Treatment Center for Veterans with TBI/PTSD in Honolulu
LOCATION: HONOLULU, HI, USA TYPE: COURSEWORK TEAM WORK: WITH 3 PARTNER ROLE:CONCEPT, MODEL RENDERING, LAYOUT 2012.9-2012.12
Merit Award in American Society of Landscape Architects 2013 Student Design Competition
Honolulu is a tourists destination and famous for its beautiful scenery and mild weather. When designing a veterans' center, the first thing came into our mind was to take its wonderful climate and views into account, and consider it as an innovative therapy. So we put our emphasis on outdoor spaces, such as natrue trails, native plants and view deck, and indoor-outdoor spaces, such as outdoor bar, hammock and various seating. We believe exposing more to nature will bring good mood and make people recover sooner and better.
Veterans Waiting For Help
Innovative Therapies
332 days Average that a veteran waits for the government to respond to his or her claim as of 09/2012. Increased by +27.3% in the prior 1.4 years.
A. Virtual Reality It can simulate physical presence in places in the real world by computer-simulated environment, as well as in imaginary.
Location of VA Campus
A
Yoga Yoga helps individuals facing health challenges, reduce symptoms, restore balance, and improve attitude.
332 days
Our site is located in Honolulu, where the weather is very nice and lots of tropical vegetations grow there. The site is near the main road, on the other side of the road is the VA Medical Center and Psychiatry Center, which makes it very convenient for our patients and faculties to use the facilities nearby. Also, it's a very steep slop on the west part of our site, so how to take advantage of it is also an essential issue.
B
241 days
6,065 veterans Await response on 11/26/2012 to claims of a disease, injury or illness suffered in the military. 6.045 claims
Music Therapy Through listening and playing music, people release the emotion and help therapist and themselves to know them better. C
Acupuncture People are treated by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin to correct imbalances in the flow of chi through channels.
4,865 claims
+24.3% Growth in disability claims in the last 82 weeks. While they wait, veterans often cannot access health care from the agency or receive disability compensation. 622 days Average wait time for veterans who appeal, as of 05/2012. Decreased by 81.6% in the prior 1.1 years. 76.6% Percent of veterans waiting 125 days or more for a response from the VA as of 10/09/2012. 385 days To respond to all veterans, if no new claims are field (16 claims/day as of 08/2012).
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Inspiration Images SITE
Psychiatry Center
VA Medical Center
Indoor
Indoor –outdoor transition
Outdoor
Entrance
Site and Landscape Design
Site and Therapy Areas
There are three parts of this site: the back walkway, the terrace, and the nature trail. We designed many open spaces because the weather is mild and there are wonderful views. The corridor is a transtion space to integrate outdoor space with indoor space. We provided diverse outdoor therapies such as horticultural therapy, art/music therapy and outdoor massage. We also provided some outdoor activities for veterans c om i n g h ere- - th ey can e nj oy sunbathing, chatting in the outdoor bar, reading in the hammock or sitting in the outdoor cafe and having a cup of coffee. Since the slope of the terrain is steep, it is very interesting because veterans can get closer to nature.
Since our building is located on a very steep slope, we have very limited space. We put four modules along the contour line, and designed a covered corridor to connect them together. Veterans come into the lobby and are received in the first module. We design the indoor and outdoor cafe areas to make veterans and their families feel relaxed. We put the exam room and wellness center next to the first module. The third module includes acupuncture, massage and virtual reality rooms. And the last module contains the art/music treatment room and the simulated apartment. Just in front of these rooms, we designed the sunbath area and horticulture garden.
A
Natural Trails
A
Hammock
Art & Music
View Deck
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1 Walkway View Since our site is limited, we have to consider the spaces between our treatment center and the existing temporary office building, and we want to make it a quite peaceful space. The walkway view shows people walking on the trail enjoying the quiet and peaceful walkway between our design and existing building. At the same time, tropical vegetation will create a delightful environment for recovery.
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For the architecture part, we put four modules along the contour lines. Prefabricated modules are used because they are cheap and easy to build, and that will solve the urgent need of the veterans nearby. Four models are divided into quite and dynamic spaces in consideration of their functions. The first two modules near the main road and entrance have more dynamic spaces such as wellness center and cafeteria. They will pose a welcoming gesture to guests and also create a silent and peaceful inner area.
2 The Charming Porch We have a covered corridor connecting four modules together, thus people will not be exposed to rain on rainy days. The rendering below and on the right are showing a shady porch next to the Entry Plaza.
Main Entry Dropping
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Our treatment center has a covered entry, letting people get out of their cars and go into the building without exposing them to rain. Veterans come into the lobby and have reception in the first module, and we designed the indoor and outdoor cafe areas to make veterans and their families feel relaxed. We put the exam room and wellness center next to the first module.
Getting Close to Nature We designed nature trails down the mountain. They all have ramps so that handicapped people can use them in their wheelchairs. Besides, we also designed stairs as shortcuts for emergencies, and physical exercise. We believe that exposing more to nature will make people feel relaxed and help them recover.
4 5 4 6
The third module includes acupuncture, massage and virtual reality rooms. And the last module contains the art/music treatment room and the simulated apartment. Just in front of these rooms, we designed the sunbath area, horticulture garden and outside art/music spaces matching with indoor function for landscape design.
View Deck The Outdoor Bar provides a social environment for veterans. It is near the Entry Plaza, and people can go to the nature trail down to the mountain from it. The Entry Plaza is a good place for children because we have a seesaw and other play equipments. We believe watching cheerful moments will make people feel more joyful.
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The Relaxing Patio
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The image shows how the terrace looks with different kinds of functions. When lying on the lounge, people can not only enjoy flowers and plants on the terrace around them, but also see the beautiful valley in front of them. It's a great place to enjoy the whole design, facing the natural trails, and with four modules with indoor therapies on the back, the patio is good combination of indoor and outdoor spaces.
Habor for the Homelessness in Barcelona --what to do with the homelessness around the city LOCATION: BARCELONA, SPAIN TYPE: COURSEWORK INDEPENDENT WORK 2013.9-2014.5 Top 10 projects of Graduate Final Study in TAMU
Based on the number of the homeless in Barcelona, my design is a living community having an amount of housing units to accommodate them, meeting their basic living requirements, improving the quality of life, giving them a sense of safe and needed, and also providing more public open spaces. So the mission of my design is to empower chronically homeless individuals to live healthy, stable and independent lives through efficient , accessible, and affordable permanent supportive housing. The creation of a flexible, open and non-judgemental atmosphere; Harmreduction and healthy living; Community involvement and political participation of members.
Goals:
Function included:
* Collecting homeless people information * Shelter for the homelessness * Physical and mental cure by experts * Mental Cure by environment * Adapting to society by learning skills * Implementing sustainable design
Living: Around 200 people, 10% women Shower Religious space (Chapel) Eating:Dining Space Kitchen Health: Physical Health Center (gym) Exercise space Mental Health Learning: Workshops
The Site:
The Chamfer:
Sustainable -- Louvers on the Facade
Time Schedule Month 1
Month 2 & 3
07:30 ~ 08:00 Get up
Get up
08:00 ~ 08:30 Exercise
Exercise
08:30 ~ 09:15 Breakfast
Breakfast
09:30 ~ 13:30 Workshop/Health center
Workshop/Health center
13:30 ~ 14:30 Lunch
Lunch
14:30 ~ 16:00 Nap
Nap
16:00 ~ 20:00 Workshop/Health center
Free time
20:00 ~ 21:00 Dinner
Dinner
21:00 ~ 24:00 Free time
Free time
24:00 ~ 07:30 Sleep
Sleep
Pavements
The First Floor
The Second Floor
The Third Floor
The Forth Floor
The Fifth Floor
The Sixth Floor
Sustainable -- Green Roof Plants are put in pots on the roof, so that people can enjoy green roof without giving too much burden to the structure. In my design, the fourth floor to the sixth floor have this kind of green roof.
Planting area are also provided in my disign. On the top floor, the roof is covered by 1-meter-thick soiil and materials to prevent water from leaking. People can have the fun of growing and feeding themselves with their own products.
Living Units: Unit 1 is for homelessness in their first month in the shelter. This is a 4 people living unit.
Unit 2 is for homelessness in their second and third months in the shelter. This is a 1 people living unit with basins inside.
Unit 3 is for homelessness in their second and third months in the shelter. This is a 1 people living unit with basins and toilet.
The Courtyard -Relaxation & Communication The Courtyard is not only a space to encourage lights into the living units facing inside, but also a very good opportunity to relax and communicate with people sitting beside. Whats more, it offers people staying inside their units and the building energy and vitality.
Linear Community --what if 50,000 more students studying in college staion LOCATION: COLLEGE STATION, TX TYPE: COURSEWORK INDEPENDENT WORK 2013.1-2013.5
The largest proplem of my site--Westgate is the connection. We found ourselves hard to cross Wellborn Road because of the railway. Thus the inconvenience of connection between main campus and the west campus will be the barrier to the expansion of Texas A ^M. In my project, I mainly consider the connection, and how to make people transfer more pleasantly and conveniently over Wellborn Road and the railway. So I propose brige to help people cross the road. What’s more, I was also considering about the drivers’ view when they are on the Wellborn Road, so I design green buffering zone along the two sides. It add more green spaces to the site, and make the site more delightful.
Problem Railway is a Barrier
Concept We Need Connection
CONCEPT ANALYSIS
Laminar Flow MAKE PEOPLE WILLING TO CROSS
My Concept S-Shape Connection
Better Views to see icons on the bridge
Design Flow
Walls for Division
Buildings Formed
FUNCTION ANALYSIS
FIFTH FLOOR ACADEMY SPACE
FOUTH FLOOR ACADEMY SPACE
THIRD FLOOR LEISURE SPACE
SECOND FLOOR PARKING SPACE MECHANICAL ROOM LEISURE SPACE
FIRST FLOOR PARKING SPACE MECHANICAL ROOM LEISURE SPACE
SECTIONS
Third Floor
PLAN FOR STUDENT DORMITORY
WALL SECTION & SECTION OF THE BUILDING
Bicycle Kingdom --how different housing will be tomorrow LOCATION: SHANGHAI, CHINA TYPE: COMPETITION TEAM WORK: WITH 5 PARTNERS ROLE:CONCEPTION ANALYSIS,DESIGN,MODEL 2010.12-2011.1
We want our design to be "City Streamers". By bringing the "fragment" given by the complex and unhealthy city into where we live, we aim to taking use of the abandoned viaducts, creating a new kind of architecture mode with the background of green ribbon. When people walking on our newly designed viaduct, they will feel a different kind of scenery, and meantime experience a wholy new perspective into the city and the city's relationship with life.
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Srategy of Viaduct
Urban Before reform and opening up, Shanghai's urban region remain mainly within concessions around Huangpu River. After that, Shanghai's urban area began to expand unceasingly.
30 years ago, China was called "the kingdom of bicycle" and Shanghai was a typical representative. In those days, citizen's houses were mainly distributed by government. So there's less housing contradiction then. With urbanization, the quatity of private cars has risen greatly. To relieve the serious traffic congestion, a number of viaduct have been built. And at the same time, with the expansion of population, more lodgings are needed. The viaduct will be abandoned as its numerous drawback. In our project, we will transform the viaduct into a prospective living system. On the viaduct, public bicycle rental system will be built, and under it, youth low-rate apartment system.
In old times, bicycles were regarded as the main transportation in Shanghai, they have been seen at every corner of the city. Right now, with the popularize of cars, different kinds of viaducts spreads over the city like meandering python. However, the public has realized the bad effects viaducts have brought to the city. So we are emphasizing on how to transform the current situation to meet future needs on this project.
Viaduct The amount of vehicles is on the rise. It brings about serious traffic jams.To relieve this traffic pressure, the municipal government built 3 elevated loops.
Cross In early 1990's, a cross-shaped viaduct was built formalistically and shortsightedly.In the project, we'll cast aside the cross-shaped viaduct in the inner ring and creat pleasant living environment.
Shanghai Population
Run the System
Urbanization
People Living Condition NOW
FUTURE
passive & indifferent
active & harmony
It should be a welfare project by government. The cross-shaped viaduct will not dismantled for the sake of sustainable concept. In the project, we'll build on it the public bicycle rental system and under it, the youth low-rate apartment system. Relying on the urban infrastructure and service facilities, we choose some points along the viaduct, equipping it with other corresponding supplementary function space. Thus, the youth can get an apartment and a studio with only 1 coin per day.
station
lease out
Bicycle
park
landscape
shop
Apartment
entertainment
sports
SOHO
gallery
library 1 coin per day
Metro Station Hospital Bus Station Urban Infrastructure Public Service
Urban Synthesis
Relying on the urban infrastructure and service facilities, we choose some points along the viaduct and equip it with other corresponding supplementary function space. We take Tianmu Road for example. This node consists mainly of a huge round component. We arrange some living space in the circle part imitating tu-lou's form of Fujian, China. And considering building orientation and illumination, along the south to north viaduct, no residence will be arraned except public function like bar, shopping, restaurant, library, gallary, museum and so on.
Modulization
This node is the center one of Shanghai's viaduct. There're the most complex space where arranging living space is an ideal choice. In this complicated living system, we adopt the modular concept. There're two type of flats, which can be transformed into other types by combining with each other. And there're shared kichen and dining room, which can promote the interaction among the neighbours.
The abandoned viaducts are designed into green leisure spaces for citizens to go biking. While underneath them, housing, parking and shopping spaces are created to meet people's various needs. The exsiting viaducts will serve as a big roof for the underneath structures to block the direct sunshine, which can be very annoying for residents living on the top floor, and cool down the temperature inside. And the houses can be built by prefabricated modules to reduce costs as well as easy to build, so that residents from low-income families can afford to buy or rent them.
Market for Transition
LOCATION: BARCELONA, SPAIN TYPE: COURSEWORK INDEPENDENT WORK 2013.9-2013.12
Barcelona, as a world famous tourist destination, attracts millions of tourists around the world each year. In the old city town Ciutat Vella, a must-go place, people mainly travel on their feet. And on 15-min-walk east of Ciutat Vella, there is another must-go place, the beach. However, it's quite frustrated to walk from Ciutat Vella to the beach because there lies some roads with large traffic. So how to deal with this situation and help pedestrians to transit from one place to another is the big issue my design concerns about.
The site is located near the port. On the west of it is the famous Ciutat Vella, which contains essences of Barcelona history. And on the east of it is another tourist destination-- Barceloneta, the beach. Although there are a lot of tourists as well as local people passing from Ciutat Vella to the beach, the traffic there makes it not the perfect place for pedestrians. We investigated on how many cars passing through each period of road in five minutes and estimated their speed, and then concluded with the operative map on the right, to show the effect of number and the speed of cars made to the territory nearby.
0. the original plan
1. triangles geometry cover the site
2. extend geometry to connect sites
3. preserve the crosswalks and spaces on both sides
4. the possible paths for pedestrians
5. combine paths with operative map
6. put stands based on paths and map
7. the general layout
8. three kinds of pavements
9. pull up the stands
10. modify the roofs and facades
11. add canopies according to the geometry
The maps on the left shows the procedures of my design being formed. First of all, choose the lands that will be used for pedestrians to transit from one tourist destination to another. Next, use triangles geometry to cover the site. Then stands are put in consideration of the operative map, some stands are placed to block the traffic influences, while some are used to create inner spaces. Finally canopies and pavements are put in accordance with stands, they are also in triangles geometry.
Three Kinds of Pavements
To Cross the Road
Brick Pavers
G r a s s & Concrete Pavers
Stone Pavers
1. Little Traffic: only pavements on the crosswalk
2. Large Traffic: overhead bridge
3. Medium Traffic: both pavements and canopies on the crosswalk
I-I Section
The main open space showed on the map above is covered with canopy made of laminated wood. The wooden boards are placed on the secondary beam, the secondary beams rest on the main beams, while the eight main beams create a noncolumn space by the supports from buildings nearby.