade. This module uses special connections through the structural members to support planters. These planters are ideal to support the growth of herbs used for cooking within the unit or flowers to improve the aesthetics of the unit. Either option brings the city dweller closer to the natural world, linking them to the vision of the sky gardens.

Early design investigations.

Solar Module

The Solar Module is intended to offer another dynamic aspect to the facade. Not only are the southern facades varied through the individual choice of modules, but the operable louvers on this module create a greater sense of movement and personalization. These louvers, controlled from within each unit, are intended to supply shade from an abundance of sunlight or privacy from neighbors.

Early design sketches for module placement.

Water Module

The Water Module is unique in that copper pipes replace the photovoltaic film present on each of the other modules. Water from the complex is piped through these conduits in order to absorb heat from exposure to the southern sun. The pipes heat the water as well as provide shade to the unit. This system preserves energy consumption, a consideration paramount in Shanghai.

Early design sketch for passive water/heat module.

A modular facade is intended to reflect the qualities inherent in the modern city of Shanghai while being mindful of sustainable and historic qualities. This facade system develops a highly personal experience for both those living at the site as well as those visiting this new district center. 98

View of site from south-east corner.

Typical joint details for module frame.

Green Module.

Details of the louver system.

London, United Kingdom Using the Entangled Bank as premise for the methodology wielded in this undertaking brought the group to a realization that our interpretations of its comprehensive approach to design architecture should call into question inherent social, ecological, economic and geographic location elements as building blocks in the conception of our project in London. In conjuncture with specifically negotiated site responses, given its adjacency to the Thames Barrier Park and Silvertown Public Transit Rail Line, we looked to the Greenhouse as a specific inherent sustainable typology already in existence in London. The playful investigation of the greenhouse produced a unifying aspect linking various community functions from office spaces to market places to residential living spaces. Designing for the London site was also an exercise for remediating the site and developing a sustainable urban environment along the Thames River. These geographical strategies would influence the site orientation and the southern edge of the site through investigation of ecology.

101

An Ecological Program for Living Silvertown Barking, London

Team: Mark Pelz, Jennifer Todd, Adam Dailey, Iris Ben-Gal 102

Aerial view of district with site located in yellow.

Site location on the Thames River.

London experiences a temperate maritime climate, giving Londoners an even array of temperatures that produce warm summers, cool winters, with mild precipitation throughout the year. Responding to this climate requires us to look at buildings that can sustain an equilibrium of environments and investigate ways that buildings can benefit as an integral system by the design of the crucial elements of buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s envelope. Accumulating an average yearly rainfall of approximately 23 inches of rain requires us to think about buildings as conservation and reactionary components to minimize consumption while maximizing the potential creation of dynamism.

103

Future and existing river crossing along the Thames.

Figure/ground diagram of Silvertown site.

Thames Barrier river level controls.

Thames Barrier Park.

104

Aerial view of site.

1917 Silvertown Explosion.

Site panorama.

105

As we zoom in from the city scale to get a closer view of the site, very notable adjacencies and historical interests start to influence the direction of our project. To the north, the site benefits from the elevated rail line that passes parallel to the bordering main thoroughfare linking Silvertown to the greater London metro area. To the west, the site is bordered by existing industrial buildings, remnants of Silvertownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial past. To the east, a recent residential complex coupled with the new Thames Barrier Park, provide substantial landmarks that enable the formation of urban alliances and establish sequential lineage for our project. The condition of our site, as a brownfield, poses special consideration. Therefore, our design includes steps for site remediation. To achieve the most sustainable remediation of the site will require years of regrowth management, so we propose a plan that involves an ecological task force partnered with community councils and residents to accomplish and maintain this new dynamism on site. Educating the community about the history of the site and processes for its revitalization will hopefully spur innovation, create land value, community identity and inspire new urban development in the area.

1917 Silvertown Explosion Monument.

106

Poster for Beddington Zero Energy Development.

Beddington Housing Project.

107

For developing a sustainable community in a temperate maritime climate, it was important for the design team to research and investigate building practices of the region that promote the same quality environment that we are trying to achieve within our Entangled Bank. One particular project that was appropriate for investigation is the Beddington Zero Energy Development. The Beddington Project is an urban-housing project located a few miles outside of London. It is designed with highly efficient residential densities that permit inhabitants to live on a reduced ecological footprint. Among the sustainable strategies included within the Beddington project are: solar heating, natural ventilation, biomass heat and power, water reduction, recycled materials, thermal zoning, exposed thermal mass and private gardens. This project is a precedent for our site in that the Beddington project was also developed on a brownfield site. Although there are scale differences, we are able to learn from this housing project regarding both passive and active sustainable strategies that are feasible given the local climate.

Beddington Housing diagrammatic section of ventilation system.

New Plaza Datum Brownfield Remedation

Lifting project off the brownfield conditions of the site.

108

Early massing model.

The urban planning phase was the initial consideration of our investigation. We identified the dominating features located in close proximity to our site including: the Thames River, the Thames Barrier along with the Thames Barrier Park and the Docklands Light Railway. These four elements, as well as the brownfield conditions of the site, would begin to shape our master plan. On the north end of our site, parallel to the light rail, is the tallest structure. It is a mix-use building that is also a transit node resembling a transit station connecting all forms of commuters with the site. The west edge will be the extension of the north tower and will reach towards the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s edge, allowing a greenhouse to cling to the surface, and hence absorbing maximum daylighting. This building is also a mix-use structure though not rising as tall as the north tower. On the brownfield level, where the north and west buildings intersect, lies the memorial of an explosion that marks the brownfield. Along the east side of the site are the residential housing units that are formed as a grid with a scale derived from historic urban customs. These units exist upon the datum that is created by bringing the site up two levels: allowing a light footprint for the brownfield on the first level, automotive parking for the second level, and the primary pedestrian level being the datum.

Initial design alternative.

109 In the central core of the plan resides the cultural zone and Locavorium. The concept for this zone, (identifiable as the red units in the masterplan to the left), is for all of the public functions to inhabit this zone. It is the area where site grown agriculture is bought and sold, where recreation and repose are achievable, and education is unavoidable. The cultural zone is bisected by the primary axis that is drawn from the diagonal axis situated within the Thames Barrier Park located to the east. The south end of the datum plane overlooks this biodiversity existing on the brownfield flood zone below. And the only structure touching ground on the south end of the site are a few residential units meant for servicing the dock area.

Final master plan.

110

A B C D

Site Plan.

Component A.

The four components (A,B,C&D) were divided into two primary categories characterized as high-rise and low-rise buildings. Components A & B focus on high-rise configurations with mixed-use applications to accommodate office, retail, and residential. Components C & D focus on 2-5 story residential zones comprised of multiple units within a traditional urban grid with the goal of generating multiple variations.

Component C.

Component B.

All components were developed through investiga- 111 tion of the greenhouse, a unifying aspect linking various community functions as well as a common approach to the individual development of the building envelope. Research into the functions of a greenhouse, its benefits, as well as other sustainable elements on site help to promote and sustain the permaculture needed to maintain the brownfield redevelopment.

Component D.

London Site North

COMPONENT C.1 Mark Pelz 112

Docklands light rail at Thames Barrier Park.

The tallest structure on the site exists along the northern edge with the north facade running parallel along the Docklands Light Railway. Reaching 150â&#x20AC;&#x2122; above the brownfield, the mix-use building is a transit station connecting pedestrian, bicycle, auto, and metro networks of bus and light rail traffic with the site. The primary factors that guided the development of this design include: designing a structure that would rest gently upon the brownfield surface, a design of an urban node that would connect the ground level with the light railway, internal and external heating strategies, and agricultural connection with the rest of the site. The urban planning development aspect for this project focused upon urban transition and the space that this transition takes place. The controlling sustainable feature is a design that employs thermal zoning, stacked ventilation, and radiant heating as the primary means of heating, although there are a number of secondary systems.

113

Elevation investigation.

Building section concept.

Preliminary building section.

New Plaza Datum Brownfield Remedation

Sketch study of remediated site separated from plaza level.

114

Minimizing the building footprint meant lifting the complex and all other buildings on site off the brownfield. Therefore the entire development is supported by a field of columns supporting an elevated series of new ground planes. Immediately above the brownfield site is a carpark and bicycle storage level. Above this level is the main plaza deck which functions as a new ground plane. Vertical circulation between these different levels occurs via large holes cut in the slabs, allowing access to a safe route through the brownfield level showing different methods used to remediate the contaminants of the site. The plaza level is connected at the front of the site with the existing commuter rail platform that activates public entry to the site. This area creates a lively center for commuter traffic, eateries, newsstands, and other retail and commercial functions. The plaza level (as an artificial datum) provides a base upon which all new development takes place while simultaneously recognizing the remediated site below.

115

Building Elevations.

Floor plan diagrams.

Stack on Roof.

116

Heating is of utmost importance for this design and the major components are the vertical stacks that ventilate heated air up through the length of the building. There are three types of vertical stacks included within this building. Solar stacks on the southern facade absorb direct solar gain into an air chamber where air is quickly heated through dark surface materials, then allowed to be pulled into the interior for controlling temperature. The central stack acts as a ventilating chimney for the public space on the bottom levels. The largest stacks, located towards the north facade in the interior, move heated air and heated radiant pipes from level to level. A secondary function of the large stacks is to bring rainwater from the roof to the water collection cisterns located at the bottom of the stack.

South Stack.

A secondary system is the radiant floor heating. Using solar gain to heat water, both in radiant pipes and in a thermal batch cistern, the water is then cycled through the flooring allowing efficiency in heating.

Interior Stack.

117

Stack ventilation system (overall and details).

The building envelope is altered depending on the orientation of the facade. The North facade using thermal massing materials to insulate the building, reducing heat loss. The east and west facades are a mix of a glass curtain wall and thermal massing. The location of the glass wall dictates where the stair access is for the building. The southern facade is the heat generating facade (right). On this facade, the solar hot water elements are activated.

118

Office level heating strategies.

119

Office level heating strategies axonometric.

The Greenhouse Workplace

COMPONENT C.2 Jennifer Todd

Joseph Paxton, Crystal Palace, London, 1851.

120 The greenhouse typology has been used in London

for centuries; including London’s first multi-functional greenhouses, Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace where the Great Exhibition of 1851 was held. By using this typology and applying it as an exterior skin, the intention of the greenhouse is to create social gathering areas for offices to foster business meetings and employee lunch breaks. It encourages a stronger community connection and supports the remediation of the brownfield site by relocating areas of growth. The building terraces down toward the Thames River with atria located throughout the length of the building. The 40 square foot atrium allows natural light to enter the interior of the building while also providing stack ventilation for air flow. Vertical living walls are placed every twenty feet along the structural grid of the building. These living walls are angled to provide maximum shading on the west façade. Large columns that provide support for the greenhouse canopy extend down the atria. They also act as water catchment devices to collect rainwater from the greenhouse roof. Site Plan.

West Elevation.

121

East-West Building Section showing ETFE membrane screen.

Herzog and de Meuron, Allianz Arena, Munich, ETFE membrane.

122

Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maritime climate requires conventional heating for a majority of the year. The purpose of the greenhouse is to create a microclimate to heat the interior of the building.

Nicholas Grimshaw, Eden Project, U.K., ETFE membrane.

Diagram of greenhouse ventilation.

The ETFE membrane is a double layer pillow system that allows 90 percent visual light transmittance and blocks harmful UV rays, making the system ideal for growing plants. The clear plastic cushions act as insulation by trapping heat inside the greenhouse. The cushions are inflated with air tubes that pump air into the pillows as necessary. The heat is drawn into the interior space through intake vents and distributed through floor vents in the raised floor plenum. Concrete floor slabs on the greenhouse terrace also contribute to heat collection by acting as thermal mass to collect heat from solar radiation. The datum level is open air space to allow the cooler, exterior air in. The air moves up through the atrium creating negative pressure to pull warm air in from the greenhouse through adjustable vents located at the floor slabs. There are also operable windows in the terraces and atrium spaces to provide cross ventilation when it is not necessary to heat the space.

123

Digital model showing greenhouse screen in relationship to greenhouses and office units.

Section Details:

1.10” deep soil for roof garden 2. Filter membrane 3. Drainage board 4. Protective fleeces 5. Waterproof Membrane 6. 2” rigid insulation

7. Polyethylene air tube 8. Double layer ETFE membrane 124 9. Lightweight aluminum facade brackets 10. Metal maintenance grate 11. Air supply for ETFE membrane 12. Reinforced concrete column 13. Living wall 14. 4” concrete slab for thermal mass 15. Low profile steel frame operable windows 16. L-shaped precast support with steel reinforcing 17. Intake vent to provide heat from greenhouse 18. 4” raised floor with vents at 4’ o.c. 19. 4’ wide pre-cast hollow core concrete slab, 8” thick. 20. 3” diameter ducts run through hollow core slab for heat distribution 21. Pre-cast concrete beam with steel reinforcing 22. Acoustical drop ceiling 23. 1’-6” pre-cast concrete column at 20’ o.c.

5 4

3 2

A: Roof Garden Detail

12 15

13 14

10 B: Greenhouse Detail

19 20 21

C: Wall section w/ materials.

125 B.

Wall Section.

Partial West Elevation.

126

Views of model.

127

Elevation of west facing greenhouse screen (left), section through office suites (right).

Pre-Fabricated Roofscape

COMPONENT C.3 Adam Dailey

Overall massing and spatial configurations of units.

128 Upon the onset of the plans to develop the site in

London we were attracted to the Thames River and the endless roles it could play in the rebirth of the site. The dynamics of its moving water had tremendous amounts of potential energy that we were eager to tap into, from hydropower to tidal power to an innate sourceAnofEcological life for the regrowth the Programme for London of Living riverbank along the site’s southern border. However, the most ambitious of the plans involved using the river for its ability to transport tremendous amounts of cargo. The development of the residential units was conceived with the vision that they could be constructed of a kit of parts. The kit of parts would consist of a number of partially pre-fabricated sections that would be shipped to a man-made harbor b into its own on-site and then lifted across the site c a pre-fabricated sections unique place. These partially would be joined to create a module (20’x30’x20’) accommodating a variety of ways to be divided to create several different size residences and those modules could be stacked in a series of combinations to complete the residential block. The process is repeated until the residential housing grid is complete. When construction is complete the cranes and material highways would remain to be repurposed while the harbor would transform into a thames river marina and spur future waterfront activity.

units a_ b_ 1000-1400 sq.ft. c_ 700-900 sq.ft. d_ 500-700 sq.ft. units e_ 750-1000 sq.ft. a_

Prefabricated configuration logic. 850-1100 sq.ft. An Ecological Programme for London Living

850-1100 sq.ft.

d e

b_ 1000-1400 sq.ft. c_ 700-900 sq.ft. d_ 500-700 sq.ft. e_ 750-1000 sq.ft.

thames river

residential Construction method andvariety sequence.

residential variety

Section Cut

Elevation alternatives afforded by the prefabricated units.

129

Building sections showing typical â&#x20AC;&#x153;linking bridgeâ&#x20AC;? between units.

130

One of the apparent qualities of stacking the modules was the left-over spaces on the roof plane which became an important focus of the research to develop this portion of the envelope. Occupation of the roof plane in conjunction with semi-private greenhouses will provide, promote and sustain the permaculture of the residents. The envelope feature is dedicated to the creation of a roofscape that would allow residents to occupy and manage their roof much like a traditional private garden space. However, these roofscapes would contribute to the greater community and environment by allowing residents the ability to use their roofs to grow and cultivate plants according to their preference. This rooftop landscape creates variety and a visually diverse grid of connected greenscapes that can unify the residents and their effect on community identity.

Site Plan.

131

Wall Section.

Plan of roof terraces.

Detail 1(Landscaping).

132 The inner construction of the roof structure is rep-

resentative of the residential module scheme. Each module is constructed of a rigid steel frame topped with metal decking and a concrete slab. Once in place on the site, the roof will be finished by framing up the parapet walls that are faced with a finished metal panel. The roof would receive a layer of rigid insulation tapered to perimeter scupper outlets located along the open air access corridor between the units. This open corridor is covered by a glass block floor that allows the cavity to be lit by a diffused light during the day. A waterproof membrane would moisture seal the unit at roof level. The roof will receive a root barrier, growing material, drought-resistant planted material and a grid of concrete pavers. The layout of this landscape across the roofs of one, two or three units may vary in size and proportion relative to the ratio of hardscape to planted areas. Shown in Detail 2, the greenhouse walls will be framed between the roof structure and steel members that have been extended beyond the modules. In this particular configuration the greenhouse bridges the roof tops, with the floor of the greenhouse consisting of raised pavers and glass block flooring.

Detail 2 (greenhouse).

Detail 3 (@ parapet).

133

Section model demonstrating two of the optional roof conditions (planted condition on left and hardscape on right).

Solar Thermal Hot Water Roofscape Vegetation

Daylighting 134

Ventilation Geothermal Diagram of sustainable strategies.

Radiance analysis of interior light quality.

Component C.3 aspires to take into consideration the many environmental, social and economic issues that will influence building in the future. The unitized process of construction and site remediation are all incorporated as viable opportunities to ground these units with context, history and vitality as they provide living quarters, working quarters, garden spaces and locations for communal repose for this development in London.

135

Customized roof and terrace conditions.

Thames Terraced Housing

COMPONENT C.4 Iris Z. Ben-Gal

136 This final residential complex that border the

Thames River is positioned to maximize views and accessibility to the water. London experiences a temperate maritime climate and low annual sunshine averages. These terraced residential units respond to this climate in several ways. Large apertures are provided to ensure ample daylight, even during the winter months. The buildings continue the theme and technology of sustainable methods found elsewhere in this development. The common thread of

the different structures in this complex is the remediation of the brownfield. The units serve as a personal retreat for individuals who respect tight community living with all the required services. Views and personal comfort are important for each unit, utilizing the terraced morphology with a variety of outdoor balconies and private greenhouses. The buildings are elevated off the ground by supporting columns. This allows for cross ventilation, parking, and space for site remediation.

Thames view.

Tadao Ando, Rokko Housing complex.

Mass of terraced housing adjacent to the Thames River.

137

Section of building viewing west.

138

Mass and orientation of the terraced units.

Unit massing and plan diagram.

Load bearing-columns provide structural support for the plaza deck and walls, allowing the freedom to subdivide interior spaces. The balconies restore necessary outdoor areas and the greenhouses provide space for private gardening. Each of the residential units are mindful of energy use and as such employ various sustainability strategies. Cross ventilation from the river exposure is free to enter vents located at the bottom of the glazing system, directing air through the interior toward the northside four-story atrium.

Glass louvers in the greenhouses allow stack effect ventilation in the atrium while operable fenestration units create cross ventilation. Southern exposure provides direct gain heat for cooler days. Photovoltaic panels store energy and distribute it for heating purposes. Shading louvers, located on eastern and western facades, provide screening from the sun. Additionally, various types of green roof construction allows customizable sustainable efficiency for the individual housing units. 139 Environmental Principles Cross Ventilation

Passive Solar Gain Radiant Underfloor Heating Fresh Air Intake

Operable Glass Louvers Photovoltaic Panels

Shading Louvers

Stack Effect

Green Roof

Environmental and sustainable strategies.

Reinforced concrete deck with offsets for thermal insulation.

140

East Elevation.

Green Roof

141

Railing connection to the reinforced concrete

Venting system

Foundation

Wall section.

142

Detail of the flush inside/ outside floor system.

Detail of glass fins supporting glass ceiling.

143

Section Model.

144

Section Viewing North.

South Elevation.

Side Elevation.

145

Eastern Perspective.

Charlotte, North Carolina Ideas and techniques related to sustainability are becoming more widespread. Whether to address specific issues of global warming or to make wiser decisions of how to utilize resources to achieve ecological balance, architects must address these new found concerns. The agricultural Slow Foods movement in the U.S. provides a useful model in which to implement such practices. Localizing food sources promotes sustainability in a community by keeping both revenue and employment within the region as well as reducing transportation needs. This offers an alternative to traditional, corporate farming practices and allows for new ways in conceiving architectural development. This project, in Charlotte, North Carolina, investigates such concepts in order to revitalize an industrial site and neighborhood with the theme of agricultural sustainability.

147

is it possible to slide the image so the site is not spit?

Lockwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Green Center

Charlotte, North Carolina (U.S.A.)

Team: Nicole Goss, Li Li, Amy Jo Denton

Charlotte, NC.

148 The Carolinas have historically relied on agricul-

turally-based economies. This, in part, is due to the extended growing season, permitted by both its subtropical climate and an abundance of annual sunlight and rainfall. Moreover, Charlotte is a city founded on the intersection of north-south and eastwest trade routes. Commerce has been historically driven by development, and its tradition as a city of opportunity and growth continues today. The predominant street pattern of our site is a grid, situated forty-five degrees of north. The site, an urban block between 24th and 26th Streets on North Tryon Street, is surrounded by small-scale industrial buildings with a residential district to the northwest. In close proximity is a connection to the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amtrak depot and freight lines. Future plans for the Tryon corridor include a light rail line servicing the north areas of town. This area is characteristic of many post-industrial cities, manufacturing plants have been transformed to automobile repair, salvage yards and machine shops. How will this area evolve? Who will live or work here? What are the potential services?

Location plan.

Figure-ground diagram of site.

149

Diagram of streets and Infrastructure.

Diagram of neighborhood building uses.

Aerial view of district with site.

150

Aerial view of project proposal.

Site panorama along North Tryon Street.

Charlotte is a suburban city, its neighborhoods are considered to be one of its assets. Most residents live outside the urban core and commute an average 30 minutes to the city for work. The ethnicity of the metropolitan area is primarily Caucasian with a median income of about $53,000. Charlotte continues to experience a growing population due to people moving from other states and countries into the region. The largest influx in ethnic population is Latino/Hispanic. It has one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most educated workforces, including an elevated average of those possessing a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree or higher. This is primarily supported by the local community college and universities in the area. A local culinary school (University of Johnson & Wales) has brought a range of restaurants to Charlotte. Aside from the many dining choices, Charlotte is also known for its retail venues and NASCAR. While the metropolitan area has many strengths and a promising future, the neighborhood of Lockwood is not indicative of these typical characteristics. Known as the Lockwood neighborhood, this area differs from the region in several ways. Most residents have a 15 minute or less commute to work

151 often using public transportation. The dominate ethnic population of the neighborhood is AfroAmerican, and the median income is about $24,000 according to 2008 Census data. Most of the residents are native to the area, with the average of the population aging.

Unlike the greater metropolitan region, Lockwood residents have a high school education or, more commonly, do not have a high school diploma. Most employment is in the production or service industries. Residents are renters rather than homeowners and experience lower housing costs than other areas of town. There are homeless shelters within a few blocks of the site, along with community outreach service facilities. With manufacturing jobs leaving the area, Lockwood requires a renewed identity on which it can build its future. A sustainable alternative is essential toward maintaining a positive growth strategy. The location on a major trade route and outside the city beltway is ideal for the creation of a community that provides local agriculture and specialized produce.

Elevation of block as seen from North Tyron Street.

152

Street Plan of block.

Nearby urban features of influence.

Diagram of building uses in neighborhood.

153

The nearby arts district of North Davidson (NoDa) is undergoing revitalization. This example creates an incentive for Lockwood to do the same, but in a manner that is integrated with its unique site characteristics and population. In order to draw from the promise of this post-industrial area, our proposed design responds by placing retail, commercial and office space at street level where industrial and commercial traffic are the heaviest. Retail would include restaurants, neighborhood shops and a grocery store. Live-work and residential units are proposed on the north and west parts of the block mindful of the neighborhood beyond North Church Street. The heart of the design is an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;agriculture core.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This vertical farm, while staffed by those living within the new residential units of the block, is programed with an education/research horticulture center and weekend market. The products generated would be consumed and/or sold via partnership by the growers. The proposed design creates both an economic model for sustainable production in conjunction to revitalizing the community given specific purpose and program.

Massing of block.

154

The Lockwood Green Center design allows affordable living cost in the neighborhood in several ways. The agricultural core provides a means for residents to grow their own food and simultaneously sell their produce on-site or to city retailers. This low-cost program also provides for a portion of the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; annual income. Additionally, green roves are utilized across the design, serving to increase the square footage for agriculture while simultaneously moderating heating and cooling costs of the architecture. The design of the residential units utilizes a local, economically efficient palette of materials. With a local concrete supply facility nearby, a simple concrete structure is created in a cost effective manner from local providers. The structure is also designed to take advantage of climatic conditions given local heating and cooling efficiencies. Other products such as photovoltaic units, hemp rope, and recycled steel also serve to contribute to the sustainability and affordability goals for the project. Beyond these materials, the design is configured to maximize solar exposure (for growing and living conditions). Typical unit axonometric.

Live/Work Unit Plan.

155

Typical Floor Plan.

156

Final site massing model.

First rendition of the final model.

Given the concept of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;agricultural core,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; our team studied a series of alternatives in order to achieve the best possible organization for the block. Specific components took into consideration: connectivity, modularization, surface conditions, activating street life, and finding hybrid programmatic elements. Early versions lacked an effective use of the street and failed to adequately provide for a greater quality of life within the site. However, the final design of the agricultural core was not only

Early diagrammatic model plan.

157 strong in terms of providing a new image for the community, but also allowed for the integration of multiple design considerations. By orienting building functions within the block in such a way that they are aligned with existing building functions outside of the site, immediate connections are made to the surrounding area. Moreover, the open nature of the revised core serves to welcome outsiders into the community and educate them on the sustainable lifestyle offered within the development.

Early diagrammatic model elevation.

The Agricultural Core

COMPONENT D.1 Nicole Goss

Diagrammatic building plan (typical floor).

158 The ‘agricultural core’ is the jewel of our site and

programmatic strategy. It is both the literal and figurative center of the complex. Its primary function is to provide a place for concentrated and specialized growing production in the form of a vertical farm. Given its function, sunlight was a defining factor in essentially every aspect of the design of this structure. In order to maximize the amount of direct sunlight on every floor, the plan was formulated as a forward-facing circle, with the circulation and mechanical services core oriented asymmetrically towards the part of the floor plate receiving the least amount of direct sunlight. Though each floor is typically the same, variations and double-heights occur where necessary in order to accommodate greater growing heights – for example, as required by small fruit trees. Therefore, crops are strategically located on particular floors in accordance with the amount and type of sunlight they require for optimal growth. Produce grown within the agricultural core are those most intrinsic to everyday cooking and eating, including lettuce, carrots, green beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and more.

Elevation along North Tryon Street.

159

Partial diagrammatic building section.

160

Window detail.

Window panel variations.

Despite the long growing season in Charlotte, the use of greenhouses in commercial growing is still necessary for optimal year-round production. Understanding modern greenhouse typology is critical to the design of the building, hence steel frame construction and transparent glazing became essential choices for structure and skin materials. In an effort to achieve the somewhat delicate aesthetic associated with a crystaline building, while simultaneously responding to the existing industrial nature of the site, structural lightweight steel tension members were utilized to cantilever the facade. Temperature control and ventilation are important to the design, and therefore a strategic set of moveable panels clad various parts of exterior skin. This enables the opportunity to utilize the temperate southern climate when possible as well as to hermetically seal the structure when necessary during the cooler seasons. These panels contain an accordion-like insect netting along their underside, preserving the environment of the greenhouse within from unwanted pests. Perhaps their greatest feature is the photovoltaic film within the glass, which provides for sustainable energy used for growing operations.

161

Bay Elevation.

Wall Section.

Sunlight facade study.

162 For the sake of cost efficiency, the curvilinear effect

of the facade is not, in fact, curved. Rather, the facade is constructed of rectilinear segments, faceted in relation to one another to lend the appearance of a semi-circular form. Each segment is made of two window panels, which can range from full open to completely sealed. Determining how the panels should be organized involved several diagrammatic studies of the glazing that considered important climactic factors of the site. These factors include wind, which is imperative to effective cross-ventilation within the core, and sunlight, which requires proper distribution between the plants and photovoltaic panels. A third study was also carried out, combining the effects of the first two.

Cross-ventilation facade study.

After careful consideration, it was found that the combined study seemed less climatically responsive as a whole. Separate cross-ventilation was not as essential to productivity as was the appropriate rationing of direct sunlight. Thus, the sunlight facade study was found to be the most effective and was implemented as the design strategy for layout of the glazed panels. Facade study of combined panel elements.

163

The glasshouse with site elements removed.

164

Detail of louver connections.

Detail of the ventilation and screen condition.

Facade skin.

165

Section model.

Detailed views of the digital model show window patterning and detail, while a north-side elevation illustrates the concrete clad ventilation/egress core and envelope variations. A section model was created to further illustrate how the operable window elements might appear and to investigate connections between materials and structure (opposite page). View of cooling tower and facade skin.

Close outer ring / Active inner ring

Affordable/low-tech materials: hemp rope and straw brick.

Affordable Housing Embrace

COMPONENT D.2 Li Li

166 The affordable housing part of the project utilizes a

low tech strategy instead of complex technologies to achieve the purpose of sustainability. This part of the block employs inexpensive material and methods to achieve a dynamic facade. Hemp rope is used for the main outer facade with straw/brick as infill for the walls. Structural concrete serves as the superstructure. The outer and inner ring of this affordable housing employ different strategies. The outer ring is mainly for shading and protecting the people from the view and noise from the nearby neighborhood, while the inner ring is designed to be more active and socially participating.

Sustainable & affordable housing materials.

Perspective view of the outer ring facade from interior.

The angle of the outer-ringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enclosure will change from south to north with various parts opened by the residents themselves. (See details on pages which follow.) The inner ring will have habitable boxes projecting into the main courtyard. In addition, it is planned as a green facade, with vegetation placed to provide shade from southern exposures. Perspective view of the corridor inside the inner ring facade.

Elevation of the street view.

167

Perspective section of the typical unit.

Partial facade of the outer ring.

168

Detail model of the outer facade.

The outer ringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade has several features:

The movable mechanism.

1.) The main material used is the hemp rope, which is flexible and can be moved under tension. 2.) From south to north, the shading panels change angle to modify sunlight and views, as shown in the lower diagram on the opposite page. 3.) Given the life of residents in the building, an opportunity to change the angle of the panels is part of the design. The result is a facade that is more flexible allowing the users a means to customize openings according to daylight, privacy, and views.

169

Detail of the outer ringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade.

S S

Elevation of the outer facade ring (flattened) to show movable hemp surface.

View of the inner facade showing gather areas and green wall.

170

Elements of the inner facade.

The facade of the inner ring features the following: 1.) This is the green facade facing the agriculture core. In part it would be built of steel netting for plants to grow and creep. 2.) To make the facade and the courtyard more lively and a good place for interaction, there are several rooms (or “habitable boxes”) that can be used as public meeting places. 3.) The corridor would be lower than the living space to give the residents needed privacy to the entry of their units.

Section of the inner ring’s facade.

171

Section of the outer ring’s facade.

Elevation of the outer ring’s facade.

172

173

Physical model of the outer ringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facade.

Lockwood’s Live Work

COMPONENT D.3 Amy Jo Denton

Jean Nouvel, Nemausus, Nimes, France.

174 The neighborhood’s entrepreneurial potential for

this part of the project is brought forward with a proposal for live-work townhome units. These units range in size and provide alternative floor plans depending on the type of live-work required by the resident. The design of the units and façades were inspired by several precedent studies. The Nemausus project by Jean Nouvel is located within an industrial setting similar to the Lockwood neighborhood. This project uses materials in keeping with its setting while maintaining a unique sense of place. Railcar doors that span two stories are utilized to not only create cross ventilation through the house, but to also maintain a sense of space within the modular schema. Marlon Blackwell’s Moore Honey House is a dynamic building for the production of honey. The façade of this example allows for materials to be displayed and changed. Le Corbusier’s Unite d’Habitation in Marseille is a heroic example of concrete construction with a clear sense of modularity. Each of these projects is an important reference. Likewise, the live-work units utilize inexpensive on-site concrete casting and one-way solid slabs with bearing walls. Other aspects of the design echo similar characteristics as described in detail on the following pages.

Marlon Blackwell, Moore Honey House, Cashiers, NC.

Le Corbusier, Unite d’Habitation, Marseille, France.

Site Section - Live Work highlighted.

175

South-West Building Section.

Plan - Level 3 Unit A.

176

Unit A is the first of two live-work townhome

Plan - Level 2 Unit A.

Plan - Level 1 Unit A.

alternatives. The design accommodates residents who require working space as part of the living unit. The first two floors of the dwelling are dedicated to the work or production areas for private business. Artists, therapists, and small retailers would use the first floor for servicing customers from the street, while the second floor is open for either additional business activities or domestic affairs. This second floor loft is equipped with a full kitchen. The third level is reserved strictly for private living areas. The unit presents itself to the street via pivoting doors used to attract customers and announce the business. These doors include removable shelves that allow the resident to configure the facade as appropriate for their business. The shelves are constructed of perforated steel and slide onto the door by a channel and lock system. These shelves are also utilized on the second floor. The third floor includes a large living area and a sun room. Materials for the faรงade include a steel glazing system with operable windows at each floor level.

177

Unit A Section.

Unit A Elevation.

While the design of the unit is meant to enhance resident/user activities, the design of the façade provides physical comfort and efficient energy usage. The pivoting doors not only engage activity on the street, but also allow cross ventilation through the depth of the unit. The second floor’s awning and hopper system further draws air through the space 178 allowing warmth to flow out and cooler air to flow into the space. These operable doors and windows allow the user to adjust them as the weather dictates. The outer façade of the third floor acts as a rainscreen while the inner façade acts as a thermal barrier. The loggia or sun room between these two facades includes a light shelf so that reflected daylight is extended into living areas. The outer façade of the sun room has operable windows to allow air circulation. This air flow into the interior of the unit is controlled by the inner facade apertures. The steel glazing system includes double glazing for thermal protection.

Section Detail - Unit A Pivot Display Door.

Model Photo - Unit A Street Level.

Plan Detail - Unit A Pivot Display Door.

179

Building Section - Unit A Facade.

180

Unit B is the second live-work townhome.

Plan - Level 2 Unit B.

Plan - Level 1 Unit B.

This unit is for residents who work primarily from a home office. The office is situated as a loft work space, while the primary living area is on the first floor of the unit. These residents, like those in Unit A, also have operable doors and windows as a key component of the design. Unlike Unit A, Unit B has a skylight that vents to the exterior. Additionally, Unit B residents have living (planted) wall systems integrated into the facade. A green roof is accessible to all live-work residents from an exterior stair and elevator system. This design feature not only contributes to the energy efficiency of the building, but also provides a means for residents to grow their own produce. The photovoltaic panels at the buildings parapet not only provide shade to the walk way below, but also produce energy for the building.

181

Unit B Section.

Unit B Elevation.

182

Building Section - Unit B Facade.

Plan Detail - Unit B Living Wall.

Similar to Unit A, Unit B has an outer faรงade made of a steel glazing system, including operable doors and windows. The inner faรงade is a unique three panel system with multiple uses. Each panel pivots to allow the user to screen the outer faรงade as appropriate for climatic and social conditions. The panel is comprised of steel tubing and steel corrugated sheets that allow the user to insulate the cavity with green/planted growing materials. A tube and pump system for humidification runs inside the steel tubing so that water is circulated repeatedly through the system. Not only does the user have the benefit of growing plants, but the plants create a biowall for air filtration. As the sun heats the air at the steel corrugated-sheeting, the air rises flowing through the plants. These plants filter the air and also provides a comfortable micro-climate. This small ecosystem helps to circulate and improved air quality throughout the home while also providing shade. Warm air is allowed to escape through a second floor window and ventilated sunlight when warm weather is predominate.

183

Section Detail - Unit B Living Wall.

Model Photo - Unit B Interior looking outward.

184

Acknowledgements 185 The work presented in this book was produced in the Spring of 2010 by graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Architecture at UNC Charlotte. The course was designed as a collaboration between the School and Little Diversified Architectural Consulting in Charlotte, NC.

The are many people to thank for the work presented in this book. In particular we are grateful for the three on-site building visits we made as part of the studio. Dan Gottleib offered us intriguing story about the history and construction of the new building by Thomas Phifer and Partners at the NC Museum of Art. John Starr of LAS in Atlanta prepared for us a wonderful presentation and tour of Renzo Pianoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Woodruff Addition to the High Museum. Rachel Meyers, and her colleague Greg Zirkle, walked us through the construction and discussed the sustainable features of the new One Bank of America Center in Charlotte by Perkins + Will. Without their generous wisdom about construction our work would not have been as knowledgeable. It was through Littleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to partner with UNC Charlotte that allowed this design-research Final presentation of design work, May 3, 2010.

186

Students engaged in field study visits and review presentations.

Graduate Students:

Riann Adams Iris Ben-Gal Amy Jo Denton Shuang Jiang Li Li Jennifer Todd Elizabeth Unruh

Undergraduate Students

Mimi Andrade Adam Dailey Nicole Goss Mark Pelz Ryan Trimble Omar Villa Kelsey Williams

Semester Critics:

Brad Bartholomew, Little Diversified Michael Coates, Little Diversified Ashley Disher Spinks, Little Diversified Stacey Franz, Little Diversified John Komisin, Little Diversified Rachel Meyers, Perkins + Will

Field Study Hosts:

Dan Gottleib, NC Museum of Art John Starr, Lord, Aeck & Sargent

studio to occur. Appreciation is extended to the en- 187 tire Entangled Bank Project Team, and in particular, John Komisin, Chief Operating Officer at Little. Their professional guidance and knowledge throughout the semester was invaluable. Sincere gratitude goes to Chris Jarrett, the Director of the School of Architecture and Lee Gray, Associate Dean of the CoA+A, for their support during the initial planning of this studio. Without their leadership this course would not have been a success. Most important to recognize are the students who braved this course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; entrusting us to explore unchartered territory with them. They endured countless hours of desk critiques as well as subtle and not so subtle promptings to make this document a reality. A word of appreciation should also go to Pamela Grundy for her careful editing of this volume. In the end,we hope the projects presented here inspires a bit more appreciation for architecture and its potential as an innovative, progressive discipline. - Peter Wong and Kevin Franz, June 2010