Silence of the Cows by Whitney R. Carter by whitney carter

SLAUGHTERHOUSE Silence of the Cows

A Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of the Architecture Department in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Architecture in Architecture Savannah College of Art and Design

By Whitney R. Carter Savannah, GA May 2013

Figure i.1

i.4

ONE

i.2 i.3

PRELUDE

i.1

media.kansascity.com manipulated by author collage by author www.cattleslaughter.com manipulated by author photograph by author

1.1

1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9

1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17

1.18 1.19 1.20 1.21 1.22

List of Figures 1

www.bullfightingmaza. blogspot.com manipulated by author diagram by author http://blog.katiecurrid photo.com diagram by author http://blog.katiecurridphoto.com photograph by author grandinlivestockhandlingsystems.com grandinlivestockhandlingsystems.com www.meatprocessingeqipment.com www.thebloodbath.com kansascitystar.com freakinnews.com www.meatprocessingeqipment.com www.plantsforhumanhealth.com corbisimages.com webpages.scu.edu processingplants.edy/theline.com photograph by author photograph by author www.wiley.com Australia_SuspendsLiveCattle+Exports+Indonesi a+h27F81NJp-tl.com photograph by author

2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9

2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14

2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43

blog.fattonybmx.com manipulated by author incogman.net africa-african-animalscow-grey-noir-et-blancFavim.com-38126.com incogman.net incogman.net www.spanishspeakingworld.com www.zimbio.com http://running-of-the bulls-pamplona-tours blogspot.com http://www.pecosrodeo. net/rodeo.asp www.media.housingthesecret.com www.freakingnew.com www.learningthewaysofbecomingavegan.com www.learningthewaysofbecomingavegan.com www.processingplantsystems.com www.kansascitystar.com photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author diagram by author collage by author www.cabanaforcows.com photograph by author diagram by author www.feedlots.org diagram by author photograph by author photograph by author www.grandinlivestockhandlingsystems.com photograph by author photograph by author diagram by author photograph by author www.stockmanship.com www.leonardcattlecompany.com diagram by author collage by author www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com

2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62

www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com www.cattlebreeds.com photograph by author diagram by Temple Grandin photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author blog.fattonybmx.com manipulated by author

THREE

TWO 2.1

3.1

3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9

3.10 3.11

3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 3.19

3.20 3.21

3.22 3.23 3.24 3.25 3.26 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30 3.31 3.32

Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author Google Map, manipulated by author photograph by author

3.34 3.35 3.36 3.37 3.38 3.39 3.40 3.41 3.42 3.43 3.44 3.45 3.46 3.47 3.48 3.49 3.50 3.51 3.52 3.53 3.54

Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author photograph by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author photograph by author photograph by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author photograph by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author Google Map, manipulated by author collage by author

FOUR FIVE

3.33

4.1

4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16

blog.fattonybmx.com manipulated by author photograph by author photograph by author diagram by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by mackenzie carter classyposts.blogspot.com diagram by author collage by author

5.1

5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 5.9 5.10 5.11 5.12 5.13 5.14 5.15 5.16 5.17 5.18 5.19 2.20 5.21 5.22 5.23 5.24 5.25 5.26 5.27 5.28 5.29 5.30 5.31 5.32 5.33 5.34 5.35 5.36 5.37 5.38 5.39 5.40 5.41 5.42 5.43 5.44 5.45 5.46

www.cattleslaughter.com manipulated by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author collage by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author collage by author

SEVEN

SIX 6.1

6.2 6.3 6.4

6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 6.10 6.11 6.12

6.13 6.14 6.15 6.16 6.17 6.18 6.19 6.20 6.21 6.22 6.23 6.24 6.25 6.26 6.27 6.28 6.29 6.30 6.31 6.32 6.33 6.34 6.35 6.36 6.37 6.38 6.39 6.40 6.41 6.42 6.43 6.44 6.45 6.46 6.47 6.48 6.49 6.50

www.meattradennewsdaily.co.us.com Image manipulated by author photograph by author photograph by author Google map, manipulated by author diagram by author diagram by author www.animalhandling.org www.foodarts.com www.workingtheland.com www.animalhandling.org www.animalhandling.org www.grandinlivestockhandlingsystem.com diagram by author diagram by author media.kansascity.com corbisimages.com corbisimages.com photograph by author diagram by author Google map, manipulated by author sketch by author sketch by author sketch by author diagrams by author diagram by author photograph by author model & photo by author photograph by author photograph by author model & photo by author model & photo by author diagram by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author diagram by author diagram by author photograph by author diagram by author photograph by author diagram by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author diagram by author diagram by author model & photo by author

6.51 6.52 6.53 6.54 6.55 6.56 6.57 6.58 6.59 6.60 6.61 6.62 6.63 6.64 6.65 6.66 6.67 6.68 6.69 6.70 6.71 6.72 6.73 6.74 6.75 6.76 6.77 6.78 6.79

model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author model & photo by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author photograph by author

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 7.9 7.10 7.11 7.12 7.13 7.14 7.15 7.16 7.17 7.18 7.19 7.20 7.21 7.22 7.23 7.24 7.25 7.26 7.27 7.28 7.29 7.30 7.31 7.32 7.33 7.34 7.35 7.36 7.37

texasobserver.org image by author image by author photograph by author photograph by author diagram by author diagram by author diagram by author diagram by author plan by author plan by author plan by author plan by author diagram by author perspective by author diagram by author perspective by author diagram by author section by author section by author section by author section by author diagram by author diagram by author diagram by author diagram by author diagram by author perspective by author perspective by author perspective by author perspective by author perspective by author perspective by author perspective by author collage by author final boards by author exhibition by author

i.2 “Entering the Sublime” Collage by author

As a progressive nation, questions

employees

have

concerned

the turnover rate exceeds 100%

food consumers; their persistent

annually in these facilities due

demands for answers and change

have reformed the food industry.

and expectations. As cattle enter

The abundance of commercially

the high stress environment of

processed food consumed in the

a slaughterhouse facility, they

United States is staggering and

respond to fear by unpredictable

empowers the food processing

flight

industry

own

inhumane treatment and injury

Slaughterhouses

to animals and employees and

arisen

from

control

regulations.

their

have become a mass industry,

the

clearly

unbearable

responses

evident;

conditions

resulting

ultimately lower profit margins.

capitalizing on the high demand for meat. It is the only type of factory that live animals enter one end and exit packaged in a box ready for human consumption at the other end primarily by utilization of human labor rather than mechanized equipment. The high demand for meat consumption results in unfortunate, harmful

This thesis seeks to understand the relationship between the built environment of slaughterhouses and its users. By understanding the psychology of cattle and employees, I plan to design a slaughterhouse conducive to the physical and emotional psyche of employees while creating a calm environment for cattle resulting in higher profits and better quality meat for consumers. Incorporating the intricacies of architecture in a slaughterhouse based upon the intrinsic nature of cattle for natural flow enhances the reciprocal interaction between employees and animals.

conditions in slaughterhouses for employees and cattle due to mass production

requirements.

Even

though monumental advancements have

been

made

past

decade,

during

the

slaughterhouse

employees continue to experience

SLAUGHTERHOUSE Silence of the Cows

high levels of emotional trauma resulting

from

the

continual

slaughtering process in the built

Whitney Carter

environment. The psychological suffering

Thesis Abstract

slaughterhouse 6

May 2013

Figure i.3

Thursday

to let them go. He checked the

morning Brent Collins, a cattle

carcasses that afternoon and found

producer

low-stress

that the meat was slightly darker

handling techniques, walks the

than usual but no “dark cutters.”

herd of about eighty head from

He inspected the carcasses after

their paddock to the corral and

aging; again everything appeared

sorts out five to seven head;

okay. After delivery he questioned

this takes about thirty minutes.

the butchers; they were unanimous

The animals are then loaded and

that the meat appeared normal,

hauled to the abattoir, fifteen miles

even tenderer than usual.

“Early

each

employing

distance, where they are killed shortly after arrival. One week

The next morning almost

he was out of town, so he made

all the meat in the display

arrangements for others to bring

cases had turned grey:

the animals to the plant. The “help”

The shelf life had been

arrived, complete with horses and

essentially reduced

dogs, and brought the herd to the

to zero days. He lost

corral in the “traditional” manner;

seven head of beef,

approximately two hours were

considerable effort, and

required. The animals were finally

three accounts as a result

corralled, whereupon they broke

of well-intentioned but

down one side and escaped. After

inappropriate handling.”

lunch the corral was repaired, the animals recaptured, loaded, and hauled to the abattoir; by this time it was mid-afternoon, too late to be processed that day. The owner returned that night, learned what had happened and, because he sells meat and not animals, was concerned. At first light he was at the abattoir to inspect the animals; Figure i.4 Photograph by author O P PO S ITE pg.9

they appeared calm. Since he had market commitments, he decided 10

Burt Smith

Figure 1.1

175

h e a d o f c a ttle slaughtered

PER HOUR

400

Rendered Unconscious by

person

1992

2012

1996

29 plants slaughtered 2/3 of the nations’s cattle

In 1980, the country’s fifty largest beef packing companies and one hundred, three individual plants accounted for slaughtering two-thirds of the nation’s cattle. By 1992, twenty-nine plants were slaughtering that percentage of animals. In 1996 more than forty percent of the nation’s cattle were killed in eleven plants that slaughter more than one million animals each year.1 As the number

11 plants slaughtered 40% of the nations’s cattle

of slaughtered cattle rise per year the number of plants that facilitate killing

decreases,

eliminating

smaller meat processing plants and allowing facilities that rapidly 4 plants slaughtered 80% of the nations’s cattle

slaughter cattle to survive in the industry. One facility can kill up to 400 head of cattle an hour, vastly different from twenty years ago when the slaughter average was 175 per hour. From August to September of 2012, three million head were killed in all USDA inspected plants.2 The numbers are staggering; it is evident that the factory-like slaughterhouses have taken over the industry.

Figure 1.2 Diagram depicting the industry’s transformation

Line speeds are the cause

speed of production; a faster pace

difficult to butcher the carcasses

for the great deduction of smaller

means higher profits.”

A faster

with the care necessary to prevent

meat processing plants; over the

line speed ultimately reduces the

this kind of contamination. The

past thirty years slaughterhouses

quality of employee performance

result is meat contaminated with

have increased the rate of line

in order to keep up with a quota

bacteria that cause foodborne

speeds giving them the ability to

expected by the employer. “In

illness.” 4

slaughter more cattle. Line speeds

order to assure the safety of the

must meet the demand of volume

meat supply, processors must

resulting in high risks of inhumane

make efforts to keep feces from

slaughter practices, food-safety

spreading

problems,

The

intestines or hides onto the tables

economics of the industry only

and tools for butchering, along

encourage

speeds.

with the meat itself. But because

“The money a slaughterhouse

the production lines are forced to

earns is directly related to the

move so quickly, it is exceedingly

and faster

injuries. line

from

the

animals’ pg.15 Figure 1.3 The picture portrays cattle being “stuck”, blood draining from their body and then skin being cut away OPPOSI TE pg.16 Figure 1.4 diagram by author expressing the increased line speeds over a certain period of time ABOVE

One

would

think

the

suppliers handle and slaughter

comes with a government seal of

government would play a vital role

animals

1999

approval on the package.”6 Since

in regulating what goes in and what

McDonald’s hired Temple Grandin

the government has to verify that

comes out of slaughterhouses, but

to devise an auditing system

meat has been inspected by a

the reality is that the government

for

that

certified veterinarian and inspector,

does little to modify the system

provide the chain’s meat. Prior

consumers assume that the meat

as the nation progresses. The fast

to McDonald’s shift for humane

is safe to eat. Common sense

food industry has impacted the

treatment, many slaughterhouses

begs to question how several

meat processing industry more so

had excessive line speeds and

inspectors in one meat processing

than the government. “In 1970,

improper stunning that resulted

facility

Americans spent about $6 billion

in animals being dismembered

four hundred head of slaughtered

on fast food; in 2000, they spent

while conscious. Even though

cattle an hour for fecal matter,

more than $110 billion. Americans

Grandin and McDonald’s showed

traces of diseases, and SRMs

now spend more money on fast

the country that there is a way to

(specified risk materials, animals

food than on higher education,

humanely kill cattle, an excessive

that

personal

amount

spongiform

computers,

computer

humanely;

the

slaughterhouses

meat

processing

can

thoroughly

potentially

carry

inspect

bovine

encephalopathy

software, or new cars combined.”5

facilities continue to dismember

“mad cow disease”), to name

The “McLibel” trail was a turning

animals while conscious because

a few. Obviously, the quality of

point

there is no penalty.

inspection is seriously jeopardized

the

fast

food

and

Department

and many animal carcasses are

trial exposed McDonald’s for low

of Agriculture (USDA) regulates

carelessly left in the system with

pay, exploitative advertising, and

all meat production and sales in

the potential for carrying diseases

cruelty to animals. McDonald’s

the U.S., and meat is the only

for human consumption due to

now

consumer product in the U.S. that

corporations maximizing profits.

slaughterhouse

requires

industry.

that

its

The

meat

“The

U.S.

Tom Devine, a slaughterhouse employee, was interviewed about his

working

experiences

and

the roles and expectations of inspectors and veterinarians. He stated:

“If the veterinarian has enough time, he should be walking through the kill floor to look at things, going into the pen area to see if there are any downers, to see what’s going on. He should be supervising. But you can’t supervise when you’ve got to work the line. In most plants, inspectors are only required to look at 5 to 10 percent of live animals in motion, so most of the time no one’s seeing what goes on in the pens. On the other hand, the inspectors on large kill floors are usually a few hundred feet from the stunning area, and there’s so much equipment between them that they can hardly see what’s going on over there. Let’s say you have seven inspectors on the line. The line is moving and each inspector’s station has a specific job. Now, say one of the inspectors who is supposed to be examining the hearts tells the plant foreman to call you-the vet- and tell you something inhumane is going on. As a supervisor, the first thing you’re going to ask is, “How do you know that was happening? If you saw that, then who was doing your job? That’s neglect of duty.”7

Devine

energy or walking long distances

potential diseased carcasses to be

would

identified. Food-borne diseases kill

slaughterhouses poorly examine

identify animals showing signs of

five million people a year; through

cattle. If veterinarians inspected

illness immediately. It is important

the use of architectural design, lives

the

for a facility to be designed with

could be spared.

example

portrayed of

majority

motioned

into

typical

how

some

cattle

chute

better

equipped

for

the users as highest priority, for

slaughter, downers (animals that

the building to function to its best

are unable to walk or stand)

potential. Designing a building’s

would be noticed and immediately

program around cattle and humans

examined

is merging two very different types

for

the

before

disease

and

dehydrated cattle would be given

perceptions

and

behaviors.

water and food for replenishment.

efficient

and

effectively

A facility designed for efficient pen

designed facility should address

inspection without exerting much

the inhumane issues and allow 18

OPPOSI TE pg.17 Figure 1.5 After cattle are stunned (expressed by the hole in the head) also known as rendered unconscious, they “bleed out” cuasing death

The process an animal

their fate in the holding pens

unconscious, if the captive bolt

takes from being born to slaughter

depending on the severity of the

device works properly. They are

is not an attractive experience.

weather conditions. Water and

shackled by one back leg and

Cattle are often raised at feedlots

food must be provided for them

hoisted in the air. Someone then

where

while they are in these corrals but

“sticks” them resulting in the

livestock are provided a balanced

if one is “down,” it might not make

animal to bleed out from their

and nutritious diet for the purpose

it to the nourishment needed to

throat, taking up to eight minutes.

of producing beef of a consistent

survive. Holding pens often hold

The animals are skinned and the

quality and quantity) and then

around twenty head of cattle,

head and legs are removed. Next,

transported to a slaughterhouse.

making it easier to move them

the animal is eviscerated and cut

Depending

weather

to the slaughtering chute in a

in half by a giant saw, followed by

conditions, animals may become

controlled and calm manner. The

employees that butcher down the

dehydrated

cattle are taken from the holding

meat. Each step can cause harm

transport or freeze to the side of

pen and moved in a single file

to the cattle or employees, all

steel trailers while still alive. If

path that leads to a conveyor belt,

of the operations are conducted

an animal is frozen to the side

resulting in them straddling the

manually with a knife or saw.

of a trailer many facilities won’t

conveyor belt. Cattle will baulk if

wait for them to thaw; they wrap

they sense something unsettling;

a chain around them and pull,

the conveyor belt picks them up

ripping off any body part that is

without the animals realizing that

attached, a whole limb or just their

the surface under their hooves has

hide. After the cattle are herded

changed, eliminating baulking and

off the trucks they are stationed

running the opposite direction. The

in holding pens awaiting their turn

conveyor takes them to the knock

to be slaughtered. Some meet

box where they are rendering

managed

on and

facility

the die

while

1. Cattle arrive via truck or rail 2. Placed in holding pens 3. Moved, single file, from holding pens to stun area 4. Cattle are rendered unconscious 5. Carotid artery and jugular vein is severed with a knife. The blood drains from the body, causing death through exsanguination 6. Hang them upside down by both of their hind legs and place them on the processing line 7. Remove head and feet 8. Remove hide 9. Remove internal organs 10. Cut carcass in half 11. Chill carcases 12. Cut the chilled carcase into primal cuts 13. The meat is exported

Figures 1.6-1.18 The sequence of pictures portrays the slaughtering process.

LEFT TO RIG HT pg.19-20

Figure 1.19 Photograph by author taken outside a slaughterhouse in Kansas City. By-products of cattle are often loaded into trucks that hauls them to another factory for application of future products.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The OIE guidelines for animal welfare state that methods of

profit is everything, cattle must go

restraint that cause avoidable suffering should not be used.

through the process as calm as

For instance, suspending or hoistin g conscious animals by

possible to obtain higher grade of

the feet or legs, breaking legs, cutti ng leg tendons, blinding

meat.

by poking out eyes, severing the spinal cord with a puntilla

The psychological impact

(dagger), or electrical immobilization with currents that are

that the slaughtering process has

not sufficient to cause loss of sensibility.â&#x20AC;? 8

on cattle is traumatic. If cattle are able to watch others being

These guidelines had to be put into

slaughtered, as in the Jewish

place because employees were

culture, they start to shake and

committing acts of abuse. Animals

become

have a strong sense of fear and

themselves and the employees

can tell that something horrific

in close proximity. There is no

might happen causing them to

reason that an animal, even one

baulk and do whatever they can to

bred for the consumption of meat

not enter the unknown. Employees

should experience the fear and

get fed up with animals that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

cruelty when it is easily avoided.

want to move forward and they

There must be a common sense

take out their frustration and

approach to the treatment of

anger on the animal (responding

animals for the consumption of

meat. Animal rights activists have

made the

fear). huge

Temple

Grandin

from

hurting

valid concerns for the treatment

holding

of animals; the meat industry

advancements

progression

uncontrollable,

pens to the knock box, keeping

addresses

cattle calm and stress free. It

animals from the standpoint of

is extremely important to keep

profit. I feel passionately that both

cattle calm until they are stunned

sides of the debate have valid

because the more agitated an

concerns that can be addressed

animal becomes; the more likely

to the satisfaction of both with an

it is to harm itself which causes

architecturally designed facility that

bruising. Bruised meat means a

promotes the humane treatment

lower grade of meat resulting in a

of animals and the profitable

lower profit. In an industry where

business of producing safe, quality

the

treatment

meat for human consumption.

“Meat inspectors in the US go

According to the humane slaughter

on record stating that, due to

law, all animals must be rendered

inspection policies developed in

insensible

stunning

collusion with the meat industry,

attempt, industry guidelines aim for

they are virtually powerless to

ninety-five percent to ninety-nine

enforce

percent

effectiveness,

Stopping the production line for

even if all slaughter plants were

any reason results in lost revenue,

able to meet these standards,

and “whistle blowers” may discover

it would mean that 1.8 million

that they no longer have a job.”9

with

stunning

one

slaughterhouse

cattle may be killed inhumanely each year in the Unites States. 24

laws.

Figure 1.20 This picture showcases the environment that employees are subjected to everyday. Design based upon efficiency is great but lacks design based upon the occupants. As pictured above the ground level employees witness cattle being dismembered without any other stimulus to neutralize their perception.

ABOVE Pg.24

There are three types of

slaughter

plants

meat product to an individual

operating

for his or her personal use.

in the U.S.; federally inspected

Neither the facility nor individual

for interstate commerce, state

requesting the meat can sell the

inspected for intrastate commerce,

product for profit. The animals, as

and custom for personal, non-

well as the products produced,

commercial

that

are not inspected, but the facilities

transport meat between states

are expected to meet sanitary

significantly slaughter the most

standards. All products are to be

animals

federally

marked “Not for Sale.”10 Mobile

inspected for interstate commerce.

slaughtering units are considered

These interstate plants specialize

farm slaughtering procedure. It is

in a particular animal even being

gaining popularity, but will never

specific

size,

produce as much meat as the

allowing for plants to handle large

large, factory processing plants.

volumes of animals while killing

Many organic, local restaurants

at a faster rate; two eight hour

are using mobile slaughtering for

shifts further increase production.

their meat; not every state can

State

intrastate

benefit from these units, laws

commerce, small slaughterhouses

have to be passed individually by

transport within the state. Many

state for the sale by these units.

smaller slaughterhouses do not

Location is crucial for the placement

survive in the industry; Economic

of slaughterhouses. Since the

Research Service stated that ten

consolidation of these facilities in

percent of small plants last only

the past twenty years, they are

ten years. They are classified

located in close proximity to the

Inspected,”

large cattle feedlots of Nebraska,

many small plants survive in the

Kansas, eastern Colorado, and the

industry because they meet local

Texas panhandle. “States with the

or special demands and slaughter

highest total number of livestock

multiple

slaughter plants include Iowa,

use.

Plants

KI known

shape

inspected

for

“Non-Federally

animal

and

species

and

different animal types. Custom

Kansas,

plants slaughter animals for a

Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and

specific owner and return the

Wisconsin. However, while some

Montana,

Nebraska,

agricultural agencies and federal

wholesome, and correctly labeled

Pennsylvania, Texas) have high

FSIS

and packaged.”13

numbers of both federal and

state plants.”12 States fall into a

with the inspection programs is

non-federal plants, others have a

certain category and follow those

there isn’t consistency throughout

high number of small non-federal

guidelines. Twenty states including

all of the plants resulting in

plants, but relatively few plants

federal, state, and custom plants

many animals not being humanly

under federal inspection. Montana,

are under authority of the USDA.

treated. Auditors have a specific

for example, had a total of 204

Inspections

plants

date and time for inspection, the

plants in 2007, of which only eight

are administered by FSIS while

plants have a schedule of their

were federally inspected.”11 The

state and custom plants have

inspection times and play by the

idea that slaughterhouses should

inspectors by state personnel.

rules as one employee said. They

be in close relation to feedlots is

Nine states have inspectors from

turn up the electric shot for bolt

beneficial for the transportation

the USDA that inspect federal

guns resulting in more animals

aspect but is very environmentally

plants and state and custom are

knocked unconscious but has the

damaging.

Twenty-Eight

conducted by state personnel.

potential to harm the quality of the

Hour Law of 1877 states that

Eighteen states are under the

meat, the line speed decreases

animals cannot be transported

authority of the USDA for federal

on inspection day so workers can

by rail carrier, express carrier, or

plants with the inspection by FSIS

thoroughly do their jobs but do not

common carrier for no more than

and state and custom plants are

make as much profit. Employees

twenty-eight consecutive hours, if

by state personnel. And there

do not abuse the animals in the

a route takes longer than twenty-

are three states that classify

holding pens, but the job is more

eight hours, there must be an

federal and state plants under

difficult and takes longer to get

admission for five hours where the

the authority of the USDA with

cattle to the “knocker.” These are

animals are unloaded to rest, eat,

inspection administered by FSIS

only a few examples of what plant

and drink.

and custom plants conducted by

authorities expect from employees

“The designated status

state personnel with the FSIS

when inspectors are on location.

of an individual slaughter plant

supervision. The Food Safety and

Once again, time is money in

as being either federal or state

Inspection Service (FSIS) is the

the slaughterhouse industry. All

does

indicate

public health agency in the United

slaughterhouses want increased

what agency is responsible for

States Department of Agriculture.

line speed in order to make

conducting inspections, including

The FSIS is “responsible for

greater profit. It is noted that some

those related to humane slaughter,

ensuring

nation’s

facilities address the concern of

commercial

meat,

treating animals in a humane

poultry, and egg products is safe,

manner, but the majority do not.1

these

states

(Nebraska,

personnel

inspect

federal

some

The problem

LL not

some

The

necessarily

federal

plants

are

inspected by employees of state

that

the

supply

“Die Bitch, Die” John Hamm’s job was to slit cattle’s thorat on the line; he would catch himself unknowningly yell “die bitch, die” when alive cattle arrived at his station. He would have to slit their throat while they were conscious due to the stunner’s inability to respond to the increased line speeds even though he was already stunning 6-7 head per minute. 28

Meat

years ago. Yes, the times have

Inspection Act of 1906 required

changed and more meat is being

government

The

Federal oversight

consumed, demanding a faster line

around

the

speed and more meat to produce,

same time that Upton Sinclair

but the quality and contamination

released his book, The Jungle.

level should not decrease.

slaughterhouses

The scope of the law was limited to

food

safety

while

Sinclair

Temple Grandin is the reason

slaughterhouses

exposed the abuse that occurred

progressed

in slaughterhouses. Cruelty and

slaughter animals at the same fast

methods

slaughterhouses

pace but more humanely. The only

have been a concern since the

reason her ideas were accepted in

late 1880s, there are reports and

the industry is they could make a

meetings held about the abuse

higher profit due to the animals

but hardly anything has been

being calm accommodating the

implemented

humane

need for a faster line speed and

killing of animals. If anything, laws

to appease activists. What is the

have become more lax and have

next step in the progression of

actually exterminated regulations

slaughterhouses? Can architecture

in the laws so slaughterhouses

change the harsh conditions of

won’t be penalized for the abuse.

slaughterhouses?

for

the

In one instance, the makeup of ground

hamburger

meat

has

changed in the last ten years. Now hamburger meat can consist of tendons and other ground up portions of the animal, the

the

have

cows. The chain goes too fast, more than 300 cows an hour....If I can’t get the animal knocked right, it keeps going....The chain doesn’t

THE COWS A RE G E TTING HUNG DE AD O R AL IV E.”

stop. It keeps running. It never stops.

idea because more of the animal is being utilized but the quality is degraded. Also, laws about have

An abattoir employee said, “There’s a problem for me with knocking the

government thinks this is a good

contamination

ability

changed

and more meat is allowed to be contaminated in contrast to ten 29

1.21

Figure 1.21

The industry is like the chain, line speed, it will never stop. It is an industry that affects every person in the country Grandin has shown that the industry will accept advances but there has to be monumental ideas for the industry to change. Can architecture be the next advancement?

“Don’t ask what I do, See what I saw.” Luis Barragan

architectural

formed

experience

through

culmination

of space, color, light, and the phenomenon of how a space is perceived. Surroundings influence and engage an individual either subconsciously creating

consciously,

repertoire

provocations. Don’t ask what I do, see what I saw, is an influential quote because it is saying to look beyond an object as a whole and engage the lived body with the influences that created the object.

Endnotes

1 Grandin, Temple. “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” Journal American Veterinary Medical Association 209 (1996): 757-59. http://www.grandin.com/references/ abstract-14.html. 2 “Livestock Slaughter.” Livestock Slaughter. September 21, 2012. Accessed October 02, 2012. http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/ MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1096. 3 “Line Speeds in Meat and Poultry Plants.” American Meat Institute. August 2009. Accessed October 3, 2012. http://www.meatami. com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/53060. 4 Grandin, “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” 5 Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the AllAmerican Meal. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. 6 Johnson, Steve. “The Politics of Meat.” PBS. Accessed September 20, 2012. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/meat/ politics/. 7 Grandin, “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” 8 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007.

O P PO S ITE pg.31 Figure 1.22 The image is a potatoe cut in half. A knife and ink was used to transform the potatoe into something else. Just as Luis Barragan said, “Don’t ask what I do, see what I saw”, look past the object and see what the object has to offer to change an idea or perception. Photograph by author

9 Grandin, “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” 10 PBS. Accessed October 08, 2012. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ pages/frontline/shows/meat/slaughter/slaughterhouse.html. 11 Grandin, “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” 12 Grandin, “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” 13 “Line Speeds in Meat and Poultry Plants.” American Meat Institute. August 2009. Accessed October 3, 2012. http://www.meatami. com/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/53060. 32

The culture of cattle varies depending on the region of the world. They are respected in different magnitudes. In America the respect is lost, cattle are seen as objects. The culture of cattle in Africa is drastically different from America. Many tribes depend on cattle to make money or trade for other necessities. Tribes act as America’s feedlots. The tribes herd cattle to locations that have water; cattle are not confined in areas supplied with hormones, steroids, and vitamins. African herders rely on cattle for their daily means of survival. They apply cattle’s urine and dried feces to their bodies to ward off flies and other insects. In certain tribes when the head of a village dies, his grave is covered with cattle horns. Maasai, an African warrior tribe, beliefs and lives revolve around cattle. When the earth and sky parted, the rain God, Ngai, PREVIO US PAG E pg.34

entrusted cattle to them. Wealth

Figure 2.1

to the Maasai is measured in the

Figure 2.2 A boy uses urine from a cow to ward off flies and insects. MIDD LE Figure 2.3 An African herding tribe decorates the horns of animals. BO TTOM pg.35 Figure 2.4 Water is scarce in parts of Africa; herding tribes will relocate their cattle according to places with water. Tribes will protect their watering hole and cattle with guns, not allowing other tribes to access the water. ABO V E pg.35

number of cattle. They believe by drinking cattle’s blood their body will become stronger. When the blood is exerted from the bovine, they do not let it die; they tend to it until it fully recovers.

O P PO S ITE pg.36 Figure 2.5 A boy is pictured with an animal from the herd. As young children they grow up caring for the animals.

ENTERTAINMENT 1. The act of entertaining 2. Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or show

[farflex dictionary]

Unlike parts of Africa or India where cattle are looked at as sacred creatures given to them by God, America among other counties recognize cattle as entertainment and

food.

Entertainment

such

as bull riding and bullfighting stem

from

traditions

countries

established as a means to live. Bull riding and other rodeo events are derived from common skills and

practices

cowboys

used

herding and maintaining cattle several hundred years ago. Now rodeos are for pure entertainment just like bullfighting and running of the bulls. People perceive these events as exciting, social events. As we continue to carry on the traditions, the lack of respect is lost in the animals we see as Figure 2.6 Matador bullfighting in Spain is a common tradition practiced weekly. Many tourists flock to the matador provoke bulls to their death. All the bulls are butchered after their death. MIDD LE pg.37 Figure 2.7 Bull fighting in China is an event held to whose bull is stronger much like chicken fighting in America. BO TTOM pg.37 Figure 2.8 Running of the bulls in Spain is prior to the bulls death in the event of bullfighting. People from all over the world travel to Spain to participate. TOP pg.37

entertainment.

pg.38 Figure 2.9 Rodeo, an event held for cowboys to test their skills is common in America and Canada.

O P PO S ITE

The to

built

environment

human-made

Figure 2.11 Workers segregating

refers

resources

stomach contents. Notice the carcasses at the top of the picture; a worker cuts the stomach out which falls onto a conveyor while the carcass moves on another conveyor in the opposite direction.

infrastructure designed to support human activity, such as buildings, roads, and parks.1 The health of the built environment’s users can be determined by the characteristics of

the

built

environment

and

whether it positively or negatively impacts

the

environment

users. is

The

designed

built

Figure 2.12 Employees’ tool for cutting, trimming, and dismembering is a knife. Unlike other factories where machines are utilized to produce a product, humans’ hands are the machines. The majority of injuries are from the knife.

for

either functionality for maximum efficiency (a factory) or for a space to enhance the quality of

Figure 2.13 An employee trims fat from a carcass.

life. The latter is extremely broad, encompassing

temporary

and

permanent structures intended to impact the way a person interacts with the surrounding setting. The

Figure 2.14 A dehiding machine

perception and interpretation of

pulls cattle’s hide off. There are numerous instances of employee’s limbs getting caught in the machine, ripping them off.

space are as individualized as the basis of utilization for each user.

Colors,

light,

materials,

scale, and feeling are all part of

the

experiential,

emotional

2.15 After cattle are stunned, they travel further down a processing line. In this picture, the worker in the far back on the stand is slitting their throats; the cattle to the right are now bleeding out.

Figure

attachment someone experiences when engaging a space. On many levels, slaughterhouses are part of the built environment and

pg.39 Figure 2.10 Inspectors inspecting the carcass before further dismembering.

OPPOSI TE

directly affect the emotional and physical responses of the cattle and employees.

During an interview with Temple Grandin, I asked her, “What would be an advantage of redesigning the built environment?” She answered simply, “The safety of employees.” 40

TOP pg.41 Figure 2.16 Cattle become comfortable with familiar daily patterns. The feed truck delivers food daily; cattle will run to the familiar area where the food is disposed. Cattle not familiar with patterns or objects will have the reverse response. Photograph by author MIDD LE pg.41 Figure 2.17 Cattle in feedlots become accustomed to built environments and humans. Over a certain period of time they will start to act differently when they become comfortable in their designated area. Photograph by author BO TTOM pg.41 Figure 2.18 Cattle are hardy creatures. They are outside in all types of weather and conditions. Their weight is highly monitored; in the extreme heat or cold, cattle have to gain weight to be marketable. Photograph by author

slaughtered. The importance of

series of critical and detrimental

understanding and implementing

journeys through their lifetime.

design strategies is crucial to

The importance of raising healthy

provide

cattle is essential for large scale

that is conducive to the safety

cattle operations to be profitable

and welfare of the animals in a

and can only be achieved by

feedlot and slaughterhouse. Since

acute awareness in maintaining

feedlots condition cattle through

an individualized responsive to

a feeding system, they become

each animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health status and

aware

stress

detrimental

the built environment. At this

journey most cattle endure is due

momentous point in cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifetime

to the unfavorable conditions to

they start to grow accustomed to

which they are subjected; in a

the interaction with people and

relatively short life span, these

man-made features that seemed

are the only conditions they have

experienced and thus to which

to the feedlot transition. The

they are accustomed. Cattle that

infrastructure of the environment

are raised for meat encounter

has to support animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; natural

the built environment on a daily

habits

basis and are impacted by their

weight performance and stress

perception of space which has a

levels. Also, the efficiency of the

direct correlation to the effective

infrastructure is paramount, the

or ineffective space design of a

ease of workability in a feedlot

specific

Ultimately,

is crucial to be able to feed

the financial success of cattle

thousands of cattle daily while

operations is dependent upon

checking if they show symptoms

the effectiveness of the built

of being sick and to be able to

environment. Beef cattle, cattle

herd them from pens to loading

raised for their meat, are raised on

ramps without subjecting them to

range or pasture land for twelve to

harm.

Cattle

level.

embark

The

operation.

eighteen months and transferred to a feedlot for finishing for three to six months before being 42

foreign

thus

built

their

environment

surroundings,

objects

impacting

their

Cattle are raised on pasture land

their bodies to a scientifically

These

for the majority of their lives, 12-18

balanced diet to gain a desired

reveal that cattle that have been

months. After they have attained

weight for maximum profit. It can

exposed to numerous conditions

a certain weight, weaned, and

be a traumatic experience for

are healthier and less stressed

vaccinated, they are transported

them; unfamiliar objects, people,

resulting in higher quality meat

to a feedlot for finishing. Cattle will

and

and higher profits.

spend three to six months in a

them emotionally and physically.

feedlot, gaining 2.5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 pounds per

There are two categories of cattle

day. The formula that is rationed

received: preconditioned and non-

to them averages a 70% to 90%

preconditioned.

weight gain. Cattle will gain about

calves

1 pound for every 6 pounds of

vaccinated, accustomed to people,

feed they consume. There are two

while having the knowledge to

types of cattle feeding operations:

acquire water and feed through

the

and

bunks and tanks. Preconditioned

Commercial

cattle remain less stressed upon

feedlots have more than 1,000

arrival, healthier, and maintain a

head capacity and farmer-feeder

steady increase of weight. Non-

feedlots have less than 1,000

preconditioned

head. Commercial feedlots either

hard time adjusting to their new

own cattle, feed cattle owned by

environment. Non-weaned calves

someone else, or a combination.

are 3-4 more times more likely to

Farmer-feeder

are

contract bovine respiratory disease

decreasing due to the efficiency

upon arrival. Non-preconditioned

and profitability of a large scale

cattle gain less daily weight than

feedlot. Butchers and niche market

preconditioned and the health cost

entrepreneurs have a desire for

for a non-preconditioned bovine is

locally

6.13% while a preconditioned is

the

commercial

feeder

farmer-feeder.

owned

feedlots

cattle,

whereas

stores distributing beef to an abundant amount of people will be supplied by commercial feedlots. A feedlot is a place where cattle from various backgrounds come to be raised while introducing

surroundings

1.48%.

have

can

impact

Preconditioned been

cattle

numbers

Pasture Land 12-18 Months

weaned,

have

ABOVE pg.44 Figure 2.19 Cattle grazing in Tennessee. Photograph by author MI DDL E pg.44 Figure 2.20 A feedlot in Alliance, Nebraska. Photograph by author BOTTOM pg.44 Figure 2.21 Cattle trucks arriving at a slaughterhouse in Omaha. Photograph by author

staggering

Feedlot 3-6 Months

Abattoir Life Span: 15-24 Months

Figure 2.22 Cattle at a feedlot in Alliance, Nebraska. Photograph by author BELO W pg.45-46 Figure 2.23 Graph depicting the life cycle at a feedlot. By author ABO V E pg.45

Days at a Feedlot

Gained 2.85 lbs

1,186 lbs harvest weight

945 lbs arriving weight

per day

first

“Memories can be suppressed,

prolonged stay in a confined,

but if the animal is exposed to an

built environment that cattle are

event similar to the original, the

introduced to after becoming of age

memory may resurface.

Feedlots

are

the

to be feeder cattle. Depending on

High-strung animals have a very sensitive trigger for

the type of farm operation, owners

resurfacing memories.”2

might “imprint” animals when they are

born.

Imprinting

involves

familiarizing animals to spaces, objects, and activities, reducing their

tendencies

becoming

apprehensive in novel situations. Imprinting normally doesn’t occur in large-scale operations; there is a too large of cattle to people ratio to be effective. Many animals become familiar with a feed truck that feeds them every day and a person riding a horse, making their daily rounds checking for sick cattle. Cattle from large farms become stressed quicker

“One case involved a steer abused by a man wearing a black cowboy hat. From that point on, the steer would not come within fifty feet of a black cowboy hat, not even one lying on the ground. He was not afraid of light-colored hats, however.”3

Cattle’s

perception

of space is critically sensitive; they are hyper-aware animals. The built environment in feedlots and

slaughterhouses

must

designed considering their innate ability of sense. Since a feedlot is the first confined space they

handled

are subjected to; it is crucial that

more personally. It is easier to

the surroundings be designed

interact with cattle that have been

to control their unpredictability

familiarized with humans’ ideology

and adventurous nature to yield

of handling. Humans’ actions and

the

the built environment make an

producing healthy and stress-free

eternal response cattle have when

cattle. Cattle’s experience at a

exposed to situations. Joseph

slaughterhouse is a direct result

Ledoux, a neuroscientist at New

of the feedlot atmosphere.

than

cattle

that

are

highest

grade

York University, has proved that memories

incorporating

fear

cannot be erased from animals. 47

meat,

believe

correlation and

that

between

slaughtering

the

cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s physical and emotional

feedlots

demeanor while being transported

are

and adjusting when arriving at an

intertwined and the outcome of one

abattoir. A slaughterhouse that

affects the other. Over the past

produces

twenty years, slaughterhouses and

will

feedlots have moved closer to one

Improved emotional and physical

another, decreasing the length of

safety of employees will positively

transportation resulting in less

affect the quality of meat; the

injury and better overall physical

result is higher quality meat that

health

upon

is more profitable to the operator

delivery to the slaughterhouse.

and beef cattle industry as a

Locating proximity

and

facilities

demeanor

feedlots of

slaughterhouse

in a rural community could help

Figure 2.24 Collage by author

healthy,

improve

calm

employee

cattle safety,

The healthier an animal is when leaving a feedlot the more

opportunity. But this also shows

inclined it is to not suffer at slaughterhouses since cattle are transported

the need for a device that covers

directly from feedlots to slaughterhouses.

more area, all of the cattle are

The transportation phase

a type of structure that covers

can be long and tiring for cattle

holding

pens

especially if subjected to extreme

Newer

facilities

weather conditions. A healthier

account the need for shade and

animal will be better able to endure

incorporate shading devices over

the transport process; if an animal

the pens but normally they are

is not well when leaving a feedlot,

additions to the existing structure.

the more likely it will become a

It is very costly to add much

“downer” at the slaughterhouse

needed shading devices to protect

and become susceptible to cruel

the cattle from the abrasive sun

punishment

left

rays in the summer and the

to die or dragged by a tractor

harsh winter conditions. These

to the stunning area which is

devices are afterthoughts when

not permitted but still practiced.

they should be integrated into the

The exterior built environment

design from the start or they end

feedlots

and

possibly

composed

many features that attribute to

and

alleyways. take

into

heavily crowded underneath the shaded parts not allowing all of them access to shade. “Keeping cattle free of climatic stresses such as muddy pens and minimizing their exposure to extremely cold or hot temperatures will contribute marked changes in feed efficiency and stress levels. Cattle exposed to these stresses usually have slower gains through reduced feed consumption (particularly in times of extreme heat stress) and higher maintenance

requirements

with

resulting poor feed conversions that can lead to death.”5 Research has found that black cattle are

Figure: 2.25

more prone to heat stress than

the experience of cattle. “A few

lighter-colored

little changes in the facility can

in the feed pens or well-drained

drastically alter the movement of

pens will keep cattle dry and

the animals. A distracting detail as

mud free. Cattle fed in pens with

tiny as a contrasting-colored mat

four inches of mud will have feed

in front of the chute or a daily

efficiency lowered approximately

patch of sunshine in the main

10%.6

alley can cause animals to balk

categorizes the safety level of

The

cattle.

livestock

Mounds

industry

or turn back.4 These details, as

up not being as useful as they

the temperature and humidity as

minute as they are, greatly affect

could be. The holding pen

alert, danger, and emergency.

the efficiency of a facility.

Figure 2.25 located at a feedlot

Heat waves in 1995 and 1999

For example, the exterior built

exemplifies that cattle would utilize

resulted in estimated losses of

environment normally consists of

the shading device if given the

$20 million in Iowa and Nebraska

Figure: 2.26 Photograph by author There are three feed bins, one is on higher ground while the other two is located in muck. Observe the majority of cattle prefer the feed bin on higher ground.

alone.7

There

additional

spraying cattle with large water

because they do not require

methods that can be considered

droplets at 5-10 minute intervals

additional

when designing a space that

several times per hour, and supply

and the cost of medication is

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow cattle to be exposed

a mode of wind to cool them down

eliminated. Also, healthy cattle will

to climatic stresses as well as

in the extreme heat. It is important

have a lower death loss and a

emotional stress. For instance, not

to consider the built environment

higher rate of gain because of a

allowing cattle become overly fat,

in order to achieve the highest

consistent high-feed consumption

transporting and processing cattle

grade

pattern.â&#x20AC;?8

in the coolest time of the day,

the smallest details like a water

keeping fresh water available,

sprinkler and wind generator to

wetting

allow

the built environment can increase

cattle an opportunity to dissipate

the success of a healthy animal.

heat, supply a sprinkling system,

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Healthy cattle are less costly

down

are

pens

meat.

Incorporating

labor

for

treatment

One study proved that feedlot cattle that did not get sick had 90% greater net return than sick cattle in the same feedlot.9 To put that in perspective, one feedlot that has 16,000 head of cattle with a mortality rate of 14.2 out of 1,000 head would automatically make $1,419,930 from healthy cattle and this does not include the actual sell of the animals.

1 Feedlot

Mortality Rate

16,000 Head

14.2 Head out of 1000

Equaling

227 Head out of 16,000

The feedlot makes a 90% more net return rate [ $1,419,930 ] from healthier cattle due to the practices the feedlot implemented.

Figure: 2.27 Diagram by author

Healthy cattle maintain. One business would environment to cattle but it is intensive. 53

is not easy to would think a supply the best promote healthy costly and labor 54

Many studies have been

will utilize spaces according to

the threshold resulting in cattle

conducted on movement patterns

ease and not the intended way

balking and running the opposite

of cattle: how they eat and walk

of use especially in the realm of

direction producing a stressed

around holding pens, interact with

cattle handling where employees

animal. In abattoirs, it is crucial to

one another, angles of appropriate

are expected to work at a rapid

keep cattle calm and stress free

herding, etc. Researchers and

pace, cutting corners when they

to obtain a high grade of meat.

designers

can to make up time. Handlers

determine how cattle perceive

at feedlots and slaughterhouses

space and to understand their

often abuse cattle when herding

instincts in order to improve the

them. Cattle become nervous or

built environment thus, improving

agitated making them balk when

living conditions and maximizing

being pushed too fast and hard.

profits.

operationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Handlers with â&#x20AC;&#x153;cow senseâ&#x20AC;? realize

profitability studies indicate that

the concept of push, hold, and

the

adversely

release will move cattle in a calm

affected by the ineffective use of

and rather quick manner. When

Holding pens at feedlots are

built spaces due to the increased

herding cattle, pushing them to

confined and congested spaces

safety issues for animals and

the destination is the easiest step

cattle live in for three to six

employees. The routine interaction

once at a threshold (gate, chute,

months.

between cattle and employees is

trailer, entrance to a new space)

generous in the prerequisite for

an immediate effect of the built

the cattle will stop and observe

space per animal, requiring that

environment. Research and design

before they enter. At this critical

one acre be devoted to 100 head,

considerations can be used to

moment,

hurried

forming one holding pen, 125-250

predict the efficiency of a space,

herders will continue to push

square feet committed to a single

but designers must assume people

them and not let them observe

animal, sustaining 100-125 cattle

profit

utilize

research

Cattle marginis

unskilled

Particular

states

are

per pen. The typical, commercial Comparison of Sick vs. Healthy Cattle for Feedlot Performance

feedlot holds 100-500 head. The

Trait

Sick

Healthy

Herd Death Loss (%) Ave. Daily Gain (lb/day) Total cost of gain ($/cwt) Medicine Cost ($/hd) Net Return ($/hd) Quality Grade (%) Choice Select Standard

218 5.5 2.65 62.32 26.78 23.31

1,080 0.7 3.08 49.03 0.00 146.17

with dirt mounds located in the

37 53 10

54 43 3

troughs are integrated with the

pens utilize the natural ground middle for cattle to have a dry area to stand on, also creating a runoff for rain and urine. Feeding fence, the perimeter of the pen.

Holding pens at slaughterhouses are occupied based on abundance of cattle delivered that day and how fast they are processed. Holding pens are typically smaller containing feed and water troughs for cattle to hydrate themselves after a long journey via truck or train. Cattle are held no longer than twenty-four hours. The ability to segregate cattle is important; multiple

pens

foe

ease

isolation is critical. Holding pens at abattoirs should be shaded to protect animals from harsh weather elements. Cattle move more

fluently

through

spaces

with solid sides. In Figure 2.30, this particular holding pen is not conducive to handling cattle, there isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a shading device and the sides are open, creating spaces for cattle to get caught if they get nervous and try to jump the fence. It is important for spaces to feel comfortable and calm for cattle to move easily. Cattle are not likely to harm themselves or people if O P PO S ITE ,

ABO VE

Figure 2.28 Feedlot

pg.55

they are quiescent.

O P PO S ITE , BO TT OM pg.55

Figure 2.29 Diagram comparing sick vs healthy cattle at a feedlot. ABO V E pg.56

Figure 2.30 Holding pens at Nebraska Beef Meat Packing Plant in Omaha. Photograph by author

There is a perilous transition for

head gates. The alley acts as

small footprint; they are expensive

cattle between the external and

a funnel; it starts wide, multiple

to fund due to the massive amount

internal built environment. The

animals utilizing the area, and

of equipment implemented to run

threshold introduces an obscure

funnels them into a single file line.

a facility. People utilize sterile,

transformation between spaces

Temple Grandin designed long,

demanding spaces on a daily

consisting of shadows, material

winding

cattle

basis. The turmoil they experience

from seeing what is in front of

through the lack of quality of

them, promoting movement. Cattle

space is dehumanizing, depleting

Grazing animals lack the full

become more comfortable with a

their self-worth. The spaces they

spectrum of vision, they have

space the longer they inhabit it,

inhabit should comfort them much

two-color

the use of longer alleys stimulates

like spaces for cattle. Both should

humans have three that provide

compliance

be treated with respect which

full color trichromatic vision. Cattle

sensation of being content. During

has been lost in the abattoir

cannot see the color red; they are

this

keeping

industry. Through this thesis, I

most attuned to yellowish green

cattle calm discourages balking,

seek to understand the quality

and bluish purple hues. They

creates efficient movement and

of space contributing to a better

are

provides more humane handling.

work environment for humans

and color change.

receptors

dichromatic

whereas

meaning

they

alleys

inhibiting

while

transition

creating

time,

are overtly responsive to harsh

and

creating

environment

contrasts between light and dark

is as humane as possible for

colors creating an apprehension

cattle to be processed for human

to shadows. Balking at shadows

consumption.

creates an interruption in the flow of progression, employees implement inhumane methods to make cattle move forward. Temple Grandin designs thresholds to be covered at a decent distance from the entrance to introduce

Design based upon efficiency and

the contrast of shadows to cattle

profitability has taken the place

prior to them instantly entering a

of architecture, spaces designed

building or transportation truck.

around the function and how

Another

important

users experience the building.

transition node is alleys, the

Slaughterhouses

space

to maximize square footage in a

between

corrals

and

are

designed

OPPOSI TE pg.57 Figure 2.31 The picture was taken inside a cattle truck. The opening is where cattle enter/exit the trailer. The stark contrast between outside and inside causes cattle to balk and not want to enter. Photograph by author ABOVE, L EFT pg.58 Figure 2.32 Temple Grandinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curvilinear design. The dual, curved alley allows cattle to not see directly in front of them, promoting natural movement. ABOVE, RI GHT pg.58 Figure 2.33 Cattle loading a pot-belly truck at a feedlot in Nebraska. Photograph by author

2.27

Cattle are curious creatures.

Cortisol Levels During Restraint

During my site visit to

Cattle Baseline

Nebraska, I had many opportunities

Quiet Handling

Rough Handling- Electric Prods

photograph

feedlots.

Cattle

are such curious creatures; any

movement or object which cattle

Cortisol Levels (Ng/ml)

are not accustomed to seeing on a daily basis captures their attention. Note the above photograph; as soon as the vehicle stopped and I got out of the car, all of the cattle became curious and congregated at the fence to watch. Their natural instinct is to investigate at a safe distance; as long as I remained somewhat still and did not approach, the cattle continued to exhibit curiosity with others joining. 59

“Given plenty of time to investigate,

When an animal is allowed to

meat quality resulting in diminished

cattle will be curious and approach

voluntarily

novel

meat color and tenderness and a

something

their

object, the brain will be in “seek”

decrease in shelf life. Consumers

pastures or corrals, but they will be

mode. Sudden novelty will put the

prefer to buy fresh meat that is

extremely stressed by novel things

brain in “fear” mode.”11 Cortisol is

appealing in color; bright, cherry

in their path or seen through the

a stress hormone that is secreted

red is preferred. Age is also a

fences when being moved along

when animals become nervous or

factor in meat color. Younger

rapidly through a handling facility.

fearful. When animals are forced

cattle have bright, red, tender

A cow’s genetics plays a role in

into action quickly or in a rough

meat while older cattle produce

novelty-seeking behavior. Some

manner, stress will induce erratic

tougher, darker meat. In the beef

individuals are more curious than

behavior in cattle that can be

industry, tenderness is not as

harmful to handlers and to other

much of a problem as it once

have discovered a “switch” in

animals.

flight

was because meat from older

the brain that can put the brain

behavior observed in the prey and

cattle goes into processed meats.

into either “seek” or “fear” mode.

predator relationship is cattle’s

Vitamin E is a contributor to the

response to fear. Cortisol levels of

color of meat; feedlots are starting

beef cattle that are handled calmly

to implement vitamin E in the diet

are two-thirds lower than those of

of cattle, increasing color retention

roughly handled cattle.12

of meat and extending shelf life.

There is a dramatic increase in

Vitamin E costs an average of

cortisol levels when cattle are

$1 per head and can return $35

subjected to handling by humans

through extended shelf life.13

and electric prods. The baseline

The overall health of cattle is

of the stress hormone in cattle

greatly

when

levels are high; the immune system

The

is jeopardized and a greater

others.”10

unusual

Scientific

O P PO S ITE PAG E

ABO V E pg. 59 Figure 2.34 Cattle gathered at the fence line when I got out of the car to take pictures. Photograph by author MIDD LE pg.59 Figure 2.35 Chart exemplifying cortisol levels during restraint BO TTOM pg.59 Figure 2.36 A cow being vaccinated; she is not in any danger. During the process her leg got lodged in the head gate, she attempted to lay down. Photograph by author

researchers

approach

The

relaxed

approximately

instinctual

and 4

asleep

Ng/ml.

reduced

percentage

handled

diseased. Sick cattle are costly

in a moderate manner. When

and time consuming. Unhealthy

subjected to an electric prod and

animals must be segregated from

rough handling, the cortisol level

the herd, examined, and treated.

increases to 63 Ng/mg.

Depending on the disease, risk of

This dramatic increase in stress

contagious infections to healthy

levels has a direct influence on

animals is a financial liability.

cattle

are

cattle

cortisol

cortisol levels rise to 23Ng/ when

when

become

Images 2.37 and 2.38 exemplify two herding approaches. 2.37 is the low-stress handling approach, the handler is herding cattle by foot. The cattle are calm retaining an average cortisol level. The cortisol level increased dramatically for the cow in image 2.38. Her mannerisms prove that she is frightened. If cattle from each scenario were taken to slaughter, at that moment, the cattle from the low-stress approach would have higher quality meat.

O P PO S ITE , ABOVE pg.61 Figure 2.37 Herding cattle the low stress approach O P PO S ITE , B O TT OM pg.61 Figure 2.38 Herding a cow the traditional way

Figure 2.39 Diagram based upon the story on page 9-10 by Burt Smith depicting the difference in shelf life of meat depending on the handling approach.

ABO V E pg.62

Breed

Electrical Stimulation

Feedlot Gain

Brahman and >50% Brahman cross cattle produce beef that is less tender than other breeds. This is due to less proteolytic enzyme activity in the muscle of Bos indicus cattle. Brahman breeding (when 3/8 or less) combined with other appropriate breeds/biological types (British breeds) have shown evidence of producing beef that is tender. British breeds rank highest in tenderness. There are differences in tenderness within breeds that show apparent genetic difference between sires in producing tender beef.

Administering electrical shocks (high or low voltage) to the carcass during slaughter speeds up rigor mortis, thus reducing cold-shortening. There is evidence that electrical stimulation also causes weakening of the myofibril structure, thus improving tenderness. Strength of voltage and duration of treatment both influence effectiveness of electrical stimulation. Increases in both factors improve tenderness,

Rapid live-weight gains associated with 100 days of high-concenrate feeding increases tenderness. A high daily rate of grain generates more protein turnover, which in turn is associated with higher myofibril fragmentation and collagen solubility. Cattle gaining 0.5 lb/day or less have been shown to produce beef that is less tender than that from cattle with more rapid average daily gains.

Limb muscles have more collagen to support muscles used for locomotion, so they are less tender. Loin muscles have relatively low levels of collagen, thus they are more tender. Some muscles with large amounts of collagen are ground or put through a meat tenderizer.

Exert from Thomas Fieldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beef Production and Management Decisions

When internal temperatures of beef exceeds 145o F for whole muscle cuts during the cooking process, the meat is less tender because myofibrillar proteins harden with temperature. USDA recommends 160o F for hamburger; however, this is for food safety reasons and decreases tenderness.

Factors Affecting Beef

Location of Retail Cuts

Tenderness 63

Cooking Temperature

Rate of Carcass Cooling

Age of Cattle

Serving Method

sarcomeres. Heavier carcasses and those with more fat cover have decreased cold-shortening of the sarcomeres.

As an animal grows older, there is an increase in the cross-linking within and between collagen molecules that makes them less soluble and thus less tender. Fed steers and heifers produce the most tender beef between 1224 most of age. Young bulls that are fed concentrates can produce reasonable tender beef up to 1516 most of age, then tenderness decreases.

Tenderness is greater if beef is served got (immediately after cooking) rather than allowed to cool to room temperature prior to eating.

Higher marbled beef is generally more tender. Marbling accounts for 10% to 20% of the tenderness differences in beef.

Collagen softens during moist heat cooking. Under steam cooking, collagen will usually turn to gelatin. Dry heat is used on tender cuts.

“Aging” is the holding of beef under refrigeration for >7 days to increase tenderness. During this time, there is a proteolytic weakening of the myofibril structures. Storage temperature may be increased during aging to hasten tenderization, as proteolytic enzymes are more active at higher temperatures.

Marbling

Method of Cooking

“Aging” of Carcass

The meat quality is the defining influence of the profitability. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In auctions and slaughter plants, cattle become highly agitated and dangerous for people to handle and are more likely to have dark cutting meat. Long-term stress, such as that experienced

during

15-hour

truck ride, depletes the energy stores in the meat and may cause it to darken.â&#x20AC;?14 In an industry where the quality influences the profit, it is crucial to design an environment that is stress-free. Dark cutting beef refers to muscle tissue that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn bright red when exposed to air; ramifications are a shortened shelf life, poor storage attributes, toughness, and substandard

flavor.

Carcasses

that are considered dark cutters must be discounted causing meat processing plants to lower the price 20% - 40%. Dark cutting beef is associated with pre-slaughter stress. Cattle which become excitable

decreases

during sorting, hauling, penning,

transpires. Cattle that tend to be

and

the

easily excited contribute to the

cutting.15

release of the stress hormone,

Environmental factors can lead to

cortisol, they also have a slower

glycogen depletion which is the

rate of growth.

overcrowding

potential

for

dark

have

dark

source of carbohydrate energy for use by muscles, when glycogen 65

cutting

meat

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The feeder should do all that is possible to expedite the movement of cattle from the feedlot to the point

slaughter,

especially

heifers on MGA. Quiet handling of the cattle to reduce excitement is also critical. Avoiding the mixing of

cattle

from

different

pens

at shipment time reduces the problem of dark cutting.â&#x20AC;?16 Cattle that are easily excited have a heightened tendency to act uncontrollably. Nervous cattle will do whatever they can to try and get out of the distressing situation. When this irrational act occurs, the cattle are more apt to bruise themselves. If they do this before the tissue has had time to heal, the meat is considered bad. The bruised area has to be trimmed

Cattle with wild temperaments generated 25% more dark cutters than average tempermental cattle due to stress.

from the rest of the carcass causing a loss in profitability. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that the built environment can completely alleviate every bovine from becoming stressed but it can greatly decrease the levels of anxiety producing healthier cattle, humanely treated. Healthier, stress-free cattle are easier to handle generating a more fluid and efficient transference speed from arrival to slaughter creating a safer work environment for the employees and cattle while producing higher profits and high

Figure: 2.40 Collage by author

“The incidence of dark cutting meat in the United States has more than doubled since the 1960s. This is due partly to genetic lines of cattle with excitable temperaments.

Genetics and experience

Taurus) and zebu breeds (Bos

their path in the process. “Cattle

determine individual character

indicus).

breeders

traits, such as sociability and

high quality meat fattened on

problems in crossbreeds between

the degree of reactivity or

grass pastures and those that are

certain genetic lines of European

fearfulness when suddenly

selected for fattening in feedlots

and zebu or Brahman breeds.

confronted with a sight

are different animals with different

These

or sound it has never

temperaments depending on their

favor when the drive for low-

experienced.” 17

distinctive environmental exposure.

fat beef motivated producers to

British

originally

select livestock that would be

developed to be grass-fattened,

more heat tolerant and produce

and they are usually calm and

large amounts of lean beef.”

Animals with a fine-boned frame,

less flighty while the Continental

Brahmas have an extraordinary

little fat, and a slender body often

breeds have greater amounts of

ability to withstand heat while

have a highly reactive temperament

lean muscle but are still prone to

having resilience against diseases

and are more flighty than animals

being nervous and flighty. Cattle

to which European breeds are

that are large boned, stocky, and

that are grass-fed are smaller

susceptible. The European breeds

heavyset. “A gene makeup that

and have more marbling in their

normally are meatier contributing

encodes an animal’s body to grow

meat (a higher grade meat) than

more meat; crossbreeding made

to be large and stocky, regardless

those with lean genetics that were

sense to generate an animal that

of breed, also often produces an

selected for fattening on grain

produces more meat and withstand

animal that is calm and less likely

(cattle fatten at feedlots). Different

heat but their temperaments are

to panic. Producers should get rid

breeds

showcase

often unpredicted.

of really wild animals that break

reactions

when

gates, constantly charge people,

stressful environments. Brahmas,

or go berserk during handling.

the most common zebu breed)

These animals may spread fear

become immobile or aggressive,

and excitement through the entire

whereas

herd.”18 There are two categories

(Limousin, Simmental, Saler, and

of domestic cattle: Continental

Charolais) panic, thrash, or flee,

European British breeds (Bos

injuring themselves or anyone in

Cattle

breeds

developed

were

different

subjected

European

for

breeds

observe

crossbreeds

temperament

came

into

Zebu Breeds

Bos Taurus Breeds

Top to Bottom: Boran, Brahmas, Gir, Guzerat, Kankrej, Nellore

Top to Bottom: Angus, Belted Galloway, Charolais, Hereford, Hostein, Jersey, Limousin, Hereford

2.41

2.47

2.42

2.48

2.43

2.49

2.44

2.50

2.45

2.51

2.46

2.52

2.53

2.54

RIGHT pg.68 Figure 2.55 Interior of a cattle truck Photograph by author

Temple

were conducted in a commercial

affected

feedlot

cattle

during exiting from the squeeze

whorls,

handling for vaccinations and ear

chute in both Bos taurus and Bos

temperaments, and breeds. “A

tagging. The person observing the

indicus x Bos taurus crossbreeds

four-point rating scale was used to

animal’s reaction in the squeeze

(P<0.04). Cattle with spiral hair

assess the temperament of 1500

chute was positioned so that he

whorls

cattle while they were restrained

could not see the hair whorl on

appear to be more likely to panic

the

during restraint compared to cattle

Deesing of

the

Grandin

conducted correlation

squeeze

a of

and study

chute/crush.

during

animal’s

routine

forehead.

Cattle

temperament

high

the

rating

forehead

The four-point rating scale for

with spiral hair whorls above

temperament while being handled

the eyes were more agitated in

was: # 1 = Calm, no movement,

the squeeze chute compared to

and Deesing, hair patterns in the

# 2 = Restless, shifting weight, #

animals with whorls below the

fetus form at the same time the

3 = Head throwing, squirming and

eyes (P<0.001). The cattle came

brain forms contributing to the hair

occasionally shaking the squeeze

from 14 different ranches, so it is

whorl position and temperament.

chute, and # 4 = Lunging and

unlikely that our findings are due

“Abnormal

continuous, violent shaking of the

to previous handling experiences.

are

squeeze chute. The observations

Hair whorl position significantly

developmental disorders such as

with low spiral hair whorls.”19 According

found

hair in

whorl

Grandin

patterns

children

with

There is a strong relationship between the quality of sperm morphology and hair whorl shapes. Whorl is a spiral of hair on the forehead of cattle, temperament can

determined

from

the

placement of whorls.

Various types of hair whorls O P PO S ITE , TOP pg.69 Figure 2.56 Diagram of a hair whorl O P PO S ITE , LEFT pg.69 Figure 2.57 Low placement of a hair whorl Photograph by author O P PO S ITE , MIDDLE pg.69 Figure 2.58 Middle placement of a hair whorl Photograph by author O P PO S ITE , RIG HT pg.69 Figure 2.59 High placement of a hair whorl Photograph by author Figure 2.60 Abnormal placement of a hair whorl Photograph by author

RIG HT pg.70

Downâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Syndrome and Prader-

knowledgeable

various

is how can a fixed, unforgiving

Willi Syndrome.â&#x20AC;?20 They apply the

breeds of cattle and how to

infrastructure be able to adapt to

same theory to cattle, the abnormal

appropriately treat cattle according

the wide range of temperaments

whorl hair pattern, straight rather

that

than spiraling, can be caused by

demeanor can help the efficiency

harming

sperm defects. Also, coat colors

of moving cattle through the built

animals, and employees?

of cattle have a direct relation to

environment. The temperaments

their temperament, white Holsteins

of cattle are important to recognize

are more nervous and dangerous

since the dynamics between cattle

to handle compared to black and

are based on their sociability

white Holsteins.

and nature. Since ranchers want

There are many ways to

decipher

the

temperament

their

about

breed

and

physical

to get rid of their volatile cattle, feedlots

and

slaughterhouses

of cattle; employees at cattle

end up with these animals. The

facilities

safer

built environment should be able

handling habits by understanding

to withstand wild, nervous, and

these

unpredictable cattle. The question

can

create

characteristics.

Being

cattle

exhibit,

potentially

themselves,

other

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The large commercial cattle feeding industry began to emerge after World War II. Most of the growth during the following two decades was due to an oversupply of cheap feed grains produced in the United States and relatively cheap fossil fuels. The development of the cattle feeding industry has closely followed corn production, which is the major feed grain in the United States.â&#x20AC;?21 The trend of following corn production will still persist, but the evolution of the beef industry must diverge to overcome the severe situation they inadvertently placed themselves. Architecturally, the built environment will create spaces for cattle and employees that will link the past and future practices to merge into a comprehensive design that focuses on the psyche of the inhabitants while committing to the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efficiency methodology.

Figure: 2.61

Human’s Perspective The scent of killing, thick in the air, Enveloping a creature That only a moment ago was warm with life. Juhani Pallasmaa said,

Hearing cattle bellow in fright and pain, Tasting death in the air,

“An embodied memory has an

Seeing blood swirl in the drain,

essential role as the basis of

Witnessing the act of killing,

remembering a space or place. Our

home

and

domicile

are

integrated with our self-identity;

Participating in the act of killing, The time clock demands dismembering each bovine; Becoming desensitized,

they become part of our own

the human unaware,

body and being.” Slaughterhouses

with only the quota

create a traumatizing experience for

employees

that

inhabit

and

the

through the thick red haze

animals

exterior

in focus .

and

interior of the built environment. Humans become desynthesized to their mundane yet precarious tasks evoking them to perform acts of violence and rage to others. All senses of any being in slaughterhouses are heavily impacted. Each is translated into a

Bovine’s Perspective The nostrils quiver with the scent of death, As the cold, man-built structure envelopes. Hearing the sound of their own

memory that is forever engrained.

bellowing with fright,

A space can influence each sense,

Witnessing their fate,

in this instance; it should provoke

Tasting death,

a neutral state of being for cattle and employees.

Feeding America, The hyper awareness of cattle to the threat of death instinctively creates a response

Figure 2.62 After bullfighting, the bull is butchered and the meat is sold. The butcher is weighing the meat in this photograph.

that is frantic and panic driven increasing physical harm to the animal and handlers which adversely affect the bottom line, profitability. 67 73

Endnotes

“Built Environment.” County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Accessed October 25, 2012. http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/healthfactors/built-environment.

Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling.

Grandin, Temple. “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” Journal American Veterinary Medical Association 209 (1996): 757-59. http://www.grandin.com/references/ abstract-14.html.

Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007.

Thomas G. Field, Beef Production and Management Decisions.

8 9

Thomas G. Field, Beef Production and Management Decisions. Thomas G. Field, Beef Production and Management Decisions.

10 Grandin, Temple, and Mark Deesing. Humane Livestock Handling. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2008. 11 Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling. 12 Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling.. 13 Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 14 Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling. 15 McKinnon, Bill R. “Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters”” Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters” March 1998. Accessed January 07, 2013. http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/newsletter-archive/livestock/aps98_03/aps-891.html. 16 McKinnon, Bill R. “Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters”” Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters” March 1998. Accessed January 07, 2013. http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/newsletter-archive/livestock/aps98_03/aps-891.html. 17 Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling. 18 Temple Grandin and Mark Deesing, Humane Livestock Handling. 19 Grandin, Temple, M.J. Deesing, J.J. Struthers, and A.M. Swinker. “Cattle with Hair Whorl Patterns above the Eyes Are More Behaviourally Agitated during Restraint (fixation).” Cattle with Hair Whorl Patterns above the Eyes Are More Behaviourally Agitated during Restraint (fixation). Accessed November 10, 2012. http://www.grandin.com/ references/abstract.html. 20 Temple Grandin, M.J. Deesing, J.J Strothers, and A.M. Swinker, “Cattle with Hair Whorl Patterns above the Eyes Are More Behaviourally Agitated during Restraint (fixation).” 21 Thomas G. Field, Beef Production and Management Decisions.

The region cattle are raised in will

to a slaughterhouse located in

interest in, the welfare of livestock

affect the production of their weight,

a more centralized area will not

during transport. The majority of

health,

wellbeing.

have to be in the trailer as long.

people now lives in towns and

Rangeland is associated with the

Also, the refrigerated packaged

cities, and is no longer in day-

arid and semi-arid climate. The

meat won’t have to travel long

to-day contact with farm animals.

semi-arid climate region, figure

distances. Cattle operators and

They are relatively unfamiliar with

3.2, is classified by Köppen as

store managers will do business

the animals and the methods

an intermediate climate between

with businesses that are located

of husbandry under which they

desert and humid climates. Many

in a reasonable distance so they

are kept, and to a large extent

feedlots and cattle ranches are

won’t have to pay as much money

have

located in the region due to the

to transport the goods. The cattle

farming and animal production.

type of vegetation and weather. In

region, figure 3.4, is also located

However, there is one point is

hot and wet climates, cattle are

in the middle of the country.

most animal production systems

more likely to spread diseases

The

that is commonly open to public

and become sick, costing the

for slaughter are located in this

operation money and time to

region. The climate is drier and

treat the animals. In an industry

the vegetation consists of grasses

that is all about money and labor

and shrubs. The site for this

cost, the location of raising beef

project is located in each one of

is paramount to produce the

these regions to be able to move

healthiest animals to gain maximum

cattle without causing a high level

profit. “Weather can reduce calf

of stress that is associated with

crop percent, such as by causing

transporting them and climatic

high death losses of young calves

issues. Many slaughterhouses are

when they are exposed to wet

located in the cattle region for

and cold conditions. Drought can

the traveled distance to not be

significantly affect feed supply and

as long but cattle from coastline

cause an unnecessary reduction

states have to travel a long

in herd size.”1 The midwest region,

distance to get to any central

figure 3.3, is centrally located in

location. The more prime location

the country. The selected site

the slaughterhouse is the better

should be located in the middle

the health of the cattle will be,

of the country for transporting

resulting in a higher profit of meat.

reasons. Cattle being transported

“There is an increasing public

and

overall

majority

cattle

raised

view-

idealized

when

the

picture

animals

are

transported.

However, although

necessary, transport, is generally an exceptionally stressful episode in the life of the animal and one that is sometimes far removed from

idealized

picture

animal welfare.â&#x20AC;?2 That is why is it crucial for the site to be located in a convenient area, this thesis project

about

designing

PREVI OUS

Figure 3.1

PAGES

75-76

RI GHT, TOP pg.78

Figure 3.2, Map of the semiarid climate region RI GHT, MI DDL E pg.78

Figure 3.3, Map Midwest region

the

RI GHT, BOTTOM pg.78

Figure 3.4, Map of the cattle region BEL OW pg.78 Figure 3.5 Map of Semi-arid climate region, Midwest region, and the cattle region. The cross hair in each map is the location of the site, Alliance, Nebraska.

slaughterhouse for the industry now, innovation in the present era is what will change the industry in the future.

Meat production in the country has

slaughtering their own beef, it has

The beef states are located along

rapidly grown due to the demand,

to acclimate itself architecturally

the regions of corn production,

as the population increases so

to respond better to the users.

preferred atmospheric conditions,

will the demand for meat. It is

Architecture once was designed

and

estimated

based on the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, the

coverage. Figure 3.7 is signifying

will grow by 20 billion by 2050,

function

and

the area of land used for crops,

producers of animals and crops

utilized

natural

the dark green is more than forty

will have to adjust accordingly.

innovative ways to accommodate

percent, the mid-green is thirty

Land in the United States is

the

were

to forty percent, light green is

used for crops or to raise animals

placed on sites according to

for human consumption is being

atmospheric conditions; they were

ABOVE pg.79 Figure 3.6 Hierarchy of beef production: dark yellow=60%, light yellow= 20%

depleted

resources

integrated with the land. Figure

OPPOSI TE PAGE, TOP pg.80

that cannot be replenished in a

3.6 is the states with the most

OPPOSI TE

PAGE,

MI DDL E

pg.80

short amount of time, if at all, but

beef production. The dark yellow

what is the other option? America

accounts for sixty percent of all

OPPOSI TE

PAGE,

BOTTO M

pg.80

has developed a dependency on

beef produced in the country,

commercialized farms to supply

while the lighter yellow accounts

them with food. The industry will

for twenty percent. Facilities that

never go back to what is used

house the animals have progressed

to be, but the innovative ideas to

in design to maintain healthy,

transform the industry will be the

desirable

future. As the beef industry has

profits. Cattle in feedlots do not

followed the population increase

lead undesirable lives, the looks

and development of people not

of it is undesirable to humans.

being

that

the

consumed

population

the

inhabitant.

building, resources Buildings

accessible

transportation

urban

developers, sprawling to follow industry and peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desires. Crop land is being ravaged by farmers to feed America and other countries. Small, individual farms are being taken over my large, commercialized

farms

because

they can afford the expenses and small farms cannot compete. Land

natural

cattle

for

maximum

Figure 3.7 Area of land used for crops

Figure 3.8 Regions of the Corn Belt: Western, Central, and Eastern Region Figure region

3.9

Sorghum

harvest

ten to twenty percent, and grey represents less than five percent of land used for crops. Figure 3.8 represents the Corn Belt, the light red (left) is the western region, mid-red is the central region, and the dark red is the eastern region of the Corn Belt. Figure 3.9 denotes the main region of sorghum harvest, in 2002, 6,755,326

acres

sorghum

was harvested. Beef production follows the region where corn and sorghum is produced. Feedlots use corn in the daily ration of food given to cattle. Sorghum is another type of grain used to feed cattle; it is a grain much like corn but can survive in hotter and drier climates. Worldwide, sorghum is used to feed humans, in America it is used to feed livestock. The grain has more protein and fat than corn but is lower in Vitamin A. The agriculture industry relies on the interworking of all components to survive. The slaughterhouse located in Alliance, Nebraska is part of this mass industry, once again, the innovative ideas to transform

the

slaughterhouse

typology is not in the location but the design itself.

Feedlots, meat processing plants, and ethanol plants are spread all over the country but the majority of them are located in the corn and cattle region. As seen in figure 3.10, feedlots are more likely to be in the central part of the country and on the coast. Ethanol plants, figure 3.12, are located in the prime area of the Corn Belt. The by-products from ethanol plants are used at feedlots to feed cattle.

Slaughterhouses,

figure

3.11, follow the location of feedlots except there are not as many of them. the

Figure

3.13

combination

slaughterhouses,

represents

feedlots,

and

ethanol

plants in the country, overlaid on a diagram showing the Corn Belt and sorghum harvest states (figure 3.8 and 3.9 combined in dark grey).

The combination of

all the plants contrasting against the crop states show the direct relationship of the interconnecting of the agriculture industry. As the industry consolidated into a more

Figure 3.10 Feedlots located in the US ABO V E, MIDDLE pg.81 Figure 3.11 Beef Processing Plants ABO V E, BO TTOM pg.81 Figure 3.12 Ethanol Plants in the US ABO V E,

TOP

pg.81

commercialized

business,

the

smaller farms started to decrease and the large farms started to

O P PO S ITE PAG E pg.82

become

Figure 3.13 Location of feedlots, slaughterhouses and ethanol plants overlaid on the map of the Corn Belt and sorghum harvest states from figure 3.8 and 3.9

centralized

alleviate cost of transportation, shorter time travel, and use of 81

land. Cattle that are used to seeing

handle if they are trained to seeing

high demand for beef, the design

and being handled by people

people on foot, on horseback and

of the facilities did not. Not until

or horseback are more likely to

in vehicles. Doing this will have

recently did the welfare of animals

be more tame when handled.

the added advantage of reducing

start to create the demand for

Brahman and zebu cattle tend

agitation and stress when the

better designed facilities and low-

to bunch up; they do not want to

animals are transported to a

stress handling. Cattle that are

separate from one another when

feedlot or a slaughter plant. Cattle

handled better will yield higher

handled, unlike European breeds.

which have been handled only by

quality meat. As the design for

European breeds are easier to sort.

people on horses may become

facilities handling cattle become

Facilities, to work at the maximum

highly agitated when they first see

more in tune with cattle’s natural

efficiency, should be designed to

a person on foot.”3 The transition

behavior, employees won’t have

accommodate cattle with various

between

as many injuries.

backgrounds

experiences.

slaughterhouse should be a calm,

“Even though extensively reared

stress-free move but the majority

cattle have a large flight zone

of facilities are not designed based

and are not completely tame, they

on cattle’s intrinsic nature. As the

will become calmer and easier to

industry grew to accommodate the

and

farm,

feedlot,

and

Greeley, Colorado

Kansas City, Mo

Wichita, Kansas Springdale, Arkansas

Meat processing plants vary in

plants, people do not want to

size in the number of employees

see them. As they moved into

they have and the number of

the rural parts of the country,

cattle that they slaughter. There

the employment of immigrants

is smaller processing plants than

became great. Immigrants are the

larger plants, but the larger plants

perfect workers for the industry,

slaughter more on a daily basis.

because they will perform any task

The

slaughterhouses

for any wage and not complain

depends on the location and

about the working conditions or

type of consumer. For instance,

injuries. Many of these immigrants

slaughterhouses located in the

are illegal; there was a huge

cattle region are more likely to

bust in processing plants for

be larger, killing more per day.

employing illegal immigrants a

Slaughterhouses in large cities

year ago. Since then the plants

are niche market plants. They

have become more apprehensive

slaughter less head per day but

are able to maintain a good profit

Slaughterhouses

because they sell the beef at a

anyone willing to perform tasks

higher price. The cattle are more

that most people are not willing to

likely to have come from a local

do, employees usually segregate

feedlot or small farmer. The meat

themselves in plants according

from the slaughterhouse will go

to what ethnicity they are. The

to a butcher shop that sells high

environment can be very hostile,

quality grades of meat. Beef that

employees will get upset at the

is sold at fast food restaurants,

person performing the task before

wholesale

large

them, if their job wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done

companies like Wal-Mart purchase

when they get to their station,

meat from large-scale slaughter

fights break out or there is an

Figure 3.14 Location of the four largest beef processing plants in the country

plants. Large-scale plants have

exchange between employees. It

moved into the rural regions of the

is easy for employees to get easily

OPPO S ITE PAG E , T OP pg.83

country. People detest the look of

upset when they are working in

plants, there is a bad connotation

the environment that kills and

500-1,499

with the sight of them, just knowing

dismembers an animal that once

2,000 +

that cattle are slaughtered in the

was alive.

Population: 311,591,917

Tyson

28,700

Cargill

29,000

JBS USA

28,600

National Beef Packing

14,000

100% Turnover Rate

#1 Occupation with the most injuries (and the majority go unreported)

OPPO S ITE PAG E , T OP pg.83

Figure 3.15 Indicates the location of plants with 100+ employees 100-499

slaughtered daily

Four beef processing plants control over 80% of all beef slaughtered

type

companies,

employ

illegal

immigrants. employee

Transporting

animals

causes

traditional

family

farms

often

cattle

transported

high

a great deal of stress, among

have both these attributes; some

stocking density, whereas braking

bruising of the meat, abused by

of the animal attendants on the

was a greater hazard at lower

handlers,

larger, more factory-like intensive

densities.5 Cattle become tired

units can at times be good stock

and dehydrated during transport.

Cattle

system managers but poor animal

They are not feed or watered

are not dumb animals, contrary

handlers. The whole subject of

while in the trailer. In other

to belief; they are creatures of

stockmanship is complex.â&#x20AC;?4 Once

countries, there is a law stating

habit. To move cattle from one

cattle are loaded into a truck,

that the truckers stop and unload

place to another, they come into

they have to rely on their balance

the cattle to rest and replenish the

contact with new experiences,

to keep them upright. Loss of

lost nutrients for an hour or so.

leaving them nervous and scared.

balance relies more on the skill of

The European Union governs that

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The persons handling the cattle

the driver than the ability of cattle.

there must be a rest-stop after

should have stock skills and stock

Cornering is the driving event that

eight hours in the truck with a

sense. Workers on the intensive,

caused most losses of balance

one hour stop. In America, there

experience everlasting

and

the

can

unpleasant leave

impression.

is not a rest-stop requirement;

past. America has made great

pigs: Rail transport is considered

cattle can be transported forty

advancements in the design and

to have positive effects on animal

hours straight without drinking,

transport of cattle. In this thesis,

welfare. Since the trip is longer,

eating, or resting. The use of the

satellite

there has to be an accompanying

rail to transport cattle stopped

feedlots and slaughterhouses be

attendant to look after the animals

after the infrastructure of roads

located alongside the rail, where

and provide them with water

became a direct means between

a train can load and unload them

and feed. He reported that pigs

cities and facilities. The railway

directly without cattle having to be

eat and drink during transport

doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t directly pass by feedlots

transported by truck. One train with

and they gain weight instead of

and slaughterhouses resulting in

an average of thirty-three cars can

losing it.6 Shrinkage occurs during

trucks having to transport them

alleviate an average of twenty-five

the transport of cattle, excretion,

to the rail and once again loaded

to twenty-nine trucks on the road

evaporation,

back on a truck to get to their

(depending on the weight of the

exchange

final destination. The rail was

cattle). In 1973, W.T. Jackson

contribute to the loss of weight.

not a feasible solution in the

wrote about traveling by rail with

Cattle can lose up to 8% of their

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.85

body weight during a trip. Jackson

proposing

that

Figure 3.16 Major transportation Routes in the country Interstate Railroad

and are

respiratory factors

that

and his experience following pigs proved that the rail is an efficient

Ports

means to transport. Cattle arriving

BELOW pg.86

to the slaughter plant with their

Figure 3.17 Distance from the site in Alliance, Nebraska to major coastline cities

weight maintained and healthy with less bruising would result in higher profits and the welfare of the animals would be better.

The Ogallala aquifer supplies 30% of all ground water used for irrigation in the United States. It is the largest aquifer in the United States. It will be depleted in a few decades if the rate of drainage for human use continues.

Aquifer,

figure

extremely shallow. It is the largest

from

South

aquifer in America. The Ogallala

Dakota to Texas, covering eight

offers life in the region where

states: Wyoming, South Dakota,

water is not abundant. People live

Nebraska,

Kansas,

solely from the aquifer. People are

Oklahoma,

New

3.19,

Ogallala extends

Colorado, and

able to farm land that could not be

Texas. The aquifer spreads about

farmed if it wasn’t for the aquifer.

174,000 square miles across the

There are consequences with the

eight states. It supplies 30% of

use of heavily populated farmland,

all ground water used for irrigation

the aquifer is contaminated. The

in the Unites States. 13.6 million

chemicals and pesticides used for

acres of crops is irrigated by the

crops is leaking into the aquifer, it

Ogallala. The aquifer is replenished

is something that is inevitable. The

by groundwater runoff, rain, and

excretion from cattle from large

melting of snow. It is estimated

feedlots is polluting the aquifer’s

that if the aquifer is drained at

clean water. The industry follows

the current rate that it will be

the resources. Processing plants

depleted in a few decades. The

use several gallons of water per

aquifer is shallow in the region

head to slaughter. Designing a

of the Sandhills in Nebraska and

facility that captures and reuses

exceeds 300 feet in depth in other

water is a responsible way that

parts. The Sandhills is composed

can help keep the aquifer clean

Million gallons per

of clay, sand, and silt, the aquifer

and not use as much of the water.

mi2 per year

is replenished in this area the

Designing a responsible facility

most since the aquifer’s depth is

can not only help the environment

Figure 3.18 Ogallala Aquifer and the Sandhills overlaid on the major crop states in the country MIDD LE pg.87 Figure 3.19 Ogallala aquifer B O TTOM pg.87 Figure 3.20 Ogallala aquifer and the Sandhills TO P pg.87

Figure 3.21 Estimated fresh groundwater withdrawal for all uses in 2000 from the Ogallala Aquifer 160 OPPO S ITE pg.88

The

Mexico,

but it can benefit from thinking

overcome designing a building,

life of an animal or thinks of killing

innovatively.

humans

keep

either the designer could take

another human and not thinking

fertilize

their

the easy way and design an

twice about it, there is a problem.

lifestyles without thinking about

average facility meeting codes

The environment they are in can

the consequences then we will

and restrictions or the designer

transform their horrendous daily

have big problems in the future.

could think innovatively of how to

working routine into something

In an industry where nothing

integrate the building, users, and

that is less traumatic. Designing

is considered but a profit, we

efficiency to create a responsible

based upon the aquifer is an

should ask ourselves how design

building that breaks the mold. It

obstacle; the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design

can interact with the users better

is time for slaughterhouses to

should respond to the Ogallala

to have an even higher profit.

make advances in design based

and be evolutionary. Showing the

Slaughterhouses have to see that

upon the psychological turmoil

world that something can be done

there will be a higher profit made

experienced

and

differently and better, they would

before they comprehend to make

cattle. They are already efficient

follow and the impact on the

advancements in the industry. As

in slaughtering cattle but there

environment could be lessoned.

an architect, if there are many

has to be a movement to help the

obstacles

users. When an employee takes a

using

water

and

restrictions

humans

Alliance, Ne b ra s k a

Figure 3.22

Alliance, Nebraska is an intimate town with character; the lives of residents is simple and down to earth. The town was founded in 1888 as the destination point for all trains headed west, it was the terminus spot. The townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population is about 8,500; the main industry is cattle, crops, and the train yard. Trains carry coal from the west to east. The integrity of the town is based on the way of living. O P PO S ITE P AG E pg.91 Figure 3.23 Art Deco movie theatre located in downtown Alliance. CLO CK WISE FROM T OP LEF T pg.92

Figure 3.24 Train yard on the outer limits of downtown Figure 3.25 Pivot irrigation rig, the field was on the other side of the road of the city limits. Figure 3.26 Carhenge Figure 3.27 An abandoned grainery located in the city. Figure 3.28 Residential area Figure 3.29 Zesto, an ice cream parlor on the main road leading through the city. BO TTOM pg.92

Photographs by author

Figure 3.30 The Box Butte County Courthouse built in 1913, currently still used for intended purpose. Photograph by author

Figure 3.31 The site is located several miles from downtown Alliance. The rail runs along the west side of the site, connecting the site and downtown.

Figure 3.32 The western entrance into the site, the dirt road leads to irrigated crops.

Figure 3.33 Illustration representing the distance between the site and downtown O P PO S ITE P AG E , RIGHT pg.99 Figure 3.34 Acre comparison between the site and downtown O P PO S ITE PAG E , LEF T pg.99

CLO CK WISE FROM T OP RIGHT pg.100

Figure 3.35 Relationship between the site and feedlot across the road Figure 3.36 Relationship between the site and land used for crops Figure 3.37 Distance between the site and Sandhills Figure 3.38 Residential areas(red dots) surrounding the site Figure 3.39 Distance between the site and downtown Alliance

The site is located 4.5 miles away

not be limited to a building,

from downtown Alliance, figure

but the evolution of what else

3.39. The selection of a site so

slaughterhouses can incorporate

close to downtown is to promote

to be more responsible. The meat

the facility. The slaughterhouse

processing plant is located in

should be seen from the road

the middle of crop land and the

to increase awareness of how

Sandhills, when water restrictions

a facility at this magnitude can

from the aquifer start to emerge,

change the industry with the use

the facility will be able to sustain

of the rail and design innovations.

itself to a degree. The processing

As seen in figure 3.34, the

plant will also bring in a much

site is considerably larger than

needed industry to help the town

downtown. The use of land will

to survive.

100

101

to the left (figure 3.40) was taken on the southwestern corner during the winter. Alliance’s vegetation consists of short grass and shrubs. There are barely any trees if at all. The trees are normally planted alongside houses and have to be watered. The hardy landscape is does not lend itself to produce vegetation that needs abundant water to survive. The land is a mixture of clay, sand, and

Figure 3.40 Photograph, by author, of the southwestern corner of the site.

O P PO S ITE PAG E pg.101

TOP pg.102 Figure 3.41 Diagram of the highway and railway alongside the site and into town. MIDD LE, LEFT pg.102 Figure 3.42 Diagram of the existing roads surrounding the site MIDD LE, RIGHT pg.102 Figure 3.43 Diagram of the existing entrances into the site BELO W pg.102 Figure 3.44 Diagram of the viewpoint from the photograph, figure 3.40

The highway (outlined in red)

silt. The majority of buildings in

and the railway (outlined in blue)

Alliance are built of rock or steel.

in figure 3.41 are two means of

The proposed slaughterhouse will

transportation that will be used to

consist of material that is native

access the slaughterhouse. The

to the area and a good source

site’s surrounding roads (figure

of thermal insulation. Since there

3.42) are dirt roads that extend

aren’t any trees on the site and

from

highway. The

vegetation is not feasible for the

entrances into the site (figure

plant, the building design should

3.43) are access points. The

lend itself to keep the direct sun

northern and southern entrance is

out. Light is a valuable tool to

to existing residences. The middle

encourage movement from cattle

entrance is to access crops. To

and to promote a healthy working

be able to enter the site from

environment for employees but

the highway, one must cross the

direct sunlight will be avoided.

train tracks. The rail is a dual

The cost of slaughterhouses are

track, allowing trains to pass one

expensive, the majority of the

another at any given time. To

money goes towards equipment

access the proposed processing

inside the building not the actual

plant, there will be a spur from

design of the facility. The building

the main tracks onto the site and

must be integrated with the site to

into the building. The photograph

be efficient and cost effective.

the

main

102

tree line 1.8 miles

dwelling 1 mile dwelling 1.7 miles

103

water tower 6 miles

Each

picture

reveals

the

distance to certain landmarks surrounding the site to give

the perception of how big the site is. wheat field 0.9 miles

TOP pg.103-104 Figure 3.45 Photograph, by author, of the site.

sandhills 15 miles

Figure 3.46 Photograph, by author, of the site. OPPOSI TE PAGE, TOP pg.103 Figure 3.47 Diagram of the viewpoint from Figure 3.45 OPPOSI TE PAGE, L EFT pg.103

OPPOSI TE

PAGE,

MI DDL E

pg.103

OPPOSI TE

PAGE,

BOTTOM

pg.103

Figure 3.48 Diagram of viewpoint from Figure 3.50 Figure 3.49 Diagram of viewpoint from Figure 3.46

the the

Figure 3.50 Photograph, by author, of the site.

L EFT pg.104

104

Three of the most important factors of site analysis is the direction of prevailing winds (figure 3.52), direction of water run-off (figure 3.53) and the land formation (figure 3.51). The prevailing wind is from the west; the wind will exceed in speed as it comes off the hill on the other side of the road, which will help direct the unwanted smell from the building and direct it away from the city. The site is relatively flat besides the southwestern corner, going from 3,950 feet to 4,000 feet.

RIG HT pg.105-106

Figure 3.51 Topography Diagram

TOP pg.105 Figure 3.52 Wind Diagram BO TTOM pg.105 Figure 3.53 Water Run-off Diagram

105

106

Genius Loci, the spirit or essence

was a common practice used in

site without being there. Using an

of place, can inspire or provoke

the Surrealism movement. The

object to inspire work will let the

thoughts,

inhibitions

relationship between Genius Loci,

human connect to the place while

intuition

Surrealism, and Objective Chance

creating an understanding for the

and senses take over. Part of

is the idea of a found object

site itself. Throughout the thesis

the Surrealism movement was

capturing the essence or spirit of

process, I utilized art to express

unconscious,

place that inspires a work of art

and

planned

generating a balance of fantasy

relinquishing ideas to promote

process and allowing unrestricted

and tangible ideas. An object

further thinking and understanding.

imagination

Using

conveys characteristics from a

found objects to influence works

place letting senses relate to the

escape

letting and

engage

all letting

the

relinquishing

the to

release.

107

comprehend

thoughts,

ABOVE pg.107-108 Figure 3.54 â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Eye in the Heart of the Siteâ&#x20AC;? Collage by author

ENDNOT ES

1 Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. 2 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007. 3 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007. 4 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007. 5 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007. 6 Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007.

108

109

110

CATTLE

HUMANS

111

PERCEIVE

SPACE

DIFFERENTLY. PREVI OUS SPREAD pg.109-110

Figure 4.1 After a bull fight, butchers dismember the bull and sell the meat. The butcher is using an axe to cut the horns off. ABOVE, L EFT pg.112

Figure 4.2 Photograph by author. Cattle are at the feeders looking curiously at the photographer.

ABOVE, RI GHT pg.112

Figure 4.3 Photograph by author. After working cattle, Bobby took a break watching a herd of cattle.

112

“Animals are not machines- they do not do he same thing each time you push their button. They are living, dynamic systems, and their response to any particular stimulus will depend not only on the stimulus but on what has happened to them since the last time they experiences it.” Temple Grandin Cattle perceive space differently from humans, when contained in small spaces, cattle inherently move toward areas that appear to lead out of the restricted space. Cattle perceive space from in to out. They are drawn to indirect light; shadows in their path seem to cause cattle to be apprehensive and not want to cross them. The spaces that cattle inhabit have tall walls, controlling light and shadows.

In to Out

TOP pg.113-114 Figure 4.4 Diagram representing how cattle and humans perceive space. L EFT pg.113 Figure 4.5 Photograph by author of cattle in a corral from their perspective. They are bunched together and can’t see directly in front of them so they lift their head and try to look over one another. Cattle tend to follow one another especially in a tight herd like this. RI GHT pg.114 Figure 4.6 Photograph by author of cattle in a corral from a human’s perspective.

113

Humans, in the slaughterhouse environment, perceive space from out to in. They are constantly watching

and

herding

cattle.

There is a disconnect in their perceptions since cattle perceive space from in to out and humans The disconnect, when cattle and humans interact their goals are different. Cattle are looking to go back to their safe zone, pasture, while humansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; goal is to herd them or perform a related task. Since their goals are different they inhabit space differently.

from out to in. It is important to have a continuous transition in spaces where the two encounter one another.

Out to In

114

Cattle perceive spaces differntly from humans; their perception of spaces is greatly influenced by their senes, instincts, and memory. Corrals are normally constructed without thinking about what cattle see. Cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye level is lower than humans changing how they see space. Cattle look at space from inside to out; they are in confined spaces looking for a way out. It is important to see what cattle see when designing their built enviornment. Lighting conditions, color, proportions and scale of space, the ground plane, surounding

obects,

and

their

instinctual reactions will contribute to how they move through space. Figures

4.2

and

4.3

are

photographs taken from cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye

level,

looking

space

from their point of view. Both of these iamges depict the typical environment

suppose

shadows, they percieve them as

less expensive, not as heavy or

to encourage movement while

part of the ground they have to

permanent, and more accessible

handling them humanely creating

cross. It has been proven that

to cattle.

The

cattle move fluidly through corrals

metal fence does not encourage

when the panels are solid. Open

movement

shadows

panels are more dangerous, cattle

generated from the open sides.

can fall or attempt to escape

Since cattle are hyper sensitive

causing them to hurt themselves.

to contrast, this causes them to

Farmers are more apt to use

balk and not want to cross the

open panels because they are

stressless

that

experience. due

115

Handlers

need

the

fence

be open because they have to encourage movement since the design of spaces is not considered. They use the openings to climb over, prod cattle to move forward, and the ability to visually see the actions taken place inside the corral. Head

gates

are

restraining

devices used to capture animals by trapping their head in an opening so people can perform deliberate tasks like vaccinating, L EFT TO RI GHT

Figure 4.7 Cattle’s view of entering the pot belly truck from the corral. Photograph by author. pg.115 Figure 4.8 Cattle’s view of entering the head gate. The contrasting shadows make cattle apprehensive to enter causing them to balk. Photograph by author. pg.116 Figure 4.9 Handler’s view of herding cattle through the corral. Photograph by author. pg.116 Figure 4.10 Handler’s view of the head gate. Photograph by author. pg.115

116

dehorning, any task that involves touching the animal. It is the same head gate pictured in figure 4.2 and 4.4. The inside of the head gate is not inviting, cattle will balk when approaching it. Humans view these handling devices from the outside looking in, completely different from cattle’s perception.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cattle are dependent on humans

In figure 4.11, a heifer is trying

acts hesitant about a situation or

for the state of their health

to escape the from the handler;

becomes scared, the other cows

and well-being. Efficient and

she is doing whatever she can to

are likely to follow causing the

humane handling- a procedure

flee the pressure by jumping over

whole herd to react rebellious.

very much under the control of

other cattle. During this moment

The goal for the handler in figure

the stockperson- can play an

the

cortisol

4.11 is to herd the cattle to the

important part in ensuring that

through her body, her heartbeat

left and their natural reaction is to

their welfare needs are met.â&#x20AC;?

elevates and she is stressed.

go back to where they came from

Temple Grandin

Cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reactions inflence one

which is to the right, where they

another. As soon as one cow

are bunched together.

cow

releasing

117

The handler is applying pressure

to herd the cattle to the left. He is

to herd the cattle through the

in the pen with them, vulnerable.

corral. Just his presence causes

They could kick him, run over him,

an immediate reaction. Temple

anything that could cause him to

Grandin said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The efficiency of

be injured but they are just trying

the handling and the safety of

to escape the situation. Not only

both the humans and the animals

could Jerry get hurt but cattle

depend on the attitudes and the

could hurt themselves. It takes

skills of the handler.â&#x20AC;? Jerry, the

a handler that is experienced to

handler in the photograph, is trying

move cattle calmly and efficiently. 118

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.117

Figure 4.11 Photograph by author at Coldwater Farms. ABOVE pg.118

Figure 4.12 Photograph by author at Coldwater Farms.

“Vision

the

primary

sense

CATTLE ONLY HAVE BLUE AND

used by grazing mammals to

YELLOW COLOR RECEPTORS,

gain information concerning the

THEY

world around them. The eyes of

COLOR RED. CATTLE SEE RED

most grazing mammals have an

AND GREEN HUES AS GREY.

inner reflective covering (tapetum

THEY

lucidum) in the back of their eye

PURPLE-BLUISH HUES.

CAN

NOT

REACT

SEE

BETTER

THE

that acts as a light intensifier, allowing them to se quite well in the dim light of night - about four times better than humans can see. A difference between predators and prey animals is the fact that the pupil of the predator’s eye is circular and that of the herbivore is oval, being longer than it is high. The different shape of the pupil affects the way the herbivores perceive the world. Grazing animals have a narrower field

(or

range)

vertical

vision compared to their field of horizontal vision. Cattle have to make an effort to look up, by

range, angle, of vision. Grazing

reduced to 330 to 350 degrees in

either rotating its eyes or raising

animals, with their combination

the cow. The advantage of a wide

its head. The eyes of most grazing

of oval pupils and bulbous eyes

field of vision is that the animal

animals are located on the sides

located on the sides of their head,

can see all around them without

of their heads rather than in front,

have an extraordinarily wide field

turning its head, making it difficult

as in predators. In addition, their

of vision. May grazing animals,

for a predator to sneak up on

eyes are bulbular and protrude

such as the horse and cow, can

them. However, the wider the field

slightly from the side of their

see virtually 360 degrees around

of vision, the smaller the vertical

head. This acts to further increase

them when their head is down

field and the less binocular vision

the amount of light entering the

grazing. However, when the head

(depth perception).”

eye, as well as to increase the

is raised, the horizontal rage is 119

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.119

Figure 4.13 Cattle’s eyes are on the side of their heads, the majority of predators’ eyes are. Cattle have 360 degree vision when their head is down. ABOVE pg.120

Figure 4.14 Humans’ eyes are located at the front of their face, the majority of prey’s eyes are.

120

12 am 1 2 low tolerance for pain

drugs are more effective

3 4 5 6

cortisol is highest

7 8 9

grazing is highest

working/training is most effective

10 11 12 pm 1 2

high tolerance for pain

3 4

cortisol is lowest

5 6 7

average hour of sleep blood clots faster during resting periods urine secretion decreases

8 9 10 11

121

Natural Rythms

12 am 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

short-term memory is better working memory, alertness, and concentration gradually improves as body temperature rises best time for cognitive work

12 pm 1 2 3

people are easily distracted sleepiness peaks muscle strength peaks

physical performance is best and risk of injury is least

lungs function 17.6% more efficiently

6 7 8

novel problem solving heightens with fatigue

9 10 11

people feel more alert, engaged, but agitated

122

Figure 4.15 Graph comparing the natural rhythms of cattle and humans

123

The built environment is designed for either functionality for maximum efficiency (a factory) or for a space to enhance the quality of life. The latter is extremely broad, encompassing

temporary

and

permanent structures intended to impact the way a person interacts with the surrounding setting. The perception and interpretation of space are as individualized as the basis of utilization for each user.

Colors,

light,

materials,

scale, and feeling are all part of

the

experiential,

emotional

attachment someone experiences when engaging a space. On many levels, slaughterhouses are part of the built environment and directly affect the emotional and physical responses of the cattle and employees.

Figure 4.16 Collage, by author, the railroad stake represents the man-made industry and the crop circles represent the natural. Everything manmade penetrates the natural.

O P PO S ITE P AG E pg.124

Endnotes

Smith, Burton J. Moving â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em: A Guide to Low Stress Animal Handling. Kamuela, HI: Graziers Hui, 1998.

124

125

126

127

Slaughterhouses

designs

and crop circles on the actual site

healthy environments for cattle

should focus on the perceptions

in Alliance, Nebraska implying

and

of the users, transforming areas

that animals are not taken into

are

into spaces that are healthy for

consideration of the design at

to be as efficient as possible.

them inhabit while integrating the

the magnitude that they should.

Slaughterhouses

reached

building with the site. How can

The industry has got to create

this goal, slaughtering 400 head

the site be used to transform the

architecture

an hour but not without creating

experience for the users as well

hungry factories for humans and

an inimical work environment for

as the building efficiency? The

cattle to have a better experience.

employees and spaces that allow

collage answers this question by

humans to abuse animals before

suggesting that there should be a

their death. Design has to be

separation between humans and

implemented into the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

cattle while cattle are alive and

standards for facilities. The layouts

the natural landscape (bottom

for

basic

of the collage) should influence

yet effective but the perceptual

the movement of cattle. Image

qualities of design lacks attention.

5.3 expresses that the existing

Figure 5.2 Collage expressing that the slaughterhouse design will be focused on humans and cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of space, by author.

Processing

relationship between the natural

BEL OW pg.128

one

humans. criteria

for

should

have

The

number

factories have

slaughterhouses

plants

are

not

that

slaughterhouse

integrated with the site and the

forces

(land,

perceptions of humans and cattle

cattle) and the built environment

are not integrated into the design.

is disconnected by man-made

The design is about efficiency

entities.

and profit. Image 5.2 expresses

pierce through the head of cattle

The

humans,

railroad

128

and

stakes

with

PREVI OUS

Figure 5.1

these

PAGE

profit

pg.125-126

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.127

Figure 5.3 Collage, by author, expressing the existing relationship between cattle at slaughterhouses and processing plants located on the site. They are not integrated with one another, for a building to perform at maximum efficiency the site and function must integrate.

129

Figure 5.4 Collage, by author, depicting a typical scenario of how cattle are treated.

OPPOSI TE pg.129

Figure 5.5 Collage, by author, expressing the uniformity of packing plants. BOTTOM pg.130 Figure 5.6 Collage, by author, starting to integrate the idea of light into the design based upon the user. TOP pg.130

meat

packing

the

to mentally separate themselves

line stations cannot be altered

from

but the spaces can be altered

assembly line; each station has

killing and dismembering animals.

to adjust to the psychological

a certain task. In image 5.4, the

The uniformity in slaughterhouses,

needs for employees. Light can

ideation of dismembering stations

expressed

be used to create a better and

starts to transform into a concept.

consistent throughout all plants.

Cattle move from one station

for cattle and humans. In image

to another while humans repeat

5.6, light is used to direct cattle

they work and how cattle move

the same mundane movements

through spaces and natural light is

through spaces as soon as they

until physical disabilities cripple

incorporated into the building for

arrive. Employees should be able

them. The placement of assembly

employees.

slaughtering

what

concept

plants,

process

about

employees

changing

perceives

become

desensitized

image

130

5.5,

conducive

environment

131

Figure 5.7 Collage by author Cattle and humans are treated the same in slaughterhouses. The perceptions of cattle differ from humans but the facility is designed with the industries perception of money instead of welfare of the users.

132

Architecture Responds to Cattle

CA T T LE A RRI V E

CA T T LE A RE S T UNNE D

Bovine -

DEAD

Bovine -

DEAD

Bovine -

DEAD

133

I NI T I A L I DE A T I O N O F THE Human -

S LA UG HT E RI NG P RO CESS

OBSOLETE

E X P RE S S E D T HRO UG H CO LLA G E S

Upon arriving at slaughterhouses, Human -

OBSOLETE

cattle are unloaded and directed straight to slaughter or herded to holding pens where they wait until

Human -

OBSOLETE

the plant is ready to slaughter them. Cattle are moved through the facility by humans, this is the

Human -

OBSOLETE

time where cattle are abused. Cattle

are

made

migrate

through foreign spaces causing Human -

OBSOLETE

them to be apprehensive and balk at unfamiliar or frightening objects,

Human -

OBSOLETE

provoking

humans

beat them to move forward. I am proposing that humans are taken out of the herding experience; the procession, form, and scale of spaces should respond to

EMPLOYEES DISMEMBER CATTLE

cattle’s perception thus moving them calmly through the facility. Architecture Responds to Humans

The building should respond to the

employees’

psychological

needs to create a healthy working environment. Humans and cattle perceive space differently and architecture

should

respond

differently according to the user and function. OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.133

TOP TO BOTTOM Figures 5.8 - 5.14, 5.16 Collages by author L EFT pg.134

TOP TO BOTTOM

MEAT IS PACKAGED

5.21

134

Figures 5.15, 5.17-5.19,

Cattle arriving at slaughterhouses

are herded to holding pens or

Since cattle are sensitive to light

slaughter

the

and shadows the unloading dock

capacity of cattle and how fast the

will be completely covered to

line speeds are going. Cattle have

avoid direct sunlight. As seen in

to endure weather conditions in

image 5.8 the ventilation holes

the steel trailers. Pot belly trailers

create a pattern that makes cattle

have holes (pictured below) for

apprehensive

ventilation. If cattle are small

Once the trailer backs to the

or weak when loaded they are

unloading dock, harsh light and

prone to become downers in

shadows will be avoided to help

the trailer, death occurs or other

cattle move through the space at

cattle trample over them. For this

a calm, natural pace.

depending

their

perception of

moving

thesis project, as soon as cattle arrive at the packing plant the environment changes according

135

space.

through.

Figure 5.8 Collage by author, depicting the space that cattle endure being transported, it is visually stimulating for humans but not for cattle.

136

Once cattle exit the truck or railcar, they are met with curved forms. I am expanding Temple Grandinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cattle

curvilinear

move

better

design. through

curved spaces; the walls will be tall creating the perception of a space that they feel confined in, believing if they keep moving they will escape back to pasture, also this blocks any shadows that could be cast in the alley. The lighting will be controlled; only soft, indirect light can be used in the spaces cattle inhabit. Cattle tend to gravitate towards light, as seen in image 5.9, cattle will move towards the light while the curved walls direct them in the desired path.

Figure 5.9 Collage by author, creating a desirable space for cattle to move through by using curves and light to move them.

137

138

Cattle start to enter a narrow alley leading to the stunning area in a single file line. Since I am designing the spaces to encourage movement without the help of humans, the floor, wall, and ceiling planes must promote movement through spaces. The experience for cattle should be calm and effective.

experience

working with cattle, when cattle move without balking or being apprehensive the process is much faster and no one is hurt, cattle or humans. Cattle inherently follow one another, in image 5.10 the animals are in a dark space with a light source attracting them to the desired destination. It is important to remember that cattle perceive space

different

from

humans.

Humans would think that this type of space is too dark but cattle are not able to see surrounding objects that could scare them affecting them differently. Humans can see objects and shadows for what they are but cattle do not make that connection causing them to balk.

Figure 5.10 Collage by author, cattle entering the alley to the stun area.

139

140

The walls in the alley expand

naturally live in and seek comfort.

and

The environment that cattle inhabit

contract

promote

movement. Animals at zoos seem

to feel comfortable with their

designed based on their natural

environments

the

movements and their reactions to

illusion of what isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really there.

material, scale, proportion, color,

Designers design their habitats

and light.

because

slaughterhouses

as something that they would

141

should

Figure 5.11 Collage by author, the walls in the alley expand and contract to promote movement.

142

Right before cattle are stunned

When bovines see movement

the space starts to open, with the

and people outside the chute,

application of a bright, indirect light

they become stressed and balk,

at the end. Cattle perceive space

stopping the potential orderly flow.

differently from humans, when

Solid, curved walls result in less

contained in small spaces, cattle

backing up and rearing from cattle

inherently

areas

when in single file. The solid side

that appear to lead out of the

prevents cattle from seeing people

restricted space. Cattle perceive

and objects that could frighten

space from in to out. They are

them. Cattle move through a

drawn to indirect light; shadows in

solid-curved alley more readily

their path seem to cause cattle to

than through a straight chute,

be apprehensive and not want to

because they are not able to see

cross them. The spaces that cattle

what is in front of them.

move

toward

inhabit have tall walls, controlling light

and

shadows.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grazing

animals have a tendency to want to go back to where they came from. This is a natural instinctual behavior. Animals move through serpentine alleys that are curved to such a degree that they are fooled into thinking they are going back.â&#x20AC;?

143

Figure 5.12 Collage by author, right before cattle are stunned the space starts to open.

144

Cattle have finally reached the end

Figure 5.13 Collage, by author, depicting an abstract scene of the moment right before cattle are stunned.

of their journey, as they enter the final stage of their life, they are met with a strong, indurect light source. Light from the overhead plane will help to keep them calm as they draw near the brighter source rightbefore the stun area. By this time cattle have grown accosuymed to enviornemt, when they die they won’t be scared or abused. If humans are going to take cattle’s lives, we should male the experience as pleasant as possible for the creature that is giving it’s life to us.

145

146

Cattle are stunned unconscious.

pg.147 Figure 5.14 Collage, by author, depicting the moment of cattle being stunned.

ABO V E

O P PO S ITE PAG E pg.148

Figure 5.15 Collage, by author, depicting the moment humans enter the process of slaughtering.

147

Humans are not obsolete in the slaughtering process starting at this moment. The design is now focused on the perception of people and how they react to light, color, space, and scale.

148

Cattle = dead.

pg.149 Figure 5.16 Collage, by author, cattle are dead in the slaughtering process.

ABO V E

O P PO S ITE PAG E pg.150

Figure 5.17 Collage, by author, the building starts to focus the design based upon their needs.

149

The moment when cattle and humans meet, the animals see a bright light to distract them from the event of dieing while an employee sees the space differently. In figure 5.17, the abstract

collage

represents

the change in architecture. An employee is stunning a cow in the collage, as soon as he is finished the cow will be hung from one leg, the process of dismembering proceeds.

150

151

The procession, prospect, and threshold are spaces that a user sees and moves them, physically and emotionally. Slaughterhouses lack the depth of each. In figure, 5.18, the threshold is the frame, there should be a moment of refuge for the employee to see. The procession is the pathway leading up to the employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s task and the prospect is what they see to move them along the pathway.

RIG HT pg.152 Figure 5.18 Collage by author. Cattle are now being dismembered and the meat trimmed. Employees see and participate in the act, continuously.

152

153

The processing line intensifies after cattle are stunned. More cattle and employees share spaces, each task from an employee must be completed before the carcass is moved to the next station, but the line speed is not controlled by the employees. They have to maintain a high speed just to not get behind. Employees perform the same task all day causing physical damage to their bodies. Throughout the building there will be a place for them to emotionally disconnect from the harsh working environment.

RIG HT pg.154 Figure 5.19 Collage by author. The processing line intensifies after cattle are stunned. More cattle and employees share spaces, each task from an employee must be completed before the carcass is moved to the next station, but the line speed is not controlled by the employees. They have to maintain a speed just to not get behind.

154

155

There is no end in sight when working in a factory. If an employee looks up from his job he will see the chain line extending as far as he could see and employees working.

There

should

moment of clarity for employees to see when working. The employee doesn’t have to directly see the “moment”, but just knowing that it is there or it is in their peripheral vision could help them perform better and emotionally help them.

RIG HT pg.156 Figure 5.20 Collage by author. There is no end in sight when working in a factory.

156

It has been proved that if employees

or see the gory undertaking of

they

slaughtering animals. I think it is

are being watched they perform

important to open the doors to

better and are not as abusive

the public and let them see for

processing

themselves what is happening and

plants have implemented cameras

the process. Many people think it

throughout the facility. Inspectors

is cruel to slaughter animals at

are

this capacity and method, but the

happening in the plants from the

reality is that slaughtering animals

internet at any given time. The

today is more humane than one

employees

hundred years ago, and it is more

slaughterhouses

animals.

able

Some

watch

increased

think

what

work

efficiency and treated the animals more

humanely.

sanitary.

Transparency,

being able to see inside, witness what actually takes place in the plants, is an idea to promote a better working condition for the employees as well as people that are interested in the process could see for themselves what happens and how it is done. Processing plants do not want visitors to walk inside a plant and take pictures

RI GHT pg.158 Figure 5.21 Collage by author. It has been proved that if employees in slaughterhouses think they are being watched they perform better and are not as abusive to animals.

157

158

159

“We used to trim the shit off the meat. Then we washed the shit off the meat. Now the customer eats the shit off the meat.” David Carney USDA Meat Inspector

Figure 5.22 Collage by author. Changing employees’ perception of space is crucial to change their mental well-being.

L EFT pg.159

BEL OW pg.160 Figure 5.23 Collage by author. Idea of using the natural land to help cool and ventilate the facility, integrating the plant with the surrounding earth.

160

Figure 5.24

161

162

Conceptual model one (figures 5.25-5.28) starts to create an architectural

language

through

planes, combining and overlapping to create suggested spaces. The L shape in figure 5.27 starts to infer the separation between cattle and employees. The cattle when alive walk down one plane, at the joint with the vertical plane interjects into the air is where cattle will be stunned and then the other part of the L would be the spaces for employees to process the meat. The vertical pins in figure 5.26 imply the integration of the building and land. The model has different types of material, implicating the scale and relationship between spaces.

TOP pg.163 Figure 5.25 Conceptual Model 1, photograph by author MIDD LE pg.163 Figure 5.26 Conceptual Model 1, photograph by author BO TTOM pg.163 Figure 5.27 Conceptual Model 1, photograph by author O P PO S ITE

P AG E

pg.164

Figure 5.28 Conceptual Model 1, photograph by author

163

164

165

Conceptual model two entertains the idea of opaque to transparent and solid to void of spaces. In figure 5.30, the idea of creating two separate spaces for the train to unload cattle to be slaughtered and to pick up packaged meat, separating the two functions by dividing the building, contamination would be diminished and square footage would not be as great. This

area

the

model

expressed by the white rectangles to the left, connected by a smaller space that would be outside of the facility. In figure 5.31, the idea of part of the building being transparent for people to see the inter workings of the slaughter plant is designated by the clear rectangle.

Spaces overlap one

another, in the industry all spaces are connected.

166

Figure 5.29 Conceptual model two, photograph by author

L EFT pg.165

pg.166 Figure 5.30 Conceptual model two, photograph by author

ABOVE

pg.166 Figure 5.31 Conceptual model two, photograph by author

BEL OW

Conceptual

model

three

introduces the idea of having a curved path for the cattle to walk down before they are stunned. As seen in figure 5.34, the curved portion is implying holding pens for cattle to wait until slaughter. The idea of combining the holding pens and alley for them to walk down would help decrease their stress when being handled. In figure 5.33, the short side of the

5.34, the raised walkways are

model is where the cattle would

the dark, linear planes over the

export from the train and move to

curved portion. Raised walkways

the curved holding pens. Raised

are for people to be able to check

walkways are spaces integrated

on cattle without having to walk

with holding pens and any space

in the pen with them. They are

cattle move through in feedlots

always raised over the pens cattle

and slaughterhouses. In figure

inhabit.

167

Figure 5.32 Conceptual model three, photograph by author BOTTOM pg.167 Figure 5.33 Conceptual model three, photograph by author TOP pg.167

pg.168 Figure 5.34 Conceptual model three, photograph by author

RI GHT

168

The application of light and form are two of the most influential design factors that contributed to the final design. As shown in figure 5.35 and 5.36, the idea of the building be designed as two entities, the straight portion is the train station where cattle would arrive and depart and the curved portion would be for the humans, segregating the linear and curved depending on the type of user. The use of natural light would occur in the building to influence movement from cattle and create a calming space for employees, this natural light space is shown as the light portion in figure 5.36. TOP pg.169 Figure 5.35 Conceptual model four, photograph by author BO TTOM pg.169 Figure 5.36 Conceptual model five, photograph by author

Figure 5.37 Conceptual model four, photograph by author

RIG HT pg.169-170

169

170

171

Bu ild in g in te gr a tio n with in th e la n d

Cu r v e d Hol di ng P ens with r ai sed wal kways

The

5.31

The bottom of figure 5.40 is a

The perspective on the bottom of

overlays the site plan on the

perspective depicting the event of

figure 5.41, represents the inside

plaster

(5.39),

cattle exiting the train (right side)

of the curved holding pens. The

starting to show the relationship

and being contained in holding

walls will be angled creating

between the building and site.

pens before moved to the alley

spaces that encourage movement

The placement of the building is

that would lead them to death.

along the desired path. The walls,

next to the road and railroad to

Employees are checking on the

roof, and floor planes will all

provide easy accessible from the

health of the cattle on the raised

change in the procession to the

train to slaughterhouse. It is also

walkways. The section (on top of

stunning area.

located on the highest point of the

the plaster model) is taken through

site. The idea of using the natural

the perspective underneath it.

slope of the site to encourage

The curved space helps to drive

the cattle to move without people

them in a natural movement,

having to herd them. Cattle tend to

maintaining an average level of

naturally move when walking down

cortisol and stress.

model

from

model

figure

above

i nt egrat ed

Doubl e al l eyway, angul ar wal l s

a slope, as the slope increases so does their movement. If all the plaster models were stacked as in figure 5.38, the cutout s represent the alley integrated in the land, showing the slope down the hill and as it widens to the stun area.

L EFT pg.171

Figure 5.38 Figure 5.39 Figure 5.40 pg.172 Figure 5.41

TOP, L EFT pg.172

TOP, MI DDL E pg.172 TOP, RI GHT

Plaster Models, by author

172

L ig h t

S tu n A rea

T ransi t i on bet ween l i f e and d e a th

The application of light in the

The bottom of figure 5.39 is a

The transition between life and

perspective depicting the event of

death of cattle should be a quick,

cattle exiting the train (right side)

non harmful process. Respect

and being contained in holding

should be reinstalled into the

pens before moved to the alley

process. Even though humans

that would lead them to death.

will not be part of the process to

Employees are checking on the

herd cattle to the stunning area,

health of the cattle on the raised

the environment guiding them to

walkways. The section (on top of

their death should be calming and

the plaster model) is taken through

surreal.

facility will be used to encourage cattle to move naturally without being herded. The section in figure 5.42 (top of the model) shows a cow in an alley headed to the stun area. The walls will be tall enough to block out any direct light. The light should be diffused and transmitted evenly through this space. Just like the angular walls in figure 5.41, the light will guide cattle by transforming to opaque to translucent, the brighter the light the more it will direct them.

the perspective underneath it. The curved space helps to drive them in a natural movement, maintaining an average level of cortisol and stress.

Figure 5.42 Figure 5.43 pg.173 Figure 5.44

TOP, LEFT pg.173

TOP, MIDDLE pg.173 TOP, RIG HT

RIG HT pg.174

Figure 5.45

Plaster Models, by author

173

174

Gail Eisnitz, author of the book Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of

Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment Inside the U.S. Meat Industry, interviewed slaughterhouse employees, the following are exerts from her interviews. pg.176 Interview with a USDA inspector pg.177 Interview with Billy Corbet, who worked at Kaplan Packing Plant as a supervisor for six years. pg.178 Interview with Billy Corbet pg.179 Interview with Bucky White, who worked at Morrell Packing Plant for twenty-seven years and Larry, a kill-floor worker. pg.180 Interview with Ken Burdette, a beef-kill knocker pg.181 Interview with Steve Parrish pg.181 Interview with a slaughterhouse employee pg.182 Interview with a slaughterhouse employee pg.183 Interview with a slaughterhouse employee

175

I asked a veteran USDA inspector who worked at a modern, high-speed plant in Texas if he ever saw violations of the HSA or had difficulty enforcing it. “Like torching off an animal’s leg off?” he asked.

“A steer was running up the alleyway and got his leg between the boards and he couldn’t get it out. They didn’t want to lose any time killing cattle, and he was blocking their path, so they just used a BLOW TORCH

TO BURN HIS LEG OFF WHILE HE WAS ALIVE.” “Any other types of violations?” I asked. “Cattle dragged and choked, stuff like that. Knocking ‘em four, five, ten times. Every now and then when they’re stunned they come back to life, and they’re up there agonizing. They’re suppose to be restunned but sometimes they aren’t and they’ll go through the skinning process alive. I saw that myself, a bunch of times. I’ve found them alive clear over the rump stand.” “How long does it take an animal to get there?” I asked. “They’ve been completely legged,” he said. “Ten minutes maybe. And they run them through an electrical shock system, too.” “The stimulator [a device that passes electrical current through their body to improve meat color and texture]?” I asked. “Yeah.”

176

“A lot of them die in the trucks or the holding pens before slaughter,” he said. “What happens to the ones who can’t walk off the trucks?” I asked. “You’d drive an old, worn-out tractor with a bucket up to the truck. The bucket had a chain attached to it. You’d take the chain and fasten it around one of the animal’s legs. By lifting the tractor’s bucket you’d take up the chain’s slack and lift the animal. The animal would be hanging upside down by its leg, and you’d drive it over to a pasture. Once you got the downers [animals unable to stand or walk] in the pasture, you were supposed to try to get them back on their feet by putting your fingers in the animal’s nose and pulling like crazy. Even if you got a cow to its feet, it always seemed like whenever you checked on it, like a half-hour later, it had flopped over on its side.

They’d lie out in that hot

sun, maybe for three days, before they died or Dr.

THESE ANIMALS ONLY GOT FOOD AND WATER IF THEY COULD DRAG THEMSELVES UP TO THE HAY OR WATER TROUGHS.” Tecsan told us we could shoot them.

177

“You can get frustrated when you’re trying to move cattle along. Sometimes

you have to prod them a lot. But some of the drivers like to burn the hell out of them. The five or sex hotshots [electric prods] by

the lead-up chutes are hooked directly to a 110-volt outlet. Run them along the floor’s metal grates and they spit sparks like a welding machine.

SOME DRIVERS WOULD

BEAT CATTLE WITH HOTSHOTS UNTIL THEY WERE SO WILD AND PANICKY YOU COULDN’T DO A THING WITH THEM, RIGHT UP INTO THE KNOCKING BOX, THEN

THEY’D

JUST

THERE AND LAUGH.”

STAND

(Federal law prohibits the excessive use of electric prods and sates that they must be used at the lowest possible voltage, not to exceed 50 volts.)

178

“How do they drive cows onto the kill floor?” I asked. “Electric prods,” White said, “plugged into the wall.” Larry looked around the table. “Anybody ever been hit with one of them prods?” A few nods, a “You betcha” from White. “I caught one in the elbow one time,” Larry said. “Holy shit does it hurt! I seen them take those stunners - they’re about long as a yardstick -

and shove it up their ass.”

“And in their ears-”

“Their eyes.”

“Down their throat.”

“They’ll be squealing and they’ll just shove it right down there.” 4

179

“When you say ‘live cattle’,” I asked, “do you mean moving or kicking?” “Like nerve reaction?” he asked. “No. They’re conscious. Okay, when they turn their heads around when they’re hanging upside down and they look at you, I guess that’s one way you can tell they’re alive. See, once again they regain consciousness they start bellowing.? “How many of them are like this?” “Twenty-five to thirty percent, easy.” “Do they ever have to hang them alive?” “Thousands of times,” he said. “As long as you can get a hold of that leg, you bet. I could tell you horror stories.” “Please do.”

“About cattle getting their heads stuck under the gate guards, and the only way you can get it out is to

cut their heads off while they’re alive.”

“You’ve actually seen that?”

“I’ve done it,” he said. “Just to keep the line moving. I’ve seen cows hit with whips, chains, shovels, hoes, boards. Anything they can use to move’em. Seen them laid wide open across their nose and stuff. “Cows that get hurt [in the transport or slaughter process], they call them ‘haulers.’ You take an electric winch, latch it on to one of their legs- it’s suppose to be a leg- and drag her all the way through the kill alley to the knocking box. You can always tell them, because when they come out on the line, they’re covered with cowshit,” he laughed. “From being drug through the kill alley. If you couldn’t get her leg, it would go around her neck, and by the time she gets up here she’s almost dead- it’s choking her. You’re in such a hurry, and people get so mad at you if you don’t get the job done on time, that your adrenaline’s flowing and

you don’t care what you do to that animal.” 5 180

“Another thing, we take iron pipes on baby calves,” he said. “Hit them in the head.” “Didn’t they have a captive bolt gun?” “This is faster. ‘Cause their skull is still soft. Knock’em down with a pipe, hang ‘em up.” “You know,” he continued, “I seen guys take broomsticks and stick it up the cow’s behind, screwing them with a broom. One time the knocking gun was broke all day, they were taking a knife and cutting the back of the cow’s neck wide open while he’s still standing up. They would just fall down and be shaking. And they stab cows in the butt to make ‘em move. Break their tails. They beat them so bad.

“I’ve drug cows till their bones start breaking, while they were still alive.

Bringing them around the corner and they get stuck in the

doorway, just pull them till their hide be ripped, till the blood just drip on the steel and concrete. Breaking their legs pulling them in. And the cow be crying with its tongue stuck out. They pull him till his neck just pop. “I mean, pulling them cows in with chains and the hoist, breaking their legs, scarring them up, it’s, it’s like, you know, it’s just...” He never got that last word out.

181

A car pulled up outside. I could see a woman and a child inside. “The worst part,” he continued, “even worse than my accident, was what happened to my family life. I’d come home, my wife would ask me how my night went, and instead of being happy to see her I’d say, ‘Why the hell do you care?’ We’d get into arguments about stupid things. Or else I’d come home in so drunk I’d wonder how the hell I made it home. Them wake up the next morning and start all over again.” We watched a pretty blonde woman climb out of the car. The child, a little girl, ran from the car out of sight around the trailer. “My wife and I finally separated in early July,” Vladak said, “about two weeks before I cut my face. She couldn’t take the bitching any more. I’d blow up at the drop of a hat, come home every night and find something to complain about, take my frustrations from work out on my family.” Vladak’s wife, Lisa, came in and gave me a warm welcome despite any concerns she may have had about the previous night’s late rendezvous. “I was just telling Gail about my attitude when I worked at Morrell’s,” Vladak said. “What I was like to live with, and that you finally left me.” “Did you tell her why I left you?” He nodded and looked away. “Somewhat. My attitude.” “No,” Lisa said. “Oh.” He was looking at his hands on the table now. “Me slapping her around.” “You were hitting her?” I said “Yup.” “He hasn’t hit me since then,” Lisa said. “Not since I kicked him in the nuts.” He laughed. “I was a terrible parent, too,” he said. “Mean as could be to my kids. They could do the littlest thing wrong, I wouldn’t think twice about whooping their asses. Now I still chew their butts, raise my voice, but I’m not physical with them.” “One thing I learned after my accident,” Vladak said, “is that nobody is irreplaceable. The minute I left they just hired someone else. And the minute he gets hurt bad they’ll put somebody else down there. And the chain will just keep moving. Because people need a job, and they’re willing to do anything they can to keep their job. I proved it by sticking live animals. I did it, I just wanted that job, that weekly paycheck. Today, if somebody gave me a choice of going without a job or working for John Morrell’s, I’d go without a job. I’d do anything before I’d do that again.” 7

182

“I’ve gotten so mad some days I’d go and pound on the wall because they won’t do anything about it.” “Do you ever see a USDA veterinarian down there?” “No way. I’ve never seen a vet near the knocking pen. Nobody wants to come back there. See, I’m an ex-Marine. The blood and guts don’t bother me. It’s the inhumane treatment. There’s just so much of it.” 8

183

“I’ve taken out my job pressure and frustration on the animals, on my wife, who I almost lost, and on myself, with heavy drinking.” “I actually thought I was going crazy at one point,” he said. “I’d hit the bar after work every day, pound down four or five beers, come home and just sit and stare off into space through three or four more. If I talked at all, it was to bitch and chew. I was an SOB, royally. I mean gold-plated. My wife thought all this was directed at her. I’d want to tell her the truth, find the right words so she’s really understand, but I never could. “Little things would set me off. I was putting a new alternator belt on my wife’s car and the wrench slipped and I gouged my knuckle. I stood back and had a fit beating that car. I was beating it, kicking it, screaming at it. It was like I lost my mind.” Tice went for another beer. I was still on my first. “Down in the blood pit they say that smell of blood makes you aggressive,” he said as he walked back into the room. “And it does. You get an attitude that if animal kicks at me, I’m going to get even. You’re already going to kill it, but that’s not enough. It has to suffer. When you get a live one you think, Oh good, I’m going to beat this sucker.” Tice was on autopilot now. I just let him talk. “Another thing that happens is that you don’t care about people’s pain anymore. I used to be very sensitive about people’s problems, willing to listen. After a while, you become desensitized. And as far as animals go, they’re a lower life-form. They’re maybe one step above a maggot. “Like, one day the live animals were driving me nuts and the kill-floor superintendent was playing his power games, yelling at me about something. I threw my knife on the floor, I’m screaming at him, ‘Come on, you little pimple. You want a piece of me? Come on! Right now!’ If he’d come down there

Could’ve taken a human life and not given it one thought or had one regret for it.” I would’ve slit his throat.

184

Figure 5.46 Collage by author

185

ENDNOT ES

1 Eisnitz, Gail A. Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 1997. 2 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 3 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 4 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 5 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 6 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 7 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 8 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 9 Gail A. Eisnitz, Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. 186

187

188

The use of pot belly trucks for hauling cattle become the primary means of transportation in the 1950’s because it was easier to manage cattle.

As a progressive nation we should not take the “easy way out”. We should think and design innovatively. Almost every other typology of architecture has started to transform innovatively except slaughterhouses. Sluaghterhouse design should not be limited to the functions housed inside. The process of hauling cattle to and from these facilities should be taken into consideration. Pot belly trucks will never be eliminated from the industry but........ 189

190

The future is the use of trains. We now have the tools to design train cars for the use of an animal. The thesis takes into consideration the limitations of trains and how slaughterhouses can be designed with the arrival of trains and pot belly trucks, still creating a humane and desirable environment for cattle.

191

192

Satellite Feedlot PREVIO US PAG E S pg.187-188

pg.189-190 pg.191-192

Figure 6.1 Figure 6.2 Figure 6.3

ABO V E pg.193-194

Figure 6.4

193

Site

Railroad

SATELLI TE FEEDLOTS Satellite feedlots are a group

feedlots are located along the

Once cattle gain the desired

of feedlots in close proximity of

railroad within a fifty mile radius of

weight, they can be transported

one another. Cattle gain most

the site. There are nine feedlots,

by rail to the slaughterhouse.

of their weight in these facilities.

much like crop rotation, all the

Transporting cattle is expensive

Temperament

handling

feedlots wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be used. Five will

and labor and time intensive, by

influences how cattle react to

be used while the other four

using the rail the need for multiple

situations. In this thesis, satellite

replenish natural features.

trucks would not be necessary.

and

194

Import

Dots resemble workers

Holding Pens

Alley

Cattle are stunned

Processing Line

Temple Grandinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curvilinaear, alley design.

Export Cattle are stunned

There are several approaches to

the

packing

plant

layout.

Depending on the amount of cattle slaughtered per day will determine

Processing Line

the size of the facility. The layout in figure 6.5 usually is used for small plants and a low budget. The cattle are directly moved from Export

the truck to slaughter, about five to fifteen animals are killed. The layout approach in figure 6.6, is

Temple Grandin designed this

what lies ahead. The processing

for a better and bigger packing

approach, the majority of big,

line is switchback in form, allowing

plant. The cattle arrive and moved

commercialized

slaughterhouses

maximum functions in a smaller

to holding pens until they are

use this method of corralling

square footage. The cost of the

herded to slaughter. Once they

cattle. It is less stressful to them,

building is decreased but it is not

are moved from the holding pens

the illusion of right angles is

designed based on the welfare of

they enter a serpentine alley.

alleviated, and cattle canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see

employees.

195

The fence is not solid causing cattle to potentially balk at shadows and frightening objects outside the fence.

Holding pens, at 75o to direct cattle in the designated direction

Alley

Curved alley alleviates any right angles. Cattle perceive right angles as dead ends making them apprehensive to continue moving.

Wide alley funnels the cattle into single file. Loading Ramp

PREVI OUS

PAGE,

L EFT

pg.195

Figure 6.5 Traditional Process at Packing Plants, Diagram by author PREVI OUS

PAGE,

RI GHT

Figure 6.6 Traditional Process with Temple Grandinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curvilinear alley design, Diagram by author

pg.195

Figure 6.7 Holding pens at a packing plant MI DDL E pg.196 Figure 6.8 Plan view of Temple Grandinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s alley design BOTTOM pg.196 Figure 6.9 Meat trimming zone in packing plants TOP pg.196

196

Solid walls, alleviate any possibilities the cattle would balk due to seeing frightening objects from the outside.

Raised walkway, runs alongside the alley. Employees hide from cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view.

Flooring is non-slip resistant to keep from cattle getting hurt before slaughter.

Raised walkway Double Alley, cattle move from holding pens to the round pen to double alley to stun area inside the building Holding pens

Round holding pen

Mechanicalized gate

Raised walkway Solid, monolithic alley walls

Cattle are guided in single file from the round holding pen to the stun area

197

The proposed design for the thesis is based upon Temple Grandin’s

Import

serpentine design, where cattle are involved. The new design extrapolates her idea, integrating a curve into the whole process. Holding pens are located along the alley to the stunning area instead of a before the alley. If cattle are directly unloaded and moved to holding pens closer and along the way to the stunning area, they won’t have to be moved by employees as much. The idea is

The curvilinear holding pens and channel is based on Temple Grandin’s design. The new design extrapolates her idea, integrating a curve into the whole process. Dots resemble workers. In the new design humans are taken out of the herding process; the built environment influences cattle to move. Holding Pens

for humans to become obsolete in the handling process and the

Alley

environment move them. Research has proved that the serpentine method motivates movement, with the additional design based on the

Cattle are STUNNED

perception of cattle could increase their movement without the help of humans. Cattle depend on their inert understanding of space to make them feel comfortable and

Processing Line

safe. PREVIO US

P AG E,

T OP

pg.197

Figure 6.10 Photograph of alley from holding pens to stun area PREVIO US P AG E , MIDDLE pg.197

Figure 6.11 Temple Grandin’s curvilinear alley design PREVIO US PAG E , BOT T OM pg.197

Figure 6.12 Alley right before the cattle enter the building to be stunned

Export

RIG HT pg.198 Figure 6.13 Diagram of the proposed process for this thesis, by author

198

Delivery: Train

Delivery: Truck

Unloading Area Sorting Corrals Holding Pens Procession to Slaughter Floor

Offices

Stun- Render Unconscious

Restrooms

Slit Throat- Bleeds out

Break Room

Dismember-

Locker Room

Head

Sanitation Areas

Limbs Hide Eviscerate Fabrication- Trim Primal Meat Cooler Package Meat Load Product Export

Delivery: Train

Delivery: Truck

Stores: Human Consumption Factories: By-products 199

PAGE pg.199 Figure 6.14 Diagram, by author, of the slaughtering process

OPPOSI TE

TOP pg.200 Figure 6.15 Photograph taken after cattle’s throat was slit and they bleed out MI DDL E pg.200 Figure 6.16 Cattle are skinned and cut in half BOTTOM pg.200 Figure 6.17 Cattle are washed before they are skinned and dismembered

Slaughterhouses lack true architecture. The building is a shell with processing systems integrated into the design. The main design factor is efficiency and budget. The concept of designing spaces for employees is irrelevant in the

industry. Grandin started to explore possibilities relating to cattle’s

perception of space. She proved a little change can drastically effect the industry. Human’s perception of space has not been explored

in this type of factory. The psychological damage employees experience should be taken into account when designing meat packing plants.

200

The initial site plan starts to resolve

Downtown Alliance, approximately

the building placement, size, and

four miles away

relationship to the railroad and highway. As the red signifies the site boundary in figure 6.20, the white outline within the site denotes the topography change. The building location justification The train yard is north of the site.

was to be placed on the highest point of the site, using the existing slope from the topography as the ramp cattle would walk down to the stunning area. The slope of the ramp would increase as cattle got closer to being stunned. The building footprint does not take up the whole site, the rest of the

The white outline signifies the

site would be used for grazing

topography change.

cattle. If cattle became wild, sick, or unmanageable, they would be

The existing site lends itself to

moved to pasture to calm down and

growing crops in the low areas

let their stress and cortisol levels

while cattle graze on the rest.

become neutralized. By doing this, the meat would not have to be trimmed due to bruising and the wild cattleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behavior would not transpose to other cattle causing them to act unruly.

There is a feedlot across the road

1,360â&#x20AC;&#x2122;-0â&#x20AC;? (1/4 of a mile)

from the site. The building is located on the highest point

Figure 6.18 Photograph, by author, of the train yard in Alliance, Nebraska B O TTOM pg.201 Figure 6.19 Initial building form and distance from one end to the other TO P

pg.201

of the site; the longest portion of the building is 1,360 feet long. The rectangle signifies where the train arrives and departs, the

Figure Site plan, location and

curved portion is the processing line.

OPPO SIT E PAGE pg.202

6.20 scale

201

202

The

schematic

floor

plan

sequence, figure 6.24, starts when cattle arrive until they depart as packaged meat. The initial plans start to account for the needed square footage for each task. As the processing line progresses so does the square footage. The curve that punctures the building denotes the arrival on one side and departure on the other. In section A, figure 6.21, the curved canopy transforms from opaque to translucent to let natural light in as the cattle move to the opposite side of the building from where they are unloaded. In section B, figure 6.22, the building is curved created by rectangular sections that curve and get smaller as cattle move towards the stunning area. Natural light is brought in from the sides and top of the sections, creating a tunnel of light for them to follow.

pg.203 Figure 6.21 Conceptual section, A, through the train station MI DDL E pg.203 Figure 6.22 Conceptual section, B, through the alley BOTTOM pg.203 Figure 6.23 Conceptual section, C, through the processing line TOP

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.204 Figure 6.24 Schematic Floor Plan Sequence

203

Section:

1 Arrival via train or truck [36, 812 sq ft] 2 Holding Pens [8,644 sq ft] 3 Alley [15,047 sq ft] 4 Pleated Channel [21,995 sq ft] 5 Stun Area [275 sq ft] 6 Hang Animal Upside Down [655 sq ft] 7 Slit Throat [635 sq ft] 8 Removal of Head and Legs [3,335 sq ft] 9 Removal of Organs [2,585 sq ft] 10 Inspection Area [1,45 sq ft] 13

11 Chill Area [16,803 sq ft] 12 Trim Carcases [51,840 sq ft] 13 Meat Storage Area [14,578 sq ft] 14 Export via Train [9,440 sq ft] 15 Export via Truck [10,000 sq ft]

204

The first form was designed

As the form started to transform,

The design went back to

based upon the idea of two

meeting the needs of the

the original idea of one alley

forms, a rectangle and curve,

users, the splayed alley was

emerging from the rectangular

merge together to form a

meant for the ease of moving

train hub, still the problem

building. The cattle, alive or

cattle from the holding pens to

lay

dead, would arrive and depart

the stun area faster and more

two directions to meet in the

portion

efficiently. The problem with

middle. It would be easier to

that housed the train station.

this design was the transition

move cattle in one direction.

Cattle would enter the curved

from holding pens to the alley

The train station broke into

alley, moving them to the

in the rectangular portion of

two segments, arriving and

stunning area, where the curve

the building. Cattle would be

departing to segregate the two

pinched together and then the

coming

task.

processing line would widen

directions to be herded into

from the stunning area until it

the

met up to the train hub.

would cause more confusion

the

rectangular

from

four

serpentine

different

alley.

This

from the workers and cattle.

TO P

pg.205-206

Form Sequence

Figure

6.25

Figure 6.26 Physical model of the form RIGHT

pg.206

205

cattle

moving

from

Main idea, to move cattle from

The diameter of the alley

The critical turning point in

one direction and herd them

was

design

to the alley at one end of the

time from holding pens to the

areas that cattle are involved

building, eliminating confusion

stunning area is approximately

would be curvilinear and the

and equipment design based

300 feet. The truck unloading

areas humans inhabited would

upon different directions. By

dock was added to the south

be linear. Even though cattle

moving the alley to the end

western side, cattle would be

would arrive in the rectbgulr

of the building, the diameter

unloaded

the

portion of the building, the

of the curve grew and this

trailers and have immediate

pens inside would be curved

caused

access to the alley.

directing cattle to move. As

problems

the

decreased, the travel

directly

from

development.

The

distance cattle would have to

the alley curved towards the

travel to be stunned. Cattle

stunning area (area that the

do not need to travel a large

curve transforms

distance to the stunning area.

into a diagonal)

If they are not healthy or had

down

long

transportation

ride,

would into

slope the

they would be more likely to

ground and rise

become downers.

when inhabited spaces.

206

humans the

207

The size of cattle and humans is similar when comparing their front profile. If the same two creatures were rotated to their side, a 700 pound steer and 180 pound man would drastically change in profile. Their adaptability to space is different in regards to scale and proportions. The slaughterhouse design takes into account the need for different types of spaces depending on the user, cattle or humans. The conceptual model in figure 6.27 was built with the Curvilinear: Bovine

idea of creating a difference for humans and cattle. The parts of the building that cattle inhabit should be curvilinear and the spaces humans inhabit should be linear, but there has to be a dintinct cohesion between the two. Even though cattle and humans should be segregated the spaces should transition fluently without a disconnect.

Linear: Human

OPPOSI TE PAGE pg.207 Figure 6.27 Conceptual model signifying the difference between humans and cattle TOP pg.208

of a cow

Figure 6.28 Image

pg.208 Figure 6.29 Image of a cattle handler

BOTTOM

208

F B

209

The initial concept model, figure 6.30, illustrates the fundamental ideas of the project. The undulating wind panels directs the wind into the building for natural ventilation and it creates a canopy to not let direct sunlight into the building. The holding pens and serpentine alley are all located under part B of the building. The light has to be controlled in the environment the cattle inhabit. As the building descends

down

the

hill,

the

curved portion submerges into the ground and rises when humans are introduced in the process.

B C D

E F

Undulating wind panels, directs the wind across the building to reduce the smell and create natural ventilation. Portion of the building that houses holding pens. Unload cattle via Truck Curved alley, cattle move from holding pens to the stunning area. It slopes down in the ground and emerges after stunning. Stunning area The processing line emerges from the gound and widens in square footage. Export via truck and train pg.209-210 Figure Concept model one ABOVE pg.210 Figure Concept model one L EFT

210

6.30 6.31

Concept model two incorporates the undulating wind panels, the processing line segments, and the building submerging into the ground. The diameter of the alley to the TOP pg.211-212

Sequence

Figure 6.32 Form

Figure 6.33 Physical model of the form

RIG HT

pg.211

stunning

area

was too long for

the cattle to walk. 211

The performance and function

The width of the processing

The building form progressed

area started to expand and

in the scale and proportion of

become a design driver. The

contract in the form sequence

the processing line. Each form

segments of the building was

depending on the minimum

sequence explored the various

designed to let sun in the

square footage needed. Each

widths of the segments letting

facility as well as capture

segment increased in height

in let to the employees.

water.

by one foot. The proportions

the

building

started

of the train station remained constant throughout the design sequence. 212

J I

F E

213

EXISTING CONDITIONS Prevailing wind is from the west,

Cattle- Procession to Stun Area Employee- Processing Line

Undulating

Wing

the

for

cross

winter, it is from the southeast.

unloads cattle on the west side

Utilizing the natural element will

of the building (under the wind

help control the smell.

panels) B

ventilation,

Panels

and one month out of the year in

Cattle instinctively find comfort

Cattle- Arrival and Departure

RESPONDING ARCHITECTURALLY train

Cattle exit the train and move

in moving in a curvilinear form,

towards the other side of the

as soon as cattle exit the truck

building

they are greeted with a curved

passing through a funnel to

holding pens and alleys to help

holding pens and then to the

reduce their stress level.

double alley.

Building on the highest point

slaughtered,

Part of the building is submerged

of the site lends it slef the

in the ground. The natural

opportunity

ground temperature will help

integrate

the

building and earth better.

control the building.

The majority of cattle arriving

will be by truck, the truck ramp

The unloading dock for cattle via truck

is closest to the alley. After cattle move through a

serpentine form, they are moved

The curved alley cattle move through before they are stunned.

into one, long curve. N

The space should be small.

Cattle are stunned.

The factory has to have large

As the processing line begins,

spaces to perform tasks and

the building emerges from the

storage spaces for by-products.

ground and widens.

PREVIO US

PAG E

pg.213

6.34 Concept model two

Figure

ABO V E, TOP TO BOT T OM pg.214

Figure 6.35 Concept model two Figure 6.36 Concept model two Figure 6.37 Concept model two Figure 6.38 Programmatic Diagram

has

been

proven

that

Processing line is built in pre-

employees work better and feel

cast segments to reduce building

healthier if they have natural

cost. The recessed segments

light in the spaces they work in.

bring light into the building.

Refrigeratd trains for packaged

meat could help the industry. Loading the truck with packaged meat is the last function. 214

Packaged meat loads on the train from the western side.

Packaged meat loads on the trucks on the eastern side.

Model three, figure 6.40, contributed to three main turning points in the project: create a break between the import and export areas, the alley should be bigger, and the building doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to have segmented portions to bring in light. The later two TOP pg.215-216 Figure 6.39 Form Sequence

were found after building this

model. 215

216

D C

217

EXISTING CONDITIONS

RESPONDING ARCHITECTURALLY

Exporting beef and by-products by

train

the

future

Export Packaged Beef via Train

Break

transportation. The western prevailing wind

the

building,

should be utilized to ventilate

distinguishing the import from

the building and reduce the

export. The break directs wind

smell that is associated with

through

cattle. The venturi effect will cause

bioswale, and alongside the

the wind to accelerate at the gap.

building to remove the smell. C

the

gap,

past

the

Point where the train enters

There will be a dual unloading D

Access for trucks to unload

ramp for maximum efficiency.

cattle

The alley to slaughter should

The building form relates to

create a surreal experience for

the function housed inside. The

cattle. It will be nothing like they

alley is curved for the cattle not

ever explored before. It should

to sense what is happening in

put them in a trance while they

front of them. The roof slopes

move closer to death.

down in relation to the floor plane.

The air pressure changes as

Cattle- Arrival (ALIVE) Cattle- Procession to Stun Area Employee- Processing Line Cattle- Export (DEAD) Meat is packaged, ready for human consumption

Cattle are stunned, ten feet

cattle move underground.

below grade.

It takes gallons of water to G

Bioswale to catch run-off water

slaughter one cow, the more

and treat to be used.

that is treated can be reused. Once again, the building form H

The roof slopes to catch water

follows function, treating water

and allow for more space for the

and creating more space.

slaughtering process.

218

PREVI OUS PAGE pg.217 Figure 6.40 Concept model three ABOVE pg.218 Figure 6.41 Programmatic Diagram BEL OW pg.218 Figure 6.42 Photograph of model three

TOP pg.219-220 Figure 6.43 Form Sequence

219

F I NA L F O RM DE S I G N

The final form configuration was

resolved

after

many

iterations. The building form was

designed

around

the

function at that given place in the processing plant. A light corridor was introduced and the integration with the land was resolved creating a bioswale and water treatment.

220

221

H H

I G

Figure 6.44

222

F H

223

H B

Figure 6.45

224

225

EXISTING CONDITIONS The

average

wind

speed

RESPONDING ARCHITECTURALLY in A The undulating wind panels were

Alliance is above 20 mph, a

configured to capture as much

natural resource that can create

wind as possible while creating

a more hospitable experience for

a canopy, not letting any direct

the users.

sunlight in the facility.

Cattle balk when they see shadows B The clerestory windows allows and high contrast in colors, the

northern light to come in where a

light brought into the spaces they

light diffusing mechanism creates

inhabit should be controlled and

soft, indirect light to shine down

conducive to their nature.

on the cattle.

Sunlight is a natural resource that C Light corridor for cattle. The light should be utilized as much as

corridor diffuses light on the alley

Cattle- Arrival (ALIVE)

possible.

cattle walk down.

Cattle- Procession to Stun Area

The road for truckers should be D Road to the facility for trucks to efficient and easy to manage.

unload cattle.

Earth used for the first floor will be E Earth formed to allow water to used to supply the built up land.

flow away from the building.

Humans react positively to natural F Light corridor in the processing light, the light corridor transforms

plant, the light corridor is an

as employees walk through it.

accessible

Factory workers need positive,

light to reach employees at their

environmental influences to help

stations and a transition space to

them work better.

and from work.

space

that

Employee- Processing Line Inspectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Viewing Area, Offices, Break Room and Locker Room Light Corridor Cattle- Export (DEAD) Meat is packaged, ready for human consumption

allows

Earth used for the first floor will be G Bioswale used to supply the built up land. Factories need portions of the H Two loading docks for by-products, building to allow for semi trucks to

as different parts of the cow are

enter, the more flexible a building

dismembered, the accessible truck

is the easier it is to manage

entrances allow for easy pick-up

products.

and located away from the highway.

Code calls for egress every 400â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

I Egress stairwell J Main entrance K Loading dock for trucks 226

PREVI OUS

PAGE,

TOP

Figure 6.46 Final Model

pg.225

PREVI OUS PAGE, BOTTO M pg.225

Figure 6.47 Final Model pg.226 Figure Programmatic Diagram

ABOVE

6.48

L EFT pg.227 Figure 6.49 Diagram of the light corridor (red) OPPOSI TE

227

PAGE,

BOTTOM pg.228

TO P

Figures 6.50-6.56 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models

LIGHT CORRIDOR

Light corridor study model, A, uses a light diffusing shelf in the middle, not only does it bounce

The light corridor runs the length

light

of the processing plant where

of the building. It acts as a natural

light shelf. It created a scattered, linear pattern on the ground. This design would be used for spaces

transition as the inhabitant walks

right before they enter their work

through. The scale, light, color, respond

the

emotion

spaces

Study model, B, has an angled

to escape. The light corridor will

will

office

a pattern below.

light source and space for heat

material, pattern, and threshold

the

(cantilevered area) but it creates

humans inhabit. The corridorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s height is elevated above the rest

into

stations. C

Model C has a light shelf that has a linear, small opening in the

employeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experience as they

middle. It created a pattern that

walk from to and from their stations.

was linear and direct.

It is important for employees to disconnect from their jobs. Many times, employees leave and go

Model D had the same light shelf but moved down, the light was

to the bar and drink or become

more diffused. Telling time can be

physical with family or anyone in

done with light. This pattern could

there path. The magnitude of a

be used for employees to tell what

space can transform the way a person feels. The scale of the light corridor is narrow in width but tall

time of the day it was. E

Study model E had two light shelves, the light had to pass

in height causing a person to feel

through two shelves to make it to

like they are in a holy place. As a

the floor. The cantilevered space

person travels through the corridor

got to see more light than the

the height, light, and pattern will change,

transitioning

them

either go back to work or go home.

bottom floor. F

Model F had the same light shelf in models C and D but angled.

At each station an employee can

More light was captured in the

see outside, experiencing nature,

upper portion of the light corridor,

also a mental state that helps a

only certain parts of the day could

factory worker feel better.

employees see the light. 228

Model G has a hanging partition on the western side of the corridor. When the light enters, it bounces off the partition and into the space on the eastern side. The western side never had sun reach it.

Study model H has the same hanging partition as model G with a partition addition to the eastern side, sunlight only reaches the center of the floor, The partitions direct the light straight down.

Model I has the hanging, eastern partition, like model G, the light only hits one side of the floor. Since the partition is on the western side, the light hits the eastern wall and floor.

Light wells were introduced in the corridor in model J. Since light was coming in below the shelf that the light wells were hanging on, the effect was different. It let light in only in the afternoon.

Model K used the same light wells from model J but they were angled in various directions. The pattern became dynamic and changed according to the time of day.

TOP TO BO TTOM pg.229

The light shelf in model L has linear, sporadic voids. The pattern

Figure 6.57-6.63 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models O P PO S ITE

PAGE,

BO TTOM pg.230

T OP

created

was

dynamic

and

interesting. This light shelf would

be used in spaces for employees

Figures 6.64-6.69 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models

to transition from working to relaxing. 229

Model

concentrated

making a space compelling and encompassing when inhabited. The glass diffuses light but it also creates interest above, helping employees to forget the activities performed. N

Light study model N uses angled planes for inhabiters to walk around and touch. The power of touch can be as compelling as space.

Model O has an overhead light source with a slender opening and hanging object. The object captures light and reflects it on the top of the corridor.

person

walks

through

the corridor, the space will be consumed

with

diffused

light

through translucent material.

The light shelf used in model L is used for model Q. It is angled from the ceiling to floor. The light becomes harsh to diffused as the angle is enhanced.

Model R has the light shelf used in model D but the light coming into the space is not from the sides of the wall but directly above.

230

C D

231

232

233

234

235

L I GHT STUDY MODEL S PREVI OUS PAGES

pg.231-232 Figure 6.70 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models pg.233-234 Figure 6.71 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models ABOVE pg.235-236 Figure 6.72 Photographs, by author, of the light corridor study models

236

The vernacularity of place tells a story of time, culture, and atmospheric conditions, responding 237

238

to peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs and wants through an industry that is always changing and conforming to the demand. 239

240

Place has invaluable character that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be duplicated. Responding to the vernacularity 241

242

of place doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean to copy but to take intrinsic qualities and expand, continuing the same 243

244

language yet acclimatizing to the present trend.

245

246

247

PREVI OUS PAGES

pg.237 Figure 6.73 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author RI GHT pg.238 Figure 6.74 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author L EFT

SPREAD pg.239-240 Figure 6.75 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author SPREAD pg.241-242 Figure 6.76 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author

pg.243 Figure 6.77 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author RI GHT pg.244 Figure 6.78 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author L EFT

pg.245-246 Figure 6.79 Photograph taken in Alliance, Nebraska, by author

SPREAD

248

249

250

251

ARCHIT ECT URE is the means by which slaughterhouse design

can transform the industry.

PREVI OUS SPREAD pg.249-250

Figure 7.1

Figure 7.2 Exterior perspective of the train station

BEL OW pg.251-252

252

Site Plan The northern entrance to the facility is for the employees, visitors, and semi-trucks picking up packaged meat. The employee entrance is a long, curved road through the natural landscape, it is a transition zone, that people embark on when arriving or leaving a work environment that physically and emotionally leaves them debilitated. The crop circles are an existing source of agriculture. The pasture land can be utilized for crops and cattle grazing. The water treated from the slaughterhouse can be used to irrigate the crops as long as the crops are not for human consumption. The middle entrance is located for access to the main processing line in the plant. It will be used primarily for the export of by-products: heads, legs, hides, and blood. The employee parking constitutes 200 parking spaces and four handicap spaces. There are three lanes of parking with bioswales in the middle to prevent the heat island effect and contributes to the ambience of the procession to and from work. There are two entrances to the building, one for the employees and the other for visitors and main office workers. The direct access for each contributes to the ease of using the facility. The break between buildings is to direct the western prevailing winds through the open space and guide the smell away from the facility. The bioswale was created to form a place for runoff water to drain while using the earth excavated from the floor beneath the train station. Approximately 720,000 sq ft is needed to create the swale, the earth moved from the underground floor would be approximately 900,000 sq ft contributing enough earth for the bioswale. The water caught from the roof and bioswale would be transferred to the water treatment area located in the sub floor and used for irrigation.

Slaughterhouses are factories; there is a beginning and end to the product through an assembly line. The linear areas are the spaces inhabited by humans whereas the curved portions are allocated for cattle. There is a portion of the building that submerges underground; this portion is where cattle are stunned unconscious and the spaces start to be designed for humans. The facility is integrated with the natural conditions of the site to influence the program layout and building design. Light Corridors: There are two light corridors, one for cattle (curved) and humans (linear). The cattle light corridor promotes movement through the building while the corridor for humans is for psychological effects. Grazing land for cattle surrounds the facility. If cattle become agitated they can be segregated from the herd and placed in the pastures for several days before slaughter, allowing cortisol levels to reach an average level contributing to higher quality meat.

253

RI GHT pg.254

Site Plan

Figure 7.3

254

The size of cattle and humans is similar when comparing their front profile. If the same two creatures were rotated to their side, the 700 pound steer and 180 pound man would drastically change in profile. Their adaptability to space is different in regards to scale and proportions. The slaughterhouse design takes into account the need for different types of spaces depending on the user, cattle or humans.

Figure 7.4 Profile Comparison, Cattle ABO V E, MIDDLE pg.255 Figure 7.5 Profile Comparison, Human ABO V E, LEFT pg.255

RIG HT, TOP pg.255 Figure 7.6 Diagram: Water Treatment RIG HT, MIDDLE pg.255 Figure 7.7 Diagram: Placement of air stacks RIG HT, BO TTOM pg.255 Figure 7.8 Diagram: Wind flow around building NEXT P AG E pg.256

Floor plan

Figure 7.9

255

Floor Plan B 256

Export packaged meat via truck

Export packaged meat via train

257

SECOND FLOOR LEGEND A Locker Room- Men B Locker Room- Women C Conference Room D Entrance E Secretary’s Office F Offices G Utility Room H Restrooms I Employees’ Transition Corridor J Break Room K Outside Patio L Restrooms M Mechanical Room N Employees’ Transition Corridor

SECOND FLOOR

(Cantilevered)

D Meat is separated and prepared for export

E Meat is packaged

G H

Carcass is trimmed in primal cuts

Figure 7.10 Enlarged Floor Plans

258

SUB FLOOR LEGEND A Compost Area B Ramp C Rake for Manure D Manure Collection Area E Water Treatment

SUB FLOOR

259

Carcass is chilled Carcass is washed

Carcass is inspected

Carcass is cut in half

K L M Stomach is removed

Carcass is washed

Figure 7.11 Enlarged Floor Plans

260 Hide is removed

A B

261

Removal of Limbs (knees down)

Removal of the Head

DEATH

Throats are cut

Stunned: cattle are rendered unconscious

Figure 7.12 Enlarged Floor Plans

262

CURVILINEAR PATH ENCOURAGES NATURAL MOVEMENT

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grazing animals have a tendency to want to go back to where they came from. This is a natural instinctual behavior. Animals move through serpentine alleys that are curved to such a degree that they are fooled into thinking they are going back.â&#x20AC;? Temple Grandin When bovines see movement and people outside the chute, they become stressed and balk, stopping the potential orderly flow. Solid, curved walls result in less backing up and rearing from cattle when in single file. The solid side prevents cattle from seeing people and objects that could frighten them. Cattle move through a solid-curved alley more readily than through a straight chute, because they are not able to see what is in front of them. LEF T pg.263

Figure 7.13 Interior perspective of holding pens and alley RIGHT pg.263

Figure 7.14 Enlarged plan of the arrival process of cattle

263

Railroad spur branching from the Highway 87 railroad. The spur is designed to expedite the process of transporting cattle from satellite feedlots and surrounding farms. Water treatment plant (below)

Train car. The building is designed to incorporate the typical train car capacity, thirty-three. An average of twenty head of cattle occupy the train car, depending on their weight.

The double alley allows cattle to pass through one another by a sliding gate that is incorporated into the walls.

Raised Walkway: Slaughterhouses incorporate raised walkways above holding pens for employees to be able to check cattle for health concerns. The walkway in this design is located in between holding pens for the efficiency of checking cattle, it can also be used as access from either end of the facility. By it being at a certain height, cattle do not see people utilizing the walkway preventing them from being frightened.

Larger holding pens are located on the eastern side of the alleys for extended stays or to segregate sick cattle.

264

Collage exemplifying cattle exiting a train into a curved funnel that moves them directly to a holding pen or alley leading to their death. The curve form moves them naturally and calmly. Every space cattle inhabit after arriving is curved. Cattle perceive space in a curve to be continuous, the curve acts like an escape route to them. As long as there arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t right angles they will continue moving. The walls and floor are covered in manure, a natural source of fertilizer. There is a compost under this portion of the building to collect the manure and use as fertilizer. LEF T pg.265

Figure 7.15 Interior perspective of cattle exiting a train car RIGHT pg.265

Figure 7.16 Enlarged plan of the arrival process of cattle

265

Undulating panels face the west, utilizing the western prevailing winds to promote cross ventilation.

Holding pens are located to the relationship of train cars. The circular shape changes the perception of space for cattle; eliminating right angles encourages their natural movement. The electrical powered gate rotates around the pen to push cattle in the desired direction without a person to move them. This method is the most humane way of herding cattle through spaces.

The curve funnels cattle directly from the train to the holding pen without the need of a human. The wall height is ten feet, eliminating shadows.

The double alley provides options to handle cattle. Cattle can be moved at the same time to increase speed.

A built-in gate allows for a handler to be on the outside of the holding pen so they can not be seen by cattle. It allows for them to be funneled into the pen easily and efficiently.

266

LEF T pg.267

Figure 7.17 Interior perspective of cattle in the alley before slaughter RIGHT pg.267-268

Figure 7.18 Enlarged plan of the arrival process of cattle

267

The alleys merge together to form a single file line; once they are in a line the process to death starts and the built environment changes, the walls angle to create the perception of a bigger space while guiding them, the floor starts to slope, and the roof starts to illuminate indirect light causing cattle to inherently gravitate towards.

There is a vehicular ramp to the underground compost. Cattle truck unloading dock: the majority of slaughterhouses have multiple unloading docks to increase efficiency.

The building entrance begins when the cattle start going down the slope to the stunning area.

The ground starts to slope when cattle enter the enclosed building, The slope gets steeper as cattle get closer to the stunning area, increasing their movement at a rapid natural pace.

268

269

Figure 7.19 Section A

270

271

Figure 7.20 Section B

272

273

Figure 7.21 Section C

274

275

Figure 7.22 Section D

276

E F G H

ABO V E pg.277 Figure 7.23 Diagram of section A

Figure 7.24 Diagram of section B

RIG HT pg.278

Overhang: Reflects northern light into the building

Vents for cross ventilation

Artificial, indirect light to encourage movement

Undulating panels continue inside sloping to create the perception of the space getting bigger, promoting movement

Raised walkway

Vent to release smell and air from composting area

Perforations for manure to release into chamber for composting

Manure Rake: rakes towards the composters

I 277

Composters

manure

B C

278

Skylight: curves with the channel, allowing natural light to be filtered through the building

Artificial light: the combination of natural and artificial light allows a consistent amount of light to be filtered

Channel, guides cattle holding pens to stun area

The walls slope outward creating the perception that the space is bigger resulting in cattle being calmer and easier to move through the space. Also, it makes cattle feel like they are moving towards an escape.

The floor starts a 1:12 slope when cattle enter the building, as the cattle progress towards the stunning area, the slope increases. Cattle move faster when moving across a steeper incline. All planes surrounding cattle instigate natural movement.

from

Employees work in a grueling environment;

one

person

can

trim, stun, or stick up to 400 head per hour. Their surrounding environment should influence their psychological well-being. Section C is through the stunning area; the majority of the building in this area is underground with the exception of the eastern facade. The angled wall right below eye level creates the perception of a bigger space while directing the employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; view to the natural landscape. It has been proven that the use of daylight and natural views increases factory workersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

ABO V E pg.279 Figure 7.25 Diagram of section C

productivity

Figure 7.26 Diagram of section D

RIG HT pg.280

health. 279

and

psychological

Section

taken

the dehiding area. dismemberment the

through

employees and inspectors; the

Once the

inspectors are able to watch the

process

starts

employees without them knowing.

(head,

limbs,

The

by-products

employees

will

perform

stomach, blood, etc.) is placed on

better with the suspicion of being

a conveyor belt and transported to

watched without the pressure of

the collection area.

actually seeing someone watch

The built environment responds

them.

the

The employees are able to see

the

processing

employee line

working and

the

natural light in the light corridor

inspectors. Slaughterhouses have

and the natural landscape beyond

started implementing cameras in

the facility. the second floor is

the facilities for inspectors to be

cantilevered blocking direct light

able to log on to the computer

in the space.

any time and watch employees. The workers shown an increase in

Stack

humane treatment of animals and

Daylighting System combined

performing their task better. The

light

corridor 280

separates

Effect

and

Natural

LI G HT CO RRI DO R

The light corridor acts as a

transition

zone

for

traveling

through

employees the

facility.

Colors, shadows, and patterns transition them psychology from inhabiting an intense, desensitizing environment to a more serene,

calm environment.

Figure 7.27 Light Corridor Diagram

L EFT pg.281

Figure 7.28 Light Corridor Perspective F

RI GHT pg.282

281

282

CLO CK WISE FROM TOP LEFT pg.283

Figure 7.29 Light Corridor Perspective E Figure 7.30 Light Corridor Perspective A Figure 7.31 Light Corridor Perspective B Figure 7.32 Light Corridor Perspective C

RIG HT pg.284

Figure 7.33 Light Corridor Perspective D

283

284

285

Figure 7.34

286

287

Conclusion In an industry that revolves around profit and efficiency, it lacks the power of space. Space can influence mental well-being and physical health. This thesis, revolved around perception of space, how a particular space can impact humans and cattle, who perceive space differently. If meat packing plants designed factories based on efficiency and userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wellbeing, the industry could transform into a more humane and effective business.

Figure 7.35 Collage by author

288

289

290

291

B IB L I O G RA P HY

“Built Environment.” County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. Accessed October 25, 2012. http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-factors/ built-environment. Eisnitz, Gail A. Slaughterhouse: The Shocking Story of Greed, Neglect, and Inhumane Treatment inside the U.S. Meat Industry. Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 1997. Field, Thomas G. Beef Production and Management Decisions. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. Grandin, Temple. “Factors That Impede Animal Movement at Slaughter Plants.” Journal American Veterinary Medical Association 209 (1996): 757-59. http://www.grandin.com/references/abstract-14.html. Grandin, Temple, ed. Livestock Handling and Transport. 3rd ed. Cambridge: CABI, 2007. Grandin, Temple, and Mark Deesing. Humane Livestock Handling. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub., 2008. Grandin, Temple, M.J. Deesing, J.J. Struthers, and A.M. Swinker. “Cattle with Hair Whorl Patterns above the Eyes Are More Behaviourally Agitated during Restraint (fixation).” Cattle with Hair Whorl Patterns above the Eyes Are More Behaviourally Agitated during Restraint (fixation). Accessed November 10, 2012. http://www.grandin.com/references/ abstract.html. Johnson, Steve. “The Politics of Meat.” PBS. Accessed September 20, 2012. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/meat/ politics/. “Line Speeds in Meat and Poultry Plants.” American Meat Institute. August 2009. Accessed October 3, 2012. http://www.meatami.com/ ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/53060. “Livestock Slaughter.” Livestock Slaughter. September 21, 2012. Accessed October 02, 2012. http://usda.mannlib.cornell.edu/ MannUsda/viewDocumentInfo.do?documentID=1096. McKinnon, Bill R. “Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters”” Beef Quality Corner - “Dark Cutters” March 1998. Accessed January 07, 2013. http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/newsletter-archive/livestock/aps-98_03/ aps-891.html. PBS. Accessed October 08, 2012. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/ frontline/shows/meat/slaughter/slaughterhouse.html. Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All-American Meal. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2001. Smith, Burton J. Moving ‘em: A Guide to Low Stress Animal Handling. Kamuela, HI: Graziers Hui, 1998.

292

293

Figure 7.36 Final Boards

294

295

Figure 7.37 Exhibition

296

297