M
useum of
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nvironmental
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cience and
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nergy
Scott Winters
M Arch Thesis Spring 2013
The City
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History
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Regrowth
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MESE
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Program
14
Context
26
Design
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References
48
The City Bellingham, WA Bellingham, WA is a small progressive city in the northwest corner of Washington State. The city rests beside the water of the Puget Sound and is home to Western Washington University and an abundance of outdoor enthusiast. The small scale of Bellingham with it’s vibrant culture has lead it to be called “the City of Subdued Excitement” and it is about to experience a major change to its landscape. For most of it’s history, Bellingham has been cut off from the water by a large industrial site formerly owned by Georgia-Pacific. This site of about 110 acres in size and has primarily been used for pulp and paper manufacturing, which has resulted in an area of land and water riddled with pollution. The plant is now closed and most of the buildings have been removed leaving behind a poisoned soil, broken slabs of concrete, and a potential for Bellingham to once again reclaim its lost waters. The city of Bellingham in cooperation with the port of Bellingham has drafted a master plan for the area in the hopes of replacing an industrial blight with a with a new mixed use waterfront development.
The City of Subdued Excitement
History Georgia-Pacific For more than 100 years, Bellingham’s waterfront served the economic region as a bustling industrial area, a transportation gateway, and a home to many maritime activities. As the local and national economy began to change, many employers went out of business, leaving behind a legacy of vacant and contaminated industrial property on the waterfront. One of Whatcom County’s largest employers, Georgia-Pacific, started closing down its pulp, paper, and chemical operations in 1999. This site alone is about 137 acres and has been a major source of pollution in the region. About the same size as the current downtown, the redevelopment provides a rare opportunity for the city’s growth.
From canoes to sailing ships to freighters, the inviting shores of Bellingham Bay have served as a northwest source for transportation, trade, and industry. Creation of the Port of Bellingham in 1920 brought control of the vital harbor under one organization, permitting creation of public use docks for travelers and cargo. Industries dotting the waterfront helped the city grow, and as they have closed, have allowed for huge new opportunities. By 1920, the waterfront was crowded with a confusing array of docks belonging to everything from private lumber mills and shipyards to local canneries. Bellingham, like so many new towns in the Pacific Northwest, was indelibly marked by its past of uncoordinated speculation and development. With the beginning of port operations in 1920, some of the port’s most urgent needs were purchasing, organizing, and consolidating waterfront properties and access. Consequently, the first decades of
the port’s existence were marked by efforts to achieve some foothold in areas like Bellingham’s Squalicum Creek, the Whatcom Creek Waterway, and Fairhaven on the south end of the bay. The four towns that had sprung up around Bellingham Bay included Whatcom, Sehome, Bellingham, and Fairhaven. In 1903, all four were consolidated into the city of Bellingham. The 1920’s were a huge time of success and expansion for the port, with construction of a ferry landing, purchase of the Municipal Dock, and a large increase in cargo shipping. In 1929, the Great Depression unfortunately came with a profound economic lull that influenced the Bellingham waterfront from 1930 through the early 1960s. As the local timber supply dwindled and the demand for coal died, numerous Bellingham businesses closed, including most of the major mills in Bellingham. Docks and warehouses went into disrepair.
Regrowth A New Waterfront Waterfront Design Partners • Regional Urban Design Assistance Team Report (1992) • Visions for Bellingham (1992) • Bellingham Bay Demonstration Pilot (1996–present) • Whatcom Creek Waterfront Action Program (1996) • Downtown Development Workshop (1998) • Bellingham Bay Comprehensive Strategy FEIS (2000) • City Center Master Plan (2002) • Community Forum on Growth Management (2004) • Waterfront Futures Group (WFG) Vision and Framework Plan (2005) • Bellingham Comprehensive Plan (2006) • Central Business District Neighborhood Plan (2008)
In 2008, after more than two decades of planning and strategic investment, the community vision for Bellingham’s central waterfront was complete. The result is one that reclaims the waterfront for the citizens of Bellingham, while also holding on to some of the more traditional and cultural histories of a commercial and maritime port. It is a 50 year plan that allows for a slower, more natural growth to fill in the area. These are just a few of the guiding principles proposed in this vision.
ction of waterfront to take place e Waterfront District Sub-Area
Area or, upon the adoption of a master plan for a portion of land area within the Waterfront District.�
purpose of the Waterfront Disine Designation is:
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The main form of redevelopment will divide the waterfront area into three parts. The first will be made up of mixed use development along the western edge of the site facing the water. The second part, just south of this area will be made into a kind of temporary park allowing for future growth to eventually move in as needed. The third part of the site on the southern portion, will maintain the low impact industrial and commercial port operations. Situated between the initial and future development zones is an area set aside for institutional uses. This area will act as a central hub to the new waterfront, and it is in this spot that I the Museum of Environmental Science and Energy or MESE, will be located.
Waterfront MasterCHAPTER PlanFOUR Figure 4 - 1: Waterfront District Development Areas
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The Waterfront District Master Plan
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CHAPTER FIVE MULTI-MODAL CIRCULATION & PARKING
Figure 5-5: Street Types
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MESE
Both a remnant of the past and a promise for the future, MESE is a dynamic showcase of ecology and energy. Rising from the ashes of an industrial waste, it is a testament to progressive endeavors in environmental responsibility. At this facility visitors can witness and learn about various sustainable processes through interactive exhibits, hands on learning laboratories, and observing environmental science first hand. It is the goal of this facility to promote awareness and enthusiasm for sensible solutions to tomorrows problems.
View of MESE from Chip Bins
Program Three Buildings MESE is divided into three parts. The southern portion to a large extent is a public building that serves the needs of the community. The central piece of the building the main museum space. The north bar of the building is where research and workshop spaces are located.
Public Wing
Exhibit Wing
Research Wing
The south wing is the most public part of the building and contains a cafe, event hall, classroom laboratories, small public exhibit spaces, and an outdoor plaza. These elements are designed to serve the local community and provide a dynamic and place for both large and small gatherings. This part of the building will support the other two, while also being able to function on it’s own. The main entrance and admin offices are also located in this wing.
The central portion of the facility is a large exhibit hall and is the focal point of the building. This space houses the majority of the interactive exhibits for the museum. The hall has direct and visual access to the adjacent wings creating a connection between the working and research portion of the building with the more public southern part. The ground floor is highly glazed which allows for strong connections with the plaza, retention pond and the water.
The north wing of MESE houses the research laboratories and a shared workshop space. Operating adjacent to the science museum allows visitors to see into the process of science directly. Research in this area will be maintained in conjunction with Western Washington University’s College of Science and Technology. The type of research undertaken will keep with the themes of MESE while emphasizing relevant regional strategies.
Plaza and Main Entrance
Public The Public wing of MESE is a heavy timber frame construction with exposed framing members as well as exposed HVAC and utility systems. These will be visible and labeled in order to explain to visitors their function. A VRF system delivers the appropriate conditioning to each space’s specific needs. The first floor has a 16’ clear height and the second floor has a 12’ clear height.
Space
Function
Experience
Materials
Plaza
A Public multipurpose outdoor space that serves the community and MESE.
The plaza lifts out of the wetlands and acts as a plinth with MESE is rested on. It is an open space that is framed by the building and the old chip bins located adjacent to MESE. Views from the plaza include the park blocks, the Whatcom waterway, the waterfront park, and the new waterfront development.
The floor of the plaza is crushed granite, to keep with the “rising from the earth” feel of the complex. The plaza steps which are 1’6” in length will be concrete for the 6” closest to the nosing and the rest will be a growing medium. Trees will be planted along the line and the same spacing so as to continue the park block street trees.
Entry 1st floor
Main Entrance to the public and Exhibit Area. This is the funnel through which most users will enter the building. The main stair to the second floor of the south wing acts as a terminus to the entrance.
Just off the Plaza and in line with the path to the building, the entrance is open with lots of natural light. The double height space (32’) and the continuation of the exterior facade adds to the interstitial experience. This is an active area with small temporary exhibits scattered throughout the space.
The walls nearest the entrance are the same terra cotta exterior panels as on the exterior. The large linear skylight above and the glazed wall opposite the entrance creates an interstitial feeling of the building opening up. The floor is unfinished concrete, and the walls further in are painted gypsum.
Size
Occupants/Users
ECS
Other Characteristics
14,000 SF total 6000 SF front plaza 1200 SF cafe plaza 6800 SF pathway and stairs
Even though the plaza is attached to MESE, most of the users of this space will be from the community either for events or to simply enjoy the plaza and the view.
None
A few movable tables and chairs will be put out for daytime use within the large part of the plaza, and the cafe will maintain an outdoor presence along it’s border.
2000 SF
Most of the visitors to MESE will enter through this space, along with the administration for the exhibit and community services.
Radiant floor heating and highly visible ducting will warm and cool the entrance. Services will not be hidden within the walls, but rather prominently displayed to act as a form of permanent exhibit.
The entry is oversized for normal use but needs to be large enough to handle the sporadic influx from school field trips. The entrance splits the exhibit hall and the southern community oriented portion of MESE so as to act as an entrance for either if the other one is closed.
Space
Function
Experience
Materials
Front Desk 1st floor
Located adjacent to the entrance, this is where staff members will sell admission, check coats, and act as an information booth.
The front desk is not readily visible when one enters through the main entrance, so as not to greet a visitor with a ticket counter, instead it resides within a niche off the main entrance with many sight lines into the various adjacent areas.
The front desk is an extension of the entry, so the materials would be the same in order to keep a consistent experience for the area.
Event Room 1st floor
The event room is a multipurpose room that supports all three functions of MESE. A versatile space that can operate as an extension of the building, while maintaining the ability to be introverted for specific events.
Having a direct connection the front plaza this space can be opened up to act as an extension of the plaza, or closed off to provide a more introverted experience. This space can be rented for community events or lectures centered around scientific research. During heavy field trip days, this are will be used as a cafeteria to accommodate student lunches.
The south and east walls are mostly glazing allowing for the textures of the view to penetrate into the space. The north and west walls are painted gypsum, with the west wall being were the storage and electronic media for the room is located. Interior screens will block the light when a darker room is need. Part of the east wall is a garage door so as to open up to the plaza for special events.
Cafe 1st Floor
This part of MESE is the most open to the public. Rather than having a cafeteria within a science center, this one is attached to MESE. It is given a prominent location, and operates almost separately from the rest of the building, while still acting in a supporting role.
The southwestern corner of the building has best views, and is the area most associated with the surrounding park and wetlands. The cafe can be accessed through the main entrance of the building or it can be accessed directly off of the side of the plaza. On the west side opposite the plaza the cafe has its own space where patrons can sit in the sun on the steps and watch a sunset over the marina or view south to the new waterfront development
The west and south walls are mostly glazed. The north part of the room is the service are where the cafe counter and kitchen are located. The chairs and tables within cafe will be movable and made of a similar wood as the columns.
Kitchen 1st Floor
The kitchen serves the cafe, but primarily it is used as a staging place for events and school field trip lunches.
The kitchen will be mostly off limits to anyone other that service staff, so the arrangement and aesthetics of the space will be based on functionality.
The materials used in the kitchen will be strictly functional, so mostly stainless steel appliances. The walls will be covered with a waterproof membrane so as to mitigate mold and mildew.
Learning Laboratories 2nd floor
MESE has two classrooms which serve to provide a hands on learning environment for visitors while also providing a space for community involvement outside of the main event room.
The laboratories are designed to allow visitors to learn through experimentation how the scientific themes of MESE actually work. Participants will be guided through activities where they can get their hands dirty and perform a range of scientific investigations.
The perimeter of the rooms are lined with workstations and research equipment. The middle of the rooms will house moveable tables and chairs to allow for changes of the functions of the experiments taking place. And they will be of varying size to accommodate the differing ages of experimenters.
Administration 2nd floor
The administration for most of MESE is located on the second floor of the south wing. This area will function as an open office environment with a conference room, copy room, and a bathroom.
Although the offices are located in the far corner of the second floor, the views and openness of the space creates a welcoming and productive work environment. The south and east glazed walls bring light through the whole office.
The offices are open with short, movable partitions to allow for a versatile and comfortable work experience. The conference room is separated from the rest of the office space with a glazed interior wall.
Size
Occupants/Users
350 SF (including coat check)
Permanent staff along with volunteers will be stationed at the front desk. Visitors will purchase admission tickets, check coats, and use it as an info desk.
The front desk will share the environmental conditions with the entrance, so the ECS for the entrance will also be for the front desk.
Signage will be kept to a minimum. The presence of a desk and a carving out of the form of the entry will act as a wayfinding technique to establish it’s purpose. The goal is to break from the common science center tradition of placing an authoritative barrier between the outside and the exhibits.
1200 SF (including storage)
This room will be used by everyone including MESE visitors, admin, guest speakers, WWU students and faculty, and people from the community wanting to rent the space for a public or private event.
Highly glazed south and east walls allow for solar gain to collect on the concrete mass floor. Sun shades on the south provide shade during the hotter months of the year. And like the rest of MESE it has exposed ducting systems, although these would need to be larger than the rest of the spaces in order to limit the amount of noise generated.
This is a highly versatile space, and could potentially undergo multiple changes during the course of a day. The control of the light and sound is important, so it can be tailor for an events specific needs. This area could potentially serve as a secondary exhibit space or art gallery during the summer months when the room wouldn’t be needed for student lunches.
1200 SF
The cafe will function as both a cafeteria for museum goers as well as a cafe for people enjoying the waterfront park.
Highly glazed south and west walls allow for solar gain to collect on the concrete mass floor. Sun shades on the south provide shade during the hotter months of the year. Exterior roll down shading will be used for the west side during evenings
This space is above all other spaces in MESE for the general public, however certain requirements must be met to keep with the themes of the MESE. Only local and healthy foods will be served in the cafe.
200 SF
Kitchen and cafe staff are the only ones who would use this space.
Refrigerators, ovens, a dishwasher are the primary appliances in the kitchen. Thermal gain from the appliances will be integrated into the heating system so as to not waste energy.
The kitchen is a small space that functions only for certain events and at certain times.
1800 SF total
1200 SF (150 SF storage)
The primary users of the laboratories will be visitors to the museum especially during school field trips. However, the laboratories will also function as small workshop spaces during seminars taking place in the main event room.
A variety of hook ups (gas, water, electrical) will line the rooms in order to allow for a variety of experiments. The north laboratory will have operable windows to the outside allowing natural ventilation. The south laboratory will also have operable windows, but with the addition of sun shades to reduce glare.
MESE has two laboratories. The north one is connected to the exhibit space and is smaller, accommodating around twenty people. This is the more casual laboratory with shorter and less intensive experimentation. The southern laboratory is much larger and can accommodate up to forty people. The experiments taking place in this room will be more intensive and guided more closely.
1500 SF total 1200 SF offices 170 SF conf room 65 SF copy room 65 SF bathroom
Administration is the only occupants for this space. They consist of full time and part time employees. Volunteers might also use this space, but not very frequently.
The light shades on the southern wall block the sun during the hottest months, and interior roll down shades will be used to mitigate glare during certain time of the year. Having an open floor plan with operable windows allows for natural ventilation to flow through the entire office space.
The admin for this area will be specific to the exhibit hall and the southern wing of MESE. Research admin along with exhibit designers are located in the north wing.
600 SF (80 SF storage)
ECS
Other Characteristics
Exhibit
Space
Function
Experience
Main Exhibit Hall 1st Floor with Mezzanine
The Exhibit Hall is the centerpiece of MESE. This is where the majority of the interactive exhibits is located and the area where visitors would spend most of their time.
The central columns are a highlight to exhibit area. The wooden columns grow out of their concrete base and flare out to create a forest canopy of structure. The columns, along with the patterned apertures in the wall create a stimulating lighting dynamic. The ground floor is open to the adjacent spaces furthering the forested effect.
Materials
The ground floor is mostly concrete and glazing, while above the material gives way to a wood dominated palette. The southern wall where exposed to the exterior is a glazed facade with exterior sun shading. The west, north, and east walls, along with the roof have a pattern of small apertures that brings a dappled lighting effect into the space. The apertures are more concentrated along the north and higher in elevation in order to maximize and distribute light in a balanced manner.
Size
Occupants/Users
20,000 SF total
The exhibit hall is a regional attraction, which will gather individuals, families, and students on school field trips.
13,000 SF ground floor 7000 SF Mezzanine
ECS
Versatility for this space is key. Hookups of all kinds (water, sewer, electrical, gas, etc.) will be located throughout the hall in order to facilitate a constantly changing environment. These, along with air ducts and other mechanical equipment will be highlighted and labeled, thus acting as a form of exhibit. Skylights and windows will be mechanically operated to assist with natural ventilation of the space during the hottest times of the year.
Other Characteristics
Exhibits within the space will reflect on what is adjacent to it. In areas overlooking the retention pond and swale, exhibits would demonstrate water management techniques. In areas nearest the research labs, they would have exhibits featuring processes dealing with similar scientific endeavors.
Research
The research Research wing of MESE is primarily for scientific research in collaboration with WWU’s environmental science programs. This is the least public area of MESE, however visual accessibility and occasional tours will allow the public to experience a part of it. Like the rest of MESE, the research facility is a heavy timber frame with unfinished concrete floor. A row of skylights run along the east side of the major rooms bringing balanced light into the spaces.
Space
Function
Experience
Workshop/ Fabrication Space 2 levels
Exhibits for MESE are created on site in this area. The workshop will also facilitate the fabrication needs of the research labs. Directly above the algae biofuel room and overlooking the workshop is the design department for MESE.
Directly adjacent to the exhibit hall, visitors can witness MESE’s next creating being constructed and tested.. The ground floor exterior walls are all glazing so there is a visual sight line from the exhibit hall straight through the workshop. The design studio mezzanine has glazed walls along the interior visually connecting the workspace and concept creation space.
Workshop tables and benches are located near the exterior of the workshop and movable partition walls are located along the interior. This gives more light and allows for better ventilation. The design lab contains tables, printers, 3-D printers, and other more sensitive fabrication equipment. This is meant to be a clean area.
Algae Biofuel Room
This area will research growing algae to use as biofuel. The biofuel will be burned on site in order to feed the new algae and help heat the research labs.
Large green tubes make up the aesthetic of this area. The algae grows while slowly traveling along small cylindrical plastic tubes. This feature will be prominently displayed for the visitors in the main hall.
Besides the algae tubes, there will also be a centrifuge to separate the fuel from the algae, and a small biomass boiler to burn the fuel. The boiler would be on the small scale since the algae being grown is for testing purposes, not for quantity.
Hydro Turbine Room
This space generates electricity for MESE and a portion of the new waterfront development. It also acts as a testing ground for developing new micro turbine techniques.
The Turgo Turbine, along with the battery storage will dominate the space in the room, and be highly visible from the main exhibit hall. The turbine is fairly loud, so thick glass will be used to block some of the sound from invading the neighboring spaces.
A small workshop and office area will be included in this room, along with a turbine testing booth that will test the various parts of the turbines.
Wetland research room
This research lab deals with stormwater runoff and wetland rehabilitation
The only research lab not directly connected to the exhibit hall, this one is instead adjacent to the retention pond in the front of MESE. A garage door opens this space up to the pond allowing for direct access.
Meant to be more of a dirty lab. This area would textured with the dirt and plants under study. An indoor tank to simulate a wetland environment will be in this space.
Research Administration
A part time research admin will sit at the research wing entrance and field questions or direct visitors. This area contains a front desk, bathrooms, conference room, bike barn, and waiting area.
The entrance to the research facility is small, and not for the general public. There is a conference room, a bike barn, bathrooms, and a front desk within this space. Directly opposite the entrance is a glazed wall highlighting the north waterfront park, the Whatcom Waterway, and Old Town.
Similar to that of the main entrance to MESE but smaller. Glazed interior walls leading into the bike barn signify the importance of responsible endeavors. The bike barn can also be seen from the exhibit hall. A small waiting area with tables and couches will be located in the middle of the entry in front of the admin desk.
Receiving/ Storage.
Material drop of and temporary storage, along with some staging fabrication will happen here. Long term storage happens at another facility.
Unlike the research labs, glazing for this space is kept to a minimum in order for security and to maintain a pleasing facade.
Lumber, a forklift, various metal materials, landscaping materials, storage racks, etc. Each individual lab has their own storage, capacity so the burden is not entirely on this space.
Materials
Size
Occupants/Users
5600 SF total
MESE designers and fabricators will primarily be the main tenants of the workshop, however members of the research staff will also occasionally use it for fabrication purposes related to their studies. About 2 full time designers and 4-5 full time fabricators are needed for a science venue of this size.
A variety of power and ducting is needed for this space. Overhead air compressors and electrical hookups allow for a changing floor plan depending on what needs to be built at the time.
The demands of the workshop can change drastically with each new exhibit, so flexibility of the spaces is paramount. Movable partition walls will be utilized to form separate work room when necessary.
1600 SF
Bioengineers from WWU will grow and test the algae. Tours will be given regularly for MESE patrons.
Testing the algae accurately will require precise temperatures, so this room will be tightly sealed around the perimeter so as not to disturb the scientific study.
Depending on the type of algae being tested, some of the algae tube will project out of this room and run through the exhibit hall.
1200 SF
Hydro engineers from WWU will be the only ones who work in here, however small tours will be a regular occurrence.
This room will only be conditioned so as to not disrupt the efficiency of the turbine. Constant ventilation needs to be run through this room because of the condensation that occurs on the hydro turbine piping.
Because of being connected to the water wipe this room does not have the same modifiable characteristics as the rest of MESE has.
1600 SF
Environmental and botanical scientists from WWU will be in charge of the wetland lab. Tours will be given regularly for MESE patrons.
A lightly conditioned space. This lab doesn’t need to have the same heating standards as the rest of the facility.
Seedlings and small starter plants will be grown in this space next to the exterior glazing. This gives the aesthetic of the wetlands reaching into the building.
2000 SF total
Although tours from the science museum portion of MESE will take place here, the majority of the time the users of this space will be WWU students and research faculty.
Minimal interior walls, and glazing the few that are needed, help to bring lighting in deep from both side of the building.
The entrance to the research portion is adjacent to the plaza, so signage will be kept at a very minimal in order to not create confusion with where the main entrance to the building is.
Researchers, and fabricators will be the primary users of this area.
As with the wetlands research area, the receiving/storage portion of the building will require little conditioning.
This Space acts as a terminus for the north park block street. The presence of a more industrial face along this street to reflect on the aesthetic that was once there was fitting for the theme of MESE.
4000 SF workshop 1600 SF design dept
front desk, bathroom, bike barn, conference room 300 SF ea. entry and waiting area 800 SF 1500 SF
ECS
Other Characteristics
Users Interior of Atrium with Research Labs in the background
The three areas of the building will each collect their own kind of user. The public portion of the building will experience high traffic during the summer months when people are out along the waterfront park or attending an event in the plaza. The museum is designed for an ideal volume of 200,000 visitors annually. While MESE will provide a strong educational service to the local residents, it will also serve as a destination for the region as a whole. It’s proximity to lower BC and King County will allow for visiting school field trips as well as family outings. The third kind of user is the scientist and student of science participating in the research labs.
Field Trips are a huge source of visitors. Of the 200,000 annual visitors, 30,000-40,000 (15-20%) will be students in school groups. 80% of these groups will be elementary and middle school students, the rest would be in high school. Science centers experience wide fluctuations of visitors throughout the year. In fact, the busiest 15 days of the year will account for about 10% of the yearly attendance It is therefore extremely important to create a flexible arrangement of spaces to allow for these surges in attendance. A rule of thumb for science centers is to allow a minimum of 25 SF of floor space per visitor, or else they begin to experience a sense of overcrowding.
The large fluctuations of people that occur during the warmer summer months will be alleviated by the fact that school field trips would not be occurring at the same time. Having a community emphasis within the program helps to balance out these peak load times. The research center will get students from neighboring WWU as well as more semi permanent research staff, to overlook the studies. Each area of research would have a small handful of students and staff assigned to it.
Partners A facility such as MESE should not be viewed as a private enterprise, but rather a gift to the city, to people, and to science itself. By teaming up with various entities, MESE will provide a service that benefits the region environmentally and educationally. Working in collaboration with local and national organizations expands the scope of what is possible, while still focusing on the needs of the local residents.
The local University in Bellingham, Washington, WWU has a reputation as being on the forefront of sustainability and environmental responsibility. It is in both the University and MESE’s interests to create a strong relationship that can benefit both institutions. The Huxley College of the Environment at Western, will work with MESE in helping to facilitate a framework to teach the philosophies of environmental stewardship through classroom and laboratory experience as well as fundraising and outreach programs.
The Port of Bellingham is a government entity headed by three nonpartisan commissioners who come from different districts in Whatcom County and are elected in county wide elections. They oversee policy decisions at the port. For many years, the port has wanted to reclaim the waterfront for Bellingham and its residents, and now finally that time has come. MESE will work with the port by providing not only a tourist type of service, but also by using the facility as an environmental stimulant to help clean up some of the damage done by the industries of the past.
The Whatcom Museum is a non-profit organization operated jointly by the city of Bellingham and the Whatcom Museum Foundation. It is Accredited nationally by the American Association of Museums and is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate. Currently consisting of three distinct buildings: The Lightcatcher, a family oriented museum and exhibition space; Old City Hall, a more traditional art museum hosting international art works; The Syre Education Center, which contains classroom spaces and historical exhibits; MESE will be its newest addition, filling in the need for a facility that not only reflects on the past but also seeks to answer the questions needed for the future.
Context Urban Context
MESE is located at the end of the park blocks within the waterfront park. The idea behind the placement is in order to establish a theme about the converging and interstitial spaces of the urban form with nature. The building protrudes into the waterfront park, however it carries with it, and is surrounded by a natural wetland zone. Also, MESE works with the repetition set up by the park blocks and continues it through into the main exhibit hall footprint.
The proximity to Western Washington University’s extension campus which MESE will work closely with, and the last few remaining relics also make this an ideal spot for a building that promotes environmental responsibility.
East Elevation
Waterfront redevelopment area and downtown
Bellingham Marina
Downtown Core
New Mixed Use Waterfront Development
Western Washington University Extension
Port and Industrial Operations
Interstitial Industry and Mixed Use Area
The industrial facilities, although currently shut down or gone, have left behind a rather contaminated mess. Through redevelopment of its waterfront, Bellingham has a chance to redeem itself. The local residence pride themselves on their outdoor spaces and inhibit a sense of ownership of their land, wanting to protect and strengthen its natural beauty. Not only do the local residents embody this sense of environmental stewardship, but so does Western Washington University, which overlooks this site, and has a highly reputable environmental science program.
Site Context New Waterfront Development WWU Extension Existing Structures Stormwater Flow
Large Chip bins adjacent to MESE will be preserved.
Two clay tiled digester tanks will remain as monuments within the park blocks.
Stormwater Management
Power Generation
One of the functions of MESE will be to manage the stormwater runoff for the area, while providing a research facility that can experiment with new strategies to improve the understanding of stormwater systems. The park blocks for the Bellingham waterfront will act as a catchment system, directing local stormwater to a 10,000 SF retention pond along the east side of MESE. This area will then filter to a 10,000 SF constructed wetland along the south side of the building.
One of the remnants from the industrial inhabitants is a large water pipe connected to nearby Lake Whatcom. This pipe can supply up to 50 million gallons a day of water with a head height of 200 feet. Because of this unique opportunity MESE will incorporate a turgo type turbine within one of the research facilities adjacent to the atrium. This turbine will harness the potential hydro power delivered to the site by the pipe, and will produce around one megawatt of electrical generation. This will be enough to provide electricity to around 700 homes.
Design
Section looking East showing the three main buildings, and the connection to the park blocks
Research Admin
Floor Plans
Workshop/ Fabrication Area
Algae Biofuel Room
Hydro Turbine Room
Exhibit Hall
Front Desk Event Room
Cafe
Wetland Research
Receiving/Storage
Workshop/ Design Studio
Exhibit Hall
Classroom Laboratory
Classroom Laboratory
First Floor
Second Floor
Administrative Offices
Progression of Form Emerge Being
a building of the environment, the form rises from the surrounding park and wetland area. The solid form and materiality of the terra cotta cladding reinforces this expression of being of the earth.
Southwest Corner and Swale
Engage The Form opens along the base
creating a strong human scale connection between the inside and outside. The south facade also opens, both capturing light and highlight views of waterfront and surrounding islands.
Activate Small apertures are punched in
the facade using a gradient pattern. This generates a dappled lighting dynamic within the interior and reinforces the forest canopy of the column system. The gradient characteristic brings more light into the otherwise darker north portion of the building.
South Elevation
Exhibit Hall Tectonic Model
Tectonics The structure of the event hall is a focal point within the building, specifically the central columns. The lower concrete portion of these columns are a reflection of the visual character of the old industrial pier dominated waterfront. As these elements rise up 8’ past the second floor they take on a new identity. The top portion of the columns, made of a local glulam fir sprout from the concrete and flare out to create a forest canopy of structure. The bracing members of each column when integrated together create a series vaulted arches, thus giving reverence to the subject matter below.
Green Roof
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT
Heavy Timer Framing
For the wall assembly, MESE will utilize a steel stud curtain wall system with a continuous layer of XPS insulation outside of the stud wall. The perimeter columns in the exhibit hall are pulled in to express the structure and allow for easy mechanical access and modification. Terra Cotta panels will act as a rain screen and UV barrier for the rest of the assembly.
Terra Cotta Panels
XPS Rigid Insulation
Steel Stud Curtain Wall
Rough Finish Concrete Flooring
Exhibit Hall Tectonic Model
Light A patterned array of small openings penetrate the opaque wall and roof. While seemingly random they are arranged in higher densities along the north and higher portions of the wall. This brings light into the darker spaces of the room and helps to balance the light coming from the large south
Exhibit Hall facing Northwest
glazed wall. Keeping apertures to a minimum along the lower level of the wall also allows for more exhibit space. The few openings that do come down low act as objects through which one experiences the outside world. The heights are specific to the height of the viewer, so some
are designed for small children to experience at their level while some are higher up for adult viewing. The size and pattern of the windows also reinforces the forested aesthetic with columns by creating a dynamic dappled lighting effect.
Southeast corner of Exhibit Hall
Lower angled Winter sun will be used to heat up the light mass concrete floor. During the harshest angles of the sun, internal roll down shades will block the sun, but not before the solar radiation has entered the building.
Southern external light shades prevent harsh sun from getting into the space while still allowing for views. A liquid medium is pumped through the shades to capture solar radiation during the colder months. The pre warmed liquid would then be run through the radiant floor heating system
North Section
Heating/Cooling MESE uses a variable refrigerant flow system for its HVAC purposes. The heating and cooling needs within MESE will vary significantly with changes of exhibit type, occupant load, and finally solar gain from the large amount of southern glazing. Some of the spaces in MESE will generate their own heat which can be used in other parts of the building. Other spaces require conditioning only during certain times or require merely a semi conditioned environment. A VRF system can shift the heating and cooling needs throughout the building in a way that is both economically and environmentally appropriate.
Heat generation
Temporary Semi Conditioned Solar Gain
VRF heating/cooling unit.
South Elevation
Although similar in form and shape, the south and north facades of MESE are very different. The south face is largely open to absorb as much solar radiation as possible. Being such a cloudy environment, Bellingham rarely has temperatures where direct sunlight is not welcomed.
North Elevation
Final Layout
M
useum of Scott Winters Spring 2013
E
nvironmental
S
cience and
E
nergy
A new waterfront for the city of subdued excitement. My proposal for this new development is the Museum of Environment science and energy (MESE). It is a conduit between the past and the future. Both a research and science museum, it is a response to the history of the site as well as a testament to the future of environmental practices.
Bellingham, WA is a small progressive city in the northwest corner of Washington State. The city rests beside the water of the puget sound and is home to Western Washington University and an abundance of outdoor enthusiast. The small scale of Bellingham with it’s vibrant culture has lead it to be called “the city of subdued excitement” and it is about to experience a major change to its landscape. For most of it’s history, Bellingham has been cut off from the water by a large industrial site formerly owned by Georgia-Pacific. This site of about 110 acres in size and has primarily been used for pulp and paper manufacturing, which has resulted in an area of land and water riddled with pollution. The plant is now closed and most of the buildings have been removed leaving behind a poisoned soil, broken slabs of concrete, and a potential for Bellingham to once again reclaim its lost waters. The city of Bellingham in cooperation with the port of Bellingham has drafted a master plan for the area in the hopes of replacing an industrial blight with a with a new mixed use waterfront development.
MESE is a building that is of the earth and for the earth. A building that gives reverence to nature while venerating science. Mostly the building is about learning. And since learning is both an internal and external process, MESE seeks to be both an internal and external experience. The exhibit hall is the heart of the building and its focus is both on the objects and exhibits within the space as well as the functioning processes that happen adjacent to it (research labs, bioswale, and retention pond, urban adjacencies, etc.) The current state of the waterfront area.
Bellingham Marina
Large Chip bins adjacent to MESE will be preserved.
Two clay tiled digester tanks will remin as monuments within the park blocks.
Downtown Core Research Admin
New Mixed Use Waterfront Development
Workshop/ Fabrication Area
Algae Biofuel Room
Hydro Turbine Room
Wetland Re
Exhibit Hall
Neighborhood Plan
1”=100’
Existing Structures
Port and Industrial Operations
Interstitial Industry and Mixed Use Area
Power Generator One of the remnants from the industrial inhabitants is a large water pipe connected to nearby Lake Whatcom. This pipe can supply up to 50 million gallons a day of water with a head height of 200 feet. Because of this unique opportunity MESE will incorporate a turgo type turbine within one of the research facilities adjacent to the atrium. This turbine will harness the potential hydro power delivered to the site by the pipe, and will produce around one megawatt of electrical generation. This will be enough to provide electricity to around 700 homes.
Downtown Bellingham Waterfront Master Plan
Stormwater Management One of the functions of MESE will be to manage the stormwater runoff for the area, while providing a research facility that can experiment with new strategies to improve the understanding of stormwater systems. The park blocks for the Bellingham waterfront will act as a catchment system, directing local stormwater to a 10,000 SF retention pond along the east side of MESE. This area will then filter to a 10,000 SF constructed wetland along the south side of the building.
Front Desk Event Room
WWU Extension
Cafe
New Waterfront Development
First Floor
1” = 200’
A mix of uses for the waterfront
Community Center
Science Center
Research Center
The south wing is the most public part of the building and contains a cafe, event hall, classroom laboratories, small public exhibit spaces, and an outdoor plaza. These elements are designed to serve the local community and provide a dynamic and place for both large and small gatherings. The main entrance and admin offices are also located in this wing.
The central portion of the facility is a large exhibit hall and is the focal point of the building. This space houses the majority of the interactive exhibits for the museum. The hall has direct and visual access to the adjacent wings creating a connection between the working and research portion of the building with the more public southern part.
The north wing of MESE consists of research laboratories and workshop space. This element operates adjacent to the science museum, allowing visitors to see into the process of science directly. Research in this area will be maintained in conjunction with Western Washington University’s College of Science and Technology. The type of research undertaken will keep with the themes of MESE while emphasizing relevant regional strategies.
View from Cafe Looking South
Wetlands research
Algae Biofuel
Hydro Power
The main goal of the constructed wetlands along the south side of MESE will be to manage the stormwater runoff before entering the already polluted waters of Bellingham Bay. This area will also act as a research and testing tool that can be utilized by the facility. A large portion of Bellingham’s new waterfront will be more of a park-like monoculture, so creating a diverse and natural planting approach for the wetlands will contribute to the natural ecology of the area. Although 10,000 SF is set aside for specifically constructed wetlands, the goal is to have this feature continue on through the park to the water.
MESE will contain an on site testing and small production facility for biomass production of fuel from algae. The algae will be grown using photobioreactors, the oils then extracted from them using solvents and a centrifuge, finally the oil will be burned on site in a biomass boiler. A portion of the carbon output can be drawn back into the system to help grow more algae. These processes also produce coproducts that can be utilized for other scientific and ecological purposes. One of these is a natural fertilizer that can be used for landscaping. Testing and research for these processes will happen adjacent and within the atrium, with the photobioreactors adding a colorful texture adjacent to the exhibit space.
Aside from using the prexisting water supply pipe for generating electricity, MESE will also use undergo research into new micro hydro power systems. The turbine will be located along the edge of the main exhibit space so as to act as a permanent exhibit within the building . The type of turbine used will be a Turgo turbine, which is what is commonly referred to as an injector turbine. Injector turbines are for smaller systems and use a high pressure nozzle aimed at blades turn. This is a highly efficient way of generating electricity at a smaller scale. Because of the low flow, high head nature of the water supply a variety of different blades and injector systems can be tested within the facility.
Within the retention pond, testing will be done with floating wetlands, which not only clean the water of harmful particulates, but which could also provide a source of biofuel. The area of the building focusing on this function will be located immediately adjacent to the pond for ease of accessibility. The biofuel generated through this process will be done at a very small scale for testing and research purposes only.
Among the fastest growing plant species in the world, certain strains of algae grow so rapidly that they can double in size every day. Certain strains of algae-when stressed (either from a lack of nutrients or sunlight)produce large amounts of lipids (oils). These oils have chemical compositions similar to petroleum molecules called hydrocarbons. Scientists have figured out how to easily transform these algae oils into “Third Generation” biofuels that mimic gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel.
1” = 16’
Activate
Section Facing East
Small apertures are punched in the facade using a gradient pattern. This generates a dappled lighting dynamic within the interior and reinforces the forest canopy of the column system. The gradient characteristic brings more light into the otherwise darker north portion of the building.
Workshop/ Design Studio
Receiving/Storage
Engage
The Form opens along the base creating a strong human scale connection between the inside and outside. The south facade also opens, both capturing light and highlight views of waterfront and surrounding islands. Exhibit Hall
Classroom Laboratory
Classroom Laboratory
Emerge
Administrative Offices
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT
Being a building of the environment, the form rises from the surrounding park and wetland area. The solid form and materiality of the terra cotta cladding reinforces this expression of being of the earth.
Second Floor
1” = 16’
View of Exhibit Hall Facing West
Green Roof
Heavy Timer Columns
Main Entry looking North
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT PRODUCT
esearch
MESE Front Entrance, Plaza and Bioswale
Exhibit Hall
Terra Cotta Panels
XPS Rigid Insulation
Steel Stud Curtain Wall
North Section
1/8” = 1’
Exhibit Hall Structure
Rough Finish Concrete Flooring
West Wall Section 3/8” = 1’
Yao, Cynthia, and Lynn D. Dierking. Handbook for Small Science Centers. Lanham, MD: AltaMira, 2006. This book is a great resource to science centers from a management and investment perspective. It focuses a lot on the interworkings of such an endeavor and the day to day functions. It was a good start for helping to develop a program and getting a sense of the activities
Errington, Sharyn, Brenton Honeyman, and Susan M. Stocklmeyer. Using Museums to Popularise Science and Technology. London, U.K.: Commonwealth Secretariat, 2001. This book promotes the idea and gives examples for strengthening the relationship between teachers and curators. It also provides case studies that illustrate some of the ways these ideas can be achieved.
Books
Danilov, Victor J. Hands-on Science Centers: A Directory of Interactive Museums and Sites in the United States. Jefferson, NC: McFarland &, 2010. This is essentially a comprehensive list of all the science centers in the US, accompanied by a brief description of the facility.
Crosbie, Michael J. Architecture for Science. Mulgrave, Vic., Australia: Images Pub. Group, 2004. Although this book is mainly concerned with the production of science related fields, it contains good precedents for classroom studies and science center aesthetics.
Lanza, Mike. Playborhood: Turn Your Neighborhood into a Place for Play. Menlo Park, CA:Play Free Press, 2012. This book discusses the visual and tactile needs of play for children. It focuses on creating neighborhood play places, however this can be helpful when applied to the science play park I envision for my project.
Exley, Sharon, and Peter Exley. Design for Kids. Mulgrave, Vic.: Images, 2007. This source provides an in depth analysis of the ways children interact with their environment through a myriad of case studies. The case studies range from science centers and museums to spiritual centers and public parks.
Paris, Scott G. Perspectives on Object-Centered Learning in Museums. Mahwah, New Jersey: LEA Pub, 2002. More of a study guide for environmental psychology dealing with children learning through interaction. This is a resource provides a good lens through which to investigate the specific modes for transferring information.
Norris, Joann. Children’s Museums, an American Guidebook. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company, 2009. More of a study guide for environmental psychology dealing with children learning through interaction. This is a resource provides a good lens through which to investigate the specific modes for transferring information.
“Bellingham, Washington.” N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.city-data.com/city/Bellingham-Washington.html>. City-Data is a website with a wealth of demographic and data metrics for US cities.
“Bellingham Waterfront.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 08 May 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellingham_Waterfront>. This website contains the comprehensive port of Bellingham development plan for the waterfront.
Websites
“Home.” Project for Public Spaces. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. <http://www.pps.org> Project for Public Spaces is a nonprofit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities.
“C7A.” Cambridge Seven Associates. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://www.c7a.com/work/boston-childrens-museum>. “Boston Children’s Museum Expansion and Renovation.” Boston Children’s Museum Expansion and Renovation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/bts/archives/museums/0803_Bostonmuseum/ default.asp>. “CultureNOW - :.” CultureNOW - :. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://www.culturenow.org/entry>. “Boston’s Green Revolution.” Boston’s Green Revolution. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://greensource.construction.com/features/0811_GreenBoston.asp>. “CASE STUDY: Boston Children’s Museum.” Boston Children’s Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://greensource.construction.com/projects/0811_BostonChildrensMuseum.asp>. All of these websites were pertaining to the Boston Children’s Museum precedent study.
“Miller Hull - Hands On Children’s Museum.” Miller Hull - Hands On Children’s Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. <http://www.millerhull.com/html/inprogress/HOCM.htm> “Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum: Big Changes Underway for the Popular Downtown Destination.” ThurstonTalk.com. 03 Aug. 2011 <http://www.thurstontalk.com/2011/08/03/olympia%E2%80%99s-hands-on-children% E2%80%99s-museum-big-changes-underway-for-the-popular-downtown-destination/> “Energizing East Bay.” Energizing East Bay. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. <http://olympiawa.gov/news-and-faq-s/energizing-east-bay#Hands> All of these websites were pertaining to the Hand’s On Childrens Museum precedent study.
CBT Architects Projects Montshire Museum of Science.” CBT Architects Projects Montshire Museum of Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://www.cbtarchitects.com/architecture/civic-preservation/civic/index.php?id=185>. “Montshire Museum of Science.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Nov. 2012. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montshire_Museum_of_Science>. “Montshire Museum of Science.” Montshire Museum: Visit. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. <http://montshire.org/visit/>. All of these websites were pertaining to the Montshire Museum of Science precedent study.
“Childrens Museum of the Arts / Work AC.” ArchDaily. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. <http://www.pps.org> “The Children’s Museum of the Arts.” WORKac. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Jan. 2013. <http://work.ac/cma/> “Children’s Museum of the Arts.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children%27s_Museum_of_the_Arts> All of these websites were pertaining to the Children’s Museum of the Arts precedent study.
Journals
Hines, S. (2007). When science is child’s play: At the montshire museum’s science park in norwich, vermont, the built landscape and the natural world combine forces to teach scientific fundamentals. Landscape Architecture, 97(10), 74-83. Speck, L. W. (2000). Moshe safdie associates: Exploration place science center and children’s museum, wichita, kansas. Architecture, 89(11), 98-105.
Campbell, R., [1937-]. (1988). ‘Nutty, delightful’ children’s museum science discovery museum, acton, mass., E. verner johnson & associates. Architecture: The AIA Journal, 77, 64-69.
Mays, V. (1993). Science project: Oregon museum of science and industry, portland, Oregon, zimmer gunsul frasca partnership, architect. Architecture, 82(7), 70-77]. Hoekstra, J. (2000). Science project: As a civic, learning and commercial institution, the new science museum of minnesota raises the standard in museum design. Architecture Minnesota, 26(1), 20-25].