How Can Architecture Inspire Change? An exploration into how architecture can educate users on a conscious and subconscious level to become better stewards of the environment.
STEVEN GLASSMAN
B. ARCH, June 2012 Business / History Minor Professor: Nancy Cheng Department of Architecture University of Oregon sglassma@uoregon.edu sglassman8282@gmail.com
Thesis Statement As one of the Portland Sustainability Institute’s pilot EcoDistricts, the Portland South Waterfront area could be developed into a model for livable and sustainable high-density development. Before 1990, the South Waterfront’s landscape was dominated by the effects of industrial buildings, which included facilities devoted to ship dismantling and salvation, wire reclamation, concrete supplies, secondary aluminum smelting, agricultural chemical manufacturing and other industrial operations. The effect of these industries was profound. Their waste, which was dumped into the riverbank, left the district severely contaminated. However, on November 13, 2002 the Portland Bureau of Planning adopted the South Waterfront Plan which outlined various goals to transform the South Waterfront into an EcoDistrict. Portland’s EcoDistrict Initiative creates an enabling strategy to accelerate neighborhood-scale sustainability. The South Waterfront Plan represented the first stage of this EcoDistrict process. The South Waterfront Plan outlined a vision of the South Waterfront district as an energetic community where the Willamette River and greenway would be the focus of the district. It would support a variety of activities and uses with a diverse range of experiences throughout the district. This high-density neighborhood would be serviced by an efficient transportation network that would serve “an eclectic and well designed mix of buildings and open space” (South Waterfront Plan). Likewise, this neighborhood would take special care “to enhance and integrate natural resource values, views and a contemplative character within the greenway, and to accommodate adjacent uses, allow opportunities to access the river and support river health” (South Waterfront Plan). This Plan was adopted almost a decade ago. So now one must ask: have these goals been met? The simple answer is “no.” Portland has been incredibly successful in promoting high density residential development in the area that supports view corridors to the river as well as an efficient transportation infrastructure in the neighborhood, but has failed to promote an educational experience that supports ecological education for the inhabitants of the neighborhood. Instead, the greenway acts as a green border zone that separates the river from the neighborhood. It currently lacks many facilities that would promote a diverse range of experiences or support river health. By addressing these failures in a residential structure that also meets the expectations of the EcoDistrict Initiative, one could successfully accomplish the goals of the South Waterfront Plan. The area could serve as a profound example for cities around the world.
How Can Architecture Educate People? This Thesis project was an exploration into possible ways for incorporating architecture as a learning experience into sustainable design practices. Such an endeavor will promote healthy living and ensure that future generations will continue to thrive. Through a system of conscious and subconscious interactive elements the building encourages sustainable learning in “Moments of Green Living.” The building creates continual interaction with sustainable features like renewable power generation and water systems that recycle all waste products produced by the residents. The building’s North Facade accelerates the strong winds from the Northwest towards wind turbines located on the East corner of the building. This creates an incredibly efficient energy production system. The South facade of the building is formed to create green terraces where residents are able to interact with the water collection systems of the building. Water moves along the South Facade through the green arteries located that connect each of the green terrace nodes. These arteries allow plants to grow up the PV panel lattice work which defines the South Facade as an area of Photosynthesis.
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Introduction
Portland Context
Portland
South Waterfront
Portland Demographics - 73.5% White - 9.0% Hispanic - 6.4% Asian - 6.1% Black - 3.7% Two or More Races
- Total Population: 583,776 - Median Age: 35.2 - Per Capita Income: $50,203
(Info from City-Data.com “2012 Census�)
South Waterfront Context Willamette River
Site
South Waterfront
Population Demographics
Built Environment
- Total Population: 891 - 78.4% White - Median Age: 46.1 -Total Employees: 1,125 -Per Capita Income: $57,962
- Total Area of Buildings: 934,630 SF - 26% Residential - 31% Commercial - 4% Industrial - Number of LEED Certified Buildings: 9
(Info from South Waterfront EcoDistrict: Pilot Report-June 2011)
(Info from South Waterfront EcoDistrict: Pilot Report-June 2012)
Site Analysis
Ross Island
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South Waterfront Context
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Sanguinity”
- Keep character of District as “Science and Technology Quarter.�
- Integrate natural resource values related to the river into building program and design.
- Building forms must support the relationship to the River through physical and visual connections.
- Utilize a mix of housing types, retail, open space, recreational and institutional facilities to attract a diverse community and generate more periods of activity.
Site Analysis
Site Goals
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South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS
Rec Node
-Point of Decision -Major activity area -Plaza space -Display for South Waterfront
Secondary Nodes -Zones of experience -Transitional links -Outdoor spaces -Public-Private blending
Destination Nodes -Destination spots -Neighborhood Points of interest -Public locations
Transportation Node -Street car access -OHSU Tram access -Pedestrian Bridge access -Automobile Entrance
Commercial Avenue -Avenue of Retail / Commercial -Pedestrian Friendly
Node Diagram
South Waterfront
Courtesy of TriMet.org
Transportation Web Matrix Diagram
Site Analysis
South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS
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South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS Summary The Portland Parks & Recreation Department’s South Waterfront Plan is a general design that the City has outlined for the South Waterfront’s greenway and urban layout. The plan outlines major views, locations for future parks, pedestrian paths, water activity sites, water taxi sites, and various other elements that will shape the character of the South Waterfront (Diagrams on pages 13-14 illustrate the Design). To ensure the greatest level of plausibility in my design, I used their basic plan for the area as the underlay for my urban design.
Images Courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec: “South Waterfront Plan”
Site Analysis
South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS
Images Courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec: “South Waterfront Plan”
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Strengthening Connections to Willamette River Summary In order to strengthen the connection to the Willamette River, my program has two main goals: supporting the activities that utilize the river and educating visitors on the river’s ecosystem and its health. Spaces that support recreational activities such as bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, river taxi tours and various other river related activities will promote the use of the river and activate the South Waterfront shoreline. This activation will further strengthen the community’s connection to the water ecosystem. A large Community Eco Education Center (CEEC) will allow the residents to learn about the biological organisms of the river and the water filtration system of the residential building. By utilizing various child-friendly learning activities, this ecological center can educate children and thus future generations on the importance of the river’s health for the sustainability of the entire Northwest Region. These educational activities can come in the form of engaging water filtration systems and hands-on interactive displays about the local and regional riparian ecosystems that educate visitors about the complex ecosystems that depend on the Willamette River for survival.
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “John Montague”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Ross Barclay”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Rojer”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Bob Long Jr”
Connecting to Ross Island Summary
Connecting to Ross Island’s natural areas would strengthen how my project incorporates the Willamette River ecosystem. The island is already being utilized by various recreational organizations such as kayak and canoe tour groups and events organized by the Portland Parks & Recreation Department. Encouraging these activities and organizations that utilize Ross Island’s natural environment in the design of the Community Eco Education Center can strengthen the South Waterfront District’s overall connection to the river.
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jon Miller”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Northwest River Guides”
Site Analysis
To further expand on the proposed Community Eco Education Center’s connection to the Willametter River, one can integrate existing features and organizations into the design of the structure. For instance, within a ¼th of a mile, the less developed Ross Island could be a recreational extension of the South Waterfront. Although currently owned mostly by Ross Island Sand and Gravel (RISG), 45 acres of natural area were donated to the city of Portland in 2007. This part of the island is a flourishing habitat for local wildlife including over 50 species of birds (Wild in the City: A Guide to Portland’s Natural Areas).
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Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jason Van Orden”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Rory Hyde”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “K Ali”
Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jill Bliss”
Expanding Understanding of EcoDistricts The best way to expand the effectiveness of Portland’s EcoDistricts is to educate people on its ideals. People need to see how EcoDistrict concepts like water filtration, urban agriculture, passive solar, and shared heating and energy systems affect their daily lives. As a result, I will be incorporating this goal into my building’s program. Basically, these sustainable systems should be seen, whether it be through the entire framework of the building or on its exterior or outdoor recreational zones. Bioswales and district energy pipelines should interlink and connect back to my site, creating a web of sustainability. Linked with the recreational node, this will establish the site as a hub of information. Elements such as green walls, green roofs, water filtration systems, and sustainable power producing machinery should be seen throughout the site. These elements should help to educate visitors on the benefits of EcoDistricts, whether it be in a literal or subconscious way. This sustainable education should not only resonate through the residential complex but also have a strong presence in the Community Eco Education Center. Children should be educated about water filtration processes in fun and interactive ways that promote understanding. Incorporating these eco features into my design will encourage civic ecology by establishing architecture as a primary source of education. Architecture that requires repetitive interaction from visitors and residents, whether it be on conscious or subconscious level, indoctrinates them with a greater knowledge and understanding about those sustainable ideals. By accomplishing this, the South Waterfront can become a model for how to effectively educate future generations in sustainable design.
Site Analysis
Summary
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Precedent: IslandWood IslandWood is a unique outdoor learning center on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington, that integrates science, technology, and the arts to help 4th and 5th grade students from all over Seattle develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between biological and cultural diversity through a unique hands-on learning experience. At the heart of IslandWood is a mix of sustainablydesigned campus buildings that “serve as a model for conservation and community stewardship, where children can operate building controls and electronically monitor their own energy and water use as ‘conservation apprentices.” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”). The center was designed by Mithun Architects to actively educate children about the importance of sustainable thinking in a unique and memorable manner. Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”
“When we began the project, one of the ideas was to use architecture as education, so that the buildings did more than contain programs or hold people they were an opportunity to help teach about sustainbility, about the natural world.” - Debbi Brainerd Founder and Chairperson of IslandWood
Courtesy of thedailygreen.com
Courtesy of wsu.edu
The 70,000 sf. education center opened in September 2002. The center includes the Main Center building, Learning Studios, Dining Hall, Art Studio and maintenance building. Three lodges and a guest house provide accommodations for visitors. Throughout the site there are also shelters, bird blinds, walkways and lookouts, all connected by a system of trails.
“I had a great time... I like the cabins a lot because it had bunkbeds and a couch. The cabins were warm and the place felt like home. In my study group, we learned about plants and we did art projects. I will always remember the fun time I had here.” - Carmen, Kitsap County 5th Grader Quotes Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”
Understanding IslandWood To ensure that IslandWood would be a “magical place for kids,” Mithun Architects with the help of University of Washington landscape architecture students worked with over two hundred-fifty 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children on ideas about learning in the natural world. The children’s ideas “focused on adventure-based learning such as a floating classroom, a suspension bridge, a forest canopy structure, and several tree houses.” From this research, Mithun Architects designed the building structures and systems to “operate as ‘active’ participants in the education process by arousing children’s keen instincts for sight, touch, smell, and sound. [Such teaching tools were] designed to tell the stories behind the site’s green features such as passive solar design and use of natural daylight, as well as natural ventilation photo voltaic panels, solar hot water, radiant heating, recycled materials, rainwater collection, constructed wetlands, and native and edible plants across the campus” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”). One of IslandWood’s greatest learning features is the Living MachineTM process, which teaches students through direct observation about nature’s own filtration capacity. “Located in a greenhouse, the system treats an average daily flow of 3,000 gallons through oxygenation, aquatic plants, snails, fish, and anaerobic and aerobic bacteria” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”). The process clearly illustrates how waste is fully recycled and reused in the main facility’s subsurface irrigation and toilets.
Courtesy of Mithun.com
Courtesy of DJC.com - “Celebrating Sustainable Water Systems”
The Living MachineTM serves as a natural wastewater treatment system and interactive aquatic science classroom. It treats and recycles all greywater and blackwater on the site, which results in a 70 to 80% water savings for the facility. Students can also monitor their water and energy usage in various buildings through an integrated computer data network, which allows them to quantify and track their own improvements during their stays and learn conservation strategies.
Precedent Study
- David Goldberg, AIA, Mithun
Courtesy of thedailygreen.com
Quotes Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”
“The buildings are a textbook. The buildings are things that [the children] can operate. They can learn which direction is north, which direction is south, they can learn how the wind moves, learn how the sun moves, and learn about how to be better stewards of the environment.”
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Design Process Journey My project incorporates sustainable design elements to create conscious and subconscious interactions with sustainable design elements which I call “Moments of Green Living.�
Wind
Water/Green
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Final Design
Level 21 Floor Plan 1’ = 1/32”
Level 20 Floor Plan 1’ = 1/32”
Site Plan
Site Plan 1” = 125’
Final Design
N
Site Section 1” = 300’
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Sustainability Diagrams
3 5 4
4
1
1 Sun AC Current PV Panels
7 6
3 2 Wind DC Power
2
1 2 3 4
DC/AC Converter Battery Backup Hydrogen Fuel Cell Methane
Power Flow Diagram
Grey Water Facilities Grey Water Potable Facilities Potable Water Black Water
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Anaerobic Reactor Anoxic Reactor Greenhouse Aerobic Reactors Clarifier Wetland System UV Filter Grey Water Cistern
Water Flow Diagram
Final Design
Tower Section
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Structural Floor Plan
Final Design
Structural Diagrams
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Final Design
Wall Section 1’ = 3/4”
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Program: Mixed-use Housing Complex Residential Units The wide range in residential unit sizes promotes home-owner family demographic diversity. Through the use of various forms of space maximization such as innovative kitchen and storage casework, these units are incredibly efficient and livable.
Retail & Commercial Spaces Restaurants encourage an active street-scape along SW Gibbs St. These restaurants support the use of the recreational park area just North of the thoroughfare.
Restaurants
Small Unit
Retail Space
Medium Unit
Residential Units
Community Amenities
Large Unit
Mixed-use Housing Complex Rec. Storage Area
Heating & A/C
Gym
Building Lobby Urban Agriculture
Support Facilities
Laundry Rooms
Daycare Playground
Outdoor Space
Public Plaza
Amenities such as a child day-care, community meeting rooms, and storage for recreational activities help make the South Waterfront a more livable neighborhood. The recreational storage areas promote the use of the river which also strengthens the connection to the River for residents. Meeting rooms open for public use also encourage strong community awareness and identity in the neighborhood.
Community Meeting Rooms Parking
Outdoor Spaces Outdoor spaces focus on water reclamation while also encouraging livability, sustainability, and education in the neighborhood. The urban agriculture on the site educates residents and visitors about sustainable practices. The Living Machine facility recycles that entire tower’s waste water along with all the site’s grey water to create potable water for the Tower’s reuse. A community garden located in the Southeast corner of the block also provides an area for hands on environmental activity.
Program Numbers Residential Units Type A (Double Floor) - 80 Units @ 630- 1,250 sf. - 1-2 Bedrooms - Kitchen + Dining Room - Living Room - 1.5-2.5 Bathrooms - 0-1 Den - Laundry Closet
Type C (Single Floor) - 20 Units @ 950-1,250 sf. - 2-4 Bedrooms - Kitchen + Dining Room - Living Room - 2-3 Bathrooms - 1 Den - Laundry Closet
@148,200 sf Type B (Double Floor) - 16 Units @ 2,090-2,500 sf. - 4 Bedrooms - Kitchen + Dining Room - 2 Living Room - 2.5-3 Bathrooms - 1 Den - Laundry Closet - 1 Office
Studio Apts. (Single Floor) - 21 Units @ 420-730 sf. - 1-2 Bedrooms - Kitchen - 0-1 Living Room - 1 Bathroom - 0-1 Small Office - Laundry Closet
Retail & Commercial Spaces
Type A 80,000
sf
33,600
sf
22,000
sf
12,600
sf
7,000
sf
875
sf
1,000
sf
5,000
sf
5,600
sf
2,000
sf
16,000
sf
10,000
sf
18,000
sf
130,000
sf
5,000
sf
Type B
Type C
Studio Apts.
Restaurants
@7,000 sf
Restaurants - Support Facilities @300-1,200 sf. - Male Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Female Bathrooms @ 150 sf. .
Community Amenities Building Lobby - 1 Lobby @ 875 sf. - 1 Mail Room @ 100 sf.
Heating & A/C Spaces - Estimated Total Space @ 5,000 sf.
@14,475 sf Recreational Storage Areas - Bike Storage @ 2,000 sf. - Kayak/Canoe Storage @ 3,600 sf.
Community Meeting Rooms - 2 Units @ 1,000 sf.
Childcare Facilities
Lobby Childcare Heating & A/C Rec. Storage Meeting Rooms Pool
- 1 Daycare Unit @ 1,000 sf.
Outdoor Spaces Water Collection Pool - Estimated Total Space @ 16,000 sf.
Living Machine - Green House Space @ 6,000 sf. - Outdoor Filtering Fields @ 7,700 sf. - Support Spaces @ 4,000 sf. - Storage Space @ 300 sf.
@179,000 sf Urban Agriculture - Estimated Total Space @ 10,000 sf.
Parking - Underground Parking @ 130,000 sf.
Community Garden
Urban Agriculture Living Machine Parking Garden
- Estimated Total Space @ 5,000 sf.
Estimated Total Square Footages Residential Units Retail & Commercial Spaces Community Amenities Outdoor Spaces
148,200 sf. 7,000 sf. 14,475 sf. 179,000 sf.
Total
348,675 sf.
Residential Total 148,200 Retail Total 7,000 Amenity Total 14,475 Outdoor Total 179,000
sf
Project Details
- 2 Units @ 2,000-5,000 sf. - Dining Area @ 800-2,300 sf. - Kitchen @ 300-1,200 sf.
sf sf sf
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Program: Community Eco Education Center Educational Areas
Meeting Room Service Areas Research Lab
Educational Areas
Support Facilities
Staff Areas Reception Area
Community Eco Education Center
Classrooms
Display Areas
The Community Eco Education Center teaches visitors about the river’s ecosystem and the importance of sustainable practices. Representing the first two floors of the Residential Tower the iconic facility pulls visitors from the Recreational node and allows them to have a hands-on connection and educational experience with the river ecology. The Display area acts as a computer display area where children can compare their family’s sustainable efficiency with that of other residents in the Residential Tower. This user-friendly educational activity excites the senses of all ages. On the second floor of the C.E.E.C. building are the various classrooms, research labs, and meeting areas that support the learning activities of the facility and are heightened places of energy and excitement where children can expand their understanding of the ecosystem. On the exterior of the first floor is an outdoor lab and fish nursery where children can learn about the river’s ecosystem rehabilitation.
Support Facilities Support facilities insure that the Community Eco Education Center’s operations run smoothly and successfully. Staff and service areas provide places of refuge for workers.
Program Numbers Educational Areas - 1 Units @ 1,100 sf.
Research Lab - 4 Labs @ 500 sf. - Storage Space @ 500 sf.
Outdoor Lab - 1 Labs @ 1,200 sf.
Meeting Room - 1 Unit @ 1,500 sf.
Display Areas
- Laundry Room @ 100 sf. - Heat & A/C @ 500 sf. - Janitor’s Closet @ 80 sf. - 2 Male Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - 2 Female Bathrooms @ 150 sf.
Meeting Room
- Total Space @ 2,000 sf. Labs
Fish Nursery - Total Space @ 2,700 sf.
Support Facilities Service Areas
Classrooms
1,100
sf
1,500
sf
2,500
sf
Display Areas
2,000
sf
Outdoor Lab
1,200
sf
Fish Nursery
2,700
sf
Service Areas
1,280
sf
Staff Areas
@2,820 sf Staff Areas - Director’s Office @ 150 sf. - Sick Bay @ 80 sf. - 3 Office Units @ 100 sf. - Lounge & Storage @ 350 sf. - Staff Bathrooms @ 60 sf.
1,000
sf
Reception Area
540
sf
11,000
sf
Reception Area - Total Space @ 540 sf.
Estimated Total Square Footages Education Areas Support Facilities
11,000 2,820
Education Areas
Total
13,820
Support Facilities
2,820
sf
Project Details
Classrooms
@11,000 sf
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Target Market Types Unit Type A
Unit Type B Large Families with 2 or more children. Couples with one or two children. These large families are open minded to living in residential complexes as long as these buildings promote walkability, green-living, and provide plenty of outdoor recreational zones for their children to play.
Unit Type C This market type are couples of elderly or young couples hoping to start a family. These two groups live ecofriendly lifestyles and encourage active lifestyles among their peirs.
Residential Unit Types
Young couples with one or two children. These sustainability minded families hope to teach their children about the merits of green living.
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First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
1’ = 1/16”
1’ = 1/16”
Residential Unit Types
Unit A Floor Plan
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First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
1’ = 1/16”
1’ = 1/16”
Residential Unit Types
Unit B Floor Plan
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Floor Plan 1’ = 1/16”
Residential Unit Types
Unit C Floor Plan
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Moments of Green Living
Community Garden Perspective
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C.E.E.C. Lobby Perspective
Moments of Green Living
Terrace Green Node Perspective
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Interactive Kitchen Perspective
Moments of Green Living
North South Connection Perspective
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