Andrea Calhoun_Senior Thesis Report 2: Walking Off the Obesity Epidemic

Walking off the

Obesity Epidemic Andrea Calhoun Thesis Studio: Regenerative Design Dr. H. Neis, University Of Oregon Portland, Spring 2016

Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1

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The Urban Design: Downtown Northglenn Connection to the Greater Context ............................. 06 The Northglenn Marketplace .......................................... 1 2 Downtown Northglenn ......................................................... 1 5 Street Types .................................................................................. 20 Pedestrian Street Zoom-In ................................................ 24 Greenway Zoom-In ................................................................ 25 Renderings .................................................................................... 26

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The Building Design: Northglenn Public Market Diagrams ......................................................................................... 32 Schematic Design Documentation .................................. 36 Renderings ..................................................................................... 42 Technical Drawings ................................................................. 46

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Models: Envisioning a Healthier Future Existing Urban Conditions ................................................

Proposed Urban Conditions .............................................

Building Design .............................................................................

Tectonics .........................................................................................

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52 53 55 57

Appendix Charette Assignment ............................................................. 62 Process Work ............................................................................. 70

Introduction In America, obesity is widely known as a prominent and increasing issue. Nearly 35% of all adults in the United States are considered obese and 68% are overweight.

Not a single state has an obesity rate of less than 20%. However, the obesity epidemic is no longer contained within the United States. In fact, the global obesity rate has more than doubled since 1980. Obesity is now coexisting in countries faced by poverty and starvation.

What causes obesity?

According to the World Health Organization, 65% of the global population lives in a country now faced with high rates of obesity.

In 2014, 1.9 billion adults over the age of 16 were reported to be overweight or obese and 42 million children were reported to be overweight or obese in that same year.

Post World War II suburban growth created low-density, auto oriented development.

Segregated zoning called for the construction of extensive road networks and the pedestrian was quickly forgotten.

Unsafe streets, far distances, and high traffic volume all discourage walkability.

Consequently, the average American will spend 87% of his or her life indoors, 4% in an enclosed vehicle, and only 4 minutes per day walking.

These numbers indicate that 1 in 4 people, regardless of age, will suffer from obesity and be forced to pay the associated costs.

Essentially, obesity is a result of an imbalance between calories expended and calories consumed. While many factors can play into weight, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are the primary causes.

That being said, the surrounding built environment can intensify this imbalance by encouraging sedentary lifestyles.

Regardless, nutrition may be argued as the most important factor in obesity. In fact, according to a nutritionist in the United Kingdom, you would need to walk 9.5 miles in order to burn off the calories consumed in one Big Mac Combo meal. Diet impacts your waistline, your body’s inner health, and your cognitive function.

In terms of weight gain, there is a fine line between over and under consumption.

Merely 100 extra calories a day, everyday could lead to a 10 lb. gain in one year.

Unfortunately, this overconsumption plays a major role in the rising obesity rates today.

In fact, from 1971 to 2000, consumption increased 7% for men and 22% for women.

Today, the average American will eat 300 calories more than the average adult in 1985, which equates to a 30-pound gain in one year!

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Nonetheless, high-quality nutrition is also important for maintaining a healthy weight and healthy body. Consuming and expending a “balanced” amount of junk would not be beneficial to the function of the human body. In fact, along with weight gain, the consumption of processed food and fast food can cause a multitude of additional conditions.

Moreover, the Huffington Post reported that ingredients used in soap, shaving cream, Silly Putty, roof sealant, and concrete are found in Subway eggs. McDonald’s chicken nuggets are made from a mixture of chicken leftovers and carcasses. These ingredients should not be consumed.

On the other hand, mega-chains have now spread across the globe. McDonald’s is found in 118 countries and territories around the world, serving 68 million customers each day. These restaurants are addicting and they are cheap. Processed food should not be the only affordable food.

Therefore, the proposed solution is walkability, nutrition education, and urban farming. Creating a safe, human-scale environment is essential in the promotion of active living. Walking 20-minutes to and from work, while having access to fresh produce will achieve significant health improvements in the lives of those who are currently unhealthy.

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Northglenn, Colorado

The Vision

The selected site is in Northglenn, Colorado - a suburb located 15 minutes north of Denver.

Nonetheless, the selected site has great potential. Northglenn is in dire need of a downtown. Fortunately, The Northglenn Marketplace is located at the center of an extensive network of trails and greenspace.

In addition, the site contains a major bus stop, serving the few existing lines.

Although Colorado is considered the “leanest” state, if it were a country, its obesity rate of 20% would earn a spot among the top 13 Obese OECD countries. Moreover, Adams County, in which Northglenn is located, has an obesity rate of 25%. Northglenn’s sprawling development is not walkable and public transportation is minimal.

The Northglenn Marketplace Specifically, the selected neighborhood is an existing shopping center, “The Northglenn Marketplace.”

During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, the Northglenn Mall once served as the city’s primary commercial hub. However, the mall declined over the years and was eventually replaced by the Northglenn Marketplace in 1990. Unfortunately, the replacement did not offer much of a solution.

The Northglenn Marketplace is in poor condition and has an excessive amount of parking. Pedestrian crossings are poorly placed and there is a limited amount of sidewalks. Furthermore, many buildings are now vacant and a majority are falling apart.

A walkable downtown would become a town center. It would allow for a mixture of uses and provide an opportunity for individuals to live active lifestyles. Creating a safe pedestrian realm, while implementing a higher density, will encourage and enable individuals to walk.

The Urban Design In terms of urban design, major moves include the design of a pedestrian and transit greenway, a multi-speed boulevard, pedestrian streets, and improved trails. The urban design aims to prioritize and connect the residents of the downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods.

In addition, the streets were improved through a series of 4 street types. Each enhances the pedestrian realm, includes street trees, and creates a buffer between the automobile and the pedestrian. Further, the Boulevard and Main Street contain street car lines.

The Building Design Finally, at the heart of the neighborhood is The Northglenn Public Market, a community center for nutrition education, vertical farming, and grocery shopping.

The design features two separate masses, which create an outdoor public square.

The main building is organized around a central atrium, with the public market on the ground floor and the education center above. The atrium provides an open connection between the two functions and allows for movement throughout the space. Programmatic elements include teaching kitchens, nutrition science labs, a demonstration kitchen, and a classroom.

In order to create a sense of connection, the second building (an aeroponic vertical farm) utilizes the same structure as the atrium.

Through these strategies, Downtown Northglenn and the Northglenn Public Market will provide the community with the necessary environment, knowledge, and tools for making healthy lifestyle choices.

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The Urban Design Downtown Northglenn

Fig. 1.01: Context Map

BOULDER I-25 E-470

NORTHGLENN

HIGHWAY 93

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

HIGHWAY 36

THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

I-76

DENVER

I-70

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Fig. 1.02: Existing Streets

Fig. 1.03: Existing Trails

The City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn

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Fig. 1.04: Existing Greenspace

Fig. 1.05: Existing Transit

The City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn

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Fig. 1.06: Existing Zoning

Fig. 1.07: Future Zoning

The City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn

SF Housing

MF Housing

Commercial

SF Housing

MF Housing

Commercial

Greenspace

Education

Industrial

Greenspace

Education

Industrial

Greenspace

Mixed-Use

Light Industrial

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Fig. 1.08: Existing Poverty

Fig. 1.09: Existing Walkability

The City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn

5-10%

10

10-20%

20-30%

Restaurant

Convenience Store

Coffee Shop/Cafe

Retail

Education

Bank

Grocery Store

Park

Fig. 1.10: Existing Convenience v. Grocery Stores

Fig. 1.11: The Marketplace

The City of Northglenn

The City of Northglenn

Restaurant

Grocery Store

Convenience Store

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Fig. 1.12: Existing Conditions

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Fig. 1.13: Existing Buildings

Fig. 1.14: Existing Uses

The Northglenn Marketplace

The Northglenn Marketplace 250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

Housing

Retail

Service

Food

Church

Vacant

250’

13

Fig. 1.15: Existing Conditions

Fig. 1.16: Existing Parking

The Northglenn Marketplace

The Northglenn Marketplace 250’

Good

14

OK

Poor

250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

Fig. 1.17: Proposed Conditions

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Fig. 1.18: Greenway and Boulevard

Fig. 1.19: Pedestrian Streets

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

16

250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

Fig. 1.20: Expanded Trails

Fig. 1.21: Proposed Transit

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

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Fig. 1.22: Street Types

Fig. 1.23: Parking

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

One-Way

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Two-Way

Main St.

250’

250’

Boulevard

250’

250’

250’

Fig.1.24: Demolition

Fig. 1.25: Remaining Buildings

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

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Fig. 1.26: Proposed Street Sections - One-Way Street

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Fig. 1.27: Proposed Street Sections - Two-Way Street

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Fig. 1.27: Proposed Street Sections - Main Street

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Fig. 1.28: Proposed Street Sections - Multi-Speed Boulevard

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Fig. 1.29: Pedestrian Street Zoom-In

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Fig. 1.30: Greenway Zoom-In

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Fig. 1.31: Pedestrian Street

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Fig. 1.32: Multi-Speed Boulevard

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Fig. 1.33: Connected Trails

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Fig. 1.34: Greenway

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The Building Design Northglenn Public Market

Fig. 2.01: Select the Site

Fig. 2.02: Find the Maximum Footprint

Northglenn Public Market

Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.03: Push Volume to Rear and Insert the Market

Fig. 2.04: “Slip Out” the Atrium

Northglenn Public Market

Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.05: Respond to the Program

Fig. 2.06: Connect the Volumes

Northglenn Public Market

Northglenn Public Market

Greenhouse

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Market

School

Fig. 2.07: Tilt the Roof

Fig. 2.08: Activate the Corner

Northglenn Public Market

Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.09: Site Plan Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.10: Ground Floor Plan Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.11: Second Floor Plan Northglenn Public Market

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Fig. 2.12: South Elevation

Fig. 2.13: East Elevation

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Fig.2.14: Section “A-A”

Fig. 2.15: Section “B-B”

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Fig. 2.16: Section “C-C”

Fig. 2.17: Sustainability - Section “D-D”

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Fig. 2.18: The Public Market

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Fig. 2.19: The Outdoor Market

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Fig. 2.20: The Atrium

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Fig. 2.21: The Vertical Farm

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Fig. 2.22: Aeroponic Farming

Nutrient Water Tank

Vegetable Growth Trays

Water Pump

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Fig. 2.23: Aeroponic Vegetable Trays - 2”=1’-0”

Leafy Greens

Cloth Medium - Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles Casing Solution Chamber

Aeroponic Mister

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Fig. 2.24: Greenroof Detail - 1”=1’-0”

Wind Blanket

Drainage Medium Primary Membrane 6” ISO Rigid Insulation (R-39)

Growth Medium Seperation Fabric Reservoir Sheet Recovery Board Underlayment

Seperation Fabric 6” Composite Steel Deck

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Fig. 2.25: Northern Facade - Spandrel Panel Detail - 1”=1’-0”

Backer Rod and Sealant Flashing

Window Frame Steel Runner 5/8” Gypsum Board

Water Barrier Durock Cement Panel

Recycled Cork Floor Finish Sub-Flooring

Durock Exterior Finish

6” Composite Steel Deck

Durock Fastener 6” Steel Stud 6” Recycled Denim Insulation (R-24)

W24x76 Beam

5/8” Gypsum Board Flashing Backer Rod and Sealant

1” Ceiling Panel Window Frame

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Models Envisioning a Healthier Future

Fig. 3.01: Existing Conditions

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Fig. 3.02: Proposed Conditions

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Fig. 3.03: Building Model

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Fig. 3.04: Building Model

55

Fig. 3.05: Tectonic Model

56

Fig. 3.06: Tectonic Model

57

Fig. 3.07: Tectonic Model

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Fig. 3.08: Tectonic Model

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Appendix The Process of Design

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Charrette Part A: Love Love is a complex, yet powerful emotion. When thought of, common synonyms include passion, aection, warmth, and attachment. However, this emotion transcends all synonyms and any definition given by Webster’s Dictionary. In fact, love exists in four forms: Agape, Phileo, Storge, and Eros.

However, Agape is the most powerful, going beyond the emotion one feels towards friends and family.

In this pure form, Agape love is relentless, burning like a wild fire that cannot be contained. It is sacrificial and unconditional, persisting even when love is undeserved. Agape love is a verb; it is demonstrated through action and intention. It patiently serves others, asking for nothing in return. Love is patient, kind, and protecting. It is selfless and forgiving. In this form, love is a light, always overcoming the dark.

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Charrette Part A: Love as a Building Members of the community gather at a grand agriculture facility. Here, they are presented with many dierent activities, each with its own unique tasks and requirements. Some require a high level of extended energy (working in the garden). On the other hand, some activities are purely mental, educating members on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

However, all activities require action and change. In fact, the nature of the facility is giving in itself, providing the necessary knowledge, tools, and abilities for positive change. The lessons learned and experiences gained stretch far beyond the walls of the facility. Members gather here so that he or she may give back to his or her community.

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Site Building OpenSpace

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Charrette Part B: Generation Garden The Refugee Project The Generation Garden is a refugee camp in Austria, which provides a live-work environment for Syrian Refugees. The camp seperates the refugees from the choas of war, while integrating them within the new context. Calmness and tranquility is created through serenity gardens and open space.

Work Rest Socialize Heal

In the design of this project, the concept of “live-work� plays a dictating role. The building provides a direct connection between the sleeping quarters, work garden, and community space. In addition, a health clinic is provided in order to ensure a high quality of life. Finally, colors are used to represent specific activities.

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Charrette The entry leads to a large community space. Bright, yellow tiles create a welcoming, cheerful atmosphere for the distressed refugees. In addition, the building design features two wings of sleeping quarters, each with an open connection to the garden.

The walls of the garden are tiled with the pattern shown to the right, reminding the refugees of where they came from and where they are going. Red represents the pain of war. Black represents the gate, which leads to freedom. Green represents a future of life and growth. Finally, white represents the refugees entering from all directions.

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Fig. 4.09: Existing Buildings

Fig. 4.10: Existing Uses

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace 250’

Ken

ned

yD

Huron St.

104th Ave.

250’

yD

r.

104th Ave. Housing

Retail

Service

Food

Institute

Church

Vacant

70

250’

Melody Dr.

r.

Melody Dr.

Huron St.

ned

250’

I-25

Ken

250’

I-25

250’

Fig. 4.11: Existing Conditions

Fig. 4.12: Existing Transit

Northglenn Marketplace

Northglenn Marketplace

Ken

ned

yD

I-25

Huron St.

Melody Dr.

r.

104th Ave. Good

250’

OK

250’

250’

yD

r.

Melody Dr.

ned

250’

Huron St.

Ken

250’

I-25

250’

104th Ave. Poor

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Fig. 4.13: Planning Alternatives

Fig. 4.14: Existing Uses

200 x 200 Grid

Organic Growth

ned

Huron St.

r.

250’

250’

yD

r.

104th Ave.

I-25

yD

104th Ave.

72

250’

Ken

Melody Dr.

Huron St.

ned

250’

I-25

Ken

250’

Melody Dr.

250’

Fig. 4.16: Proposed Grid

200 x 400 Grid

Downtown Northglenn 250’

Ken

ned

yD

104th Ave.

Huron St.

r.

Melody Dr.

Huron St.

ned

250’

I-25

Ken

250’

250’

250’

yD

r.

Melody Dr.

250’

I-25

Fig. 4.15: Existing Buildings

104th Ave.

73

Fig. 4.17: Proposed Zoning

Fig. 4.18: Proposed Greenway

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn

ned

Huron St.

r.

250’

250’

yD

r.

104th Ave.

I-25

yD

104th Ave.

74

250’

Ken

Melody Dr.

Huron St.

ned

250’

I-25

Ken

250’

Melody Dr.

250’

Fig. 4.19: Proposed Market SIte

Fig. 4.20: Proposed Streetcar

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

ned

yD

104th Ave.

Huron St.

r.

250’

250’

yD

r.

I-25

Ken

Melody Dr.

Huron St.

ned

250’

I-25

Ken

250’

Melody Dr.

250’

104th Ave.

75

Fig. 4.21: Existing Illustrative

Fig. 4.22: Illustrative Alt. 1

Northglenn Marketplace

Downtown Northglenn 250’

76

250’

250’

250’

250’

250’

Fig. 4.23: Illustrative Alt. 2

Fig. 4.24: Proposed Illustrative

Downtown Northglenn

Downtown Northglenn 250’

250’

250’

250’

Housing

Mixed-Use

250’

250’

Commercial

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Fig. 4.25: Ground Floor

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Fig. 4.26: Second Floor

79

Fig. 4.27: Box Store Retrofit

Fig. 4.28: Section A-A

Fig. 4.29: Section B-B

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Fig. 4.29: Street Sections

Fig. 4.30: Atrium Perspective

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