Regarding Architecture: 02

professional practice: 02 - construction photos

2007-11-14T12:32:00.001-08:00

Thought I would post a few pictures of the project in progress...

professional practice 02:

2007-11-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

professional work during semester 02...

portfolio 02 - studio final: concept statement

2007-09-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: research and exploration

2007-09-28T21:31:00.002-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: program

2007-09-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: site and roof plan

2007-09-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: plan

2007-09-28T21:29:00.002-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: elevations

2007-09-28T21:29:00.001-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: model and perspectives

2007-09-28T21:28:00.001-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: structure

2007-09-28T21:27:00.002-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: section

2007-09-28T21:27:00.001-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: building services

2007-09-28T21:26:00.001-07:00

portfolio 02 - studio final: detailing

2007-09-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

studio final: code analysis

2007-09-28T21:23:00.000-07:00

studio 08: lower, first, and second floor

2007-09-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

Lower floor - delivery dock, mechanical, ground source water pumps, and storage

First floor - studios, exhibit/flex space, and support spaces

Second floor - student rooms and student lounge

studio 08:progress plan... much closer this time

2007-09-25T21:36:00.001-07:00

Okay another iteration of the first floor. Next focus needs to be on lower and second floor... then updating model so that I can generate some sections, elevations, and roof/site plans. Refer to comments on previous post. I have eliminated the corridor along the back of the studios. It created more issues than it solved and I do not feel it helps the design overall. The door to the support spaces located at the back of studio 1 creates an implied circulation along the shell that can be used by the students. Each studio space is divided by mobile translucent shoji screen that allows for different configuarations of the three spaces. All three can be opened and combined into one larger space and beyond into the exhibit/flex space. In my mind, this type of open learning and flexibile utility embodies the essence of a design studio. It encourages contact with peers and the sharing of ideas. Traditional classroom settings would be accommodated at the main BAC building on the occassions that it may be needed.

studio 08: repost for "enlargability"

2007-09-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

studio 08: progress... first floor

2007-09-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Updated first floor plan... refer to comments made in last post for summary of revisions. Wild flower gardens and buffer between neghbor parking and building not complete yet. The buffer will extend from Boylston St fascade along the length of the building with niches that allow visual connection to the studio wild flower gardens, serving as both boundary and public green space.

studio 08: more progress - first floor revisited...

2007-09-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

First floor plan progess post as promised... seems to work well. The studios extend further out into the gardens than in the diagrammitic plan. Also not sure how fond I am of the pointed form for the East stair. I do have much better exhibit/flex space, which I am very pleased with. Now to flesh out the wild flower gardens.

Another benefit to reworking the first floor is that it simplifies the first floor framing quite a bit. Instead of having the awkward bends in the stepped studio walls, it can now be a more straight forward framing.

The open stair volume needs to worked out. At this point it is going to align with the Boylston St axis. Turning the open stair results in "crimping" the student room closet to the lounge. Pulling it out onto the street allows for more room and access to the roof garden above the studios.

studio 07: model/design progress

2007-09-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

Almost to a point where I can get solid elevations, sections, site plan, and model perspectives posted without missing key pieces... finals coming soon.

studio 07: filling in the gaps... progress, part 2

2007-09-20T18:09:00.001-07:00

More progress images... see previous post below.

studio 07: filling in the gaps... progress

2007-09-20T17:56:00.001-07:00

Preliminary model and perspectives... work in progress to fully examine and refine my site solution, building elevations, and sections. The green areas are wild flower gardens that house six vertical closed loops for the ground source heat exchange. The main pump will be located in the lower level. Each of the three studio gardens will house one vertical loop and the remaining three will be situated parallel to the MBTA line and turnpike.

Lower Level
First Floor
Seconf Floor... back stair still to come, along with roof terrace garden directly over exhibit flex space and studios. Refer to earlier floor plan for program spaces... work in progress...

studio 06: studio final structure, prelim

2007-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Studio final: structure ... posted for review and feedback.

studio 06: studio final building services, prelim

2007-09-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

Studio final: building services ... posted for review and feedback.

studio 06: structural progress post

2007-09-09T21:18:00.001-07:00

Wood glulam arches and floor framing for second floor student rooms. In progress...

studio 06: window study

2007-09-09T21:15:00.001-07:00

Window study model - second floor student rooms.
Wood framed curtain wall as closed cell double envelope. Refer to systems section, prelim.

studio 06: systems section, prelim

2007-09-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

Preliminary systems section. Main heating and cooling to be supplied by a ground source heat pump with a vertical closed loop. The loops are installed in three bays located under the wild flower gardens outside the studio spaces. Refer to A, B, C on first floor plan.

Distribution of heating and cooling by hydronics utilizing valance conductors at the ceiling plane and fintube readiant conductors at floor level. The hydronics will be supplemented by a dedicated outdoor air system to ensure high indoor air quality.

Second floor student rooms will have a wood framed double curtain wall utilizing closed cell passive ventilation to reduce / increase solar heat gain during cooling and heating seasons.

studio 05: shell detail, revised

2007-09-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Revised shell detail utilizing Kalzip roofing/wall system and NuWool engineered cellulose spray insulation - 100% recycled material, removes the need for a vapor barrier, superior r-values, and excellent acoustical properties. Refer to the following links...

http://www.nuwool.com/

http://www.nuwool.com/products/celluloseinsulation/vaporretarder.html

Key design features can be found here...

http://www.nuwool.com/architects/index.html

studio 05: progress plan

2007-09-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

First floor / site plan in progress... [original plot at 3/32" = 1'-0"]

1. studio 1

A. studio 1 wild flower terrace

2. studio 2
B. studio 2 wild flower terrace

3. studio 3
C. studio 3 wild flower terrace

*Studios are divided by shoji partitions with multiple operable and removable panels to allow for flexible studio use and interaction. The translucent paper covered wood screens allow for light to filter between studios and into the exhibit flex space. Each studio will have access and egress to an outdoor wild flower terrace. Diffused light from the light shells above will flow down the North edge of the studios. Indirect lighting will be provided deeper into the space from the South wall of each studio through the use of a light shelf.

4. exhibit/flex space

5. digital lab

6. server room

7. warming kitchen

8. female toilet room

9. male toilet room

10. lobby / security

11. main entry

12. main stair

Rear stair is still under development as I look at accessing the lower mechanical level via a sloped drive. It will function essentially as a "fire escape". All student traffic will go past the main security desk.

The exhibit flex space is accessible for student use as a "spill out" and pin up area. Mobile tack surfaces and whiteboards will be provided for student use. Storage to be located on the lower level near mechanical and electrical rooms. The elevator will need to be enlarged to provide verticle circulation of stored tables, chairs, etc. while providing accessibility to the student lounge and rooms on the second floor.

studio 04: shell detail

2007-09-03T20:04:00.001-07:00

option 01

option 02

A couple of preliminary thoughts on the structure of the light shells. Option 01 is the most appealing. I like the thickness of the shell in that detail which results in an increase in r-value and extra sound absorbtion through the use of laminated wood decking. I think I may need to add a vented nailing substrate into the system under the rigid insulation. Anyone?

The metal roofing system will utilize z-channel connections and anchors to relieve the stress on the fasteners where the thermal movement of metal has the potential to enlarge fastener penetrations and thus create leaks.

I am somewhat reluctant to paint the interior of the shell wall. I would like to express the natural wood texture as much as possible, but the light paint colors would diffuser the daylight better. The glulam arch ribs with still be stained and finished to accent the natural wood grain. Can a glossy stain provide the same or similar amount of diffused light as a white ceiling or wall? Chris?

studio 04: sketches

2007-08-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

studio 03: intensive

2007-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

studio 03: parti

2007-08-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

studio 03: vision

2007-08-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

arch tech: 02

2007-08-15T21:03:00.001-07:00

Environmental Program

Unlike many of my classmates thinking green design is relatively new for me, some of this may seem too simplistic... any feedback would be great!

High priority

Reduce light pollution - limiting the amount of light being generated by our buildings during the night time hours.
Increase usage of natural lighting - better learning environment and reduced energy usage - utilize indirect lighting almost exclusively when artificial light is required.
Improve indoor air quality - health of occupants, reduced medical problems of building occupants.

Lower priority

More efficient use of water and reduce waste production - reduce need for fresh water from outside resources, natural waterways.
Reduce heat signature of building - decrease contribution to high urban temperatures.
Reduce energy usage and emissions from building - conservation of natural resources and decreased effects upon the atmosphere. Healthier outdoor urban air quality.

*note - program updated as of 8.20.07

arch tech: 02

2007-08-14T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ecological footprint

My initial thought regarding the eco quiz is to question its validity. How accurate is something like this? What resources/formulas determine the scores? It seems to me that broad gestures of this type could be useful to introduce the concepts of our individual impact upon the planet. Which is a good start.

I am one of those people who have never seriously considered their personal footprint. I have a tendancy to take everything I see or read in the mass media with a grain of salt (or two) and not buy into hype or overstated editorial opinions which twist or bend data to support their own hypothesis. Not that I necessarily think they are wrong or do not believe them, I need to understand it for myself and draw my own conclussions. As such, it takes time for me form an informed opinion - which I have not yet done on this subject.

All of that said, I do practice some very basic things as far as being "green". Although I drive an SUV, my daily round trip commute is less than 10 miles a day. Because I need to take my two children (soon to be three!) to preschool, bicycling or motorcycle is not an option. A larger vehicle is a necessity for our growing family. I am very interested in the flex fuel vehicles and ethanol. Those require quite a financial investment when purchasing a new vehicle, so we will see. Public transportation is not an option in this little bedroom community unless I worked in downtown Toledo or in another suburb. We use a programmable thermostat to limit the amount of energy need to heat and cool our home when no one is here. We also utilize curb side recycling of plastic bottles, newspaper, and yard waste.

Well... that's my eco footprint in a nutshell.

Flex fuel and E85

studio:02

2007-08-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

Space program + bubble diagram for studio and classroom facility to serve 24 students while studying in the intensive portion of a distance learning program.

arch tech: 01

2007-08-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

studio: 01 final

2007-08-12T21:34:00.001-07:00

studio: 01

2007-08-11T12:16:00.001-07:00

combining elements from the first two models...

study model 03 plan
study model 03 plan geometry
study model 03 view 01
study model 03 view 02

studio: 01

2007-08-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

study model 02 plan (repost for image clickability!)

studio: 01

2007-08-10T09:49:00.000-07:00

study model 02 plan

study model 02 view 01
study model 02 view 02
study model 02 view 03

studio: 01

2007-08-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

week:01 http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dgf78jr3_12dwhxnx

zones 1A and 1B( large space), zone 2 (smaller space), leading transition (LT), abrupt transition (AT), gradual transition (GT), transitional space, along with a variety of smaller spaces

study model: view 01
study model: view 02 study model: view 03study model: sketch
simple model

the arch and the path:01

2007-08-03T18:35:00.001-07:00

Taken from email June 27, 2007 re: http://www.archofleadership.com/resources/bookexcerpts.htm

Here are my responses to the the workbook assignments for discussion. The questions proved quite difficult for me to address in the manner in which they probably should. I really do not lead anyone in the work place. Our office consists of two partners, myself as a project manager / designer, and a few technical support staff. The support staff does not "answer" to me and are usually assigned to assist the partners in their projects. My work is done in conjunction with the partners, where I handle a large portion of the project work load ranging from drafting and detailing to design and client meetings. So with that in mind here goes...

Workbook #1

Question 1. Do you have followers? How do you distinguish between those among employees or reports who are your followers and those who are not? Based upon the definition of followers as discussed in our readings I would say that I do not have followers in my current professional position. I do not have fellow employees who answer or report to me. Followers (true followers) I would say, do so to participate willingly because they are genuinely interested/invested in the task at hand. They believe in the end goal. Followers (employees) follow because they are told to do so. They do it as part of a job description and work place responsibility.

Question 2. Scale of 1 to 5...

Love to organize - 4 I like to have things organized and structured. Especially in how drawings are laid out and drawn in the production phase. As I make the transition to project management, I find that I need to apply the same rigor. I rated this as a 4 only because I am not always driven to do the organizing.

Not just the facts - 5 I have a strong vision or image of the architecture prior to beginning of real exploration. A very vivid and strong sense about the experience that I want to create, ever the artist.

Living out of the future - 4 Not always in the future, but this is where my mind tends to focus. Instead of worrying about the "how to" I tend to fixate on the end point or goal. Sometimes to the goals detriment; knowing the "how to" is essential.

Always raising the bar - 4 I have very high expectations of myself and others. For myself, they are often unrealistic expectations given the circumstances.

Habit of change - 2 I prefer a bit of a routine. Unless a change is needed, I prefer to keep with what has worked thus far. If it is obvious that the course of action is not working, then seek change.

Workbook #2

Question 1. How do you learn about yourself? Learn about self mainly through introspective thought and self examination. Holding myself to my own high expectations and whether or not I fall short. Not an entirely healthy way to learn about self. This is an area that I need to become more objective in.

Question 2. How do you move yourself out of your comfort zone? Describe the last time you did this. I do not often make this sort of move. The majority of the time I prefer to stick with what I know. But I find this to be a characteristic that I want to change. The biggest shift thus far (and most recent) has been the Dist. M.Arch program itself. I feel challenged at times when it comes to conveying my ideas and thoughts in the academic setting. I am leery of failure and insecure in this area. The BAC is about challenging myself and proving to myself that I can not only complete the program, but excel.

journal: second semester start

2007-08-03T18:29:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the first semester I asked myself some very fundemental questions, which can be found here. Our theory writing and design studio opened some new avenues of thought and exploration of these questions. Look forward to continuing to learn and build upon the work from first semester. I will continue to use my first semester blog to track ideas, thoughts, and feed back regarding the upcoming thesis work.

~R