Allison Lam Professor White ARCH405 Winter & Spring 2024
THE HEAART
Home for Empowering African-American Roots and Talent
BASIS OF DESIGN BOOK
OVERVIEW
Inspired by Dr. J. Clinton Wilkes push against the racist “separate but equal” doctrine to introduce facilities on Jekyll Island that were accessible to the African American community, the HEAART aims to reestablish the Black community on the island, diversify the entertainment on Jekyll, and connect the community by revitalizing the amphitheatre’s original purpose of performance.
Architects have an important opportunity to problemsolve using the built environment. This project explored the opportunities to reestablish the AfricanAmerican community on Jekyll Island while educating and enhancing its neighbourhood.
CHAPTER 1
DESIGN INTENTIONS
Reestablishing the Black Community on Jekyll Island through the Arts
1. REBUILDING IDENTITY
Creating a place for African American artists to display/ perform their art (visual, musical, theatrical, culinary).
2.ENGAGING COMMUNITY
Establishing a local spot for the community to run rehearsals and music lessons.
3. ENRICHING CULTURE
Diversifying the attractions on Jekyll from its existing museums, nature centers, golf courses, and historic sites.
AfricanAmerican Artists/Performers:
Bands
Photographers
Singers
Artists
Chefs
Local Performers
Community Artists
Music/Art Lovers
Travelling Artists
Families
Couples
Retirees
Annual Vacationers
Long-term Stay
Locals:
Families Retirees
Artists
Tourists
An effective design involves understanding the site and its climate in order to integrate passive strategies for maximum human comfort.
SITE ANALYSIS CHAPTER 2.1
LOCATION
93 mi to Savannah, GA
Jeky k ll Islannd has a humid subtropicaal l climate, with long hot summmers and cool winnterrs. s It is located off the coast of f Geo e rgia along n the Atllaantic Ocean.
74 mi to Jacksonville, FL
81°25'05"W
Island
31°03'54.8"N
St. Simons Island
Cumberland
Brunswick
CLIMATE
Jekyll Island has a subtropical climate, typical of the Georgia coast and Golden Isles region.
Temperature:
Winters are mild, with average highs around 60°F (16°C) and lows around 40°F (4°C). Summers are hot and humid, with average highs around 90°F (32°C) and lows around 75°F (24°C).
Sea Breezes:
The island benefits from cooling sea breezes, which can provide relief from the summer heat and humidity. These breezes also contribute to the island’s mild winters compared to inland areas.
Precipitation:
Jekyll Island receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of around 50 inches (1270 mm). The wettest months are July through September, during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Humidity:
Due to its coastal location, Jekyll Island experiences high humidity levels year-round. The humidity is highest during the summer months, often reaching oppressive levels.
Hurricanes
and Tropical Systems:
Jekyll Island is susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. The island’s low-lying coastal location makes it vulnerable to storm surge and flooding from these systems.
ARCHITECTURAL VERNACULAR
Jekyll Island has a rich architectural vernacular that reflects its coastal location, historical influences, and the unique environment of the Golden Isles region.
Tabby Construction:
Tabby, a type of concrete made from oyster shells, lime, sand, and water, was a practical and sustainable response to the island’s readily available materials and helped buildings withstand the coastal climate.
Shuttered Windows:
Operable shutters or louvered shutters are prevalent in Jekyll Island’s architectural style. These shutters not only add character but also serve the practical purpose of providing protection from storms and regulating natural ventilation.
Low-Pitched Roofs:
Many historic buildings on Jekyll Island feature low-pitched roofs, often with wide overhanging eaves. This design helps to deflect strong coastal winds and provides additional shading for the structures.
Wide Porches and Overhangs:
Generous porches, verandas, and overhanging roofs are common in Jekyll Island’s architecture. These features provide shade from the intense coastal sun and allow for outdoor living spaces, a necessity in the island’s hot and humid climate.
For a 100’ x 100’ area, rain collection can add up to 13,50090,000 litres per month.
Researching the demographics on Jekyll Island led to questions that fueled the project: Where is the African American population on Jekyll? How can we restore their identity on the island?
SITE RESPONSE CHAPTER 2.2
DEMOGRAPHICS
Historical Context
During the era of legal racial segregation and slavery, Black people were prohibited from living on the island itself and were only permitted entry as servants or workers for white residents and guests of Jekyll’s clubs and resorts.
Current Demographics
Today, Jekyll Island is open to all races. However, its past has contributed to an overwhelmingly white permanent population on the island itself.
Total Jekyll Island population: 1,068
White population: 1004 (94%)
Hispanic population: 64.08 (6%)
Black population: 0 (0%)
Other: 0 (0%)
The small number of Black residents is likely influenced by factors such as the island’s history of racial exclusion, high real estate costs, and tourism-based economy favoring wealthy Non-
HISTORY
One of the last know groups of enslaved Africans sold to America arrives on the Georgia Coast.
The Jekyll Island Club is constructed as a private winter retreat for wealthy northerners. The majority of people on the island were hired workers, and 77% of the Club employees were African American.
Clubhouse closes due to WWII complications. The Island reopens as a state park in 1948.
St. Andrews Beach becomes the first public beach in Georgia open to African Americans.
The St. Andrews Auditorium is built to host a conference for the Black Dental Association of Georgia after Dr. J. Clinton Wilkes challenges the idea of “separate but equal” to provide accessible facilities on Jekyll Island.
Federal Judge Frank A. Hooper ordered the immediate integration of all facilities on Jekyll Island.
Otis Redding and other famous AfricanAmerican musicians perform at the St. Andrews Auditorium as the venue becomes
CHITLIN CIRCUIT
The Chitlin’ Circuit refers to the informal network of venues accessible to African American musicians, entertainers, and audiences to travel and perform safely during the Jim Crow era of racial segregation in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Historical Context
Due to Jim Crow laws and racist policies that barred Black people from white-only establishments, the Chitlin’ Circuit provided vital performance spaces and safe havens across the segregated South.
On Jekyll Island, Black entertainers were forbidden from stepping foot on its beaches or performing there due to strict segregation policies enforced on the island.
Because Dr. J. Clinton Wilkes established the first auditorium available to African Americans on Jekyll Island, legendary artists like Ray Charles,
Key Venues on the Chitlin’ Circuit
Otis Redding, B.B. King and James Brown all played gigs on this coastal Georgia “circuit”.
Cultural Significance
The Chitlin’ Circuit created rare spaces of artistic expression for African Americans during legalized racial oppression. It helped Black musical genres like blues, jazz, and R&B thrive and gain exposure. The Circuit’s legacy deeply influenced American culture and served as an act of resistance against the dehumanization of Jim Crow.
Architectural Considerations
Today, little remains of the Chitlin’ Circuit’s built environment near Jekyll Island due to urban renewal and development. However, any new projects on Jekyll should somehow acknowledge and commemorate this rich cultural history nearby.
Precedent studies show how others have done what we aim to add in our design.
CHAPTER 3
PRECEDENT STUDIES
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Washington D.C., US, 2016
Located on the National Mall next to the iconic Washington Monument, the Adjaye Associates, Freelon Adjaye Bond/SmithGroup had a significant task of representing African-Americans and the building that would house the story of American history through their lens. With its sensitive topics, its was essential for the museum to represent its focus group accurate and ethically.
THE CORONA
The building’s form takes the shape of three-tiers called the Corona, inspired by the crown-like forms of architectural columns by Olowe of Ise. In conjunction, the form mimicked the images of people lifting their hands in praise or jubilation.
ADJUSTMENT TO SITE
The levels of the Corona math the same 17 degree angle as the tip of the Washington Monument.
Photograph from ArchDaily (Above)
THE FACADE
The is made of bronze aluminum panels with an intricate pattern inspired by ornamental ironwork by enslaved African American craftsmen. This envelope regulates the amount of light and heat in the building to support to active systems of the museum.
THE PORCH
The southern entrance of the museum has an extended overhang with a cooling reflecting pool below it. Porches are traditionally used as a place for relaxation and socializing and were a source of inspiration from the African Americans’ historical and cultural use of the porch.
Photograph from ArchDaily (Right)
Photograph from the National Museum of African American History & Culture website (Below)
How can the mass of the buildings create an enjoyable, engaging space for the visitors of the HEAART?
CHAPTER 4.1
FORM STUDIES
Tree Preservation
Building along an already cleared pathway will reduce the amount of trees cut down on the site.
Sustainable Reuse of Amphitheatre
Reusing the amphitheatre for its built purpose reduces cost and material to build additional structure.
Form Placement
In order to block the winter winds from the north and optimize the summer winds in the south, a three form mass was devel
Adjustment to Site
On Jekyll Island, Black entertainers were forbidden from stepping foot on its beaches or performing there due to strict segregation policies enforced on the island.
Expansion
Because Dr. J. Clinton Wilkes established the first auditorium available to African Americans on Jekyll Island, legendary artists like Ray Charles,
The Mound
The original pathway along the mound consists of a 1:20 slope which allows for a sloped floor that is wheelchair accessible. Building along this path also minimizes tree removal.
Rainwater
Elevating the pathways allow rainwater to run underneath the structure, leaving the floors unaffected.
PLAN
I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene.
- Ray Charles, African American musician
4.2
SQ. FT. BREAKDOWN
Floor 1
1. Flex Space:
This open room functions as a rehearsal space and an event space.
2. Green Room:
The green room is a supporting space for performers to prepare before the show begins.
3. Restaurant:
The restaurant showcases the work of local and visiting chefs with a demonstration kitchen in the middle of the room.
4. Kitchen:
The kitchen is split into two hales: the main kitchen and a serving window for visitors to take their food to go.
Floor 2
5. Studios:
Rooms on the second floor allow artists to create and explore their medium, whether music or physical art.
6. Artists Residences:
Adjacent to the studios, residences for travelling artists include living quarters, a shared kitchen, and porches along the exterior.
Proper decisions on materials can strongly influence the performance of the building. Using local materials reduce the overall carbon footprint of the buildings.
CHAPTER 4.3
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Use of Natural Materials:
In addition to tabby, local materials like wood, brick, and stucco are commonly used in Jekyll Island’s architecture, reflecting the island’s natural resources and the need for durable, lowmaintenance materials that can withstand the coastal environment.
Southern Pine
Local timber with its high strengthto-weight ratio used as a versatile structural material.
Tin Roofs
Strength, longevity, and low maintenance against salt spray and hurricane force winds make tin roof construction ideal for the coastal region.
Tabby Concrete
Coastal concrete form using oyster shells, lime, sand and water that creates a very durable construction block able to withstand storm surges.
Woven Palm Fronds
Woven fence barrier used to delineate property lines, screen service yards, accent dwellings.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Improvising Rhythm - Art gallery
Located on the north side of the art gallery is an open space that looks down into the gallery through operable vertical louvers that rotate on an axis. These playful louvers follow a rhythmic, repeated pattern that can be changed by the user, similarly to how African-American musical genres such as jazz encourage improvisations and unexpected changes.
NORTH FACING WALL ART GALLERY WALL
1. ROOF ASSEMBLY
a. Roofing Membrane
b. Insulation
c. Weather Resistive Barrier
d. CLT Roof Panel
2. VERTICAL LOUVERS
a. Southern Pine Panels
b. Steel Rods
c. Steel Track
3. WALL ASSEMBLY
a. Wood Panels
b. Air Barrier
c. Gypsum Sheathing
d. 3-ply CLT Panel
e. Insulation
f. Gypsum Wall Board
4. FOUNDATION
a. Flitch Beam Southern Pine Slanted Columns
b. Steel Plate Connection
c. Tabby Concrete Foundation
Transient Barriers - Multipurpose Hall
The rolled palm frond wall borrows traditions from African American culture with a bright, creative, textured mat that rolls up to reveal the multipurpose hall that can be used for rehearsals, indoor/outdoor events, and informal performances. The opening requires about 75% of the eastern wall.
Community-Run Events
Affordable rental rates and subsidized programs promote accessibility for diverse audiences.
Flex Spaces
Flexible performance spaces can accommodate a variety of events and programs, maximizing revenue potential. The space can function as an event venue, a performance hall, or a rehearsal space.
1. ROOF ASSEMBLY
a. Aluminum Roof
b. Wood Joists
c. Glulam Southern Pine Beams
2. PALM FROND CANVAS
a. Palm Frond Mat
b. Steel Roller
3. WALL ASSEMBLY
a. Wood Panels
b. Air Barrier
c. Gypsum Sheathing
d. 3-ply CLT Panel
e. Insulation
f. Gypsum Wall Board
4. FOUNDATION
a. Tabby Concrete Foundation
Courtyard and Envelope
Maximizing daylighting while being conscientious of the Georgia heat builds connections to outdoor spaces and optimizes occupant comfort for performers and visitors.
Active Indoor Systems
Acoustic design and indoor air quality within the performance spaces are significant components for HEAART. A dedicated outdoor air system is located in a close vicinity to the building to pre-condition the outdoor air that will enter the building.
Green Rooms and Lounges
Green rooms and other wellness amenities supports performers.
The sun angle and climate are essential to understand in order to best support the building occupants for thermal comfort. An elevation study induced the delicate balance between accepting natural light and blocking harsh heat energy.
4.4
ELEVATION STUDY CHAPTER
Summer Solstice Winter Solstice
Adhering to the guidelines set by the International Building Code and the American Disabilities Act
CHAPTER 5
CODE ADHERANCE
CONSTRUCTION TYPE
TYPE IIIB CONSTRUCTION: ORDINARY - TABBY CONCRETE
Fire Resistance: Type III construction allows for exterior load-bearing walls to be constructed with non-combustible materials like tabby concrete, providing a good level of fire resistance for the building envelope.
Thermal Mass: Tabby concrete walls have excellent thermal mass properties due to their dense nature, which can regulate temperatures and reduce energy consumption for cooling, which is beneficial in the warm coastal climate of Jekyll Island.
Sustainable and Local Materials: Tabby concrete is made from locally sourced materials like oyster shells, sand, and lime, aligning with principles of sustainable construction and reducing the embodied carbon footprint of the building.
Durability and Resilience: Tabby concrete has proven to be a durable and resilient material in coastal environments, able to withstand harsh weather conditions, moisture, and salt air.
TYPE IV CONSTRUCTION: HEAVY TIMBER
Resilience to Coastal Environment: Heavy timber construction is highly resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, making it well-suited for the humid and coastal conditions of Jekyll Island. The thickness and density of the wood members provide durability and longevity, which is crucial in a coastal region prone to harsh weather conditions.
Fire Resistance: Heavy timber construction has fire resistance due to the large cross-sections of the wood members. As the outer layers char during a fire, the inner core remains intact, providing structural stability for an extended period. This fire resistance can lengthen occupant safety within the building.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Wood is a renewable and sustainable building material with a lower embodied carbon footprint compared to steel or concrete. By using heavy timber construction, you can reduce the environmental impact of the project and align with sustainable design principles that resonate with the cultural and artistic values of the center.
Warm Aesthetic: The exposed wood structure and finishes of heavy timber construction can create a warm, natural, and inviting atmosphere for the cultural arts center.
ALLOWABLE NUMBER OF STORIES
ALLOWABLE BUILDING HEIGHT
Allowable Building Height - Main Building: 85 ft. above grade
Allowable Building Height - Residence: 75 ft. above grade
EGRESS
EGRESS CALCULATIONS
DOOR WIDTHS
OCCUPANTS X 0.2 = DOOR WIDTH
FIRST FLOOR
638 occupants x 0.2 = 127.6”
SECOND FLOOR
47 occupants x 0.2 = 9.4” ; 9.4”<32”
STAIR WIDTHS
OCCUPANTS X 0.3 = STAIRWAY WIDTH
FIRST FLOOR
638 occupants x 0.3 = 191.4”
SECOND FLOOR
47 occupants x 0.3 = 14.1”; 14.1” < 48”
Door widths must have a minimum width of 32”.
Stairway widths shall have a clear width of 48” minimum between handrails.
CORRIDOR WIDTHS
FIRST FLOOR 44”
SECOND FLOOR 36”
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
FLOOR 1
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION
FLOOR 2
ADA REQUIREMENTS
In accordance to ADA requirements for equal opportunity for building use, the building features ramp access and an elevator for wheelchair users, bathrooms with sufficient space for a 5’ circle of turning space, and areas of refuge within fire-rated egress stairs.
EGRESS REMOTENESS
Exits occur no more than half the distance of the total diagonal distance between one point of the building to its furthest point, which is 248’/2=124’. The maximum travel distance must not exceed the values indicated in Table 1017.2 of the IBC 2018.
118’
