investigations in architectural systems thomas keiper
investigations in architectural systems scale:
small
large
table of contents
living pod
4
pavilion 1.0
14
pavilion 2.0
18
pavilion 2.1
20
house 2.0
24
chapel
28
proposal for renovations
36
natatorium
44
tower
50
future city (infrastructure) study
54
living pod critic: a. perez- mendez location: se united states site: n/a year designed: 2012
4 The living pod project investigates the possibilities of mobile architecture. It is essentially a small house that can be closed up and transported, and reopened when it is placed in a new location. It is only 10ft. wide and 22ft. long when it is in the closed position and thus it can be transported using various means. The design of the pod addresses the problems of existing types of mobile living: the mobile home, the R.V. the pop-up camper – all of which are relatively internal. One goes to a new location to experience that location, but none of these typologies have a good relation to the surrounding landscape in which they are placed. The thesis of the pod is that through flexibility/operability, good design can drastically improve the experience of mobile living. The living pod opens to extend itself into any landscape, while also allowing the landscape to flow in. Large decking systems swing down on both sides of the pod to provide more useable space. Overhangs swing up to shade the interior, and operable fins regulate privacy. Also a sleeping box slides out to increase the interior space.
closed
open
5
roof surface
primary structure
secondary system
operable fins
fold out overhang
fold out decking
sleeping box
subtropical humid
The living pod is designed primarily for areas in the south eastern United States for climatic reasons. However, during certain months of the year different places around the globe present climates similar to those in the specified region, and thus, the pod can travel to those areas for a limited time.
hot plates fold into the cabinet to save space when not in use
wc door swings out to contain the shower and prevent water from entering the primary living area
the t.v. swings out to allow for viewing from both the sleeping and living areas
a panel in the floor opens to allow for extra storage
the back of the seating folds to become a hard surface next to the bed (night stand)
a table extends out of the floor to provide a formal eating space
pavilion 1.0 critic: a. perez- mendez location: none site: n/a year designed: 2010
14 Pavilion 1.0 is a study in the tectonics of concrete. Typically, one associates concrete with solid, plastic, monolithic constructions. The focus here was to challenge the stereotype. The primary structure of the pavilion is a concrete “exoskeleton.� Conceptually, the structure was imagined as slabs of concrete aligned like dominos; when the slabs are pushed they slip through each other until finally resting at a point along the length of another slab. (This action is performed again in the other direction, and the two are intersected). The resulting geometry is inherently structural, and all loads are transferred diagonally to the ground. The slabs also make an extremely interesting overhead condition; the intersection of the slabs creates a grid - this is also reflected in the floor. The skin is made up of concrete fins that filter light, shading the interior, and a glass and mullion system. The mullions communicate with the language of the exterior structure.
15
concrete fins
glass and mullion system
concrete primary structure
pavilion 2.0 critic: a. perez- mendez location: none site: n/a year designed: 2011
18 The pavilion 2 series is an exploration in the development of a faรงade. The goal was to produce a faceted effect to create depth within the skin. The faรงade began with an equilateral triangular grid. Selected vertices were moved to create openings for entry/exit and view. The resulting distorted grid was populated with triangular, translucent units which are positioned at a distance from the glass enclosure system, shading the interior space and allowing the skin to breathe. Once the strategy for the faรงade was decided, the challenge was to develop a structural system that would create a dialogue with the skin. Two different possibilities were studied: Pavilion 2.0 makes use of an external wooden structure that lifts the pavilion off the ground, allowing one to enter from underneath. The columns are grouped into threes. At one end, the columns are positioned tightly together; on the other end, the columns are spread apart. This action produces a triangular geometry that provides stability to the columns and overall structure, while also relating to the geometry of the skin. The end of the column grouping that is tightly together is alternated (bottom to top) across the facade to create connections to the roof system.
equilateral triangle tessellation (identifying vertices)
moving vertices to create openings in the facade x
identifying the center and triangulating (this operation also moves in the y direction to create a pyramid effect) resultant jeweled facade
x
z
The generator is simply the desire to create a facade that is faceted/jeweled, similar to an amethyst, as a srategy to diffuse light. 19
pavilion 2.1 critic: a. perez- mendez location: none site: n/a year designed: 2011
20 Pavilion 2.1 utilizes a metal structure that is sandwiched between the glass system and the translucent, faceted screen. The structure geometry is a series of x’s across the façade that interlock to increase the rigidity. The glass system is faceted to fit around the x’s of the structure, and when the glass bends in, it provides opportunities in the secondary system for hammocks to connect.
indicates connection points afforded by the secondary system
21
glass system (undulates around primary structure)
beam system (supports the glass system)
clips (connect the secondary to the primary structure)
typical hammock connection
primary structure
beam system (supports faceted screen the faceted facade)
roof glass
roof structure
scuppers
primary structure
glass system
faceted facade
house 2.0 critic: a. perez- mendez location: se united states site: n/a year designed:2010
24 House 2.0 explores the potentials of prefabrication. The goal was to design a home that would function well for a site in the south eastern Unites States. The design is essentially a modulated glass box with protective shading devices. A large undulating waffle roof shades the building from all directions while still allowing ample light into the spaces. The curved translucent panels that make up the skin are extended from the glass box to filter light and reduce heat gain. Another benefit of the panels is that they are a standardized unit that easily can create variability in filtering light, allowing for views, and providing privacy. The majority of the structure is accomplished by four groupings of three columns that split at the top to accept curved beams that follow the contours or the roof. Also some of the walls are loadbearing. The plan is organized by a system of curvilinear walls that we derived from the wrinkles in fabric. The layering of curved walls that structure the central stair, elegantly glide through the plan, dividing the primary public space from the more private spaces.
25
waffle roof
columns (grouped in threes hold the roof structure)
curved walls slide through the interior, deviding the spaces translucent curved panels
glass box
secondary structure
1st floor
2nd floor
3 6
12
“ribbon� beams weave between the columns
columns (grouped in threes hold the roof structure)
curved walls separate the public and private spaces
possible site
chapel critic: a. perez- mendez location: san martin de las ca単as, tequila valley, mexico site: small lot and adjacent plaza and bullfighting ring year designed: 2011
28
The chapel assimilates the fundamental concepts integral to the life of the town and its people, and manifests them in a bold architectonic expression (specifically through the form and tectonics of the building). The (re)construction of the ground of the plaza allows for the engagement of the building, reinforcing its assertions. The concepts engaged include, but are not limited to: visual landscape issues, agricultural/landscape issues, social/cultural issues, religious (catholic) issues, anthropological issues, and climate related issues.
adjacent plaza specific building site
site entry
site entry
existing irrigation stream
bullfighting ring/plaza site entry
The foundation of the chapel seemingly floats on a pool of water; alluding to Jesus walking on water, this action subtly recalls the miracles present in religious doctrine.
The formation of the mountains and valleys provide a unique definition to the town’s current existence and pragmatic operation; the mountains are integral to the town’s identity and the identity of the people. The site for the chapel looks northwest to the mountains that contain the valley; the roof of the chapel is directly derived from this visual landscape. Expressed as a fragmented mountain range, the exaggerative aesthetic identifies more clearly the valleys (which are responsible for directing water from the mountains to the town).
29
roof entry mound/ base
view the roof and floor geometries emphasize entry and view
skin/enclosing membrane height reference entry floor level main floor level
anthropological window the skin expresses the human scale and the levels of occupation
baptistry choir
soul altar the soul of the chapel is contained in the triangular volumes and expressed openly at the altar
Viewing Area For Bullfights/Public Seating Area
Bullfighting Ring/Plaza Del Toro
Site Entry
Bridge Crossing Water To Entry
vertical louver skin with frosted glass system
secondary system: holds skin
primary system: plinth, columns, and roof
triangular volumes define programs: bathrooms, choir, and baptistry.
proposal for renovations: the architecture building at the university of florida supervisor: a. perez- mendez location: gainesville, fl site: architecture building on the university of florida campus year designed: 2011
36
proposal 1
proposal 3
proposal 2
37 The school of Architecture at the University of Florida is interested in renovating the atrium space of the current architecture building. To raise interest and excitement in the project, they asked for a schematic proposal. The proposal was developed under Alfonso Perez-Mendez. The goal was to transform the atrium into a more useable space, allowing for a range of opportunities: the gathering of students to relax and spend time outside the studio; the ability to hold critiques of student work; the ability to hold events, such as lectures in the space; etc. Ultimately, the project was subdivided into 3 separate proposals which operate individually, but also dovetail together. This subdivision allows for parts of the project to be constructed at different times depending on budget and time issues. Proposal 1 is a glass roof over the atrium. The new glass allows for light to still enter the space, and because it is lifted off the existing roof slightly, it also allows for ventilation. The roof protects the space from the rain and solves the issue of pooling water on the ground. Proposal 2 uses decking technology to create a softer landscape with more areas for sitting. It also helps to define the central space more, and it provides a more comfortable edge to many of the walkways. Proposal 3 allows for critiques to be held in the atrium space. Metal panels swing out to create individual rooms for discussion. When the panels are folded up, they can still be used to pin work/posters/flyers on.
water
gap for ventilation
?
irregular corners make a repeated geometry difficult
radial structure to accomplish the angle
water
diamonds run water to the valleys, controlling runoff and dividing rain load equally across the roof
diamonds
valleys structural frame connection with existing supports (to be determined)
walkway before
walkway after
atrium before
atrium after
view of the lawn before
view of the lawn after, with pin up panels folded
view of the lawn after, with pin up panels unfolded and in use for critiques
10.5ft.
9ft.
natatorium critic: g. peterson location: orlando, florida site: old amway arena block year designed: 2010
44
45 The building of the natatorium was designed as an abstraction. The faรงade is reminiscent of the movement of water down an undulating surface or over rocks - the water dances back and forth. The structure recalls this idea, but creates an interesting contrast between its own rigidity and the fluidity of the water contained inside in the pools. The louvers emphasize the concept; they increase in density as they move down the faรงade, creating the illusion that they slid down from the top, while also providing an interesting shading method. The interior space is intended to feel light, voluminous and airy so as to provide a comfortable environment for large numbers of people during events. White translucent panels on the roof diffuse the natural light and brighten up the spaces, while preventing direct harsh light which is not ideal for divers doing flips turns and twists in the air.
structure glass system secondary rod system wooden louvers
The construction of a Natatorium on the site is intended to serve as a focal point and resource for the surrounding community, as well as an event space that could draw people from further away. The necessity to revitalize the area brought rise to the systematic concept of hurricanes, whirlpools, etc. where all of the energy in such systems is circulated around and drawn into a single focus. Utilizing the Natatorium as that focus, the rest of the site is intended to subtly rotate around it, creating a variety of paths that connect to the surrounding community.
cross bracing
rigid columns
glass system
study model
tower critic: d. cohen location: milwaukee, wisconsin site: downtown block year designed: 2008
50 The initial view of the tower focused on the relationship between the history of the city of Milwaukee and how the city is used today. Further investigation of this notion, lead to the idea of a multilayered city and to the condition of cohabitation. When the idea of cohabitation was applied to the tower program, it became important to decide how to keep the various and distinct cultural programs in their entirety and still have them exist peacefully together. Enjambement is mainly a literary technique used in poetry to connect sequencing stanzas fluidly. This technique can be used to make the reader feel uncomfortable, and/or it can be used to convey a “flow of thought.� Architecturally the term refers to overlappings of elements of similar potency. The idea is to design the tower in a way that will structure the program through a sequence of sensorial enjambements. The concept of using sensorial divisions came from a brief analysis of how one notices the city. Ones overall perception of a city is created through the subconscious summation of all the senses. The tower program isolates the senses (but overlaps adjacent ones) to give the occupant a more acute sensation of the city.
51
context study (section):
context study (plan):
future city (infrastructure) study critic: w. fok location: orlando, florida site: above the city year designed: 2011
300,000 people
orlando (30m above sea level)
construction of columns
54
“emergents layer” 50-60m “canopy layer” 30-40m
“shrub layer” <5m rainforest strata diagram
present
1m rise
3m rise
6m rise
60m rise
overlay
It is undisputable that earth’s sea levels have been rising as a result of Global Warming. And scientists have proven that the situation is only going to get worse. One prediction by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) states that the sea level could rise 0.8m by 2100, and although it is more difficult to project accurately further into the future, it is a possibility that the sea levels could eventually rise 40m or more. As sea levels rise, tidal shifts become more drastic. In relation to a 40m rise in sea level, it would not be unlikely to have tidal shifts of 10m; thus raising the sea level to 50m at highest tides. For cities in the southeastern United States (specifically Florida), where ground level elevations are low, sea level rise poses a threat to longevity. Cities that are interested in their future existence must start developing systems in preparation for total catastrophe. Cities such as Miami, Jacksonville, and St. Petersburg will confront the reality of flooding relatively soon due to their low elevations; it could even be hypothesized that it is already too late for these cities. Orlando is an ideal city to start developing and implementing forward thinking infrastructure. The city of Orlando sits 30m above sea level in comparison to Miami which is less than 1m above sea level. Surface 2 is the future Orlando: as a response to the inevitability of flooding, the project proposes the construction of a new City directly on top of the old one, thus raising the city’s effective elevation above sea level. Surface 2 will act both symbolically and literally as a safe haven on high ground. The project focuses greatly on the foundational and infrastructural needs of a future city. The establishment of a second “ground” will take time, and there will be a period of transition in which both levels are inhabited. Eventually, old Orlando will be underwater and “normal” existence will continue above. The scope of the project focuses specifically on the time period in which the original surface is phasing out. The foundation of Surface 2 is constructed from semi-regular modules that stack up from the Earth’s surface below. Varying arrangements of these modules allow for gaps in which infrastructural systems (transportation, waste control, water supply and recycling, electricity, etc.) can pass through. The project will also examine briefly potential architectural typologies that can begin to form from this foundation.
75m above sea level on top surface
45m construction of new surface
construction of new city population moves up to new surface
orlando floods 55
winter park orlando disney world kissimmee
system and module development: hexagon-triangle v0.1 The hexagon-triangle unit was developed by creating a connection between two basic geometries to form a solid. The solidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dimensions are proportional; if the length of one of the triangle legs is 1 unit, then the height is 0.5 units. The nature of this proportion, in relation to the solid, creates limitations in the assembly of multiple solids.
hexagon-triangle v0.2 Moving forward with the solid would require the altering of the proportion. The height of the piece was raised to accommodate 4 equilateral triangle faces; the equilateral triangles allow for more connections between multiples of the solid. Because efficient production is driven by the constant possibility for relationships, the new solidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s application in forming structures is more appropriate.
The hexagon-triangle units utilized regular geometries, but as an assembly they produced fairly irregular results. The process of maximizing the connections resulted in nonstructural forms. It is possible to produce structuremaking units, but this production limits variations in the assembly.
moon rock v0.1 The moon rock unit was the result of randomly cutting a cubic form. Stacking the unit produces regular forms that that are self-supporting. The connection methods however are inefficient; the random development of unit creates â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wasted facesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (faces where connections are not possible).
hexagon-triangle capsule v0.1 The capsule unit is a variation on the hexagon-triangle v0.2 unit; it was created by connecting 2 hexagon-triangle v0.2 units on the hexagon faces with the bottom unit rotated 60.Ě&#x160; The capsule unit allows for the possibility of connections on all of the 8 equilateral triangle faces with any other equilateral triangle face of another capsule. The assembly of multiple capsules results in a regularized and structural form. This unit will be used for the continuation of the project.
60ft.
6ft. 40ft.
restaurant school
movie theater shopping mall
museum
office tower old building from the original orlando (still in use)
apartments
transit hub
movie theater museum public transit system
study model
park/greenspace units
upper level canopy units (primarily occupiable)
retail units or “gateway” units to other systems
walkability units/“streets”
transportation system
lower level canopy units (primarily infrastructural)
water collection units
infrastructural components:
=10,000
growth (repeat module)
large scale trasportation
energy grid
integrated component systems:
bridge
intersection water collection module
transportation system
park system
walkability module
walkability system
water collection
park module
plan and section key
10
50
100
wearing awesome hats! (designed by me-thomas keiper)
kimmel chamat
jourdona lafate
to be continuedâ&#x20AC;Ś