ZANE RUSSELL SELECTED WORKS 2013 - 2018
CONTENTS 5
Chicago Institute of Architecture Pharos of Wolf Point
17
UTK Research Center + Planetarium Astronomical Atmospheres
25
Farnsworth House Visitor Center Pristine v. Patination
33
Krakรณw University of Technology Fabrication Studio Space and Light
39
Knoxville Architecture Senior High Vertical Micro-habitats
51
3D Printed Bus Stop Dendriform
61
Sketches De Luce et Umbra
69
Photography Abroad Interventions
Chicago Institute of Architecture Fall 2017 | Professor Maged Guerguis The architectural vision for CIA is ďŹ rmly rooted in its context. CIA merges disparate elements to form a new typology within the city. This new typology has unmistakable references to the architectural history of Chicago. The site therefore transforms into a series of atmospheres that defy preconceived notions of program. The most important element of this project pertains to its ground level. The site morphs into a undulating terrain, directly connecting to the emerging river walk. The site rises into a vertical landscape, transforming into a microcosm of activity in which program is blurred. The Chicago riverwalk will be integrated into the program and the circulation of the building. Pixelated terraces hybridize the programs. The terraces will allow privacy for residences, while providing overlooks to the cityscape.
5
The term “Pharos”, translates to lighthouse, or beacon. It references the ancient Pharos of Alexandria structure, which was one of the seven wonders of the world. The Pharos of Wolf Point strives to be a beacon of learning that can spread across Chicago. Individual modules can be pulled out from the structure and provide a trail leading to the site. Similarly to breadcrumbs, the small modules will feature workshops and temporary galleries. The southern point of the site is of key importance because it acts as a major landmark on the Chicago River. The form reflects a ship about to set sail, while its pixelated skin mirrors its arrangement.
The idea of pixelating terraces is not a new one, but it allows for exible modules on the site. Modules can be shifted, stacked, added, and subtracted based upon a number of factors. The primary factors in this project include views, daylight, wind, breath-ability, and landscape. The landscape is a continuous surface that is derived from the Chicago grid. The Native American history of Wolf Point cannot be ignored, and the ancient structures of wigwams are used as inspiration in this project. A wigwam is a simple shelter that arises from the earth. Another historical inspiration stems from the ships which have carried goods to Wolf Point for hundreds of years. The project merges these precedents into a new typology in which can be referenced.
7
The program of CIA consists of cultural, making, and living components. At over one million sf, the superblock transforms into a habitat for students, teachers, and members of the community. The west tower designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli will be converted into living quarters for CIA. Cultural | 144,800 sf Making | 192,800 sf Research | 144,800 sf Living | 482,400 sf Landscape | 166,800 sf Gross Estimate | 1,212,900 sf
9
The frit pattern design acts as the ďŹ rst ďŹ lter or skin of the building. Interior trees can be considered a secondary skin, as the foliage changes with the seasons. The interplay of space and light shifts depending on the time of day. The potential design consideration for the underground parking structure would be to introduce an oculus to bring people to the central plaza. The slim footprint of the building and careful consideration of materials optimizes the experience of the user. The relationship to the West Tower cannot be overstated. The living functions must be private, and therefore separated from the main program of the school. Sky bridges encourage small levels of interaction between living and learning environments. The main interaction occurs at the ground condition, continuing into the cultural components of the project. The ways in which the cube is solved are numerous, and when solved the modules can be deconstructed.
11
Timber structures produce signiďŹ cantly less energy than those using traditional materials. The truss that spans the auditorium consists of steel, creating a hybridized structural system. An elevated public plaza guides one to the auditorium and major gathering spaces. The existing underground parking garage allows the ground condition to remain open.
The design for the landscape of this project focuses on creating soft boundaries. Boundaries that blur, merge, and separate depending on time. Flexible modules deďŹ ne the structure and space of the tower, but the vegetation allows it to breathe. Each terrace associated with research, making, and culture have small scholar gardens. 13
The terrace modules feature student galleries, maker spaces, and scholar gardens. The terraces allow light into each module. Trees are included in certain modules, adding another layer of skin. As the seasons change, the colors can be viewed from the exterior. This effectively blurs the relationship between interior and exterior environments.
The elevated gardens blend in with the timber structure to promote the sense of overgrowth throughout the building. While the structure is a city within a city, the terraces offer quieter moments between classes. Wood promotes a nice sense of warmth throughout the spaces. 15
UTK Research Center + Planetarium Fall 2016 | Professor Kevin Stevens Partner: Alec Persch The 160,000 sq ft downtown extension to the Department of Astronomy at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville that will primarily serve as a haven for scientific research. The program consists of an auditorium, library, classrooms, labs, exhibition hall, and a planetarium. Pedestrian and bicycle pathways cut through an undulating artificial landscape that drapes over the underground parking structure. Southern facing louvered screens consist of cylindrical solar panels to maximize solar efficiency. The solar collection system integrates its energy production with the geothermal wells that are located at each programmatic core. Heat pumps distribute the water to the active chilled beam system and radiant heat loops. An in-floor chilled beam system is implemented to the planetarium, hidden between the seats to keep the projection ceiling free of HVAC systems. The thirty-foot grade change of the site allowed for an artificial berm that serves a rainwater collection system for the entire site. The project achieved LEED Platinum due to the multiplicity of sustainable design strategies implemented during early design stages.
17
Bicycle and pedestrian routes follow the existing terrain, connecting campus to downtown. The proposal restores the mid-century modern State Supreme Court Building by wrapping the programs around the original footprint.
Flexible floor plans and workspaces increase longevity to changes in furniture and technology. The flow of spaces encourages a highly collaborative environment. Floor modules follow the structural grid, each containing its own terrace for a multiplicity of functions. An open plaza connects the research center to the planetarium. 19
Submerged voids and fractured masses open to introduce a network of movement between programs. The architecture aims for the visitor to never have a repeat experience due to its immersive qualities and transformative exhibitions. The planetarium is open to the public so that learning can occur at all times of day. The former State Supreme Court Building houses a research library in the lower level, while the main level will be renovated to include a black box theatre and art galleries. The glue that holds these elements together are the pedestrian and bicycle pathways that cut through an undulating artiďŹ cial landscape.
21
OCCUPIABLE ROOF PARAPET SYSTEM
PV ARRAY
ALUMINUM PANEL SYSTEM
PRIMARY STEEL STRUCTURE
LEARNING LABORATORY
CONCRETE COLUMN
CONCRETE STRUCTURAL WALL
GARAGE ACCESS
The exterior glazing system contains shading devices that reduce solar gains into the building, and controls the quality of daylighting. The louver system consists of rolled PVs, which maximize solar efямБciency due to increased surface area.
SUMMER LIGHT
PARAPET SYSTEM PV ARRAY
FRESH AIR INTAKE ACTIVE CHILLED BEAMS
PV ARRAY
CELLULAR STEEL BEAM WINTER LIGHT
RADIANT HEAT FLOORING
CONCRETE BEAM
The envelope is separated from the programmatic cores, introducing a cyclical circulatory and social space that spills into the landscape. The skin acts as a ďŹ lter, a rain and sun screen that reduces the energy cost of each building. 23
Farnsworth House Visitor Center Spring 2016 | Professor Hansjoerg Goeritz The project strives to restore the original architectural power that Mies van der Rohe designed, but also intends to provide a complimentary contrast to the site. Complimenting Mies can only be done by focusing on his main material choice of the Farnsworth House, which is the landscape. Contrasting Mies’ ideas of inďŹ nite horizontal space and tectonic structure, stereotomic masses of architectural concrete wrapped with a skin of perforated copper promotes verticality and patination. As the perforated copper skin transforms from its unexposed color to a full green patina, it marks the evolution of the site. The didactic periscope provides an immediate solution to the provocation of the new visitor’s experience. The primary programmatic function of the tower is an observatory, allowing visitors to see the Farnsworth House from above even when the house itself is closed.
25
The concrete structure of the visitor’s hall and the observatory juxtapose the tectonic steel structure of the Farnsworth House. Voids are carved into masses of concrete, revealing stereotomic strategies in which program is defined. Semi-opaque glass hangs above the exposed primary concrete structure, and its mullions are hidden along each beam. Another layer of patinated panels diffuses harsh light from ruining the art being displayed in the main gallery. The loggia can be completely opened up the gallery, allowing a full frame of the corn field and tower in the background.
27
The loggia can be completely opened up the gallery, allowing a full frame of the corn ďŹ eld and tower in the background. The possibilities of creating interior and exterior displays are endless, bound only by a thin opaque sheet of glass that acts a boundary to the south patio. Panels are removed from the skin when the roof needs to span a long distance over exterior patios. The offset concrete wall from the roof structure references the techniques of the Barcelona Pavilion and Brick Country Houses.
29
Various solutions to the issues of flooding on the site have been well documented, including hydraulics, buoyancy devices, relocation, and levees. All options are invasive and oppose Mies original intent. The best solution is to do nothing. This option is the cheapest, least invasive, and continues the tradition of preserving the pristine nature of the site through constant repair. The proposal intends to incorporate the adjacent state parks into a park complex that invites international and local artists to display their work throughout the site during all times and months of the year. A main visitor’s hall acts as an entry museum to the park system, complete with flexible educational and gallery spaces. The journey from the visitor’s hall to the didactic periscope is guided through the cyclical field. The didactic periscope provides an immediate solution to the provocation of the new visitor’s experience. The view to Chicago can be experienced by viewing out the summit of the observatory. The Chicago skyline is 60 miles away, but can be seen on a clear day or night.
31
Kraków University of Technology Fabrication Studio Spring 2017 | Professor Krzysztof Bojanowski The subsequent architecture derives from its context and history. The referential nature of the materials creates a richer experience and offers greater flexibility in terms of program. It is impossible to ignore the horrific history that occurred less than two kilometers from the site. Special attention to detail was given to creating quiet, reflective spaces full of filtered light. The wall itself is not only blocking sound out and the visual eyesore of the gas station, but it also serves as a grand memorial wall that acts as a gate to the site.
33
A grove of trees extends from the entire edge of the site to create a buffer. This threshold breaks and continues through the form of the building. The thick concrete wall that lines the border of the site blocks out the gas station from the campus lawn. An outdoor student gallery leads one into the covered gallery, then out to the grove. Continuing to the main hall, exible spaces used for fabrication emerge. These spaces open upon approaching the architecture building. An outdoor terrace terminates the procession, which overlooks the playground. Parents can lounge from the terrace steps while their children play. The form of the building is a threshold, or gate to the architecture building and greenway. The voids between the grove of trees establishes a sense of openness within the site. The open lawn designs are exible for a wide range of events. The western lawn is dedicated to the adjacent site. The eastern lawn contains more hardscaped elements to hold formal activities that the public can enjoy.
35
Glass brick is an innovative building material that is cast through a difficult process. Every cast brick is different, thus creating waterlike shadows throughout the main hall. The concrete flooring is infused with ceramic chips, another allusion to the medieval pipes that were also made of ceramics. The filtered light through the spaces creates a wall of water, resurrecting the royal leat. The structure derives from the heavy timber and masonry structure of the architecture building. Manual curtains form above the ribbon window for privacy and additional shading. A fire stair is hidden behind the wall that terminates the main procession. Access to the roof is private, determined by events held by the university. Small benches line the wall to give ample opportunities to reflect and look out into the main plaza. The plaza is the major social space for students and the community, where artists can display their works. Stack ventilation is employed through operable skylights that follow the wall in its entirety. Light penetrates these voids, allowing subtle light to compliment the glass brick wall.
37
Knoxville Architecture Senior High Fall 2015 | Professor Mark Schimmenti KASH focuses on creating experiential programs in horizontal and vertical space that maximize learning. The stereotomic approach of the tower allows programs to be carved away to reveal dramatic views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the urban skyline. The tectonic perforated metal skin diffuses harsh light from entering the building, and weaves its way into specific programs. The architecture strives to provide students with alternative methods of learning. Rethinking each program in vertical space opens up possibilities that cannot occur in normal high schools. Flexible floor plans and unorthodox learning spaces ignite creativity and productivity. The Scholar’s Garden gives students moments of pause and fresh air during breaks from class. Synchronicity defines the interplay between programs in vertical and horizontal space. Programs of dissimilar qualities merge according to orientation. The porosity of spaces creates continuous circulation from the ground to the sky. The studio and retail wing activate the street level, while the tower reduces the footprint of the site. Fields dedicated to performance, recreation, and leisure promote ideas of health found within the school.
39
The architecture provides students with alternative methods of learning, thus resulting in highly experiential programs. The rethinking of each program in vertical space opens up possibilities that cannot occur in normal high schools. Moments of compression and vertical expansion deďŹ ne efďŹ ciency throughout. The organization of programs is directly related to views, similar programs, noise pollution, and circulation patterns. Students are encouraged to take the stairs when possible to promote social connections, but it is never an unreasonably long winded trek between classes.
41
The boardwalk encourages students to walk outside between classes. Terraced ďŹ elds dedicated to performance, recreation, and leisure promote ideas of health found within the school. Pedestrian friendly zones invite the surrounding community into the space.
The dining hall can transform into a multi-use space for events coordinated by KASH. Located directly underneath the auditorium, the exible space allows those of KASH to socialize during eating periods. Nested high above the site, the auditorium features the pristine backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains in the distance. 43
Temporary and permanent galleries allow students and teachers to display their work in a public forum. The mezzanine galleries become a main gathering space during class interchange. Open sightlines create visual transparency and connect thresholds.
45
The gallery acts as a storefront, displaying glimpses of student’s work. The relationship of the gallery to the studios remains a key component of KASH. Mezzanine galleries display temporary works that provide ashes of color to the outside world. The billboard effect draws people into the sunken entrance from the street level.
The undulating skin uniďŹ es the relationships of the ground with the sky. The materiality of the skin is perforated stainless steel panels, which provides as a shading device. The skin is orientated on the east and west facades to diffuse harsh light, but also to create a dramatic periscope that frames views to the north and the south of the site. 47
Stereotomic and tectonic strategies merge to deďŹ ne openings in the skin. Windows behind the veil become voids of light during nighttime hours. Programs transform into oating lanterns that hover over the site. The sleek roof lines of the studio and retail wing start to dissolve as they approach verticality.
49
3D Printed Olli Bus Stop for Local Motors Spring 2018 | Professor James Rose Governor’s Chair Studio | Local Motors | SOM Partners: Jacob WakeďŹ eld and Cody Grooms The 3D printed dendritic structure is a sustainable bus stop for the selfdriving vehicle Olli. Designed for Local Motors, the 3D printed bus stop provides a striking architectural and sculptural shelter to those waiting for Olli to arrive. The tree-like forms have a minimal footprint, perfect for densely populated urban areas. Multiple dendriforms create a forest or grove, maximizing the function of the program in rural, suburban, or campus locations in which Olli will be utilized. Dendriform geometries reduce the amount of 3D printed material. Six Sanyo bifacial solar panels bolt into the buttressed dendrites. Small holes between each solar cell allow dappled light to ďŹ ll the space. The interplay of light and shadow is comparable to a real tree.
51
The tapered branches are hollow, reducing the overall weight of the structure. Tension rods hold every 3D printed element together, resisting wind uplift to the solar panels. Buttresses provide additional support to every dendrite. The webbing of the buttresses generate more surface area to bolt the solar panels to the dendrites.
53
The proposed site occurs in front of the UTK Fab Lab in downtown Knoxville. Students that do not have cars can ride Olli from the Fab Lab to campus. The site can be integrated into the other transit services for maximum utilization. The seating arrangement can be adapted to it site. Multiple chairs pieced together can form longer benches to accommodate more people. The chairs contain the same dendritic language as the main form. The plan keeps the sightlines to the street clear.
55
BIFACIAL SANYO SOLAR ARRAY
3D PRINTED DENDRIFORMS
3D PRINTED COLUMN 02
3D PRINTED COLUMN 01
3D PRINTED 8-SIDED BASE
METAL BASEPLATE
The print orientation of the second print contains the base and column sections. The sleeve conditions allow each element to be snapped together. Two bolts lock each column into place. The eight-sided base references Antoni Gaudí’s column design in the Sagrada Familia.
The dimensions of the large BAAM print bed is 157”x 63” x 36” (L x W x H). Four dendriforms can be printed in one continuous print, streamlining print efficiency and assembly. The print orientation of the second print contains the base and column sections. The sleeve conditions allow each element to be snapped together. Two bolts lock each column into place. 57
The sketches show the assembly and print process of the dendriform. A central support solidiďŹ es the 3D printed base to the metal baseplate. The maximum height of the print bed is three feet, so every component corresponds to this restraint.
In its purest form, the dendrites start at thirty degrees and end at a perfect forty-ďŹ ve degrees. The print angle must be between forty-ďŹ ve and ninety degrees to avoid the print failing. Early conceptual drawings reveal studies in plan, section, and connection detail. 59
Sketches 2017 – 2018 | De Luce et Umbra The rapid sketch provides communicative and iterative advantages in the ďŹ eld. Sketching is an integral part of the design process, one that seems to be a lost skill in architecture. Chiaroscuro refers to the Renaissance drawing technique in which light and shadow add dramatic depth. The subsequent series of sketches aim to explore spatial relationships and interplays of light and shade.
61
The cantilevered office pods float above the interior trees of the atrium. Evening light filters through the clerestory ribbon windows.
Voids carved from the narrow atrium deďŹ ne threshold. The interior avenue forms a datum that allows programs to seamlessly dissolve into one another.
63
The site transforms into a series of interior and exterior atmospheres that defy preconceived notions of program.
The triangles form two gentle slopes, which are occupiable and open to campus. A pedestrian path unites the valley, simultaneously creating a shortcut through campus.
65
The proposal introduces a series of permanent and temporary prismatic landscapes. The occupiable roofs form an additional amphitheater space. Social events and large gatherings can be held on these occupiable roofs.
Prismatic ďŹ lm is inserted at the edge of the entries. The entries are located at the corners of the triangles. When light enters the optical window, the full spectrum of color is dispersed through the space. 67
Photography Abroad Spring 2017 | Interventions The handpicked photographs capture the most powerful architectural and historical interventions during my time in Europe. Absorbing great works of international architecture in fifteen countries and over fifty cities has broadened my understanding of the implications of design.
Park Güell | Barcelona, Spain
69
Olympic Stadium Berlin | Berlin, Germany
71
Top: Portuguese National Pavilion | Lisbon, Portugal Bottom: La Giudecca Residential Building | Venice, Italy
Ara Pacis Museum | Rome, Italy
73
Auschwitz - Birkenau | Oświęcim, Poland
75
ZANE RUSSELL
615.456.5656 | zrussell@vols.utk.edu