Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more. oscar wilde
PROGRE 2013-2018
01 04-09
tiny studio 2013
conceptual micro studio and guest house for an avid artist located in pittsburgh, pa
02 10-13
lemieux sports complex 2014
integrated sports medicine and hockey training facility in cranberry, pa
03 14-21
integrated life sciences
04 22-35
chemistry building
2015
2016/17
proposal for school of integrated life sciences at lafayette college in easton, pa
new chemistry tower for the university of wisconsinmadison
SSIONV1 05
06
2014
school of public policy 2017
proposal for new waterfront and park at the carrie furnace site in braddock, pa
proposal for new school of public policy at the university of maryland, college park
36-39
carrie’s landing
40-47
07 48-53
tiny eatery
08 54-69
health and wellness center
2015
2018
conceptual restaurant and cafe located on a traffic island in the heart of downtown pittsburgh, pa
health, wellness, athletics and recreation center at carnegie mellon university located in pittsburgh, pa
TINY STUDIO location status sector affiliation role
Pittsburgh, PA Conceptual, 2013 Residential Independent Designer
Contrived as a studio for an avid artist and technical illustrator, the space is close to home but removed enough to permit escape. Born from the idea of single lines composing more complex geometries and objects, the studio begins as fragments eventually enveloping the space within. This studio and guest house accounts for only 144 square feet of space utilizing a highly efficient modular, structural, and finishing glu-lam system. Efficiency was key not only in the fabrication of the studio, but also the function. Multi-use surfaces riddle the space providing not only a place for creativity, but one for moments of respite as well as a guest house.
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
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VINCE DEFAZIO
ii.
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CROSS SECTION - LOOKING SOUTH
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
VIEW SOUTH AT ENTRY SITE PLAN SKETCH - PROJECT PARAMETERS
The studio utilizes implied lines to extrapolate itself from the existing patio and provide a clear pathway to the main entry. Separation from the primary residence is crucial in providing a space that is truly independent of the property’s principal function as a home. In pulling the studio out from the home, not only is it a separate architectural expression, but it also introduces a new street presence. Composed predominantly of pre-tensioned glu-lam wood and spray foam, when combined, the prefabricated modules manifest formal composition and interior space. In conjunction with pre-tensioned steel rods, an impressive cantilever is permitted due to the lightweight frame and extraordinary strength of the system through composite action when all elements are assembled.
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VIEW NORTH FROM STREET VINCE DEFAZIO
a. b. c. d. e.
entry ascend+seating create+table sleep storage+staging
a.
b.
e. d.
c. FLOOR PLAN
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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SECTION SKETCH
The individual modules are assembled offsite with an outer and inner ring of glulaminated wood. When the components arrive on site, they are installed all at once, the pre-tensioned steel rod is inserted into the pre-drilled holes connecting each 6-inch (wide) module creating the envelope and internal space. Once the system is completely assembled and tied back to the foundation, glazing and other systems can be installed.
DETAIL AND ASSEMBLY SKETCH
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VINCE DEFAZIO
LONGITUDAL SECTION
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex location status sector affiliation role
Cranberry, PA Built, 2014 Healthcare, Sports and Recreation EwingCole Designer, Construction Administrator
The University of Pittsburgh’s Lemieux Sports Complex was the first facility of its kind when it opened in 2014. Working alongside leading healthcare professionals in their sports medicine division, the University teamed up with the Pittsburgh Penguins to provide a facility that would provide holistic care for athletes at any stage of their playing careers. The medical facility has many of the traditional sports medicine components including full rehabilitation suite and water treatment. Within the hockey facility, two sheets of ice provide ample practice accommodations with food service and retail space for fans. While intended to be utilized autonomously, the facilities’ most versatile abilities originate in their codependence on one another.
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MAIN SPORTS ENTRY CANOPY ed massery
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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a. a. Cafe and Sports Lounge
Along the corridor connecting the medical building and the sports performance shed, the cafe provides a gathering area for all facility users
b. Main Sports Lobby
Lobby bifurcates the two sheets of ice creating a column of space beyond for lockers and player treatment
c. Penguins’ Lockers
Replica locker room from PPG Arena
b.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
c.
photos courtesy ed massery
PENGUINS PLAYERS’ ENTRY ed massery
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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LaFayette College Integrated Science Center location status sector affiliation role
Easton, PA Proposal (unbuilt), 2015 Higher Education / Science + Tech Ballinger Project Designer
Lafayette College is a unique campus located above the center of Easton, PA on College Hill and characterized by highly varied topography. Unlike many institutions that seek architectural homogeneity, Lafayette has evolved over generations encouraging building styles responsive to their time and place. The result is a rich and architecturally pluralistic campus with distinct, identifiable precints. Landscaped spaces of varying sizes bind these precincts, further unifying the campus’ architectural pluralism. With the College perimeter bound by the City to the east and steep grades at other orinetations, there are finite building site opportunities on the campus. Consequently, infill building sites must be considered for new programmatic interventions within each precinct. Different generations of buildings coexist, presenting opportunities to blend old and new architecture styles. The site for the Integrated Science Center (ISC) is one of these unique infill sites.
B A
D
C
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AERIAL VIEW - COURTYARD PRECINCT
A
B
ANDERSON COURTYARD
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VINCE DEFAZIO
Image Key: A. Acopian Hall B. Watson Hall C. Hugel Science Center
D. Old Steam Plant E. Skillman Library F. Markle Hall
TRANSITIONAL
CONTEMPORARY
TRADITIONAL
The site for ISC represents a special opportunity to reinforce the identity of the Anderson Courtyard Precinct, while creating an inspiring environment for learning and discovery that uniquely reflects the program contained within. The schemes represented on the following pages are drawn upon the understanding of the massing and architectural vocabulary of the Precinct. Ideally, this solution seeks to strike the correct balance between context, identity, and the continuation of the College’s tradition of architectural pluralism. Three distinct options have been contrived that frame stylistic alternatives responding to immediate and global campus context. The series of following options highlight a range of potential massing strategies to accommodate the intensity of a 80-100,000 GSF building on this relatively small site. These options examine variations on: • Providing identity for the ISC at Anderson Courtyard. • Reinforcing the overall composition of the precinct. • Organizing the mass to be responsive to the scale of adjacent buildings. • Physically connecting to Acopian Hall. • Linking the upper and lower parts of campus. • Providing internal and external social space for the new building and Precinct.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Transitional Scheme 01
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VINCE DEFAZIO
View East at the lower courtyard created atop building base plinth with green roof and skylight
ANDERSON COURTYARD VIEW NORTHWEST
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N LMA SKIL RARY LIB
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PRECINCT PLAN
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SC GEL
Generally, the massing for this option is heavily weighted eastward maximizing the distance from Watson Hall to retain views and openess. Upper floor plates of this scheme remain independent of Acopian Hall providing a sigular identity for the ISC. Larger floor plates that serve as the ‘plinth’ connect ISC to Acopian and are stepped facing west to accommodate the changing grade and are lit via skylights from the court above. This provides opportunity for increased building footprint while also providing access to the parking area located below adjacent to the Steam Plant. At Anderson Courtyard, the mass is aligned with the south face of Acopian and Watson Halls’ south elevations providing a direct and continuous presence on the courtyard. The 3-story expression draws from adjacent massings and maintains the immediate context and fabric. Directly off the courtyard, a transparent common space is envisioned to become the Precinct’s social center. Per the School’s program, a greenhouse faces south and maximizes solar heat gain simultaneously linking internal activity with that of the surrounding courtyard. PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Contemporary Scheme 02
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VINCE DEFAZIO
View East at Anderson-level courtyard shared with Watson Hall. Access is provided to parking and floor levels below either via site stairs or building access exterior stairs
ANDERSON COURTYARD VIEW NORTHWEST
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PI ACO
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N LMA SKIL RARY LIB
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PRECINCT PLAN
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The ‘contemporary’ nature of this scheme is born from the angularity and homegenity of architecture style. The angled massing acknowledges the adjacent steep grade while providing breathing room at Watson Hall. Overall, the components of this scheme are scaled and articulated similarly to other facilities within the Precinct. Compositionally, the west face of the building cuts back to create an alignment with the Hugel Science Center reinforcing the dominant axis of Watson Hall at the courtyard and providing implied and direct access to the intimate courtyard formed between ISC and Watson. There is a direct connection to Acopian on all programmed levels to encourage direct interaction between the buildings, bolstered via the transparent commons located directly on Anderson Courtyard.
IEN
SC GEL
HU
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Traditional Scheme 03
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VINCE DEFAZIO
View East with split-level shared exterior space
ANDERSON COURTYARD VIEW NORTHWEST
LE ARK
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HAL
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PI ACO
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N LMA SKIL RARY LIB
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PRECINCT PLAN
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SC GEL
In this option, an intimate forecourt is created between Acopian and Watson Halls as the outdoor social space for the ISC, Acopian Hall, and the Precinct in general. The symmetrical composition created within this forecourt recalls traditional forms of the adjacent buildings maintaining and respecting the immediate fabric. This scheme once again pulls the upper floors of the ISC away from Acopian but permits larger plates below the courtyard to connect, this is espeically important to help retain scale and architectural expression that is pertinent to the ‘traditional’ typology. A larger skylit stepped base accommodates grade change, links lower floors to Acopian and provides additional intimate exterior space to be shared between ISC and Watson Hall.
HU
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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University of Wisconsin Chemistry Tower location status sector affiliation role
Madison, Wi Anticipated Completion Spring 2021 Higher Education / Science + Tech Ballinger with Strang Architecture Project Architect
The Chemistry program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has produced a lineage of scientists and researchers at the forefront of their fields. Continuous evolution and growth over the decades has given way to a cluster of buildings comprising a chemsitry ‘complex’ inhabiting an entire Madison city block. At 177,000 GSF, the new tower structure positioned at the northeast corner of the Chemistry block has eight usable levels. An existing two-story lecture hall wing of the Chemistry complex is demolished to make way for the new tower which will connect back to the existing Daniels chemistry building. A renovation is slated for the three stories immediately impacted by the new tower construction to update existing labs and increase usable shared space between the new and existing facilities. The project is framed by the following goals and criteria: • Maximize the development of a limiteduse site. • Incremental implementation with phased construction. • Long-term flexibility for program needs, including a more stable HVAC system capable of rapid future expansion.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
• Continuity of the teaching program during the construction process. The space program comprises the following major components: • Two Lecture Halls located at the SubBasement level of the new tower. • One Multi-Purpose Teaching space located at the 1st floor of the new tower. • A Chemistry Commons with Group Study Rooms located at the 2nd floor. • Three 30-seat classrooms. • Six General Chemistry, two Organic Chemistry, three Analytical Chemistry labs all with adjacent Write-Up rooms with maximized transparency between spaces for increased collaboration and safety. The new addition to the Chemistry complex is seen not only as a much needed addition of lab and teaching spaces, but it also provides for a much needed resource for the East side of campus. With historic Camp Randall stadium only blocks away, the large assembly spaces in the new Chemistry tower are seen as potential breakout space for not just the building, but the immediate campus community at large.
NORTHWEST CORNER FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Design Intent This tower grows from an integration of interior and exterior forces conceptualized in the Program phase and are spelled out in the following points: • University Avenue Entrances - the size and articulation of the new addition are the result of keeping in scale with recent developments while presenting a welcoming character at the pedestrian scale. • Facade - Draws from the existing context - both new and old. A light beige and glass material palette intends to fit into the neighborhood while fashioning a unique identity. • Interior Character - The public domain connects existing Daniels and the new building with spaces and circulation. The high volume lecture and classrooms are carefully articulated to allow daylight penetration. • Lecture Halls - Provide spaces for contemporary chemistry education. Each of those large spaces feature low slope or no slope floors to allow group discussions as well as conventional lecture demonstations.
Massing Sectionally, the project is organized with higher traffic program spaces such as the General Chemistry labs and lecture halls located on the lower levels for better student flow. Active social spaces such as the Chemistry Information Commons and Learning Studio are connected to the multi-level lobby along University Avenue to foster interaction and create a visible public identity for the Chemistry department. Labs are located on the upper floors of the tower for greater programmatic privacy.
BOTANICAL GARDENS LATHROP HALL
UNIVERSITY AVE
CROSSING
BRODGEN HALL
DANIELS TO BE DEMOLISHED
MILLS ST
Building Design
Consisting of the interconnected Daniels, Matthews, and Shain buildings, the existing Chemistry complex exhibits a dense urban character. Sited at the corner of Mills Street and University Avenue, the new tower requires the demolition of the lower three floors of the Daniels building. Additionally, a two-story brick house attached to the adjacent “Crossing” church has been purchased and will be razed for the expansion of the Chemistry tower.
N CHARTER ST
SITE DESIGN
DANIELS MATTHEWS
W JOHNSON ST
IMMEDIATE CONTEXT MAP
SITE BLOCK ELEVATION
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VINCE DEFAZIO
OVERALL MASSING STUDY A
OVERALL MASSING STUDY B
VIEW NORTH FROM MILLS STREET
Exterior Design The exterior of the new Chemistry tower is divided into areas of terra cotta rainscreen, glass, and terra cotta baguette sunscreening devices. This balance provides areas of complete transparency, shaded glazing, and solidity in turn breaking down the scale of the facade through its variety. At the northeast corner, a glass ‘ice cube’ marks the main entry providing an inviting identity for the Chemistry department. Constructed with a stick-built aluminum curtain wall system with areas of clear and spandrel glass, the glass ‘ice cube’ provides the facade’s largest area of transparency and displays the activities of the interior labs. A majority of the facade consists of rain screen walls clad with terra cotta panels. Select areas of curtain wall are clad with baguettes intended to give the illusion of a disolving facade. The north facade is framed with staggered windows creating a dynamic, blended appearance that wraps the east and west facades. OVERALL MASSING STUDY C PROGRESSION // VOL I
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‘ICE CUBE’ STUDY A
3D STUDY MODEL OF THE FINALIZED DESIGN ‘ICE CUBE’ STUDY B
‘ICE CUBE’ STUDY C
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VINCE DEFAZIO
EAST ELEVATION STUDIES Facade and massing studies identifying architectural articulation on the east facade and at the ‘ice cube’ volume accomplished with a mixture of 3d-printed models and extensive sketches
NORTHEAST CORNER FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDEN
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Interior Environment TYPICAL LAB FLOOR
A primary goal of the lab design was the provision of transparent Write-Up rooms adjacent to each lab. These spaces serve as the primary access point for students entering the labs, and provide a place to recieve instruction, collaborate on assignments, and store possessions during lab sessions. Transparency between the Write-Up rooms and labs provides a visual connection to both spacs and allows TAs to monitor students from both locations.
GROUND FLOOR
An open monumental staircase serves as the primary circulation path between building entrances on the ground floor and sub-basement lecture halls. Doors located off Mills Street provide direct access to the stair and midlanding connects to Daniels basement level and sidewalk access from Johnson Street at the south end of Daniels. Providing views to lower level activity, a suspended communicating stair forms a direct circulation path from the ground floor to the second floor and Chemistry Information Commons beyond. The Learning Studio anchors the northwestern corner of the building providing an open public realm at the ground level.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
BASEMENT At the sub-basement, the new building houses two large lecture halls - a 360- and 250-person. The monumental staircase provides access to the lowest level from Mills Street to the East and the basement level of Daniels to the south. A shared interaction space located between these two lecture halls provides students with an open area for pre-class queuing. The 120-person Learning Studio at the first floor is located directly above the 360-person allowing columns from above to be carried by a transfer structure.
Daniels Addition new construction
Daniels Chemisty Building existing, renovation
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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MAIN LOBBY + GUARDRAIL RIBBON
Design Element: Guardrail "Ribbon" The Chemistry Tower’s gestural expressions were limited due to programmatic and spatial constraints. Because of limited large scale design forrays, much of the concept integration and focus fell to the design and detailing of smaller components and spaces. Perhaps one of the most impactful and crucial components to the overall design was the guardrail ‘ribbon’ that spans from the Sub-Basement to the Second floor where it terminates overlooking the entry and atrium spaces. Meant to be a vehicle for cohesion between the three levels of public space, the guardrail utilizes terrazzo stair treads in conjunction with the bent mental panel to provide general wayfinding, emphasize University branding, and create contrast for a subdued backdrop.
INFORMATION COMMONS ENTRY
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VINCE DEFAZIO
To appear fluid and contiguous between all three levels, the guardrail’s connections and attachments to the stair structure are completely hidden providing an unblemished surface expression. A folded portion of the panel captures and secures the handrail to further avoid surface imperfections that are normally associated with ‘button’ attachments. The overall expression imposes a contiguous ribbon of red that designates the main path of travel for those unfamiliar with the facility.
3D CONCEPTUAL STAIR DETAIL
ABOVE: Conceptual 3D detail describing the separate components of the monumental stair. All guardrail attachments are made to the structural concrete base concealed by a finished precast terrazzo tread and riser. RIGHT (TOP): Sketch detail of the handrail attachment. This connection became crucial to conceputal successes of the ‘ribbon’ expression - to provide an uninterrupted planar surface. RIGHT (BOTTOM): Sketch detail of the various concealed attachements back to the structural stair. The guardrail comes with a 4” return at the underside of the stair to allow for attachments to be made, later a soffit is installed to complete the expression. PROGRESSION // VOL I
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BASEMENT LOBBY LOOKING EAST
PRELIMINARY BENCH SKETCHES
Design Element: Skylight Bench Adjacent to the bottom termination of the Monumental Stair is the breakout space for the 250- and 360-person Lecture Halls. Because this space is entirely below grade, natural light is a scarcely exprienced ammenity at the portion of the building. A skylight above encourages greater use of the space and provides a connection to the exterior.
BASEMENT LOBBY LOOKING NORTH
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VINCE DEFAZIO
To effectively funnel light into the space, a sloped expression creates a surface for the northern light to infiltrate the space. To further encourage engagement, a bench is hosted to the sloped wall. Prefabricated steel plate sections are attached to hidden outriggers which are supported by steel support tubes concealed in the wall cavity. Steel panels rise to 8’ above the floor where matching MDF panels clad the remainder of the wall to create a planar expression suggesting a planar push permitting light to penetrate into the cavernous interior space.
3D CONCEPTUAL BENCH DETAIL
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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SUB BASEMENT 250-PERSON LECTURE HALL
3D CONCEPTUAL COAT HOOK DETAIL SUB BASEMENT 360-PERSON LECTURE HALL
Design Element: Lecture Hall Millwork Both of the 250- and 360-person Lecture Halls feature a folded ceiling expression that overwhelminingly creates place in both rooms. With such a strong expression, other elements in the rooms must remain subdued as to not compete with the identifying component.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
To avoid system-based solutions for storage and work surfaces, custom millwork components were fashioned to integrate and complement the overhead expression. At the base of the wall ‘shroud’ are a series of concealed coat hooks and continuous LED tapelights (above). As a whole, this expression permits a clean planar expression but also allows for a critical storage function without unsightly surface-mounted hooks. The work surfaces (right) are custom-created elements which are designed to ‘float’ above the floor with minimal connection at the floor.
3D CONCEPTUAL FLOATING DESK/MILLWORK DETAIL
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Carrie's Landing location status sector affiliation role
Braddock, PA Competition, 2014 Civic Independent Designer
Within the next five years, over 10 miles of new trail will be added along the Monogahela completing the span between downtown Pittsburgh and the outskirts of Braddock, PA. While these trails offer a wide variety of destinations and entertainment in themselves, it ends up lacking a “point B” - the ‘urban void’ - at the Braddock trailhead. To grant more people access to both the newly liberated land (void) and the river along said land, Carrie’s Landing was born. As a pier, dock and waterfront park, it takes full advantage of the “void” that exists outside of one of the area’s few remaining intact industrial plants, bringing boaters, bikers and outdoors enthusiasts together in one place. Much as “The Point” acts as a locus within the city, Carrie’s Landing will act as a destination outside of Braddock, PA, a city on its way back to prominence after decades in disarray. Providing an opportunity for boaters to access the trails, and trail users access to the riverfront, this complex seeks to provide a range of attractions for some of the Pittsburgh area’s largest recreations.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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BRADDOCK TO PITTSBURGH
BRADDOCK TRAILHEAD
Providing a continuous trail from downtown Pittsburgh to Braddock will transform the landscape of commuting but will also draw a plethora of people to and from each point. Carrie’s Landing is seen as a catalyst of growth for Braddock. Using the Carrie Furnace as an anchor, the project respectfully engages the site but preserves the Furnace as a relic of the past juxtaposed with the new, greener vision of the two cities.
PROPOSED SITE PLAN
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VINCE DEFAZIO
VIEW OF RIVER OUTLOOK AND AMPHITHEATRE
By remediating the existing brownfield “void”, the project extends itself fully from the riverfront to land. New greenspace is formed at the Braddock trailhead creating a destination point. Not only will the furnaces themselves act as a drawing factor, but so will the reclaimed parks and playing fields becoming available to users in the surrounding urban areas. The pier itself seeks to allow its audiences to take in the beauty of the Mon Valley riverfront while the docks give boaters a new haven to get off and explore. All of this occurs without inflicting changes or harm upon the Furnaces themselves.
EXTEND THE LAND
PROVIDE GENERAL RIVER ACCESS
PROVIDE UNIVERSAL RIVER ACCESS AND USE
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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University of Maryland School of Public Policy
location status sector affiliation role
College Park, MD Proposal (unbuilt), 2017 Higher Education Ballinger Designer + Project Architect
Late in 2016, the University of Maryland at College Park put a request for proposal for a building housing several programs related to domestic and international public policy. Envisioned in this new center were the Centers for Global Sustainability, International and Security Studies, and Public Policy and Private Enterprise. Physically connected to the existing School of Public Policy, the new center would expand offerings and combine other previously-separated programs a shared home and resources. Sited adjacent to Route 1, Purple Line train stop, and a pre-existing campus network of paths, the new facilty would have a dramatic public presence at one of the busiest intersections for the university. The design team chose to approach the design with three distinct options (1) Courtyard; traditional, (2) Lofted Landscape; contemporary, and (3) Agora; hybrid. Through each of these schemes, different site relationships are explored in conjunction with unique formal expressions that chose to acknowledge or ignore contextual architectural expression but not campus fabric. Each scheme maintains a physical connection to the existing school and a wide use of sustainable strategies important to many decision-making shareholders for the facility.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Courtyard Scheme 01
VIEW NORTHWEST FROM BALTIMORE AVENUE
AERIAL VIEW NORTHWEST
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VINCE DEFAZIO
VIEW SOUTHWEST FROM CAMPUS ENTRY (PURPLE LINE)
a.
b.
Courtyard takes keys from its neighboring university buildings in a simplified and streamlined Georgian expression. Split into two distinct masses, gable roofs and ‘chimney’ light wells allude to a familiar style while introducing contemporary elements. At the ground floor, a courtyard is created from the fractured building ‘wings’ formed by the masses. A glass-enclosed study space shrouded by a shallow loggia overlooks a garden and main arterial campus path.
a. Ground Floor - While the overall building massing is
mainly comprised of two extruded blocks, the ground floor fragments and lightens the interpretted weight with fenestration, outboard circulation, and breakout spaces.
b. Typical Floor - Classrooms and office spaces line the
exterior walls while internal workstations benefit from extensive interior glass partitions at outboard program. Larger volume spaces such as conference rooms project themseves providing a break in the otherwise simplistic building massing. PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Landscape Loft Scheme 02
VIEW NORTHWEST FROM BALTIMORE AVENUE
AERIAL VIEW NORTHWEST
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VINCE DEFAZIO
VIEW FROM ROUTE 1
a. Landscape Loft was the contemporary response for the proposal. The overall massing is quite simple, responding directly to existing pedestrian paths, allowing them to remain untouched. Visual intrigue is accomplished with a complex envelope. Active solar shading devices clad the upper massing permitting extensive use of curtain wall with high control for solar heat gain. The ground floor steps back providing usable covered exterior space. Larger event spaces are configured at the ground floor to permit a large outboard circulation path taking advantage of direct site connections while upper level programs take advantage of extensive exterior wall area and fenestration.
b.
a. Ground Floor - All interior program is pushed to the
b.
west to permit a large outboard circulation path fitted with operable walls. Because of the larger footprint, the first floor identifies as the public zone for the building. Typical Floor - Similar to Courtyard, office spaces and classrooms take full advantage of large swaths of exterior wall and fenestration. A large central atrium connects all three levels with a spiral staircase connecting the upper two, more private floors.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Agora Scheme 03
VIEW NORTHWEST FROM BALTIMORE AVENUE
AERIAL VIEW NORTHWEST
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VINCE DEFAZIO
Si dipite magnitium
INTERIOR VIEW OF THE INTERNAL COURTYARD
a.
Through exhaustive iterations of several iterative schemes, the design team landed on the Agora as the final response. The design centers on the internal courtyard (atrium) alluding to the first scheme, but maintains a similar southern formal expression as the Landscape Loft. The building is largely centered on the internal garden rising up through the building providing interior study space at the ground level and a connection to nature on the upper floors via interior trees and a green wall hosted by the elevator core.
b.
a. Ground
Floor - The internal courtyard rises from this level, therefore the void is usable as study and breakout space. Large program, including a 250 -person audiorium flank the climbing volume of the atrium and vertical gardens.
b. Typical
Floor - Because of the large internal courtyard, program space is pushed to the outer face of the building. An additional half floor is added to accomodate all program due to a smaller usable footprint.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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TINY Eatery location status sector affiliation role
Pittsburgh, PA Conceptual, 2015 Hospitality Independent Designer
Today’s society has increased the value of the dining experience - so much so it has now become a visceral ordeal rooted in causes much deeper than just food. Authenticity and meaningful expressions in both food and space run abundant in some of the most revered eateries around the world. The goal of this eatery is to critically evaluate the experiential aspect of dining out and the relationship between the eaters, the creators, and their respective context. Sited on an urban traffic island, tiny eatery exists in the midst of extensive activity and a critical city artery. One of the biggest reasons for its location is the people-watching aspect of eating out, secondary was the use of a previously uninhabited portion of the city block. Dining has a very intimate aspect that was actively explored, removing the eaters from direct engagement of their context further allows for a more intimate experience but also a heightened sense of awareness of the immediate context.
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VINCE DEFAZIO
PRELIMINARY SITE AND MASSING ANALYSIS
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Plan Configuration The overall plan configuration of the eatery is simplistic in nature, maintaining a direct visual connection between the patrons and staff. Seating for two further drives the ideology of intimacy between those sharing a meal and those preparing. Exposed structure and minimalist interior decor emphasize the primary component of the space in the food and the company in which it is shared.
GRANT STREET ENTRY
EAT
GRANT STREET FLOOR + SITE PLAN
MASSING AND PROCESSIONAL ANALYSIS
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VINCE DEFAZIO
PREP
WC
Because of its unique location, the approach to the eatery forces patrons to access it amongst other pedestrians who are otherwise occupied. Directly adjacent to a crosswalk, the party wishing to access the restaurant must engage and interface with the daily city users, immersing them in an environment that will soon be juxtaposed. This processional creates a heightened sense of awareness, advocating for the space to be a place of respite amidst the chaotic cityscape. The contrast that occurs between processional and entry to the building heightens the senses and allows for a greater appreciation of the experiences within the space.
SKETCH FROM THE STREET APPROACH PRELIMINARY PLAN SKETCH
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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
Exterior Design BELOW: An aluminum screen clad with burnt timber and greenery provide contrast to the surrounding cityscape simultaneously facilitating a processional transition from chaotic to calm. The island is cut for stair access to the front door with the screen extending to further emphasize a change in experience - a threshold between inside and out.
d.
RIGHT: Progression diagrams showing the transformation from unused, placeless traffic island to programmed urban space.
EXISTING TRAFFIC ISLAND
c. b.
FLOOR PLATE + MAIN STRUCTURE
a. a. b. c. d.
entry aluminum ‘green screen’ extensive green roof rear/emergency exit
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VINCE DEFAZIO
MAIN ENCLOSURE
Interior Environment
VIEW FROM THE MAIN TABLE TOWARD THE KITCHEN
VIEW OF THE CIRCULATION CORRIDOR PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Carnegie Mellon University Health, Wellness, Athletics & Recreation Center
location status sector affiliation role
Pittsburgh, PA Anticipated Completion 2023 Higher Education / Healthcare / Sports Ewing Cole Project Architect + Designer
Carnegie Mellon University’s Strategic Plan 2025, through the inclusion of a Strategic Recommendation on Holistic Health and Wellness, embraces the notion that the vitality and resiliency of the University community is derived from both academic pursuits and the emotional and physical well-being of its inhabitants. The creation of a new Health, Wellness, Athletics and Recreation Center as an addition to Skibo Gymnasium is a transformative opportunity for Carnegie Mellon University to create the physical manifestation of the Strategic Priorities identified in a 2015 study. The Health, Wellness, Athletics and Recreation (HWAR) is intended to be a dynamic building blending student health, recreation and athletics to promote overall well-being for the campus community. This project will reinforce institutional values through design by embracing contemporary ideas of student health and wellness, recreation, athletics, technology integration and sustainability. This new facility will build upon the “under one roof” concept advanced in previous studies to co-locate a diverse array of student life programs, individuals, and interior environments within a single campus location.
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Conceptual programmatic diagram showing interconnectivity between previously disparate programs
Program Breakdown: Phase I - Health Services + Wellness
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Program Breakdown: Phase II - Athletics + Recreation
a. skibo gymnasium b. thistle hall c. north gym
a. b.
Site Circulation
c.
Existing Site Conditions
Program
Site
The HWAR project is exceptional in its expansive and holistic approach to health and well-being by co-locating several distinct programs within one facility, including:
The project is located on the existing Skibo Gymnasium site, which offers unique challenges and opportunities due to its location on campus, existing building configuration, and topography. Initially two site configurations were considered by the design team for the first building phase. Based on initial study, CMU selected the site adjacent to Skibo Gym. However, more detailed investigation of existing campus infrastructure, consideration of cost, and development of construction phasing strategies suggested that alternate approaches to the project needed to be considered. Four additional site configurations were evaluated, with the selected approach (indicated on the following pages) incorporating new construction and renovation as part of the first phase of construction.
• • • • • • •
University Health Services Counseling and Psychological Services Wellness Athletics Recreation Title IX Council of Religious Affairs
The allocation of space for these programs is shown opposite. In total, the project will effectively triple the amount of usable area for wellness on the site, yielding a full build of approximately 170,000 building gross square feet.
Viewsheds
Solar Orientation
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Blocking + Stacking
Programmatic Blocking + Stacking - Phase I Public v Private Spatial Matrix
The project is conceived in two primary phases: •
Phase 1 (~42,000 BGSF) includes UHS, CaPS, Wellness, Title IX, and CoRA programs. This phase includes both new construction and renovation. • Phase 2 (~123,000 BGSF) includes expansion of the Athletics and Recreation programs, including new construction and renovation. Phase 2 has three sub-phases: • Phase 2A includes the construction of athletic swing space and a new multi-athletic court for recreation. • Phase 2B includes the demolition of Thistle Hall as well as the construction of a performance gymnasium and supporting athletic program space. • Phase 2C includes the renovation of “Old Skibo” gymnasium as an indoor practice field. Programmatic Blocking + Stacking - Full Build
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Aerial View - Phase I
Phase I - Health and Wellness functions are built in this phase utilizing a mix of new and renovation construction. The North Gym is rehabilitated to be utilized for Health Services functions on the upper floors while providing necessary mechanical and building service space at the ground floor. The buildings’ angularity and shifts are born strictly from programmatic necessity with the second floor requiring the greatest increase in square footage and thus the most severe shifts.
Aerial View - Full Build
Phase II (full build) - Through three separate sub-phases, the full-build is realized and houses the balance of program for Athletics. Thistle Hall is demolished and Skibo Gymnasium is refurbished to provide three regulation courts “under one roof”. At the completion of the project, the site is effectively transformed at an urban density with 90% of the site coverage.
Phasing Diagram - Phase I
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Phasing Diagram - Phase IIA RECREATION
Phasing Diagram - Phase IIB
ATHLETICS
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Sectional Spatial Study - Internal Circulation Pattern
Circulation Due to the heavily constrained site, circulation became increasingly imporant as a method for efficiency. Early in the design process, it was understood there were three distinct ways to traverse the site: •
• •
Section Stacking Diagram - Internal Circulation Pattern Internal circulation permits greater daylight access to programmed spaces while also giving a buffer between new and existing components. Multiple height spaces accentuate the existing Skibo Gymnasium and utilize skylights to illuminate buried internal program.
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Internal Circulation: Creates a ‘canyon’ against existing Skibo Gymnasium, but gives direct daylight access back to the programmed spaces. External Circulation: Permits daylight to penetrate into the building via shared spaces and activates Tech Street to the west. Hybrid Circulation: Weaving circulation paths permit greater flexibility in providing daylight access to neccessary programs (offices, classrooms), while still maintaining activation on specific portions of the facade namely those areas masking private program beyond.
Several iterations of these methods were studied in the context of the immediate site to gain a better undersanding of implications. Through rigorous studies and workshops with the client, the design team came to the conclusion that an Internal Circulation path was the best solution due to constraints and general programmatic requirements.
Sectional Spatial Study - External Circulation Pattern
Circulation Studies
Internal Circulation Pattern
External Circulation Pattern Section Stacking Diagram - External Circulation Pattern While the relationship between the existing and new grows more complicated with an external circulation path, internal activity directly activates the Tech Street elevation. Program spaces rely on borrowed light from flanking Shared spaces. Wellness has the opportunity for a protected outdoor roof space abutting Skibo Gym. Hybrid Circulation Pattern PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Parti + Building Massing
During the design process, after on-site phasing had been established, plan and processional partis helped generate the remainder of the design process. With a solid understanding of sectional relationships between existing context and new program components, the plan became the overwhelming vehicle for design explorations. Throughout rigorous iterative design investigations of plan organization, the design team arrived at three distinct, yet interrelated layouts. These studies would go to help inform overall gestural composition and the three dimensional identity of the building. • Hidden Courtyards - An outer circulation path drives users through the building with small internal ‘pocket gardens’ identifying different departments and public shared spaces along the circulation spine. • Stepped - Utilizing an inboard circulation path, the stepped scheme pushes program to the Tech Street elevation permitting greater daylight penetration into program space. Atop stepped programmatic components, loosely programmed public shared space allows for greater activation of the building’s main facade and circulation path. • Winter Gardens - Interior gardens flank the northwest and southeast (against existing Skibo Gym) and act as the building’s main circulation. A mid-block atrium permits entry into both Athletics and Health and Wellness functions while also allowing a hybrid internal/external circulation path to exist. Shared spaces flank the atrium and vertical circulation to fully integrate disparate program components that must be relegated to both Phase I and II activities.
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Scheme 1 - Hidden Courtyards Sectional Parti
Scheme 2 - Stepped Sectional Parti
Scheme 3 - Winter Garden Sectional Parti
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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PHASE I PROGRAMMATIC BREAKOUT
Interior Environment - Phase I During Phase I, the interior extent of the project will be limited as compared to the full build out. Managing a narrow footprint, the first floor entry sequence permits operating functionalities that will serve both phases but are integral to intial functions. A monumental stair connects all three occupiable levels and will provide opportunity for access to the eventual circulation spine that will split phases after the full build. Major public program components are located directly off the Main Lobby and Tech Street in order to activate the exterior of the building. UHS stacks above this floor to enfore easy access while CaPS maintains a safe, yet accessible distance to ensure privacy and screened access.
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Entry Lobby / Ground Floor
UHS Entry at Monumental Stair
PHASE II PROGRAMMATIC BREAKOUT
Interior Environment - Phase II
Entry Lobby / Ground Floor
Arterial Corridor / Ground Floor
A circulation spine stitches Phase I and II together, bifurcating programmatic elements at all levels. First floor public programs gain additional access at the circulation spine and share access with other public Athletic program flanking the corridor. Above the first floor, penetrations are made into a solid wall permitting daylight infiltratration from a skylight, but deter direct access from the Athletics portion of the building. The Concourse and Hall of Fame share a three level open corridor punctuating desired connections between Phase I and II program, creating an open environment, and forming a buffer between UHS and CaPS programs and the remainder of program within the facility.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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PHASE I PHASE II
Main Entry at Tech and Margaret Morrison Streets
Main Entry at Tech and Margaret Morrison Streets, a secondary entry is provided mid-block
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PHASE I PHASE II
Tiered landscape increases accessibility to existing Skibo at Tech and Frew Streets
Athletics and Recreation program infill existing landscaped space directly adjacent to Skibo Gym PROGRESSION // VOL I
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PROGRESSION // VOL I
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ADDIT 2019
09 72-77
engineering building 2019
new center for integrated engineering in west point, ny
IONAL 10 78-85
mixed use towers 2019
proposal for new mixed use towers in pittsburgh, pa
West Point
Cyber and Engineering Academic Center location status sector affiliation role
West Point, Ny Anticipated Completion Fall 2022 Higher Education Ewing Cole with Jacobs Design Architect
The existing facilities at West Point for engineering students no longer meet the needs of the competitive world class program. Built over 50 years ago, the current accommodations are outdated, compartmentalized and inefficient due to the limitations of fitting in necessary programs into existing spaces. The new Cyber and Engineering Academic Center (CEAC) will provide a state-of-the-art education center to attract and train future generations of engineering officers for the United States Military. This project is funded for the development of an academic laboratory facility to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It will be located west of Mahan Hall and south of Building 606 along Thayer Walk, the main pedestrian access way of the central area. It is an ideal location on campus, adjacent to other cadet facilities, such as academic buildings and barracks. At 136,000gsf, it will provide innovative spaces for Civil Mechanical Engineering (CME), Electrical Engineering Computer Science (EECS), and Systems Engineering (SE).
Ewing Cole was the design architect as well as the firm responsisble for interior documentation in the joint venture with Jacobs. Having joined the team in the midst of Design Development, I assumed the role of design architect, translating our team’s larger design elements intent into buildable solutions.
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PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Detail sketch of stringer support at landing
Detail sketch of hanging detail at stringer
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Detail sketch of landing to floor transition
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Design Element - Monumental Stair As a highly visible element, the monumental stair becomes a polarizing visual object when entering from the building’s main entry. Design intent dictated the stair appear to be floating, and as as pragmatic and conceptual approach - it was. Open tread stairs compounded with lightweight steel components create a weightless expression that allows it to cohabitate with the adjacent shifting stone wall without providing too much visual noise. In addition, the glass guardrail was designed with completely eliminate visible handrail attachments further simplifying the expression and emphasizing the design intent. At the curtain wall, the stair is held off the glass to emphasize the floating intent simultaneously allowing the glass to continue unimpeded
Formed steel outriggers are utilized at each landing to minimize impact on tensile rods outboard while maintaining the lightweight appearance
The landing is extended to meet the floor surface at the upper landing(s), a reduced stringer remains to capture an outrigger and emphasize continuity
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Plan detail showing the offset vertical anchoring that allows for discontinuous mullions
Horizontal breaks were integrated at the third floor line as well as the intermediate camera rail location to remain inconpsicuous and allow the planar glass surface to remain wholly independent from other adjacent systems
Anchoring condition at uppermost section of the curtain wall showing compartmentalization from double height space below
Typical section detail at intermediate mullion support showing two anchoring locations
Design Element - Monumental Stair
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The Robotics High Bay curtain wall creates separationg between the Atrium. A variegated language had been established for the proximate stone wall (adjacent to the monumental stair), and a similar language was desired for the mullion patterning at the curtain wall. Working in conjunction with a manufacturer, the design team was able to design a solution utilizing discontinuous vertical mullions, broken at the horiztontal support locations without a double horizontal memeber. This permitted a true variegated appearance with no continuous vertical jointing through the system, tying the curtain wall expression to the stone wall.
CONCEPT SKETCH AT SECOND FLOOR
The wall is gravity loaded at the base where a steel plate is welded to a continuous steel channel at the slab edge
CONCEPT SKETCH AT UPPER FLOORS
A hanging connection at the top of the wall ensures lateral stability
Design Element - Stone Wall The variegated patterning of the stone wall was introduced to increase visual intrigue and provide a visual connection to the atrium along the corridors serving the upper floors. Anchoring the wall was challenging due to the increased material weight and overall thickness. The final solution supported the bottom of the wall via gravity with anchoring to a continuous steel channel at the slab edge. At the top of the wall, a bent steel plate is anchored to the slab edge and hangs the element. To avoid a costly smoke evacuation system, the third floor utilized a glass partition to separate that level from the atrium. PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Bouquet ProjectGarden Name Commons Mixed Residential and Commercial Towers location status sector affiliation role
Pittsburgh, PA Proposal (nbuilt), 2019 Commercial, Residential Ewing Cole Design Architect
This proposal imagines a two-tower student housing complex situated in densely populated Central Oakland. Due to the dramatic contrasts between existing building scales and the proposed towers’, the design team understood architectural character and expression needed to remain actively aware of its context, yet still attractive to potential residents. Large swaths of greenspace provide greater porosity and access to previously inaccessible outdoor amenities. This use of landscape fluidly intertwines public interior and exterior spaces emphasizing a direct connection back to the neighborhood, while also allowing for a natural boundary. Two 10-story towers provide over 1,500 new beds configured in suite-style apartments with commercial space comprising a two story plinth acting as a conduit for public engagement. A coworking space intended to be leveraged by the towers’ residents offers a buffer between ground-level (plinth) commercial program and tower-level, private living quarters. Underground parking structures help alleviate street parking and keep cars generall out of sight.
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LOUISA STREET EXTENSION
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Contextual Analysis Central Oakland is perhaps one of Pittsburgh’s most densely populated neighborhoods. With a population ranging from generational families to transient students, boundaries are important but should not inhibit community interface. With the University’s ambitious masterplan, much of the Central Oakland neighborhood is slated to undergo massive change over the next few decades. Bouquet Garden Commons is only the first component of a larger, more densely envisioned community. Due to the fragility of relationships between the University and the neighbors, the design team knew having a solid footing with contextual analysis would be key to identify problematic portions of the design and site. The following diagrams were utilized to better understand existing conditions and help inform a community-based design process.
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Neighborhood Understanding
Through extensive site studies in conjunction with local neighborhood groups, four ‘neighborhood understanding’ mapping exercises were created to inform better decisionmaking processes: • Program + Opportunities: Identifies crucial commercial corridors and potential retail anchors based on existing amenities. • Circulation: Multi-modal circulation paths that either directly provide access to the proposed project site, or foster greater community-level access to amenities. • Scale: Buildings closer to the Fifth/Forbes corridor are much larger and denser while scale severely falls off severely just beyond, however density remains high. • Green + Open Spaces: During site surveys and community engagement, a consistently identified issue with the site and neighborhood writ large was the lack of public and accessible green space. Superimposed on the existing conditions diagram is additional proposed green space that has either been identified in the masterplan or selected by the design team.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Program Organization
h. d.
e.
i.
g. f.
c. b.
a.
j.
FLOOR PLAN - GROUND LEVEL COMMERCIAL
FLOOR PLAN - TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL
The first two levels of the towers are solely dedicated to public functionalities. At the ground level, retail and food service have been deemed as the most desired and sought-after resources in the neighborhood. In order to increase walkability and decrease reliance on the automobile, ground level commercial space needs to be immediately accessible, welcoming and abundant. The entire commercial ‘plinth’ provides immediate access to desirable program and creates a destination for not only those who reside within the towers, but also others within the community.
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j.
Typical residential floors contain five different size accommodations ranging from micro-studios to four- and five-bedroom apartments, each modeled to maximize efficiency and decrease wasted public space.
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sub-grade parking deck food service commercial space louisa st extension - cafe + plaza commercial space shared public plaza louisa st extension - terraces commercial space university specific commercial space residential space usable roof space
j.
HOUSING FOR 500 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
HOUSING FOR 1,000 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
‘PORTAL’ ENTRY FROM CAMPUS COWORKING SPACE
TERRACED LOUISA STREET EXTENSION
COMMERCIAL SPACE (RESTAURANTS, SHOPS)
LOUISA STREET EXTENSION + PLAZA
BELOW-GRADE PARKING GARAGE
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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Exterior Design Louisa Street Extension + Plaza With the completion of the Bouquet Garden Commons project, existing Louisa Street will effectively be extended via a pedestrian-only plaza. This plaza extends across Oakland Avenue and terraces down to S. Bouquet Street where campus access is provided. Adjacent to the existing vehicular terminus of Louisa Street is a cafe and open green space seeking to create an inviting atmosphere for both the Towers’ and Central Oakland communities.
University 'Portal' At the corner of S Bouquet and Sennot Streets is one of the busiest corners at this edge of the University of Pittsburgh’s campus. Due to the large number of students living in the area as well as the density of University buildings at this juncture - there will be wide interface with the northern tower and retail space. This ‘portal’ will effectively provide access to the project via the shared public plaza and greenway that opens up to Oakland Avenue.
Public Plaza The public plaza becomes a destination for many as it provides a much needed public green space but also direct access to the commercial elements housed at the building’s plinth.
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Interior Environment Co-Working Space The co-working space provided at the second level of the commercial plinth opens out to a low roof providing sweeping views of the complex as well as a unique workspace for the warmer months. This level is intended as a buffer between the unimpeded access of the first floor and the privacy of the tower residences above.
Residential Public Space As with most residential buildings, space within individual units is limited. Shared public space helps alleviate the lack of square footage within individual units and provides for chance encounters with other dwellers. Rectangular masses project from the facade of the buildings indicating these light-filled public gathering spaces.
PROGRESSION // VOL I
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