06. Layers+

Stress Alleviation Lab

ARCH 311 | Instr, Ryan Glick | Fall 18

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Published in CAPE_SPACE WORK 06

Exhibited in CAPE_Jeff_Exhibition 2018 Models Displayed in Architecture + Design Center

Glick’s Studio_Second Place_Selected by the Jury

This project’s methodology focuses on feelings and actions that include the secondary analysis of existing studies by Wolf D. Prix, such as The Office and Research Center, 1991. Seibersdorf, Austria. It utilizes layers of information that may introduce dynamic ideas. “To encourage the flow of creative energy, the emphasis was placed on shaping a dynamic volume: the simultaneity of systems not only in the user’s working method but also in the architecture.” Wolf D. Prix.

The project is a stress alleviation lab designed for people who experience stress and anxiety in modern life. This required a new building type that reflected their style of living and working. For example, the façade is fanned out, creating transitional and interim spaces. The balcony becomes an interim space and a walk-in view. The outward spaces can be experienced by users not only visually but also physically.

Wolf D. Prix adheres to the concept that many layers make up the whole. Previous discoveries from former work layer with cultural peculiarities and the idea of dynamic reconfiguration of previous architectural sensibilities. The façade is fanned out, creating transitional and interim spaces. The expansion of the space outward, in this case, can be experienced by users not only visually but also physically: The balcony becomes an interim space, a walk-in view.

The seemingly wild and inordinate angles and forms of the building are derived from forms from the surrounding setting, be it the seemingly random signs, lights, and surrounding structures. Both are always considered and implemented. A wide variety of building parts and different constructional systems were mixed for the research center: “Simultaneous and of equal value, old and new. The simultaneity of systems exists not only in the way the scientists work but also in the architecture,” The architect Wolf D. Prix is convinced. This can also be read from the various supports, volumes, and skins.

Textile Pavilion Factory

INTD 306 | Instr, Loukia Tsafoulia & Severino Alfonso | Spring 20

Location: Philadelphia. PA

Published in CAPE_SPACE WORK 08

This project’s methodology focuses on textile and its rule in architecture. The form is generated via the criticism of how to blend old and new architecture. I am testing what is the limit of each, and testing the boundary between them, to measure the quality, performance, and reliability of the space.

The fabric made for the cylinder would be woven in a double weave structure. The yarns would be made with thin polyester, so the fabric would still be translucent, even though it is a double weave. The double weave tubes in the structure are formed in the horizontal direction. They would be 6 inches wide in the finished fabric, and the space in between is 18 inches. In between the pleats, there are channels that are woven in and run the height of the cylinder. Inside the channels are plastic tubings that move with the tubes as it expands, contracts, and rotates.

Using darts within the pleats allows for a gradual release of the expansion, so a line is not formed in the structure, making it look like a ballooning is happening. For this project, I chose PVC coated polyester for the fabric. PVC-PES is hard-wearing, durable, highly resistant to weather, has high tensile strength, low flammability fire classification, resists creasing, has high levels of transparency, and can be sprayed with surface coatings to make it dirt resistant. Other coatings can make the surface more stable and help with wind resistance. The warp and weft yarns can be prestressed to add resiliency. The base material is woven high tenacity polyester fabric, and a plasticized PVC coating is applied to both sides.

Fire Lookout Tower + Climate Station + Shelter

Independent Work | Fall 20

Location: Los Angeles. CA

Every year, wildfires ravage areas in California, causing dozens of deaths. California firefighters continue to fight massive fires, including the fiercest fire near Los Angeles, which threatens thousands of homes, forcing authorities. The project demonstrates a very sensitive approach to the site. It offers the users not only a memorial but also a safe place. The idea of simplicity shows a strong maximum amount of square and border that contains accuracy. The peak of South Mount Hawkins is in itself a great way to let people make their actions. The square and border idea, establishing an interjection between fire, earth, humans, and their actions. Nature is not the only reason for the wildfires, but humans bear the bulk of the blame for the devastating wildfires. The project contains a multitude of places and ways to break the boundary between the fire and the humans. It is a way the help people to understand and see their actions.

Since solar energy occupies almost 30% of sustainability according to Heating, Cooling, and Lightning book, the concept of the design was based on it. Renewable energy principles were applied in the design through installing PV. Panels on the site to help to generate electricity to operate fire observation, radio equipment, shelter needs during times of emergency.

Wind flow can be captured by wind turbines and convert to electricity. Wind turbines have been installed on the tower facing wind direction. A generator can convert this power into electricity to supply the site with electricity. Generally, there are several different standards for wind turbines. From a sustainable perspective, easy transportation to the site should be strongly considered. Therefore, I used small wind turbines to facilitate such a major challenge.

Rainwater is collected to be reused to freshen and humidify the air inside of the lobby “Regular water use: Low Flow Fixtures are used to reduce consumption of potable water Irrigation: Potable water reduction of 1.2 million gallons/year or 30% approximately Cooling tower: Potable water reduction of 165,000 gallons/year or 100%

Los Angeles gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 34 days per year when 3.9 inches of rain happens in February. Rainwater is collected to be reused from the roofs stored in tanks to freshen and humidify the air inside of the shelter and the climate station.