h e a l by Leslie K. Wheeler
fall 2013_Design Thinking professor_Adrian Luchini teaching assistant_Gwen Hutton Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Washington University in St. Louis
the
f i e l d
To revive subjectivity, the ďŹ eld is pixelated to activate an edge and blur demarcation.
1
Edge Condition What is the relationship of edge and perception of field? 3-12 Edge Typologies None, Soft, Hard, Perceived
13
Activate Why Activate? 15-16 Reconstructing the Joint to Blur Demarcation
17
Subjectivity What is Subjectivity? 19-22 Knowledge of Depth Influences Perception
23
Edge Activation How to Activate? 25-32 Manipulation Typologies Internalize, Delineate, Distort
33
Site Pixelation Where to Activate? 35-38 St. Louis & Chouteau’s Landing 39-48 Demarcation is depreciated as the field is reconstructed 1837, 1903, 1933, 2013 49-54 Existing site activation defines its current atmospheric state
Table of Contents
55-62 Demarcation is manipulated as the field adapts to natural phenomena Low Level, Flood Stage, High Level 63-64 Site Boundaries 65-82 Current Pixelation
83
Blur Fields What Fields to Blur? 85-88 When the river rises...the water field extends Watershed 89-94 Overflowing sewers & hwy runoff...contaminating the field CSS, SSS, CSS Outfalls, CSOs limiting Swimmability
95
Program What to Propose? 97-104 Center for Water Filtration Investigations EPA: Why Urban Waters?, Revive the Riverfront, Revive the Infrastructure, Revive Education
105
Precedents What Projects to Study? 107-122 Atmosphere Analysis, Built and Unbuilt Projects Venice, Plus Pools, Airport Park, Tank Farm
Edge Co 1
ondition What is the relationship of Edge and Perception of Field? An edge can create a perceptual obstacle that alters Subjectivity, introducing Objectivity. Demarcation occurs when the viewer perceives a lack of depth and cannot see significance past the surface.
2
No Edge infinite field
Soft Edge continuous field
3 Edge Condition
Hard Edge discontinuous field
Preconceived Edge discontinuous field
4
No Edge infinite field
5 Edge Condition
The lack of an edge condition creates a limitless Subjectivity in that the environment is completely understood.
6
Soft Edge continuous field
7 Edge Condition
A surface introduces a layer of Objectivity in which the subject can not experience from within. Not eliminating Subjectivity, the semi-transparent surface enables some understanding of the environment past and around the edge.
8
Hard Edge discontinuous field
9 Edge Condition
A linear edge is one-directional and limits information given by the opposing side of the edge. Subjectivity is limited to one side of the edge and Objectivity is clear through the opaque surface.
10
Preconceived Edge discontinuous field
11 Edge Condition
The residue of a preexisting edge alludes that an existing edge is present, creating an artificial Objectivity. Subjectivity is at a disadvantage but is possible if the preconceived notion is rectified.
12
A c t i 13
v a t e Why Activate? Reviving a wider field of Subjectivity will require Objectivity to blur, thus manipulating the edge condition. If the edge condition remains constant, the field is limited to its boundaries of demarcation.
14
Depth of Perception manipulating the edge to control field of depth
15 Activate
Reconstructing the joint to blur demarcation Addition or subtraction of experiential marks adjusting focus aspect
16
Subjec 17
ctivity What is Subjectivity? Subjectivity enables selectness in depth of perception of a field. The ability to understand the field introduces an educated perspective to reconfigure trajectory.
18
Reveal Ephemerality breaking down the totality in the scale of space and time
19 Subjectivity
Knowledge of depth influences perception Process is revealed through the overall image, creating a juxtaposition of process versus totality in composition
20
21 Subjectivity
A field is perceived as a field when it is activated Simplified or unactivated compositions distract from overall clarity of perception and control the hierarchy of the composition
22
Edge Ac 23
ctivation How to Activate? An atmosphere induced by pixelation of the edge manipulates the surface, introducing blur.
24
No Edge infinite field
Internalize the Edge consuming the field
25 Edge Activation
Delineate the Edge filtering the field
Distort the Edge bridging the field
26
Internalize the Edge consuming the field
27 Edge Activation
Internalizing the edge creates opportunity for an additional connection with the environment past the boundary of the edge. The field expands to inhabit the edge’s surface.
28
Delineate the Edge filtering the field
29 Edge Activation
Delineating the edge produces passage of perception in more than one direction from an initial standpoint. The field can be filtered through the edge and posses information of the opposing side of the edge.
30
Distort the Edge bridging the field
31 Edge Activation
Distorting the edge diminishes preconceived notion of boundary. The field can be bridged and extend interest of the lost field.
32
Site 33
Pi
ixelation Where to Activate? Human interaction with the constructed and natural edges have severely changed at the Mississippi River’s edge throughout history.
34
city of st. louis, missouri
Arch Grounds
Mississippi River
Chouteau’s Landing
35 Site Pixelation
36
chouteau’s landing Arch Grounds
Sub-grade Tunnel
Interstate 64
Levee
McArthur Bridge
37 Site Pixelation
Topography Freight Rail Line City Grid On/Off Ramp 4-lane Highway 8-lane Highway Levee
38
1837
39 Site Pixelation
1903
1933
2013
Demarcation is depreciated as the field is reconstructed depth of field is improved as edges deteriorate
40
1837 A dense city grid was initially planned for the colonization of St. Louis. Narrow streets limited pedestrian access the greater field but the river remained connected to the city.
41 Site Pixelation
42
1903 As the city grew, industry grew, initiating the design of freight rail lines which connected St. Louis to the eastern U.S. After the implemented rail, the city grid deteriorates and the pedestrian field begins to open.
43 Site Pixelation
44
1933 Clearing for the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial begins, widening the field of transgression and view. At this point, the city is connected with the river.
45 Site Pixelation
46
2013 Implementation of highways and the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial further deteriorate the dense city fabric, opening the pedestrian field. Flood walls and elevation change are barriers created to disconnect the city from the water’s field.
47 Site Pixelation
48
49 Site Pixelation
Existing site activation defines its current atmospheric state Cars, pedestrians, trains and ships pass site edges while vacant buildings and industrial land create preconceived edges, detracting from the field
50
51 Site Pixelation
52
existing activation
Low industrial land, docks & levee
Medium unactivated roads, buildings & parking lots
53 Site Pixelation
High active rail lines, roads & buildings
Maximum constantly activated roads & highways
54
Low Level
55 Site Pixelation
Flood Stage
High Level
Demarcation is manipulated as the field adapts to natural phenomena as the Mississippi River rises, the field of the Arch Grounds is connected and the field of Chouteau’s Landing is disconnected
56
lower river levels When the Mississippi River is at low levels, flood wall doors are open, providing connection of local roads. However, flood walls and the arch ground bluff remain permanently, dividing fields year-round. If these edges are activated, the pedestrian field from the river to the city would be reconnected.
57 Site Pixelation
58
flood stage As water levels rise, the city closes roads and flood wall doors, separating fields of land and water. The water field gets closer to the field of the arch grounds as it ascends.
59 Site Pixelation
60
higher river levels Chouteau’s Landing is disconnected further from the field on the opposite side of the flood wall as the river rises. The levee creates this dangerous edge condition for the bordering pedestrian field. This condition has potential to activate, reconnecting land and water and also preventing a levee failure disaster.
61 Site Pixelation
62
site boundaries
63 Site Pixelation
Arch Grounds Sub-grade Tunnel
Poplar St.
Vacant Bldg. 60’ Levee Interstate 64 24’ Levee
64
Current Pixelation the Arch Grounds are separated from Chouteau’s Landing by the bluff, north of the site. Chouteau’s Landing is again separated by a building connected to a permanent levee and an impermanent levee door, east of the site, when flooding occurs
65 Site Pixelation
Arch Grounds Sub-grade Tunnel
Poplar St.
Vacant Bldg. 60’ Levee Interstate 64 24’ Levee
66
No Edge : open field to transgress and view Soft Edge : can transgress, limited view Internally Activated Hard Edge : selectively transgress and no view Hard Edge : cannot transgress, no view
Analyzing the Edge the field is currently discontinuous from the higher ground and riverfront, obstructed by hard edges: levees, and soft edges: the river and the interstate
67 Site Pixelation
Arch Grounds Sub-grade Tunnel 52’ Bluff
Poplar St.
Vacant Bldg. 60’ Levee Interstate 64 24’ Levee
68
No Edge : open field to transgress and view Soft Edge : can transgress, limited view Internally Activated Soft Edge : can transgress, limited view Internally Activated Hard Edge : open field to transgress and view Activated Hard Edge : open field to transgress and view Activated Hard Edge : selectively transgress and view from above
Activating the Edge the field is connected by internalizing the soft edges: consuming the vacant building, delineating the hard edges: filtering the bluff, and distorting the hard edges: bridging the levee.
69 Site Pixelation
Observatory Deck 52’ Bluff FILTER
Poplar St.
60’ Vacant Bldg. CONSUME
24’ Levee BRIDGE
70
60’ Vacant Building 24’ Levee
Interstate 64
Poplar St.
24’ Levee
71 Site Pixelation
Sub-Grade Tunnel
60’ Vacant Building
Arch Grounds
Interstate 64
Poplar St.
Sub-Grade Tunnel
East Section
Arch Grounds
East Perspective
72
60’ Vacant Building 24’ Levee
Interstate 64
Poplar St.
73 Site Pixelation
Sub-Grade Tunnel
Arch Grounds
East Section
74
60’ Vacant Building 24’ Levee
Interstate 64
Poplar St.
75 Site Pixelation
Sub-Grade Tunnel
Arch Grounds
East Section
76
Vacant Building Interstate 55
Mississippi River
Poplar St.
60’ Levee
Interstate 64
Sub-Grade Tunnel
Vacant Building
77 Site Pixelation
Poplar St.
60’ Levee
Freight Rail Line
Mississippi River
South Section
Interstate 64
North Perspective
78
Vacant Building Interstate 55
Poplar St.
Interstate 64
Sub-Grade Tunnel
79 Site Pixelation
60’ Levee
Mississippi River
South Section
80
Vacant Building Interstate 55
Poplar St.
Interstate 64
Sub-Grade Tunnel
81 Site Pixelation
60’ Levee
Mississippi River
South Section
82
Blur 83
Fields What Fields to Blur? The hydrological infrastructure produces problems of polluting the Mississippi River by sewer system overflow and increasing the risk of flash floods by levee failure.
84
when the river rises... the water field extends
Fall + Winter
85 Blur Fields
Spring + Summer
1993 Flood
1993 Flood if Levee Fails
River levels increase and decrease velocity and volume Natural and artificial factors effect river levels, including: heavy rain, snow melt, pollution from point and non-point sources and climate change
86
watershed “We all live in a watershed -- the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer, or even the ocean -- and our individual actions can directly affect it.” Chouteau’s Landing is on the lowest elevation in the City, subject to storm water runoff pooling and increased risk of flash flooding if the levee fails. Flood precautions include permanent and temporary flood walls and gates in addition to water pumps along the levee.
87 Blur Fields
88
overflowing sewers & hwy runoff... contaminating the field
css outfalls
combined sewer
overflow
treatment plant
river
river
Combined Sewer Systems (CSS)
St. Louis City established a sewer system that excepted both storm water and wastewater sources. The problem with this system is evident when heavy rainfall and snow melt push the sewer system and treatment plants to exceed their volume capacity and spill directly to the river. Rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, industrial wastewater, debris and other toxic materials pollute the river when the system overflows.
wastewater
treatment plant
storm water
Sanitary Sewer Systems (SSS)
St. Louis County progressed from the City’s system and separated wastewater from storm water into different pipes. The separated system prevents overpowering the pipes and polluting the river with raw sewage. However, the river is still polluted with toxic chemicals from road and household runoff.
89 Blur Fields
river
river
CSS in St. Louis City, SSS in St. Louis County
Combined Sewer, Pump Stations, Street & Hwy
90
css outfalls To prevent the combined sewer system (CSS) from overflowing into the city during heavy rain, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) was designed to pump the overflow directly into the Mississippi River. This system saves the City money by not forcing them to update the infrastructure, but instead, the river has become extremely polluted by the untreated overflow. Storm Water Facilities CSS Outfalls
91 Blur Fields
Certified Wells
US Environmental Protection Agency on NPDES “They are a major water pollution concern for the approximately 772 cities in the United States that use them.�
92
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) limiting Swimmability “CSO pollution has caused many receiving waters to exceed water quality standards, resulting in threats to public health, aquatic species, or aquatic habitats. CSO pollutants have impaired receiving water body uses and have contributed to restrictions on numerous beach closures. Potential odors and solids deposits in the receiving water body can also compromise aesthetics and limit recreational uses of the water body.�
93 Blur Fields
94
P r o g 95
g r a m What to Propose? A site specific program is a necessity and should respect existing conditions; such as: movement of people, infrastructure and natural phenomena.
96
Center for Water Filtration Investigations EPA: Why Urban Waters? • •
•
yield positive impacts for populations in both urban and upstream communities public spaces along rivers and lakes offer residents opportunities for community gatherings, recreation, and environmental education increased access to waterways can spur the creation of new jobs and the growth of local business, whether cleaning up polluted or abandoned properties, opening businesses along the waterfront or working on water protection efforts like green infrastructure projects
97 Program
The river’s pollution strips the riverfront of its civic glory, limiting development and activity along its edge. Progress between the USEPA and the MSD to make public waters swimmable is at a halt and the combined sewer system infrastructure has yet to be replaced from the City’s establishment.
98
Revive the Riverfront, Revive the Infrastructure, Revive Education Reviving the waterfront in Chouteau’s Landing has been proposed for many years since the decrease of activity in many buildings in the area. There is no current proposal by the owners of the properties but many St. Louis residents believe the City should reconnect the public with the Mississippi River.
99 Program
the river
A research facility on filtering water with no chemicals (a non-treatment plant based facility) accompanying a large civic landscape is appropriate for the site along the riverfront. Research will depend on a built infrastructure, collecting water from the CSS, runoff from the local area and Interstate 64, and rising waters from the Mississippi.
the city
Public access to the facility will occur during tours but mainly when researchers present their findings in exhibitions and conferences. The project will emphasize the need for community involvement and education of how the City uses and disposes of water.
the people
Public pools will be provided in warmer months, utilizing the filtered waters of the facility. In the colder months, shallow and frozen or empty pools can be used for skating, sledding and skateboarding.
100
collect
analyze
Tank Farm
Laboratories
Investigation Fields
27%
6%
18%
Water Storage 30000 sqft º Combined Sewer º Building Collection º Street Runoff º Highway Runoff º Flood Waters
Laboratories 7000 sqft º Wet Labs º Dry Labs º Library º Computer Lab
101 Program Tank Farm
Zachary Gong - Washington University in St. Louis
test
Fields º Docks º Filtration º Vegetation
20000 sqft
educate
recreate
Conference
Exhibition, Admin, Cafe
Pools
7%
4%
18%
Auditorium Meeting Spaces
7000 sqft 1000 sqft
Gallery Offices Cafe
2000 sqft 2000 sqft 500 sqft
Pools, etc. 20000 sqft º Thermal Baths º Laps º Children’s º Public Shower Rooms
102
150,000 sqft
103 Program
Conference
Investigation Fields
Laboratories
Tank Farm
Parking
Pools
Exhibition, Admin, Cafe
104
Prece 105
dents What Projects to Study? Research and proposals to expand public access while respecting the environment occur every year. This knowledge must be recognized and built upon for future progress in the built environment.
106
venice, italy 1929 “laguna ghiacciata� frozen lagoon Venice offers a variety of atmospheric conditions that manipulate the land and water fields. These conditions alter how a person sees, perceives, walks, swims, and feels an environment.
107 Presedents
Ice Gorge of 1905
Mississippi River near the Eads Bridge - St. Louis, MO
108
acqua alta
high water rising waters in the spring season blur the water and land’s edges
109 Presedents
nebbia
neve
canali congelati
fog depth of perception is blurred as the fog consumes the canal edges
snow blankets of snow are formed, blurring permanent and movable objects
frozen canals movement through water is challenged as canals begin to freeze
110
plus pools Brooklyn, NY Dong-Ping of F A M I L Y Architects, and Archie Lee Coates IV and Jeffrey Franklin of PlayLab + POOL is designed to filter the very river that it floats in through the walls of the pool, making it possible for New Yorkers to swim in clean river water for the first time in 100 years. The layered filtration system incrementally removes bacteria and contaminants to ensure nothing but clean, swimmable water that meets both city and state standards. No chemicals, no additives, just natural river water.
111 Presedents
112
113 Presedents
layers of filtration
The pool will clean up to half a million gallons of river water every single day. In doing so, + POOL will make a measurable contribution to the rivers of New York City.
114
airport park Quito, Ecuador LCLA Office
Through flooding the runway of the old airport, the project aims to generate an active hydrologic park. The transformation of the runway into an urban park ultimately serves as an opportunity to test the insertion of leisure activities and aquatic ecosystems typical to the tropics.
115 Presedents
116
117 Presedents
118
119 Presedents
120
tank farm
le. The e city’s
ble. The e city’s
e water e storm charged of the e water ble. The e storm he city’s charged of the
121 Presedents
le. The e city’s
e water
New Orleans, LA Zachary Gong - Student at Washington University in St. Louis Large water tanks situated along the freeway right of way collect and store water coming from the road surface. Water can be gradually released into the storm sewer system, or it can be used for irrigation and industry. The tanks, charged by photow-voltaic panels, are illuminated to create a dramatic awareness of the presence of water in the city.
Tank Farm Zachary Gong - Washington University in St. Louis
122
Cover Intro Edge Condition
Activate Subjectivity Edge Activation Site Pixelation
Image: Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration, Terrie Sultan, book, 2003 Image: Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration, Terrie Sultan, book, 2003 Image: Art Work by Ceith Creekmur, http://artworkbyceithcreekmur.wordpress.com Image: Infinite Sadness...or hope?, http://infinitesadnessorhope.wordpress.com/ category/mental-health-2/self-harm-mental-health/ Image: Georgia Scenic Route, http://sturmovikdragon.livejournal.com/96699.html Image: The Photography Network, http://www.picturesocial.com/photo/harvestsunset Images: Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration, Terrie Sultan, book, 2003 Images: Chuck Close Prints: Process and Collaboration, Terrie Sultan, book, 2003 Image: The Mark of Athena, http://jadeledford.weebly.com/settings.html Image: Cinema etiquette?, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmnews/9683403/Cinema-etiquette-Try-not-to-provide-your-own-sex-scenes.html Image: Most v Tvare Tulipรกnu, http://www.chill.sk/8102d/ Image: Fur Traders and Immagrants, http://www.stl250.org/crash-course-furtraders.aspx Image: Look Back: Jefferson National Expansion, http://stltoday.mycapture.com/ mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=31999522&event=1092643&CategoryID=23105
Bibliography
Blur Fields
Program
Image: History of St. Louis, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_St._Louis Image: Aerial Photography of St. Louis, http://stormhighway.com/stlouisphotos/ aerials/ Diagrams based on Sanborn Maps: Geospatial Solutions, http://www.sanborn.com Image: Mississippi River Flood 2008, http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lsx/?n=mississippi_ flood_2008#stlouis Image: Satellite view of Chouteau’s Landing, Google Earth Image: Elevations of Chouteau’s Landing, Google Maps Diagrams based on Flood Data: National Weather Service, http://water.weather. gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=lsx&gage=eadm7 Image: Elevation Data, http://www.wavgen.com/index.php?route=information/ information&information_id=8 Research on Watersheds: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Research on Sewer Systems: MSD, http://www.stlmsd.com/ GIS maps for St. Louis Water Infrastructure: Natalie Yates & Kees Lokman Research on CSS Outfalls: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Research on NPDES: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Research on CSOs: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Water Quality Standards: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Benefits of Urban Riverfronts: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov Research on EPA & MSD Settlements: US EPA, http://water.epa.gov
Precedents
Image: San Marco Press, http://www.sanmarcopress.com/page11.htm Image: Missouri History Museum, http://mohistory.licensestream.com/ licensestream/portal/index.aspx Text: Plus Pool, http://www.pluspool.org Images: Plus Pool, http://www.pluspool.org Text: LCLA Office, http://www.luiscallejas.com Images: LCLA Office, http://www.luiscallejas.com Text: From the Gutter to the Gulf: Legible Water Infrastructure for New Orleans, University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, Jane Wolff, Elise Shelley with Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Washington University in Saint Louis, College of Architecture, Derek Hoeferlin, Studio 6/8: Zachary Gong, “Tank Farm,” Spring 2009 Images: From the Gutter to the Gulf: Legible Water Infrastructure for New Orleans, University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, Jane Wolff, Elise Shelley with Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Washington University in Saint Louis, College of Architecture, Derek Hoeferlin, Studio 6/8: Zachary Gong, “Tank Farm,” Spring 2009 Research on the Mississippi Watershed & Pollution: Gutter To Gulf Goes Global, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Washington University in St. Louis, College of Architecture, Fall 2010
Bibliography