Portfolio by John Aaron Ritter

portfolio 2010 - 2013

John aaron ritter the University of CinCinnati Master of arChiteCtUre 2013 MBa 2013

the University of texas at san antonio Bs arChiteCtUre 2007

2004

2006

2005

2007

office

office travel

office

ceterus

studio

undergraduate

2008

2009

HOGG PARK

nexus

BURNETT ST. PARK

SUMMER STREET PARK

HOGG PARK

HENNESSY PARK BROCK (RICHARD) PARK BURNETT ST. PARK

SUMMER STREET PARK

15 Minu

tes

Connecting Cultures in Houston

HENNESSY PARK BROCK (RICHARD) PARK

DOW ELEMENTARY PARK

MUNICIPAL COURTS BLDG

Develop a connected pedestrian environment in downtown Houston

MUNICIPAL COURTS BLDG

ALBERT THOMAS PLAZA JONES HALL PUBLIC PLAZA LINEAR PARK

MARKET SQUARE PARK

ute

2012

SWEENEY CLOCK TRIANGLE

inu

GOYEN, JOHNNY PARK

ut es

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK TRANQUILLITY PARK COLISEUM MUSIC HALL PLAZA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK JONES PLAZA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK LINEAR PARK MEMORIAL-SILVER TRIANGLE SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK TRANQUILLITY PARK FONDE COMMUNITY CENTERPARKING LOT H LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK ANNEX PLAZA CITY HALL MARKET SQUARE PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK SABINE STREET MAINTENANCE SITE SAM HOUSTON PARK ALBERT THOMAS PLAZA JONES HALL PUBLIC PLAZA CITY HALL PLAZA

ALLEN'S LANDING

M in

BUFFALO BAYOU/TINSLEY PARK

Buffalo Bayou

CONFEDERATE SHIP AREA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SMITH-CONGRESS TRIANGLE

utes

LINEAR PARK

HERMANN SQUARE

SWEENEY CLOCK TRIANGLE

inu te s

TRANQUILLITY PARK COLISEUM MUSIC HALL PLAZA LINEAR PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK TRANQUILLITY PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK CITY HALL ANNEX PLAZA LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK CITY HALL PLAZA

BUFFALO BAYOU/TINSLEY PARK

JONES PLAZA

2013

CHARTRESS MAINTENANCE SITE

HERMANN SQUARE

• Implement international offices for business and trade • Promote cultural exchange between local and international arts communities • Utilize public spaces adjacent to site(Houston Ballet, Music Hall, and Market Square Park)

office

Parks CHARTRESS MAINTENANCE SITE

SMITH R. E. "BOB" PARK ANTIOCH PARK FOUNDERS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

Parks

HIGHWAYS-60MPH BUS TRANSIT-25MPH RAILROADS-60MPH HIGHWAYS-60MPH LIGHT RAILS-45MPH BUS TRANSIT-25MPH

SMITH R. E. "BOB" PARK ANTIOCH PARK

0.2

0.4

9th

7 th

Within a 1 Mile Radius

6th

5th

Walking Distance

Chicago

2nd

1.4 M. International

1st

$31.5 B.

$29.3 B. $14.0 B.

Atlanta

ORD

3rd

ATL

LAX

4th

shading renewable energy water management green roofs orientation

9.7 M. International 48.8 M. Total

469 sq mi

234 sq mi 38.1 M. Total

3.3 M. International

Walking Distance

GEORGE R. BROWN CONV. CTR.

Los Angeles

DFW

DEN

New York

Houston

8th

0.8 Miles

teach

JFK

IAH

SFO

LAS Las Vegas

PHX Phoenix

10th

0.6

0 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.8 Existing Natural Systems - 0.6 The site rests Miles on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, framing a walkable community development, appropriate for the human scale experience

Denver

Top 10 busiest airports in US

Within a 1 Mile Radius GEORGE R. BROWN CONV. CTR.

0 0.1 RAILROADS-60MPH LIGHT RAILS-45MPH

Mechanical Mobility - The site is situated around car dependency and experienced through high speeds

• Maximize the sites physical and monetary potential • Mitigate Central Houston Foundation’s development risk, through a property lease partnership • Generate secure long-term revenue streams for Central Houston Foundation

Dallas

• Capitalize on the quanitity of business travel from Houston’s airport • Develop diverse site program, catering to Houston’s residents and out of town visitors

Structure a financially responsible development

San Francisco

office

Improve Houston’s tourism downtown

CONVEYANCE 500 Years Flood 100 Years Flood Buffer or Overflow Buffalo Bayou

SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

2014

CONVEYANCE 500 Years Flood 100 Years Flood Natural System Buffer or Overflow Buffalo Bayou

SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK

Natural System

8 Min

• Provide onsite bus stop • Link paths to the University of Houston Light Rail station

DOW ELEMENTARY PARK

8 Min

2011

Buffalo Bayou

ALLEN'S LANDING

site

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK

FONDE COMMUNITY CENTERPARKING LOT H SABINE STREET MAINTENANCE SITE

Cultivate the diversity of Houston’s economy & culture

graduate

GOYEN, JOHNNY PARK

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK

MEMORIAL-SILVER TRIANGLE

site

Promote public transportation use

travel

CONFEDERATE SHIP AREA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SMITH-CONGRESS TRIANGLE

15 Minute

• Extend public greenway to the Buffulo Bayou master plan • Create a mixed use podium of connected public spaces, separated from car culture • Maintain convenient access to site in close proximity to parking

2010

$14.8 B.

503 sq mi

Capitalizing on Tourism 7.0 M. International 25.7 M. Total

Total Visitors

175

mins

- 16

2 mi

les

p. 04

3957

240 miles 246 mins miles 21.3 ns -

30 mi

Business and medical tourism account for the majority of visitors to Houston

Yet, for every visitor Houston receives, Chicago capitalizes 2.5 times the amount of tourism revenue per person

p. 36 Ai

Houston receives almost 50 million visitors per year, more than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago

Of the busiest airports in the nation, Houston is most often the final destination for visitors

3,6

Sta Air te po rts

City Area

23 / 8,0 sqm 9 i 11 2/s ,8 qm 6 27 4/ i ,5 sqm 32 /s i qm i

p. 16

Airport

Da Dallas, TX Au

Uh Mt

601 sq mi

International Visitors

City Density

p. 12

49.5 M. Total

2010 Total Tourist Spending

Austin, TX

Mu Museum district Wa Warehouse district

ile

5.1

Northline Transit Center Fannin South Intermodal Terminal

Proposed Commuter Rail Highway Existing Station

Light Rail

Future Light Rail

Me Medical district

min

Mt Magnolia Transit Center

Uh University of Houston

mile

s Ai

Theatre district

Civic Center district

Historic district

Ha Harris County district Ba Ballpark district Sh Shopping district Sk

Skyline district

Cc Convention district Me Medical district

p. 28

p. 32

p. 24

p. 20

p. 38

p. 40

office

2015

Infrastructure + Landscape integrating urban architecture on central parkway

academic Master’s Thesis

Central Parkway is an underutilized thoroughfare in the urban core of Cincinnati that has the potential to transform into a spine of development through urban design interventions. Recent urban development in Cincinnati has focused primarily on reestablishing amenities and pedestrian connectivity within the three core downtown districts, but it has not adequately sustained connectivity between these disparate districts. Urban theorists and practitioners have long analyzed the overall benefits of connecting fragmented urban conditions. By analyzing extensive adaptive infrastructural precedents and drawing upon theories from scholarship in the fields of architecture, urban design, and economics, this project identifies effective design strategies for reconnecting downtown Cincinnati. These strategies will form the basis for a project whose objective is to catalyze environmental, economic, and mobility benefits for the City of Cincinnati.

Contents

part 1

part 2

Abstract

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Conceptual Framework

Context

Adapted Infrastructure

Economy and City

Integration, Interconnectedness, and Value

Technology and Sustainability

Combined Infrastructure

Implications

Bibliography

102

Image Credits

104

54 56

0.01 The underground subway in Cincinnati at Race Street Station.

2 Context

Cincinnati Household Change, 2005-2040

Cincinnati Cincinnati has lost over 10% of its population from 2000 to 2010.1 The larger Hamilton County area has also experienced a decline of 5%.2 As the city has put many projects into place to support urban living in the city’s core (e.g., Washington Park, Fountain Square, Fort Washington Way, and The Banks mix-use development), continued outward shifts in population projections counteract future densification and development in the city’s core neighborhoods. These projections are based on market research, and designate financial resources toward infrastructural improvements (fig 2.01). Infrastructure however, is a driver for population growth patterns. This is exacerbating the effects of sprawling suburbs in Cincinnati. The suburban growth forecasts spread financial investments outward and interrupt Cincinnati’s urban core to progress. Ultimately, this hinders the city’s ability to attract and retain a critical mass of highly educated, creative, and innovative workers. Despite the rough economic recession, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. In 2011, downtown Cincinnati experienced a 12% growth in population, increasing to over 13,000 residents.3 There have also been noticeable changes over the past three years as new businesses repopulate the historic Over-the-Rhine district. Non-profit organizations like 3CDC, Cincinnati Works, and United Way exemplify a collaboration of citizens and private firms are investing financial and human capital back into the city. Thus far, these encouraging efforts have focused primarily on reestablishing amenities and pedestrian connectivity within the three core downtown districts, but have not adequately addressed the need for connecting these disparate districts. 1 “Cincinnati QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau.” State and County QuickFacts. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/39/3915000.html (accessed March 1, 2013). 2 Ibid. 3 Downtown Cincinnati Inc., “2011 State of Downtown Report.” Downtown Cincinnati Inc., www.downtowncincinnati.com/Libraries/DCI_Publications/2011_SOD_lo_res.sflb.ashx (accessed September 21, 2012).

2.01 Household change estimates from 2005-2040. The graphic shows a forecast of expected household growth spreading beyond the city core. Developed by the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments.

Downtown Cincinnati Population Estimate CBD

OTR and PEN 13,214*

14,000 11,848

12,000 10,000 population

Abstract

8,154

8,375

2007

2008

9,026

8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0

2009

2010

2011

2.02 The downtown population estimate in 2011 shows substantial increases in the Over-the-Rhine, CBD, and Pendelton neighborhoods between 2007 to 2011. Data from the 2010 U.S. Census.

2.13 The Cincinnati Subway photo showing tunnel construction between 1920 and 1929.

2.14 Photograph showing subway station condition as of today.

anchor buildings

nodes of development

2.15 After construction of the tunnel was complete, the road way system was implemented covering the subway. The center median along Central became a decorative landscape.

2.16 Street view depicting Central Parkway today. Interstate 75 accommodates majority of traffic moving north and south from downtown to surrounding suburban neighborhood. This has left Central Parkway underutilized as a roadway thoroughfare.

underground subway

in Cincinnati. The Principles for Transport in Urban Life is a holistic approach reflecting a cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attitude towards mobility and urban space.

ing between vacant lots, new and existing buildings. The three scales of operation are a form of interdependent relationships. Architecture in the city does not exist without urban space, and urban spaces are a series of elements that define a city. Design and architecture ultimately operate between multiple scales, creating a contextual transformation along Central Parkway.

Strategies for Central Parkway

Principles for Transport in Urban Life Walk: great cities start with great pedestrian environments

Adapt Central Parkway into a pedestrian greenway linking to existing parks and pedestrian networks

Cycle: make cycling convenient and safe

Promote access to existing cultural amenities and anchor institutions

Connect: Create dense networks of streets and paths

Define location for new park spaces to encourage meeting spaces

Transit:

Promote higher density, low to mid rise, mixed-use development along Central Parkway

promote convenient, cost effective solutions

Mix: mix people and activities, buildings and spaces; keep ground-floors active

Promote socially diverse, mixed income neighborhood blocks

Densify:

Identify vacant lots and structures in need of redevelopment and rehabilitation

match density and transit capacity

Compact: Shift:

Identify locations to tap into underground subway for human activity and alternative infrastructure use

Create compact regions with short commutes

Provide hybrid bus-rapid-transit system along Central Parkway linked to other bus and streetcar networks

increase mobility by regulating parking and road use

1 Our Cities Ourselves Principles for Transport in Urban Life. New York, N.Y.: Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, 2011.

8.15 Existing program in study area along Central Parkway.

Connect park and amenity space to civic and educational institutions.

8.16 External influence of surrounding neighborhoods.

Increase density of residential and office space at nodes of development.

industrial CUF

research West End

live Over the Rhine

work Central Business District

8.17 Existing typologies from Central Business District, Over the Rhine, and the CUF.

Findlay Market

Landscaped Greenway

Music Hall

The School for Creative & Performing Arts

Washington Park

Horseshoe Casino

Digital Tower

Media Park

Union Terminal

New Mixed-use Development

Music Hall

Washington Park

activated landscapes

existing anchors

new mid-rise mix-use development

Central Parkway study area

Underground Subway

8.20 Exploded Axonometric. This diagram layers new mixed use development (shown in yellow) in underutilized or vacant lots along Central Parkway 8.21 (next page) Central Parkway looking north from downtown

Street Car Stop Bus Stop

Bike Station

Subway Access (Future) Intercity Bus Station

These strategies for Central Parkway are each addressed by three scales of operation: 1) the master plan, 2) the urban node, and 3) the architectural site. The master plan provides a broad vision for Central Parkway and the underground subway with in the context of the Cincinnati. The urban node identifies strategic precincts with in the master plan addressing urban place making at targeted intersections. The architectural site connects people between the existing subway infrastructure and the new urban fabric. At the architectural scale, the project integrates the new landscaped thoroughfare with old infrastructure, mediating between vacant lots, new and existing buildings. The three scales of operation are a form of interdependent relationships. Architecture in the city does not exist without urban space, and urban spaces are a series of elements that define a city. Design and architecture ultimately operate between multiple scales, creating a contextual transformation along Central Parkway.

8.29

8.29, 8.30 Concept sketches exploring the transition space between the underground subway and new urban fabric

a. existing

varies

65â&#x20AC;&#x2122;- 0â&#x20AC;?

16'-8"

3" 30'-1 4

12'-0"

5'-0"

11'-0"

12'-0"

5'-0"

11'-0"

16'-8"

b. new option - station

31'-0"

12'-0"

3" 30'-1 4

c. new option - tunnel

8.32 Rendering depicting the Race Street Station reused as a nightclub.

8.22 Section study of the reallocation of urban space. Diagram a. is the Section study of the reallocation of urban space. Diagram a. is the existing condition along existing condition along Central Parkway. In diagrams b and c, half of roadway is taken overis fortaken the linearover greenway park. The linear under- greenway Central Parkway. In diagrams b and c, half ofthethe roadway for the ground subway stations are open for adaptive reuse and the remaining park. The underground subway stations aretunnels open forforadaptive reuse and theThe remaining tunnels utilized alternative infrastructure or storage. remaining roadway is converted into four lanes of two-way traffic with intermittent utilized for alternative infrastructure or storage. The remaining roadway is converted into four street side parking lanes. lanes of two-way traffic with intermittent street side parking lanes.

academic

Place for Wellbeing CANOE Y LIVERY

Comprehensive Studio E

WALLACE ICE ARENA

The volumetric sequence of the wellness center is a discovery process, exploring how one can connect to Cranbrooks campus as well as physical wellness. Spatial zones are divided into three parts (Spa-Wet, Spa-Dry, and Hospitality). The wellness center address climate response but also reflects the history of Cranbrook in its connection and proximity to Detroit, expressed in the composition of detail, integration, and assembly.

JONAH FOUNTAIN MB

CRANBROOK CR SCHOOLS TENNIS CLUB KEPPEL GYM

WILLIAMS NATATORIUM

Y LIBRARY

STUDIO 6/7

axis

3,4,5

LERCHEN HALL (PAC)

STUDIO

EDGES AND AXIS

FOUND

45/47

E GORDON HALL OF SCIENC

ALL COULTER HA

PAGE HALL

MUSIC BUILDING

ax is

DORM #3

Site: Extension of existing Saarinen master plan. Redefine the pedestrian entry sequence through Friendship Gate to Cranbrook Quad, by removing current vehicle turnaround.

S. PAGE STAIR C.S C.

ALUMNI COURT

NGL E

3 C.S. QUAD C.

EXISTING AND NEW PUBLIC GATHERING SPACES

DFISH GOLD

DINING HALL

ARCHITECTURE

OLD M FARM USE HOU

ARTS & BLDG. CRAFTS

FOOTBALL OVAL (THOMPSON OVAL)

EN SAARIN MILLES

HOEY HALL

MARQUIS HALL

Detail: Incorporating modularity of Cranbrook buildings and fabrication history of Detroit and history of making at Cranbrook.

DRA

Volume: Volumetrically dividing zones that connect through a sequence to centrally located core therapy zone. Dividing wellness center into three zones: Wet Spa, Dry Spa, and Hospitality. Providing a civic gesture to the Cranbrook campus allee’.

axis

edge

ND ALLEE GRAN

EPHENS DORM STEP

ORC RCH HARD RID RIDG GE ROAD

Spatially: increasing interaction of surrounding site spaces, improving the quality of the pedestrian experience by maintaining edge and axis conditions identified in the “grand alle” to the south while blending architecture into the natural hillside and forested landscape to the north and east.

LOWER JONAH

Q UA

Strategies focused connecting the Wellness Center spatially, physically, and environmentally to continue a rich architectural experience of the Cranbrook campus.

MAIJA GROTELL COURTYA

COTTAGE #1 546 LONE PINE

#2 COTTAGE I/T BUILDING 522 LONE PINE

WELLNESS CENTER SITE RESPONSE

ORPHEUS TAIN UNT OUN FO

MUSEUM

OOLS TRITON PO

L RD AR perspective looking east

LONE PINE R RO OAD

study models

exploed axon

south elevation

mechanical exhaust mechanical duct systems

framed view landscape

framed view campus

DRY WELLNESS

WET WELLNESS

POOL

MECHANICAL

Filtered academic Brita Water Research Institute in Chicago Institute for Public Health and Water Research Water is a key component to life on our earth. According to the World Health Organization and UNICEF, approximately one in eight people lack access to safe drinking water. As our world population continues to expand, demand for this precious resource sharply increases. For engineers, architects, and designers it is critical that we conserve and protect our environment and make decisions that will promote the well being of future generations. FILTERED is designed as a prototype for how buildings can push the boundaries of a sustainable environmental response. The goal is not only to attain measures that conserve water and energy use, but also inform the local community. In this iteration, an adaptive reuse of an underutilized building responds to users, internal and external, and provides for the needs of filtering our planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vital resource. Research & Testing laboratory

Circulation

Design Goals: - Filter 100% of on-site rainwater

- Connect building envelope to internal use for research on energy, atmosphere, and water - Provide 60% of buildings water use

- Achieve adaptable measures indicating performance - Adaptive reuse of existing building

- Create connection to local community

Water Treatment & Storage

Circulation

Office & Support Services

polyvinyl fluoride clad fabric with humidity temperature adaptability

polyurethane foam base form work

internal collapsible water storage bladder

west

north

east

movement The building envelope is designed to operate like a siphon. Rainwater from the roof is collected and gravity forces water through bulbs that filter, measure, and provide data for the research labs. As water collects, the individual bulbs began to expand by an internal collapsible water storage bladder. External polyurethane foam provides a rigid form that further protects the internal bladder. On the exterior a polyvinyl fluoride clad fabric wraps the exterior of the form base. This outer skin is impregnated with responsive chemicals that change color based on outside weather conditions.

Section Concept Sketch: water bulbs capturing rainwater that expand, filter, and collect

adaptive response Similar to the humidity indicators used in the health care industry, the external skin responds to specific conditions of the weather. Sensory indicators are an inexpensive technology able to measure temperature and relative humidity. As the outside humidity and temperature change, color shifts from light pink, to neutral white, or a soft blue. Also, humidity & temperature sensors monitor and provide data at key locations of interior and exterior spaces. This data can then be used to more accurately control comfort levels of interior spaces, reducing cooling and heating loads of buildings.

pv array rain water directed to exterior skin

solar pump water redistribution line environmental education facility

water system captured in facade system

water storage

60 percent humidity

30 percent humidity

10 percent humidity

experience The selected building site is an existing cold-storage building. FILTERED utilizes this existing structure to enhance the aesthetic quality of the West Loop neighborhood. This project will become an anchor for future development in the area. Complementing the site, an environmental education facility is proposed to foster awareness on the importance of the environment. Sustainability is built upon the premise of preserving and conserving natural resources. FILTERED is a livable building system that integrates science & technology with community awareness of conservation.

TCUDORP TNEDUTS KSEDOTUA NA YB DECUDORP surface enclosure for water bulb

structural frame

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT

TCUDORP TNEDUTS KSEDOTUA NA YB DECUDORP

existing structural floor slab

Ascendio design Experience Peter Eisenman holds the position that architecture is â&#x20AC;&#x153;not a problem to be solved, just something to be enjoyed.â&#x20AC;? In a similar vein our instillation is a sketch that does not solve any specific problem but provides an enjoyable experience for students, staff, visitors, and faculty at DAAP. Design Instillation by Melina Periera & John Ritter

Approach The approach for Ascendio began with two different modes of investigation: 1) site-specific modification of space and 2) working with part to whole relationships creating modules from singular units. One of the main additions of Aronoff is the grand stair that uneventfully extends from the Clifton Court Garage at the 4000 level up to the 6000 level towards the building exit facing Clifton Avenue. Our site rests at the transition of the stairs between 5000 and 6000 level. This location was chosen because it is uniquely positioned next to the DAAP library, adjacent to a large critique space, and along the major circulation spine of Aranoff addition. The design approach defines the extension between the two levels and enhances the overall grad stair experience. Working from a part to whole relationship, the design employs over 20,000 zip ties that modifies light, color, and atmosphere of the space. Thousands of zip-ties stitched together make two forms that take on an amoeba-like shape that coexists, communicating between red and blue colors. The final image reads as a single visual ensemble yet its two parts remain physically separate to create physical tension between the colors.

Mobile Adi design The design proposal introduces a contemporary adirondack prototype maintaining the rough proportion and dimension of a traditional adirondack chair. Mobile Adi incorporates all friction connnections (no glue or screws). Considering mobility for flat packaging and temporary storage for the end user, Mobile Adi can easily fold and and collapse into a flat surface, easily stored away or hung on a surface until ready for use again. Belonging to the family of “recliners”, the adirondack chair takes its name from its original use in the outdoors of the Adirondack Mountains. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s tuberculosis was still a common deadly disease. One of the few treatments consisted of resting outdoors in the fresh mountain air, which became known as the “resting cure”. The adirondack chair was ideal for this treatment due to its reclining nature and outdoor use. The adirondack chair became highly modified and marketed.

High_Fab competition CBUTH - “Why Tall” 2011 Mumbai, India According to the UNFPA, by 2030 we will have over 5 billion people living in cities. Out of this growth arises the architect’s challenge to define space for our burgeoning population. Tall building design has moved past the pure function of engineering the tallest structure to show ones power. Skyscrapers must respond to the needs of their environmental and urban condition. Our design is derived from the desire to develop well-crafted and meaningful places. Tall buildings in densely populated cities can help achieve the preservation of the landscapes that serve the needs of all humans. It is paramount for tall buildings, that consume an immense amount of resources, to take on the role of cultivating the growth of sustainable cities in order to improve the quality of life for its inhabitants. Through insightful design approaches, the efficiency of tall buildings can progress our communities and society by preserving valuable public space in the urban core. More broadly, the efficiency of building within existing infrastructures will help protect our agricultural and public landscapes. The design approach seeks to push the limits of prefabrication to achieve affordable, fast, and high quality building. Site selection and site design began with research of many dense cities and understanding the problems that exist throughout the world. Our design focuses on how our specific site can serve to improve the quality of life in Mumbai. Specific issues addressed include: · · · · · · · ·

Outdoor covered green space Broad open views to the sky Flood control On site agriculture On site power generation Air pollution Affordable housing Use of sustainable local materials

John Ritter Danny Ruberg Drew Newman Frederik Berte

Mumbai, the largest city in India, is one of the most congested cities in the world and prime for answering the question of Why Tall. The site for this proposal is Khatau Mills, one of many abandoned textile mills in the city of Mumbai. The abandoned textile mills sit in strategic locations in the urban core throughout the city and are opportunities for private and public development in Mumbai. The possibilities of urbanization will be maximized by utilizing existing infrastructure, mass transportation, developing new construction and building technologies that will support dense populations. Our building is a prototype that responds to the many environmental problems that plague Mumbai, such as air pollution, flood control, fresh water, and resupplying the public green space that continues to diminish.

cloud cover

humidity

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT

direct solar PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT

views

stormwater

wind

permeability

Suny Morrisville professional The Facilities Master Plan (FMP) envisions a 10year systematic, planned evolution of Morrisville State College that builds upon the College’s inherent strengths and unique mission within the State University of New York. Over the course of a year and a half the entire campus was engaged with representatives of the State University Construction Fund and Chan Krieger NBBJ in the development of a Facilities Master Plan. Through interviews, conditions evaluation, academic space planning, cost estimation and development of alternatives a preferred plan was developed to set the course for the future growth of the College. The Plan identified strategies for facilities demolition, rehabilitation, modernization, conversion, expansion and new construction. It will serve as a guide and help prioritize Capital funding requests for years to come.

Classroom / Lecture Halls Lab Facili3es Departmental Support Administra3ve Facili3es

nexus

HENNESSY PARK

BURNETT ST. PARK

SUMMER STREET PARK

15 Min

utes

Connecting Cultures in Houston

HENNESSY PARK BROCK (RICHARD) PARK

DOW ELEMENTARY PARK

MUNICIPAL COURTS BLDG

Develop a connected pedestrian environment in downtown Houston

15 Minu

tes

MEMORIAL-SILVER TRIANGLE

SABINE STREET MAINTENANCE SITE

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK

DOW ELEMENTARY PARK

ALLEN'S LANDING

site MARKET SQUARE PARK

MUNICIPAL COURTS BLDG

ALBERT THOMAS PLAZA JONES HALL PUBLIC PLAZA LINEAR PARK

Buffalo Bayou

SWEENEY CLOCK TRIANGLE

GOYEN, JOHNNY PARK

ute

Buffalo Bayou

CONFEDERATE SHIP AREA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SMITH-CONGRESS TRIANGLE

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK TRANQUILLITY PARK COLISEUM MUSIC HALL PLAZA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK JONES PLAZA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK LINEAR PARK MEMORIAL-SILVER TRIANGLE SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK TRANQUILLITY PARK FONDE COMMUNITY CENTERPARKING LOT H LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK CITY HALL ANNEX PLAZA MARKET SQUARE PARK LINEAR PARK LINEAR PARK SABINE STREET MAINTENANCE SITE SAM HOUSTON PARK ALBERT THOMAS PLAZA JONES HALL PUBLIC PLAZA CITY HALL PLAZA

BUFFALO BAYOU/TINSLEY PARK

ALLEN'S LANDING

Site Option 2

Promote public transportation use

nutes

LINEAR PARK

HERMANN SQUARE

SWEENEY CLOCK TRIANGLE

ute

BUFFALO BAYOU/TINSLEY PARK

JONES PLAZA

CONVEYANCE 500 Years Flood 100 Years Flood Natural System Buffer or Overflow Buffalo Bayou

SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK

Natural System

8 Mi

• Provide onsite bus stop • Link paths to the University of Houston Light Rail station

Cultivate the diversity of Houston’s economy & culture

CHARTRESS MAINTENANCE SITE

HERMANN SQUARE

CONVEYANCE 500 Years Flood 100 Years Flood Buffer or Overflow Buffalo Bayou

SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK SAM HOUSTON PARK

FOUNDERS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

Parks CHARTRESS MAINTENANCE SITE

SMITH R. E. "BOB" PARK ANTIOCH PARK FOUNDERS MEMORIAL CEMETERY

Parks

HIGHWAYS-60MPH BUS TRANSIT-25MPH RAILROADS-60MPH HIGHWAYS-60MPH LIGHT RAILS-45MPH BUS TRANSIT-25MPH

SMITH R. E. "BOB" PARK ANTIOCH PARK

0 0.1 RAILROADS-60MPH LIGHT RAILS-45MPH

0.2

0.4

Existing Natural Systems - The site rests on Houston’s Buffalo Bayou, framing a walkable community development, appropriate for the human scale experience

7 th

6th

5th

ORD

4th

3rd

$14.0 B.

ATL

LAX

1.4 M. International

2nd

Green Roofs

reduces building heat gain and slows stormwater run off

1st

$31.5 B.

Public Greenway

extends public green space to connect site with Buffulao Bayou providing venue for public events

9.7 M. International 48.8 M. Total

469 sq mi

234 sq mi

$14.8 B.

503 sq mi

Buffalo Bayou

existing landscape and water feature

Capitalizing on Tourism 7.0 M. International 25.7 M. Total

601 sq mi

International Visitors Total Visitors

Houston receives almost 50 million visitors per year, more than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago Business and medical tourism account for the majority of visitors to Houston

/ 8,0 sqm 9 i 11 2/s ,8 qm 6 27 4/ i ,5 sqm 32 /s i qm i

Of the busiest airports in the nation, Houston is most often the final destination for visitors

St a Air te po r ts

49.5 M. Total

2010 Total Tourist Spending

3,6

Sculptors Path

38.1 M. Total

3.3 M. International

City Area

minimizes heat gain in Houston’s hot climate with east west orientation

0.8 Miles

$29.3 B.

City Density

Building Orientation

Walking Distance

GEORGE R. BROWN CONV. CTR.

0.6

shading renewable energy water management green roofs orientation

Walking Distance

Atlanta

Houston

8th

0.4

DEN

SFO

9th

Within a 1 Mile Radius

26.8 Acre Site

connects upper level of podiums throughout site

IAH

San Francisco

LAS Las Vegas

PHX Phoenix

10th

0.8 Miles

0.2

Denver

Top 10 busiest airports in US

0.1

JFK

0.6 0

Mechanical Mobility - The site is situated around car dependency and experienced through high speeds

Structure a financially responsible development

Within a 1 Mile Radius GEORGE R. BROWN CONV. CTR.

Chicago

• Capitalize on the quanitity of business travel from Houston’s airport • Develop diverse site program, catering to Houston’s residents and out of town visitors

Los Angeles

Improve Houston’s tourism downtown

New York

John Ritter MArch | MBA Team Captain Danny Ruberg MArch Frederik Berte MArch Ico Abreau BArch MCP Jonathan Sutton PHD Engineering

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK

SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK

FONDE COMMUNITY CENTERPARKING LOT H

site

tes

Houston, Texas

GOYEN, JOHNNY PARK

inu 8M

Gerald D. Hines Urban Design Competition 2012

ute

CONFEDERATE SHIP AREA SESQUICENTENNIAL PARK SMITH-CONGRESS TRIANGLE

DFW

competition

HOGG PARK

BROCK (RICHARD) PARK

Dallas

ULI Urban Design Competition

BURNETT ST. PARK

SUMMER STREET PARK

Yet, for every visitor Houston receives, Chicago capitalizes 2.5 times the amount of tourism revenue per person

Site Plan

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Da Dallas, TX

Buys

Land

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Fannin South

Existing Station

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Skyline district Fs

Houston - Fragmented

Frankl in Street

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Light Rail

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Theatre district

Civic Center district

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Tunnel Pedestrianization

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Skyline district Mus ic Hall

Cc Convention district Me Medical district

Shading clad with shading devices to minimize southern heat exposure

In this model CHF mitigates Risk while guaranteeing a fixed rate return on investment. CHF also satisfies its goals promote sustainable growth of Houston’s downtown

Mixed Use Podium connected public spaces, separated from car culture

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Education Opportunity This developments adjacency to the University of Houston Downtown will connect the urban student with employment in a variety of sectors and educational opportunities in areas such as: -Nursing -Social Work -Hospitality -Environmental Conservation -Retail TEAM 3957

Birds Eye looking North East

Section A-A

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Traffic flow (clockwise) Traffic flow (counter-clockwise) Tunnel access

Close down Franklin Street + Implement Tunnel to Increase pedestrian access

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site alignment

Risk & Returns

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Red = Development Green = Net Cash Flow Blue = Net Operating Income

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Development satisfies market needs and the projected growth of Houston’s Downtown

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Proposed Commuter Rail Highway

Cc Convention district Me Medical district

Northline Transit Center

Intermodal Terminal

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Ba Ballpark district

1. CHF buys land 2. CHF leases land to for-profit developer 3. Developer establishes equity LLP of private investors, and structures loan financing 4. CHF receives a fixed rate lease agreement with developer and receives a percentage of profits from development profits

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Sh Shopping district

Process:

Loan Financing

Lease

Light rail Future light rail

U of H Downtown

Mt Magnolia Transit Center

Historic district

Ha Harris County district

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Existing station

- sustainable growth of Houston’s downtown and community development - generate a revenue stream for endowment - shape a new downtown district

site alig

Wa Warehouse district

Highway Ba

Austin, TX

Mu Museum district

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Civic Center district

Equity

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Proposed commuter rail

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$ investor $ investor $ investor $ investor

Northline Transit Center

CHF Goals:

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Developer

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CHF

Me Medical district

17 % Subsidy

Intermodal terminal

Mt Magnolia Transit Center Nt

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80 % LOAN

Uh University of Houston

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Wa Warehouse district

812,000 sf 600,000 sf 703 Units (rental & for sale) 160 Units For Lease by CHF

175

Austin, TX

Mu Museum district

Retail Commercial Residential Single Room Occupancy Hotel

3 % Private Equity

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Capacity Information

Financing

Airport

76 M 6% 953 M 31% 13.75%

240 miles s 246 mins mile 21.3 ins -

Current Site Value Exit Capitalization Rate Development Value (Year 10) IRR (Leveraged) CHF 10 yr ROI

Financial Analysis

30 m

nexus

Parking convenient access to site and close parking proximity

Grocery Store

provides walkable convenience to nearby residence

Photovoltaics

generates electrical power by converting solar radiation into electricity

University Connection

bridge to the University of Houston and light rail station

Parking

provides traditional and mechanical valet parking options

Residence Plaza Office Retail Parking

Natural Filtration

creates a natural filter for water while providing an onsite amenity

Vertical Spatial Organization

View looking east over Nexus Blvd

Nexus Blvd

a new central artery to site promoting convenient access

Site Section B-B

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U of H wn Downto

U of H Downtown

Balle

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U of H Downtown

Ne xu sB lvd

Mu Ha sic ll

Pedestrian Access

Two way traffic One way traffic Pedestrian Access

Greenway

Tunnel access

Site Circulation

Perspective looking east on main plaza

Birds eye looking west

Public Spaces Retail Housing Office Hotel

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Re ta i

2016

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2014 fra

ep ar

Comprehensive Planning

2013

Bus route

Balle

Mus ic Hall

Public Transit + Greenway Pedestrian Movement through site

Bus stop

t Ba

Mu Ha sic ll

grid

U of H Station

Light rail route

lle

city

L B

Ba lle t

Mus ic Hall

U of H wn Downto

Stabilization Phase 3957 37

DIY Urbanism - reClaim the Streets competition Our proposal is titled re-Claimed Streets; it is a design that demonstrated that the cross walk can be re thought and redesigned to be safer and contribute to making the cross walk as an aesthetic public space. re-Claimed Streets offers a solution to mediate the conflict of vehicular traffic and crossing pedestrian traffic. re-Claimed Streets mediates traffic and the pedestrian by making each aware of the conditions of the other within the pedestrian cross walk zone and demonstrates the potential for alternative cross walk solutions to insure safety and awareness of pedestrian cross traffic. re-Claimed Streets promotes the democracy of public space within the street sphere that is shared by both pedestrians and vehicles.

Every year there are almost 4,770 pedestrian fatalities in the United States and an additional 68,000 pedestrian injuries.

Nation wide, pedestrians account for nearly 12% of traffic deaths.

A pedestrian injury occurs every 8 minutes in the United States.

Unfortunately, Cincinnati also follows this trend; it is ranked among the top 50 cities with the highest threat to its pedestrians.

172 pedestrian fatalities occurred in Cincinnati in 2011 alone. There are a large percentage of citizens exposed to dangerous traffic daily. re-Claimed Streets uses reclaimed materials from the streetscape itself. Steel road plates, sign structuring channels, discarded vinyl signage, road caution horses, and the electric cross walk signs themselves are reconstituted to be reconfigured and reassembled into a meaningful composition to provide a whimsical, lively, and engaging set of objects that direct and inform drivers and pedestrians to respected needed behavioral patterns that insure safety and awareness. Drawings and imagines illustrate simple construction and fabrication of re-Claimed Streets design to demonstrate how an effective streetscape design can temper the mean street environment.

Over 18,000 residents live within walking distance of the University area, many of which are University students, faculty, and staff as well as employees of the surrounding hospitals.

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CUE Research Workshop graduate assistant Communication in the Urban Environment Research Workshop or CUE Workshop is a research collaborative centered on the expertise from the University of Cincinnati’s Colleges and research institutes in combination with industry and government. The CUE Workshop is dedicated to research, scholarship and the applied exploration of conscious and unconscious communication in emerging urban networks. CUE Workshop is a workshop laboratory immersed within the rich intellectual community of the University of Cincinnati’s research faculty and collaborative corporate partners. The directive is to explore and understand emerging trends of how people communicate and navigate in the diverse social contexts of personal and mass communication within urban settings, and to test and develop prototype communication means of the future. CUE Workshop will bring together many visioning sources; university and public / private intellect to synthesize the past, understand the present and envision the future.

Communication in the urban environment inevitably includes social, technological, cultural, economic, political implications and issues. As new challenges arise, the approach to addressing problems and providing solutions cannot just come from one discipline. Understanding how communication operates within an urban condition requires an interdisciplinary approach where a synergy between different knowledge fields is generated. In essence, inter-disciplinary collaboration is necessary and cross-pollination is critical in addressing the complexities of urban living.

Design Team Henry Hildebrandt - Professor, SAID Edson Cabalfin - Assistant Professor, SAID John A. Ritter - MArch | MBA Julie Clements - BS Interior Design Catherine Tran - BS Arch 15’ Fei Xie - MDesign Shuai Zhou - MDesign 15’

CUE is a workshop laboratory immersed within the rich intellectual community of the University of Cincinnati’s research faculty and collaborative corporate partners. The focus of CUE Workshop is to explore and understand emerging trends of how people communicate and navigate in the rich social contexts of personal and mass communication as urban inhabitants.

thank you.