Masters Journal V2.0

Portfolio: Misc.

2007-11-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

Some side intrests: carpentry/remodeling and photography

Portfolio: The Jackson on High

2007-10-23T15:51:00.000-07:00

The Jackson on High: Condos/Retail Use
Project Role: Drafter/Project Coordination

For the most part, this project was developed/designed when I began working at the firm. My role was to assist in the documentation and coordination of different issues with the project. The project has many design elements that proved new and challenging for me, such as a roof top pool with operable skylight as well as many interior custom details. A large majority of the coordination occured with structural engineers as well as the mechanical engineers, determining the correct sizing of steel members as well as coordinating the HVAC layout.

Enlarged Images for Clarity:
Plan:

Elevation:

Details:

Renderings:

Portfolio: Professional Work - Erie View

2007-10-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

Erie View: Condo Project
Project Role: Drafter/Designer (Int. Units)

The project as it stands is currently under re-design due to several factors (i.e. additional site being acquired). The elements that I focused on were the interior layouts of the individual units as well as working on the elevations and how the different elements fit together. The focus of the design issues on this version mainly rested on whether the two buildings should be connected together, the amount of curtain glazing (project located several blocks from Lake Erie) on the penthouse level, and the height relationship between the two buildings. These issues are being discussed along with the potential of additional land for the building.

Enlarged Images for Clarity:
Plans:

Elevations:

Renderings:

Portfolio: Professional Practice - The Heights

2007-10-20T06:15:00.001-07:00

The Heights: Condo/Retail Project
Project Role: Designer

The project is situated in the 'downtown' area of Grandview Heights, a suburb of Columbus. The project contains both retail (bottom floor) and condos on the remaining floors above. The client wished to create a building that utilized more traditional elements on the exterior, such as the mansard roof, bracket and cornice detail, quions, etc. However, the interiors are characterized with more modern elements, high ceilings, fixtures, appliances and finishes. Two challenging aspects of the project were the limited size of the site as well as the existing fabric of the area, where the buildings were predominately smaller in scale. The solutions to both problems came in the massing and articulation of the building and its features (i.e. glass projection, solid base and stepping back the condo portion, material choices).

Enlarged Images for Clarity:
Typical Floor Plans:

Elevations:

Renderings:

Photos:

Portfolio/Studio Final: Research and Exploration

2007-09-23T11:14:00.000-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Concept Statement/Parti Diagram

2007-09-23T11:10:00.003-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Program

2007-09-23T11:10:00.001-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Code Analysis

2007-09-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Plans

2007-09-23T11:07:00.004-07:00

The first floor contains two main program elements, the gallery and the cafe. The intent is to have a very open ("light base") and inviting first level, so that it encourages the local community to inhabit the gallery and cafe and interact with the students participating in the distance program. The cafe would only serve drinks and pre-made sandwiches/meals, so that major kitchen appliances would not be needed. The intent of the gallery is to reflect the virtual world - all work exhibited on lcd panels, rather then a traditional gallery where prints dominate the spaces. The main entry is located at the recessed courtyard, similar to the approach at the rear of the building. The front entry is meant to be somewhat compressed, where the visitor is surrounded by the mass of the building (heavy top) as opposed to the rear which is open and only bounded by the landscaping and the transit system (juxtaposed quiet vs. noisy entry).
The basement contains only components for the geo-thermal pump, pumps for heating and cooling (hydronic system) and the cistern.

The second floor is recessed back in plan, allowing for a green space for the students to occupy, a place of relaxation and decompression from the rigors of the intensive sessions, while maintaining a full height curtain wall.

The third and fourth floors are designed to be more solid in nature (metal panel rainscreen), to limit the amount of attention/viewing into these very private areas. The plans allow for shared dorms with seperated sleeping quarters (for comfort and area of privacy) - see enlarged plans. The recreation area is a double height space (enclosed in a glass box - serves as a smoke barrier) that contain various items couches, pool tables and various other equipment.

The layout of the studios allow for a work table for computer work and model making or drawing. The intent is to group students for interaction and collobrative efforts with studio design projects.

Portfolio/Studio Final: Site and Plan

2007-09-23T11:07:00.003-07:00

Site Plan:
The prime factors in the landscape plan were motivated by green principles - a key concept within the project framework. Materials and methods that contribute to the site include, pervious paving, local vegatation, water retention, and solar panels. The pervious paving system along with the introduction of local vegatation allows water to permeate the site and be reintroduced to the water table (filtered via gravel system in paving system). Local vegatation that is hearty and low maintance would be introduced along the rear (North) of the building, which would allow for a micro ecosystem to develop in the spring and summer months. Evergreens would be planted along the North perimeter of the site, which has two benefits, it would act as another edge along the transit system - help reduce noise, and act as a year round barrier for the building (from colder northern winds). The terrace at the rear of the building would act as a gathering space for students as well as acting as a rear entry, while allowing motorists a small glimpse into the spaces inside the building. Along Boylston, decidious trees would be planted, to help shield the summer sun while allowing winter sun to penetrate into the space for heating purposes.
Roof Plan:
The key items to note are the p.v. panels and the green roof system. The p.v. panels are mounted to the roof, oriented to the South (angle maximized for summer sun), for maximum efficiency. The p.v. panels are meant to augment the dependence on the grid - one key benefit is net metering when the building has limited use. Net metering would allow the BAC to sell back energy to the utility company. The green roof system is meant to help retain water, preventing the need to tie into the local storm drain system. The remainder of the water (coming from areas containing the pv array) would tie into a cistern below grade, for introduction into the building as "grey water."

Portfolio/Studio Final: Elevations

2007-09-23T11:07:00.001-07:00

North Elevation: The main feature of this elevation are the two "billboards." The idea behind the billboards is to display the work of the students via there blog entries. The notion of having students in various timezones offers notion of work being produced around the clock - allowing the billboard to be updated on a continous basis (on a loop). The lower level (cafe and gallery) of the North elevation is wrapped in a curtain wall, allowing views in and out. The middle floor allows a view out from a "lobby/pin-up" area along the circulation path - a more controlled view in and out. The top two floors allow only a small ribbon window along the corridor.

South Elevation: The main idea behind this reflects the notion of the elevation parti diagram - a heavy top and light base. This reflects the idea of allowing for a public interactive area (cafe and gallery) and and the more private area for the students on the upper levels (studios and dorms).

Portfolio/Studio Final: Sections

2007-09-23T11:06:00.004-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Model and Perspectives

2007-09-23T11:06:00.003-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Detailing

2007-09-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Structure

2007-09-23T11:05:00.003-07:00

Portfolio/Studio Final: Building Services

2007-09-23T11:05:00.001-07:00

Progress Post: Landscape

2007-09-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

Progress Landscape Plan:
Water:
The intent of the site plan is for any rainfall that falls onto the site and allow it to filter back to the watertable below the site, eliminating the need for any connection to the stormwater system.
Edge:
The rear of the building acts as a secondary entrance for those entering from the parking lot while maintaining a visible edge between the site and the transit system - achieved through landscaping (i.e. retaining walls and trees). The entry is marked by a rear patio - which overlooks the transit - relating directly with the opening in the billboard - which offers a glimpse within the space.
Plantings:
Rear facade (i.e. North)will contain a mixture of evergreen trees, to help maintain year-round foliage as well as native/wild grasses and flowers (i.e. eliminating the need for pesticides and watering).
Front facade (i.e. South) will have decidious trees, which will help shade the curtain wall in the summer and allow heat to enter the spaces in the winter.
Paving: Ashpalt paving will be pervious with a filtation system built in to prevent automotive "leakage" to pollute the water system. All other paving will be done with a paver system that will also filter water back to the water table.
Grading:
Well, there will be a lot of infill needed for the site, to help level out the eastern corner (oops).... Still trying to figure out a better way to grade the whole site - (from +1' down to .4' limiting the amount of slope on at the south facade)
Progress Plan:

Progress: Environmental Systems

2007-09-20T19:56:00.002-07:00

Studio Final Environmental Systems:

Progress: Structural

2007-09-20T19:56:00.001-07:00

Studio Final Structural:

Progress Elevations/Details/Sections:

2007-09-19T18:39:00.000-07:00

Studio Final Elevations:

Studio Final Sections:

Studio Final Details:

Progress Details:

2007-09-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

Roof/Rain Screen:
Rain screen is composted of a concrete panel with 2" of rigid insulation with a metal panel exterior face. The look is meant to give a sleaker and more modern look which contrasts the brutal nature of the bac.

Curtain Wall Detail:

Foundation Detail:

Mid-Week Posts

2007-09-12T17:26:00.000-07:00

Progress Post for the environmental and structural components, descriptions of each system are explained on the left side of each page (text should be legible once image is enlarged).

Enivornmental Systems Posting:

Structural Elements:
construction details to be posted tomorrow.... details include: foundation detail, curtain wall detail, billboard detail, rain screen detail and roof detail.

Enlarged drawings that are a little more legible:
Plan:

Section:

Progress Details

2007-09-11T15:30:00.001-07:00

Updated studio level:

Dorm Room level: revised layout for natural light into rooms and double height rec. area with skylight

North Elevation (billboard): billboard serves as an "advertisement" for architectural websites as well as showing student blogs (serves as an boundary/edge between the school and the transit system).
Billboard info: http://www.medianow.com/led/index.php?page=catalog&item=1157

South Elevation:

Section:

Updated Plans

2007-09-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Here are the updated plans, obviously there are things that need to be fixed, but I think I need to progress to the details and elevations so I can finish, I will probably go back at some point before the final to clean things up, and yes, Werner, you were right, the curve is better then the two sections attached by a "hinge"

Progress South Elevation:
Continuing with the breis-soleil and the heavy mass above a light base.

Proposed Mechanical Systems

2007-09-09T14:56:00.001-07:00

Here is a preliminary scope of "green" methods of power, heating and cooling systems and water retention in the building. I am not sure on the specifics of how everything is correctly sized or if its all valid.

Photovoltaic Cells:
Type: Grid Connect the pv system (w/invertor)- allows system to feed off of the main grid if solar power is unavaible
Location - Roof of spine/billboard (hides the panels from view)
Approximate Area: 1900 s.f. of avaible space for panel array
Orientation: All panels to be oriented South - this minimizes the loss of solar power within the pv system. Also all panels to be tilted to maximize the solar angle (although I am not sure if it is better to base the tilt on summer or winter angles).
Net Metering: Sell back any excess power collected during the day and buy back excess during evening hours.
Manufacturer: http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/solar/en/index.htm

Geo-Thermal System:
Premise: Use the Earth's consistent core temp. to heat and cool the building as needed - convert the temp into a hydronic method of cooling (i.e. chilled beams??).
Method: Open loop system utilizes the ground water below the site (based on info from site lecture) to circulate water from the Earth to the building via a pump within a mechanical room. The benefit of this is that standard heating and cooling processes use electric and/or gas to heat and cool spaces, which has a high loss of energy when transferring heating/cooling. The geo-thermal system is in effect the most efficinet since it in effect uses no additional energy other then the pump to heat and cool spaces.

Water Retention:
Use cistrines to store rain water that has been collected by the roofs and use this as a filtered grey water system - eliminating a complete dependence on public water services. The system will be contained in a system/container below grade, where treatment and distribution will take place.
Regarding site water: water will be retained per the requirement of 1"/hr through various landscaping features.
One note of concern is erosion control and how to control this: http://www.nedia.com/

Plan Updates

2007-09-08T21:02:00.001-07:00

Plan Updates based on the billboard notion:

Sketch Details

2007-09-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am still exploring the notion of keeping a very "light" base and progressing to a "heavy" top. The base would be composed primarily of glass, chosen because of its transparent nature, allowing the pedestrians a "view" into the building - enforcing the idea of the public interacting with the building (first floor occupied by a cafe and exhibition hall). I am still exploring other material choices, but leaning toward a metal panel system or stone veneer for the top (trying to contrast the brutal nature of the existing BAC building). I am kind of leaning toward the metal panel, although a stone veneer makes more sense for the arguement.

Panel Sketch:

The rear of the building will reflect the notions of the light base with heavy top, as well as incorporating a billboard on the rear facade. The billboard will act as an advertisement for the bac as well as showcasing blogs and student work. It is meant to add to the dynamic of the roadway, being updated (in motion) constantly.
Billboard:

Progress Plans

2007-09-03T20:21:00.001-07:00

Progress Plans:

First Floor:

Second Floor:

Third/Fourth Floors:

Sketches

2007-08-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

The sketches below are explorations in plan and form, the intent is to help create a more definitive scheme to help articulate the building facades/details.
I intend to keep the base of the building very light (i.e. glazing) and progressing to a more substantial material at the top (for the dorm rooms). Also, I would like to explore breaking the north wall and adding a glass feature (monumental stair) as well as interactive panels (so it serves as a billboard).
The second sketch explores the idea of "coiling" the program - which really needs to be explored in 3.d to fully understand it (hopefully a sketch model will be done friday).

Sketches:

Intensive Pin-up

2007-08-28T19:11:00.002-07:00

Images from the Pin-up:

Building Program:

Site Analysis

Parti:

Intensive Pin-up

2007-08-28T19:11:00.001-07:00

Images from Pin-up
First Floor:

Second Floor:

Third/Fourth Floor Plans:

Intensive Pin-up

2007-08-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Images from Pin-up:

South Elevation:

North Elevation:

Parti Diagram:

2007-08-20T08:49:00.001-07:00

Progress Post:

Intensive Day Two: Site Analysis

2007-08-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Becoming Carbon Neutral for your Car:

2007-08-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Simple way to help offset your carbon footprint via your car: http://www.terrapass.com/
This is how much carbon my car puts out:

Your car emits 6,397 lbs of CO2 per year.
You should get a Cross Towner TerraPass.
A Cross Towner TerraPass offsets 8,000 lbs of CO2,
enough to balance one year of your driving.

Vehicle:2003 Acura 3.2CL automatic transmission
Mileage:20 mpg (city), 29 mpg (highway)
Distance:8,000 miles per year
Fuel use:327 gallons per year
Emissions:6,397 lbs CO2 per year

Here's what it means:
Road TerraPass is a decal you place on your car showing that you have sponsored a clean energy project that balances out the environmental impact of your driving.
TerraPass funds clean energy from sources like wind farms, methane capture facilities, and more.
By replacing energy from fossil fuels with clean energy, TerraPass reduces carbon dioxide emissions. These reductions balance the emissions from your car.

Updated Building Program

2007-08-17T10:55:00.001-07:00

Program

2007-08-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Program Outline:

Bubble Diagram:

Basic Assumption is a Two Story Building (for the moment)
Initial Design Intentions:

1. Blur the exhibit space (interior) with the outdoor (exterior) space, creating a
connection with the outdoors.
2. Design Studios recieve natural light from the north.
3. All living quarters on the second floor: Seperation of work and rest.

Week Two: Eco-Print/Goals

2007-08-14T20:24:00.001-07:00

Total footprint: 18
Total Earth's needed if everyone lived like me: 3.9

Currently I drive a sporty car, so its not what I would describe as fuel efficient by any stretch of the imagination, but I do travel far less then most people (round trip around 6 miles from home to work), not exactly an excuse though, but its fun to drive.... As far as my diet goes, most of my food is bought at such places like whole foods or trader joes, and my diet does consist of meat (mostly chicken). As far as my home goes, well, that is a story in itself, its a 1927 craftsman home, so its definitely not weather tight or energy efficient by any stretch of teh imagination. Although we have been upgrading everything slowly (i.e. energy efficient appliances, new windows as opposed to the single pane orginals, and working on insulation). But we do try to do our part whether its recycling or walking to local resturants.

3 Priority Goals:
1. Reduce water consumption: by utilizing waterless urinals, rainwater collection
2. Reduce Heating/Cooling: using the earths consistent temp for a geo-exchange
system, passive cooling (cross ventilation), providing a green roof, sun shades
3. Lighting: studios face south for better natural light and reducing
the need for artificial lighting, alternate methods of lighting (i.e. Renzo
Piano and the High Museum addition with the sun scoops).

3 Low Priority Goals:
1. Building Impact: Efficiency of Building design and how it impacts the surrounding area
(i.e. is it effecting surrounding buildings ability for heating and cooling)
2. Methods of construction: what materials are being used, and can they be
be recycled or come from renewable resources and location of materials in
relationship to the site.
3. Emissions: can the building reduce emissions and its impact
on air quality.

Explanation:
I am interested in some of these design issues/solutions so that I can further research and educate myself in these building technologies and begin to see how reliable and realistic some of these (or all of them) maybe in real world applications and how to implement them into my office's real world applications.

Building Technologies:

2007-08-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

Info. Compiled by both Karrick and Myself:

Conclusion:

Based on the information gathered from the charts and graphs obtained through Climate Consultant, one can assume several items: the relative humidity in Boston is somewhat low, wind velocity remain somewhat consistant in the 10-15 mph range, as well as the summer air providing a moderately dry wind. Based on this knowledge, one can assume that passive cooling methods maybe a possibility for cooling spaces (i.e. cross ventilation rather then depending on a mechanical system). Determining a heating system must be assumed as a priority over cooling. Determining an energy efficient system and cost effective solutions will probably require multiple elements/building componenets and disciplines (arch. and engineering) to acheive satisfactory thermal comfort and cost effective results for clients (i.e. double skinned facades, geo-thermal pumps, building orientation).

Week One Final (??):

2007-08-12T15:34:00.001-07:00

Revised Plan and Model

2007-08-11T12:23:00.001-07:00

Scheme depicts a revised layout of the floor plan and relating geometries. The scheme also attempts to direct the "user" through a pre-defined path that leads through the entry and offers a small glimpse of the object trouve. As the user walks through the transitional space, they are confronted with a the large space, that they can traverse through to its sub-space (still needs a little bit of work). The final destination is to the small space where the object trouve is located.

Plan:

3D View:

3D View 2:

3D View 3:

3D View 4:

Enlarged 3D View of Entry and Small Space:

Assignment 1: Developement Sketches

2007-08-10T19:40:00.001-07:00

Text and Model to follow:

Image I took at the Barcelona Pavilion on a past trip (object trouve and space definition):

Another Mies reference (Thanks Felix)

Week One Assignment

2007-08-08T17:01:00.001-07:00

Plan:

3D View: