Architecture Portfolio
Tanner Halkyard
- CREATE NEW URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE THAT RETHINKS THE WAY WE USE BRIDGES
- STUDY HIGH PERFORMANCE DESIGN STRATEGIES AND OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS
- DO LAUNDRY
01. Northern Avenue Bridge
P 04-25
The Northern Avenue Bridge had been in service for over a century, before it was closed in December 2014. The strategy for this iconic and historic piece of Boston infrastructure, was to re-imagine its current use and to improve mobility, honor history, strengthen resiliency and create a new destination at the waterfront of Boston.
02. College of Wooster Ruth Williams Hall of Life Sciences
P 26-49
Connecting an existing chemistry building with a new structure to create an Integrated Science Center. How can we foster an integrative program for students that transcends disciplines and creates innovative learning spaces for collaboration at multiple levels.
Northern Avenue Bridge
Location - Boston MA
Status - 100% Construction Documents
Year Completed - N/A
Cost - $130 Million
Size - 48,600 sf
Client - City of Boston
- PEOPLE FIRST EXPERIENCE
- HONOR HISTORY
- IMPROVE MOBILITY
- INCREASE RESILIENCY
- WATERFRONT DESTINATION
- “GO OLD OR GO BOLD”
- INTEGRATE TO URBAN LANDSCAPE WITH MINIMAL IMPACT 01.
Northern Avenue Bridge
The Northern Avenue Bridge had been in service for over a century, before it was closed in December 2014. The strategy for this iconic and historic piece of Boston infrastructure, was to re-imagine its current use and to improve mobility, honor history, strengthen resiliency and create a new destination at the waterfront of Boston.
Through iterations with the City of Boston, a handful of public engagement meetings, and guidance from the Historic Commission of Boston, this design is largely based on the historic bridge with a modern twist
Diagram Parti Phase 1
1. The initial concept begins like any bridge, spanning the body of water below, and since the existing bridge was designed as a swing bridge to allow larger vessels up and down the channel, our goal was to maintain a similar type of aquatic access, while simultaneously providing water access for pedestrians.
2. We were required to raise the bride to meet the 100 year flood line as well as maintain proper clearance above high tide mark for vessels to pass under the now fixed bridge.
Diagram Parti Phase 2
1. To improve pedestrian mobility and provide locations for static or slower movement on the span itself, we engorged the center of the deck to allow overlooks on either side of the bridge, providing views towards the harbor and up into the channel.
2. Pedestrian traffic remains the #1 priority on this bridge, with bicycle traffic being a secondary priority and the occasional emergency vehicle access to the seaport district.
Diagram Parti Phase 3
1. With the deck now engorged, we can puncture the center of the span to create two ribbons, and separate the most passive uses from potentially the most active. This creates a full span zone for pedestrians and bicycles towards the north looking out towards the harbor, and an emergency vehicle lane with bikes and pedestrians secondary on the south towards the channel.
2. We then place the truss over the center cutout, acting as a screened canopy that will mimic the old swing span truss of the historic bridge.
Diagram Parti Phase 4
1. We can now create a pedestrian experience through the truss canopy and down to access the promenade or pier between the new bridge ribbon spans and the water. This creates a one-of-a-kind experience for the public to access the waterfront.
2. The center of the promenade will play host to a transparent floor that will exhibit the refurbished turning mechanism of the old bridge, as a remediation factor for creating something contemporary in this historic location.
Diagram Parti Phase 5
1. As the promenade is developed we needed to maximize the experience with the available footprint, so creating eddies around the columns allowes for pocked spaces and a more dynamic experience below the ribbons.
A large topic of debate, this promenade was originally meant to be built the full length of the old bridge pier, however cost and programming the added space prohibited a full build out for the direct scope of this project.
1. The final design features a full gradient of the pedestrian experience. From large lush planting and seating features, to custom swings, vibrant colorful lighting and virtual reality outposts. This bridge not only gives the city an outlet to experience the relaxing scenery of the Boston Harbor, but also provides a public gathering space that teaches its occupants about the rich history of its location.
The Promenade
The bridge promenade features an aquatic flowing design that mimics the flow of people and water simultaneously. It is meant to relate to the experience of bringing one closer to the environment they inhabit, while providing contextual clues as to what lies under your feet. In this case the water patterning spins around plant features as it would eddies in a river, and pushes against the turning mechanism feature stage at the center of the space.
As you move up the western ramp and likewise up the ADA accessible ramp / stair to the east (plan north), the patterning mimics falling water, or water sliding down a small stream before colliding with its primary source.
Programming and Spacial Configuration
In order to properly create a bridge that harbored both pedestrians and bicycle traffic, along with the possibility for an occasional emergency vehicle or bus, we created standards for space needed for these program lanes. Above you can see a few studies placed onto some early concept sketches of contemporary and more traditional bridge designs, all of which keep pedestrians to the exterior while the central space is used by faster paced traffic.
These standards were combined with an in-depth study of the existing bridge and its uses over time, to try and mimic the true qualities that the public enjoyed. We created a “ticket” for a public hearing, so that an individual could scan the QR code and forever experience the historic bridge in its pedestrian form, even after the new design would be in place.
1920’s - Rail + Vehicles + Pedestrians
1950’s - Vehicles + Pedestrians
VR - Existing Bridge - Historic Remediation
Here we can see in the upper left, some of the images taken during the mid 1900’s showing the bridge in use during the industrial era of Boston’s harborfront. The Virtual Reality experience also shown in this larger render, recreates a fully immersive scene of the bridge during a period of use when vehicles and rail were no longer used on the bridge, and it had been converted to pedestrian traffic only.
During the early 2000’s the condition of the bridge’s structure was in such disrepair, that the bridge was deemed unsafe for anything but foot traffic, and not long after was closed altogether, where it remains today waiting to be brought back to life. Due to the historic factor of this icon of Boston, and the love it holds in the eyes of the public, these experiences were created and will be accessible via etched plaques on the new bridge, so that one can compare the old and the new together in one place.
“Going Bold!”
The term “Go Old or Go Bold” was coined by the City of Boston as the theme for this project. While discussing and studying options for the iconic snapshot of the bridge, we took two polar opposite approaches to see where public and stakeholder interests were placed. Some of the more exciting structural concepts are seen in the contemporary approaches here in a “Double Arch” suspension, a “Single Arch” suspension, a “Crane” Suspension and a “Sail” suspension bridge.
Each parti uses the weight and cables of the arch to offset the load of the deck and either equal-laterally or unilaterally suspend the bridge above the channel, eliminating the need for piers and footings below.
“Going Old!”
As we progressed through the public engagement process, the term “Going Old” seemed to be the route that the majority of the stakeholders wanted to take with this bridge. After all, the historic icon had marked the entrance to the Fort Point Channel for over a century and is beloved by the city and its residents.
The altered design starts to flex and merge the bold and old concepts into something that reflects the original experience one would have walking through the former truss barrels, while creating a new hard and greenscape for a regenerative experience on the waterfront.
This plaza concept strives to keep pedestrians along a central path, and pushes the planter seating areas along the edge. It was selected as the primary approach due to the safety factors of keeping people away from the splice of the bridge ribbon above, and onto this flatter plaza area below.
Concept 02 pulls the long planter away from the railing, allowing a symmetrical passive and direct access along the plaza. The desire here was to allow people to access the railings for views, while decongesting the central pathway of the access path. The shape of the seating keeps passive use towards the center and direct routes towards the edges.
Concept 03 splits the interactive and direct uses of the plaza in half. We can see that by creating a shape that is inclusive from all sides, we start to engage a range of uses on either side depending on the feature or pathway that lies ahead along ones route.
TRUSS PORTALS
- The portals at each end of the truss are gateways down to the most private and pedestrian access point on the water and bridge promenade. They draw the public into its most special moments.
02
HISTORIC
- The historic light poles and lit profile of the old bridge bring back the life and history of the time when this bridge was an industrial catalyst to Boston’s harbor.
OVERLOOK
- One can peer over the highest point of the bridge and see its organs through the transparent floor.
05
NAVIGATION
- Maintaining the use of the navigation channel played a large part in the structure and layout of the promenade access, as well as the pedestrian experience in this location.
PIER LOCATIONS
- The locations of the bridge piers are largely kept in place due to water bed disturbance and aquatic life migrations timing. This largely dictated the design of the bridges structure.
Split Deck Bridge
- Most similar to current design developed with Task Force and public involvement
- Overhead truss design similar to current experience
- Future access to pavilion below - more easily added that other options
- Strong connection to water with the center open
- Truss over void to the water - creates exciting and unique space
- Emergency vehicle route is intuitive
Straight Single Deck Bridge
- Retains some elements of the current design (curved deck edges).
- Creates large gathering space on each side of central deck area.
- Maintains the overhead truss aesthetic at center
- Emergency vehicle route is intuitive.
- Opportunity for users to stray outside the truss and outside the bike / pedestrian direct route.
Rotated Truss Bridge
- Distills elements of the original “People First” proposal and maintains key aesthetic aspects of the existing truss structure.
- Truss structure evokes the original swing span
- Large interesting gathering areas at each end of rotated truss
- Rotated alignment provides an interesting spatial progression for pedestrians as well as providing new opportunities for placemaking as a distinctive backdrop in local vistas.
Planar Truss Bridge with Central Circle
- Distills elements of the original “People First” proposal and maintains key aesthetic aspects of the existing truss structure.
- Remains respectful to the existing bridge. The planar silhouette references the old truss without attempting to duplicate the historic structure.
- Creating a series of overlook areas along the entire length of the bridge provides multiple resting areas
The planar structure provides an interesting spatial progression for pedestrians as well as providing fresh opportunities for placemaking as a distinctive backdrop in local vistas.
- Emergency vehicle route is feasible
Ruth Williams Hall of Life Sciences
Location - Wooster Ohio
Status - Built
Year Completed - 2018
Cost - $40 Million
Size - 71,000sf
Certification - LEED Silver
Client - College of Wooster - Science Dept.
- HOW CAN WE CREATE A CAMPUS GATHERING SPACE WITH BIOPHILIC ENGAGEMENT AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SCIENCE SPACES?
- CREATE “SOFT” JOINT BETWEEN BUILDINGS
- CENTRAL SPINE LINKS RESEARCH AND LABORATORY SPACES - PUBLIC TO PRIVATE ZONES 02.
Ruth Williams Hall of Life Sciences
Connecting an existing chemistry building with a new structure to create an Integrated Science Center. How can we foster an integrative program for students that transcends disciplines and creates innovative learning spaces for collaboration at multiple levels.
The design for the new integrated science building provides flexible teaching and research spaces for the departments of Chemistry, Biology, Molecular Biology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry and Environmental Studies.
Diagram Parti Phase 1
1. Maximum footprint on site for new building program..
2. Push pull shape to align to contextual heights, datum lines of existing Severance Hall and setbacks
Diagram Parti Phase 2
1. Pull mass away from Severance Hall.
2. Provide breathing space for New against Old.
3. Align building Entry with contextual pedestrian axis.
Diagram Parti Phase 3
1. Place gathering space at central location to reinforce engagement, communication, collaboration and visibility.
2. Elevate central volume above green promenade to provide semi-private “nested” space that draws students inward.
Diagram Parti Phase 4
1. Slice High Performance Block into private office space and teaching/ research space
2. Pull apart to allow gap for next phase spine.
Diagram Parti Phase 5
1. Wedge central spice between private spaces to create public viewing space and central circulation throughout both buildings.
2. Spine will hold together all aspects of buildings program components.
Diagram Parti Phase 6
1. Massage interior spaces and exterior facade to respect language of campus collegiate Gothic vernacular while providing updated energy efficient glazing and modern academic finishes and equipment.
Prioritizing Space
The challenge of creating a simple diagram started with the basic idea of “separation” and “breathing through the diaphragm.” In order to align new against old, we placed the central gathering space in between, to relieve the contrast of materials and any confliction of the facade treatment, which allowed not only for a clear parti, but a smart and intuitive use of internal spaces.
The building essentially becomes divided into to major moves along two axis; along the North / South axis we find the spine and commons space tying everything together, while along the East / West axis, we’ve hung program off the spine in order of most public and collaborative, to most private and individual 1-on-1 learning / teaching / research.
L.
L.
- Te-Search
- Classatory
- Classroom
- Fire Egress
- Support
- Office
Program / Relationships / Adjacencies
- Large public spaces located at central connection between new and old buildings.
- Private office spaces provided for faculty with view of quad and entry to building.
- Support spaces separate private offices and public student space.
- Teaching and Research spaces are flanked by support, as well as tied with a nucleus of Classroom space and public meeting space.
TDH | 33 Design Portfolio | Volume 02 | 2023 Design Portfolio | Volume 02 | 2023 TDH | 32
A Million Options
Entryway Collegiate Gothic Facade Studies
The quad facing facade of this building rests at the entry to the axis of the entire campus. Therefore the study on how to create the perfect facade for this location and in this style of architecture was done through careful selection of pairs, threes and fours grouped together to create patterning and repetition.
These themes are most notable in the Gothic revival style coming to life in the mid 1800’s and are largely based on building features such as arched window and door openings, stone construction, in this case limestone, decorative ornamentation, crenelated parapets, portico entryways and central towers flanked by ornate carvings.
A Million More
“Non Quad Facing” Facade Studies
Though this side is seen more as the back of the building, its importance is no less significant than that of the quad facing facade. We wanted to create large, well-lit spaces, and while keeping with the idea of punched openings on the front, decided to test options with structured curtain wall so that we could blend the punched openings together to improve the verticality of this face.
We explored the possibilities of low E glass, as well as fritting and metal paneling to offset the energy loads of the added transparency, however these options ventured too far into the realm of contemporary for the desires of the faculty and the consistancy of campus vernacular.
Final Concept Representation
An formidable focus of the project was to represent the ideas and work as closely in a way that the end product varied as little as possible from the vision of the process with the faculty. Every aspect from the exterior treatment of color and materials, to the strategies for energy saving and achieving LEED points, to the interior furniture layouts and organization of learning spaces was carefully collaborated directly with the faculty using the space.
Throughout the process we held charettes with the faculty that, through different games created by our firms strategists, allowed the client to feel incredibly comfortable in voicing opinions and offering solutions. The end result is a building that the designers and the client can enjoy together.
The Knowlton Commons
The treatment and consideration of the Knowlton Commons originated from the interest and biolophelic traits of the subject matter being researched within the building. The excitement around the use of natural colors, textures and emotions is evident in the end result of this space. Green carpets and large expanses of glass allow for a near seamless connection to the exterior of the building, while nature-inspired light fixtures scattered throughout the space create calming and casual study and collaboration spaces for students all across campus.
Spaces for Collaboration
Collaboration spaces are incredibly important for students and faculty within the building. The final images of the Knowlton Commons depicts some of the natural elements and their success in the final design and construction. Students from all backgrounds and majors use this space today as study space from morning, to well into the evenings. The integration of a small cafe tucked withing the wooden wall extends small comforts to late night workers.
Greenspace
Elevating the commons space creates a sense of privacy from the public, however as you ascend through to the second level balcony, one can relate the direct connection between the greenscape outside and its bleeding into the commons space and second level study area.
Research shows that environments that embrace the outdoors not only improve productivity and increase interaction, but they are critical to successfully creating spaces where people want to study, create, work, and live.
Image - EYP/
Image - EYP/
The Commons Wall
Wood was an important element in the design of this commons space feature wall. Not only does it bring in a softness and warmth which few other materials successfully project, but its natural form and undulation movements enrich the space to create a dynamic and natural environment. The oak chosen matches the planted large oaks lining the procession of the quad directly in front of the commons space to further draw from contextual elements and bring the outside in.
The “Green Wall” - Biophelia
The design for this wall represents something one might find within a personal home. The wall located directly across from the research rooms, is a source of teaching about biophelia and specific plant characteristics researched within the curriculum. The purposeful approach to locating plants in the public realm of the building allows this wall to work in a multitude of ways from aesthetics, to learning.
Throwback to the 70’s...Fabulous!
The second level balcony overlooking the Knowlton Commons is finished out like the working space in the commons below, creating a blend of green space that stretches from the quad outside, all the way in and up the building levels. The desire to use reflective materials on the columns allows them to retreat into the background of complex colors as they reflect the vibrancy into the space.
Details, Finishes, Details, Finishes
Above are a collection of important details from the project, from custom column covers, to the biophelic feature wall on the second floor, to the water table coping on the exterior. These details were some of the more interesting learning processes during this stage in my design career.
Image - EYP/
Classatory Space
Classatory and Tesearch spaces are phrases coined by one of the project leads to describe a mixing of typologies and teaching strategies in what is designed to be a completely flexible series of spaces. From the location of the camera in this view, we move from most public to most private, through write-up spaces and into the Classatory space beyond.
The selection of the furniture coloring is meant to match the program function, orange being a collaborative color in the use of the planning process.
Central Building Spine
The central building spine seeks to bring a maximum amount of natural daylighting into the space as it washes the light wall, the glass of the write up spaces, and dips down into the communicating stairways.
These stairways are designed specifically at 4’-6” wide which as been thoughtfully considered to be a perfect width for two people to stop and have a brief conversation, while not lingering too long in a circulation pathway.
Beyond at the culmination of the circulation spine are collaborative study areas open to campus students and faculty.
Image - EYP/
Image - EYP/
