Here are some design development sketches and models from the Intensive Week in Boston.
The first few were from site visits, trying to observe what was around, the qualities, etc.
These are more conceptual, exploring ideas for parti and design.
Here the building starts to take shape from the diagram to the Floor Plans. These are the first iterations of the building. From the beginning the main idea of the building was to incorporate indoor/outdoor spaces within the building program.
This is the second iteration where I start to spread the green spaces throughout the building creating a sense of balance within the angular plan.
This was the last of the iterations created during the Intensive week, just before the "final" design. The building was "U" shape this way creating a centered atrium which would connect all spaces visually and physically. Also the building shape creates a wall protecting the site from the noise and air pollution coming from I90.
Here is a diagram showing my green strategy in the the building. The use of high performance double-skin glass wall allows to thermally isolate the space from the outside, also to use it for natural ventilation via stack effect. Also there will be an integrated shading device regulating the amount of natural light coming into space. The atrium area would also be naturally ventilated and naturally lit. The idea was to have a space that interconnects all spaces and becomes a central gathering space for social interaction. The use of Building ntegrated Photo Voltaics and wind turbines will also take part of the building to offset the energy demand especially from computer usage. After my presentation I realized that more should've been done with diagrams than black line drawings. I intend to address that on the next step and also need to develop more this atrium space. and its relationship with the rest of the building.
6 comments:
You mention that the atrium is the central location that everyone gathers. With the living space on the third floor and some classes even higher, is there any gathering space that will allow people to enjoy the space from the top floors? Maybe some sort of seating or small gathering spaces that look over the atrium (or even jut out into it, I was thinking about the Genzyme building) What is the reason behind the living spaces being located on the third floor and not the fourth? I still can't believe how great your renderings look, especially for what a short time you had to work on them! Did you look at materials that relate to the various colors yet? Your presentation was very clean and organized. My thoughts for you going forth would be the relationship of the atrium and the relationship of the connections to the BAC. Do these two different ideas relate anywhere?
!I have been thinking a lot about that, the relationship of the upper floors with the atrium. I will explore the option of having these floor maybe physically poking into the space without breaking the overall form of the building.
Carlos
I noticed that you are missing one of the BAC connections on your connection sheet. The BAC also has a presence near the corner of Mass Ave. and Newbury St. I am not sure what all is located at that location but the BAC currently occupy three different sites around our project.
I think your atrium is very appropriate in Boston. I see this space as being able to be utilized year round and the focal point for the design. Visibility from the street could help t drawing the public in which helps with your “connections” theme.
I am not real crazy about the double occupancy rooms though it seems to have saved quite a bit of space. I wonder if most of the people in this program are past the room sharing experience. I realize that the majority of those currently in the program share rooms with someone else. Is this something that is desirable or just put up with to save money?
I like the fact that you developed the exterior to a greater degree during the intensive. It allowed for some varied conversations and I wish more of us could have matched your level of design. This would allow us to proceed at a quicker pace in the following weeks. Nice Project!
I like the overall feel of the project, it shows some real thought as to how things go together. I question having the residential units on floors that the public might be going through. Maybe the apartments go to the top floor so that they get a better visual link to the BAC buildings. The atrium works well to provide a much needed oasis for the students as well as the public. I don't know that single or double occupancy makes much difference for a week, seeing as we spent more time in studio than in the rooms.
I disagree that an atrium is a central place where people gather.
Think of the Geyzyme center. The atrium is nice, and you circulate around it, but it is remarkably empty for its size and volume. Offices surround the atrium and look into it.
Think of the BAC, how often do people gather in the 2 story area, either above or below?
People tend to meet at entrances, classrooms, or dining areas, and tend to pass through atrium's on their way elsewhere.
That isn't to say that I think your atrium is bad in any way, or should be eliminated, I just think it shouldn't be seen as some sort of Greek agora where civic gathering takes place.
I love your renderings of the elevations, in particular the proportions expressed along the Boylston street side, and the windows canted to avoid the bad sun / bad views. This shows a good sensitivity to how you intend to employ sustainable design tactics.
Where's your list of comments from the crit? What are you working on?
Post a Comment