Ryan TIGHE

SCHUYLKILL RIVERWORKS the absence

&

presence of water

Ryan Tighe

U ASTR CTUR FR

CULTURE

E

IN

SCHUYLKILL RIVERWORKS

RI

VER

CURRENT SOLUTIONS:

BUILD UP THESIS:

ISSUE:

ARCHITECTURE & WATER

RISING WATER LEVELS

BUILD AWAY

SI

TE EN

V

M E NT IRON

CIT

Y

what is the relationship between architecture and water in the 21st century?

INTERMEDIATE DESIGN:

FINAL PRODUCT:

BUILD IN WATER

SITE RESPONSIVE

As water levels continue to rise, the built environment has begun to recede, distancing us from our rivers and oceans, raising the question, What is the relationship between architecture and water in the 21st century?

Derived from the tumultuous site history and diverse adjacencies, the resultant exploration is a confluence of the absence and presence of water.The building celebrates contrasting programmatic elements to generate the unexpected intersections of users, ecologies, and experiences, while reconnecting the city to the river’s edge.

Philadelphia

&

The Schuylkill River

Philadelphia has displayed a tumultuous relationship with its rivers over the course of history. There has been a perennial pattern with the Schuylkill since its discovery as every 100 years the river undergoes drastic transformations for better or worse.

1615

1715

1815

1915

native

recreate

innovate

pollute

DUTCH DISCOVER ‘HIDDEN RIVER’

RECREATIONAL RETREAT

FAIRMOUNT WATERWORKS

INDUSTRY POLLUTES RIVER

The Schuylkill River and its tributaries flowed freely carving away at the virgin land, harmoniously occupied by the native ecology and Lenni Lenape tribes.

Blossoming with activity, the Schuylkill became the city’s oasis as people enjoyed the sensory stimuli of the picturesque river banks dotted with taverns & estates.

The opening of the Fairmount Waterworks created an innovative destination for city residents and international tourists to marvel at the intersection of technology and nature.

Declared ‘ecologically dead’, the Schuylkill‘s appearance and water quality were ravaged by the pollution of slaughterhouses, factories and power plants that congested the banks.

WHY THE CONTEXT? “AN UNFAMILIAR OASIS TO ESCAPE FROM CITY LIFE”

2015

THE WATERWORKS (1815) A NEOCLASSICAL SHELL HOUSING THE INDUSTRIAL INNERWORKINGS

Dressing up the mechanical innards with a classical aesthetic, the Fairmount Waterworks intersected higher aesthetics with developing technologies to invoke a sense of foreign splendor.

where are we today?

THE RIVERWORKS (2015) “BEST URBAN TRAIL”

Voted America’s Best Urban Trail in 2015, the Schuylkill River has reestablished itself as an urban oasis while the city and local wildlife rediscover its scenic arterial.

AN EXPRESSIVE SHELL HOUSING LOCAL ECOLOGY AND RECREATION

Structurally and aesthetically, the form responds more to the river than the adjacent neoclassical typologies, while still echoing the original Waterworks’ spirit of wonder and unfamiliarity.

site history

THE ABSENCE OF WATER

THE ABSENCE & PRESENCE OF WATER

THE PRESENCE OF WATER

site gathering

Fig. 1.

Fig. 2.

Fig. 3.

Fig. 4.

Rusting Concrete

Concrete Cornice

Site Litter

River Mollusk Shells

Fig. 5.

Fig. 6.

Fig. 7.

Fig. 8.

Harvested Flora

Geology & Lichens

River Water w/ Algae Bloom

Branch w/ Termite Scars

Fig. 9.

Fig. 10.

Fig. 11.

Fig. 12.

Philadelphia Tap Water

River Water w/ No Rain 2 Weeks

River Water w/ Sewage Overflow

River Soil w/ Settled PCB’s

site conditions

program

THE ABSENCE OF WATER The absence of water can be experienced through the surrounding architecture that feels very static and solid (Fig. 1), but are alleviated by the organic ornamentation (Fig. 2) of the neoclassical context and the sinuous site movement. The Schuylkill River Trail is highly trafficked by bikers, runners, and tourists, but is neglected in terms of amenities (Fig. 3). The programmatic elements serve to provide the desired services to aid in the prevention of pollution that could be detrimental to the health of the river and its ecology (Fig. 4).

TRAIL AMENITIES

THE ABSENCE & PRESENCE OF WATER Populated by many unique species of flora (Fig. 5) and fauna the riverbanks are the epitome of the absence and presence of water. Certain organism can only exist in such an environment (Fig. 6) that has a conglomeration of conditional variables. The introduction of ecological education as the programmatic component will facilitate unexpected growth (Fig. 7) among the building users.

The inclusion water as a vital experiential influence will aid The experience is meant to feel fluid, as if shaped by the river and its diverse ecology (Fig. 8).

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION

THE PRESENCE OF WATER The presence of water becomes the immersive experience in the form of a swimming pool where visitors can go for a swim (Fig. 9). The destination pool, situated next to the river (Fig. 10), is also an opportunity for swimmers to learn about the Schuylkill and its ecology. The experience of the space will never be the same due to the changing light, tides, and water quality (Fig. 11). The mysterious and erratic nature of water can be felt as users descend below the pool to observe the river from a new perspective (Fig. 12).

SWIMMING POOL

experience

HISTORY

ADJACENCIES LEARN

USERS

N BA UR

(2015)

E LIF LD WI

SKA TER S S ER US AIL TR

(1915)

SKATE PARK

CENTER CITY

(1715)

RIVER

UNT

O FAIRM MMUNITY E CO DIVERS

MAN

BLACK CO TUA MMUNIT Y

?

R VE RI

S ER US AIL TR

ART MUSEUM

MU SE UM TO UR IST S

THESIS

ABSENCE

ABSENCE & PRESENCE

PRESENCE

View from Spring Garden Bridge looking northeast to Center City

FAIRMOUNT WATERWORKS

PROGRAM

AN NE D'H AR NO NC OU RT

PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART

DR IVE

SCHUYLKILL RIVER

ES ITI EN AMN IO AT UC ED N TIO EA CR RE

MLK JR .

DRIVE

SPRING GA RDEN

TUNNEL

RIDGE DEN B G GAR SPRIN

SP RIN GG AR DE N

STR EET

MLK JR. D RIVE

PAINES PARK

IL TRA ER RIV ILL YLK HU SC

AY SW ES PR EX ILL LK UY CH 6S I-7

Y WA SS RE XP LE LKIL UY CH 6S I-7

ET TRE HS 3OT S ARD AILY NR TIO STA

N

Fig. 4.

Concrete Canopy

Fig. 3.

Responsive Program

AMENIT

IES trail

EDUCA

TION POOL

Fig. 2.

Fluid Circulation

Fig. 1.

Site Parameters

ecolog

y

river

THE EXPERIENCE OF WATER

The experiential quality of the building is meant to mimic a person’s procession from land to water, comparative to jumping off a diving board into a pool. This action can be broken down into 3 primary moments, the absence of water (on the diving board), the presence of water (underwater), along with the absence & presence of water (the space between).

The existing site parameters (Fig. 1) allowed for this three part experience to be translated sectionally. A network of accessible ramps based off current traffic patterns (Fig. 2) allowed users to wander down to the river’s edge in a seamless fashion. Integrated within the circulatory veins were the programmatic components derived from the present site conditions (Fig 3.). Imitating a forest canopy above, the concrete shell (Fig. 4) gradients it solidity through voronoi openings. Transitioning from smaller openings along the trail to larger voids near the river, the quantity of light and quality of views alter as users move closer to the Schuylkill to truly feel the immersive experience of the presence of water.

MEANDERING TO THE RIVER’S EDGE

CIRCULATION THAT EDUCATES

MLK

DRI

VE

THE ABSENCE OF WATER

6

+30’-0”

THE ABSENCE THE ABSENCE & PRESENCE THE PRESENCE OF WATER

1 2 3 4 5 6

5

SC DN

7

HU

YL

KIL

15%

20” 26” 30”

IVE

R

INFORMATION ADA TOILET ROOMS CAFE ROOF LAWN PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE SERVICE / DROP OFF

TR AI

L

0% 75% CANOPY OPENING

2 1

EXTERNAL FORCES ATRIUM BELOW

+31'-0" absence

LR

3

SHELL THICKNESS

TRAIL AMENITIES

DN

DN

Fritted Glass FLOOD LINE

+15'-0" absence & presence

+3'-0" presence -7'-0" presence

Double Laminated 6” Acrylic Window Concrete Foundation 20' Driven Pylons

THE ABSENCE & PRESENCE OF WATER

+15’-0”

11

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

9 10

6

UP

1

3

THE PRESENCE OF WATER

ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION RECEPTION GATHERING CAFE EXHIBIT SPACE ECOLOGY ATRIUM CLASSROOM FISHERY POOL ENTRY MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM ATRIUM (EVENT SPACE) AUDITORIUM (110 SEAT)

COMMUNITY POOL +3’-0” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

11

2

POOL “HIGH TIDE” LINE POOL CHECK-IN FILTRATION EXTERIOR DECK CONSTRUCTED WETLAND SPA CATCH TANK WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM MEN’S LOCKER ROOM MECHANICAL/STORAGE POOL LOUNGE RIVER OBSERVATION

11 UP

4

RIVER OBSERVATION

8

5 DN

-7’-0”

12 4 UP

DN

6

UP

UP

3

7 4

UP

9 7

8

10

UP

13

DN

2

11

1

1 5 6

N

THE ABSENCE OF WATER

TRAIL USER INTERCHANGE

E

BIKER brad

"We visited for the ART MUSEUM but stayed the day for the POOL."

"I can hit the SAUNA & SHOWER after a long BIKE RIDE on the trail."

STUDENT shawn

MILLENIAL meg

"My friends and I went SWIMMING after a cool SCHOOL FIELD TRIP!"

"I can grab a COFFEE while I walk along the river trial to BIRDWATCH."

FISHERMAN fred

MANTUA mike

"Now my daily FISH CATCHES can EDUCATE children in the catch tank."

"I LEARN something new on every trip to the POOL during summer."

1

E

G

TOURIST tammy

2

THE MOMENT BEFORE

Emerging from the landscape, the concrete mass appears tectonic, echoing the solidarity of the Waterworks and Art Museum, but fluid, derivative of the river and its surrounding flora. As if standing on the edge of the diving board, the spaces that embody the absence of water are located in the upper section of the site where the user is visually connected to the river. Ultimately becoming an extension of the river trail, the programmatic identity of the absence of water is the trail amenities which include a cafĂŠ, information, and toilet rooms. Small openings in the shell highlight the entry points into these spaces, while also allowing for planted shrubbery to penetrate the constructed canopy.

1. View from Schuylkill River Trail looking southeast towards Center City

HOURLY TRAIL OBSERVATIONS

TRAIL USER BY RACE OTHER ASIAN 2% 4% HISPANIC 9%

BLACK 25% 280 166 166 250 250 280

11

44

TRAIL OBSERVED 9 TIMES IN 1 HOUR INCREMENTS

AVERAGE:

729 USERS

21 21

77

225 132 132 264 264 225

00

00

66

99

274 308 308 338 338 274

77

2 2 4444 1616

October, 9th 2015 - Partly Cloudy Friday, 2:45 P.M. - 3:45 P.M.

October, 10th 2015 - Clear & Sunny Saturday, 12:45 P.M. - 1:45 P.M.

LEAST:

MOST:

433 USERS

2. View from exterior deck looking northwest towards Spring Garden Bridge

964 USERS

ASIAN 1% OTHER 1% HISPANIC 1%

WHITE 4%

INDIAN ASIAN 3% 8% HISPANIC 1%

BLACK 12%

WHITE 60%

FAIRMOUNT COMMUNITY

BLACK 93% MANTUA COMMUNITY

WHITE 76% SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL

1. View in Ecological Atrium looking at east courtyard & catch tank

THE ABSENCE & PRESENCE OF WATER 2 1

THE SPACE BETWEEN

The ecological education program arises where water is both present and absent, it is the space between separation and immersion paralleling the vegetated riverbanks of the Schuylkill. The resultant spaces are meant to feel as if they were shaped by the river leaving behind a fluid, weathered look. As various users navigate this level they are familiarized with the native ecology of the river, present in the form of fish tanks and courtyard penetrations. A trip to the pool becomes much more responsive to its environment and results in an educational experience for young kids and other trail users to feel the power of water.

2. View from auditorium looking west towards Spring Garden Bridge

PLANES DERIVED FROM HISTORIC RIVER FLOW

ECOLOGY EXHIBITS SERVE AS SHADERS & COOLERS

1. View in Pool at low tide looking south towards the Schuylkill River

THE PRESENCE OF WATER

A CLOSED LOOP FILTRATION SYSTEM

RIVER ECOLOGY AS A POOL FILTER 1 invasive mussel filter

1

2 native flora filter

3 coarse gravel filter

4 native elliptio filter

2 unchlorinated natural pool

THE SPACES LEFT BEHIND

The pool serves as a superficial connection to water where its presence is accentuated by panoramic views and an abundance of dappled light generated by a porous structural shell that has seemingly decayed as it nears the river. The contrasting river observation zone beneath the pool mimics the dark depths of water, where light and sound are sparse and the temperature is cooler. The differing “presence of water” spaces represent the duality of water. As the users ascend from the lower ‘water’ spaces of the building, they emerge with a deeper appreciation for the ecology of the Schuylkill and the importance it presents to the city.

light filter & heater particle 5 filter

schuylkill river 7

catch tank

8

2. View from below the pool looking south towards the Schuylkill River

6

INTERMEDIATE REVIEW

PROJECT RESURRECTION

TECHNICAL REVIEW

"AN UNRESPONSIVE, CAD'ED UP DIAGRAM."

"GO CLIMB A TREE."

"WHAT WILL THE SHELL BE?"

9

8 7 UP DN UP

15

15

3 4

2

5 6 13 14

1 12 10

11

FINAL REVIEW "I THOUGHT THE SITE WAS IMPOSSIBLE, BUT YOU DEFINITELY CONVINCED ME."

THESIS R ETR OSPECTIVE The driving force of the thesis from its conception was the exploration of the relationship between architecture and water. Due to a deep cultural analysis of a sensitive site the design process began to feel incredibly restricted as there became more reasons not to do something, than to pursue bold ideas. Time was spent exploring technological solutions in architecture that utilized water in innovative ways, but also kept the water out.

The generated design at the mid-review was an inappropriate, generic building dropped in the middle of a waterway. Unresponsive to the river, pathways, and surrounding communities, the diagrammatic massing lacked any locational specificity.

How do we experience water? What is our relationship to water? The shift from architecture as the subject to a human being was critical in the final building and site design that was a drastic departure from the mid-review muddle. The process of deconstructing the unpredictable nature of water as an experience revealed the concept of the “absence and presence of water”. A confluence of existing site ecologies and users would embody this idea that was carried throughout the rest of the design process to shape the experience of the descent into water. As a result, the overall design became incredibly site specific both culturally, climatically, and contextually. If it were moved 10 feet or 10,000 feet down the river the building would functionally fail and cease to exist as a piece of architecture because the experience is a direct result of the current site topography, user circulation, and native ecology.

Before the thesis proposal was submitted, I had gathered a collection of images that revealed my interactions with water throughout life. It was not until after the project was complete that I rediscovered the collage of personal experiences.

Ironically, many of the images captured the moment between land and water, the space between the diving board and below the surface, the quintessential concept of the absence and presence of water. The subsequent investigation translated that collection of personal experiences and memories into a humanistic form of architecture that seeks to elicit emotion opposed to reason.

The acceptance of opposing ideologies results in the emergence of new formal concept that explores the nature of bipolarity.

Human beings are bipolar by nature with their shifting emotions.

There is an unappreciated realm between these “good” and “bad” moods that is ripe for exploration. The Schuylkill Riverworks becomes that intermittent moment in architecture situated between the city and the river; a moment struck between the balance of being connected and disconnected all at once. Connected in solitude with the fluctuating river and landscape, but alternately disconnected with all else. The resultant architecture creates an experience where you feel a shift and become enraptured in the absence and presence of water.

“I then felt a call to duty not unlike that of the Disciples to preach the Gospel, because I know of no work that our beloved City could presently undertake, which would be more in accord with the Gospel of the Last Dispensation, than that of regenerating the Lower Schuylkill so that it might bring fresh air, pure water, and comfortable homes, to the hundreds and thousands of our fellow citizens, who live in the wards below the Dam. There is no reason why the Schuylkill below the Dam should not be as beautiful and useful as it is above it, and there is no reason why the Dam, which is a purely artificial construction, should act as a curse to bar further improvement to the naturally beautiful river which flows for miles so close to our doors.�

-John Frederick Lewis , 1924