Wesley Stoltzfus

URBAN EDUCATION RESILIENCE

TRANSFORMING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS THROUGH BIOPHILIC DESIGN

WESLEY STOLTZFUS| DREXEL UNIVERSITY |ADVISER JEFF KREIGER|2022

HOW CAN BIOPHILIC DESIGN IMPROVE EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES IN LOW INCOME URBAN COMMUNITIES?

ENERGY

INCREASE ACCESS TO NATURE (FORM AND FUNCTION) RAIN GARDENS, GREEN ROOFS, GREENHOUSE, AND COMMUNITY GARDENS • • • • •

AGRICULTURE

Increase vegetated areas in low-income urban communities Increase education and awareness of sustainable principles Visually connect interior spaces with nature Improve mental and overall quality of life Improve air quality

• • • •

Lower cost of construction More durable buildings Easier, inexpensive, and time-efficient to maintain Shorter construction deliver times (especially with prefabrication and modular design) • Non-corrosive and fatigue-resistant material

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS

• Higher energy efficiency: (less thermally conductive than steel and concrete) • A renewable resource • Carbon storage over the life of the building

URBAN EDUCATION RESILIENCE

AESTHETIC AND ARCHITECTURAL QUALITIES

BATTERIES

CAFE

GREEN ROOFS AND RAIN + GARDENS

URBAN FARMING

+

COMMUNITY GARDEN

GYM

HISTORY/ LITERATURE

TECH.

MEDIA

ADMIN OFFICES

SCIENCE

ART

ENGLISH

LIBRARY/ COMMONS

FLEX SPACES

(20) TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM

SITE ANALYSIS WINTER AND SUMMER SUN PATHS

WIND DIRECTION AND INTENSITY

OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

LOBBY

MUSIC ROOM

HIGH-SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE OUTDOOR AREA FILLED WITH NATURE

NURSING SUITE

4:00 4: 4 ::00 0 PM

E

RAIN GARDEN

GREEN ROOF

CIRCULATION PATHS

10:00 AM

December 21

KITCHEN W

STORAGE

GREENHOUSE

(10) HYBRID CLASSROOM/ LAB

LEARNING COMMONS

THE SUBWAY BLUE LINE TO CENTER CITY

INDIRECT WOOD WORKSHOP

(5) OUTDOOR CLASS-

GREEN ROOF

RAIN GARDEN

COLOR KEY PUBLIC

BIKE PATHS

PUBLIC BUS ROUTS

DIRECT

LOBBY

4:12 PM

S

MAIN

COURTYARD FILLED WITH NATURE

CAFETERIA

7:22 PM

7:12 AM

AUDITORIUM

RESTROOMS

June e 21 2 4:09 AM

MUSIC ROOM

MULTIPURPOSE ROOM

COURTYARD FILLED WITH NATURE

N

.

MATH

BREAK OUT SPACES

• Warm, open spaces that encourage learning • More architectural flexibility

• Reduce heat island effect in cobbs creek community • Reduce storm water runoff

STORM WATER MANAGEMENT

+

NEW LIFE SCIENCES/TRADE HIGH-SCHOOL FOR THE “NEW GREEN ECONOMY”

REDUCE IMPERVIOUS SURFACES

IMPORTANT CLIMATE IMPLICATIONS RAIN GARDENS GREEN ROOF LOCATION ORIENTATION SOLAR COLLECTION STRATEGIES AREA REQUIRED FOR NET ZERO ORIENTATION OF COLLECTORS MASSING STRATEGIES ORIENT MAIN MASSING EAST WEST AXIS

WIND

+

TRADITIONAL CLASSROOM PUBLIC EDUCATION

USE NATURAL MATERIALS (MASS TIMBER) BENEFITS OF WOOD SCHOOLS

SOLAR

PROGRAMMING

AFTER HOURS/ SUMMERS PROGRAMS WITH COMMUNITY ACCESS

GYMNASIUM

SITE

HEALTH CENTER

RAIN GARDEN

MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS

HIGH-SCHOOL BUS DROP-OFF ENTRANCE

PRIVATE SUPPORT SPACES GREEN SPACES

CASE STUDIES

BIOPHILIC DESIGN RESEARCH

REFUGE

PROSPECT

MYSTERY

RISK/PERIL

The biophilic spatial design concepts of prospect, refuge, mystery, and risk/peril contribute to a positive learning environment by reducing stress, boredom, and fatigue while improving concentration, attention, and perception of safety.

DIRECT NATURE PAUL CHEVALLIER SCHOOL, LYON, FRANCE ARCHITECTS TECTONIQUES, 2013

Piedmont Hills High School Science and Life Skills Complex

CITY ACADEMY Location: Norwich, England Architect: Sheppard Robinson

Location: San Jose, United States Architect: LPA

ECOLE DES MENUISIERS GYM, BISCHWILLER, FRANCE URBANE KULTUR, 2019

Sandy Hook Elementary School Location: Newtown, Connecticut ARCHITECT: Svigals + Partners

NATURAL MATERIALS

SUN PATH CIRCULATION WATER

CITY ACADEMY, NORWICH, ENGLAND SHEPPARD ROBINSON, 2012 CENTRAL ATRIUM & CIRCULATION

BREAK OUT SPACES ON TERRACES

PROGRAMMATIC VOLUMES

OUTDOOR CLASSROOMS & CLIMATE

MATERIAL CONNECTION WITH NATURE

MORO BACKE SCHOOL F9, SKELLEFTEA, SWEDEN

MAF ARKITECTKONTOR, 2018

BIOMORPHIC FORMS & PATTERNS

EVOKING NATURE PIEDMONT HILLS HIGH SCHOOL, SAN JOSE, USA LPA, 2018 CLASSROOM

GATHERING SPACES

SCHOOL & COMMUNITY ACCESS

CLASSROOM & LAB

COURTYARD & OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

MYSTERY: INVITING TO EXPLORE

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

• Curved bar massing Traditional classrooms Exterior terraces for breakout spaces Gathering spaces • Program & circulation diagram • Massing strategy for school and community access

SECURITY AND ACCESS

ONE-WAY PICKUP/DROP OFF

1 STORY MASSING

SPIRIT OF PLACE

INTERIOR CIRCULATION CLASSROOM WINGS OUTDOOR LEARNING

GREEN LANDSCAPE SCHOOL ONLY ACCESS

SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY, NEWTOWN, CONNECTICUT SVIGALS + PARTNERS, 2016

OUTDOOR GATHERING

LABS/WORKSTATIONS CLASSROOM AREAS

3 STORY MASSING

PLAYGROUNDS

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

• Indoor/outdoor classroom opportunities • Combination of labs and classroom areas • Programed around a central courtyard • Green pervious landscaping and water management

KENSINGTON CREATIVE + PERFORMING ARTS HIGH SCHOOL PHILADELPHIA, PA, SMP AND SRK ARCHITECTS, 2010

SIDWELL FRIENDS, WASHINGTON, DC KIERAN-TIMBERLAKE, 2006

IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

• Biophilic design principles to improve learning environment • Outdoor learning and gathering spaces • Unimpeded views over a distance for surveillance and planning • Clear circulation patterns with views to the outside • Orient massing and access for maximum safety and access to the outdoors.

COMMUNITY CITY ACADEMY, NORWICH, ENGLAND SHEPPARD ROBINSON, 2012

DREXEL POWEL/SCIENCE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY PHILADELPHIA, PA,ROGERS PARTNERS, 2021

PROCESS DRAWINGS

MASSING STRATEGY A SPACE FOR NATURE Green courtyard Community Garden Greenhouse Rain gardens Green roof

ECONOMY OF CONSTRUCTION (MODULAR DESIGN FOR PREFABRICATION)

SAFETY: PROGRAM & MASSING PROTECT COURTYARD

EXISTING

NATURE IN SECTION

PROPOSED

3 Level - 0" 24'

3 Level - 0" 24'

2

2

Level - 0"2 12' 0" Level 10'

Level - 0"2 12' 0" Level 10' 1

1

Level - 0" 0'

1

Level - 0" 0'

Level - 0" 0'

DEMOLISH EXISTING CONCRETE AND BRICK BUILDING

TWO LARGE SPACES FOR NATURE

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BUILDING MASSING PROTECTS THE COURTYARDS

CENTER CITY

EXISTING AREA CALCULATIONS

VI

EW

78% IMPERVIOUS AREA: 244,111 SF 22% PERVIOUS AREA: 67,719 SF

S

TOTAL SITE AREA: 311,830 SF

PROPOSED AREA CALCULATIONS

WATER MANAGEMENT & RAIN GARDENS, WIND & VENTILATION, DAYLIGHT, SOLAR PANELS

30% IMPERVIOUS AREA: 93,549 SF 70% PERVIOUS AREA: 218,281 SF TOTAL SITE AREA: 311,830 SF

ADD LARGE PROGRAMS AUDITORIUM AND GYMNASIUM CREATE SPACE FOR NATURE

ADD THIRD LEVEL MASSING ESTABLISH VIEWS TO CENTER CITY CONNECT THE TWO MASSES

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION (PREFABRICATION) ESTABLISH A MODULE FOR OFF-SITE CONSTRUCTION IMPROVE COST OF CONSTRUCTION DECREASE ON-SITE CONSTRUCTION TIME

PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW

PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW

CENTRAL COMMONS

SITE PLAN

LONGITUDINAL BUILDING SECTION

OVERALL SITE AND MASSING

LEARNING COMMONS

MAIN ENTRANCE

TECHNICAL REVIEW

TECHNICAL REVIEW WHITE PVC MEMBRANE (COOL ROOF)

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1/2” COVER BOARD

3” REINFORCED CONCRETE ANCHORED TO CLT FLOOR PANELS

6” RIGID INSULATION

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METAL COPING

HIGH STRENGTH STEEL PLATES AND FASTENERS

METAL GUTTER

PERFORATED STEEL PLATE ANCHORED INTO CONCRETE & CLT PANEL

(CLT) CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER WALL AND ROOF STRUCTURAL PANELS (5 LAYERS)

(CLT) CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER WALL AND FLOOR STRUCTURAL PANELS (5 LAYERS)

REINFORCED CONCRETE ON TIMBER (CLT) CROSS LAMINATED COMPOSITE FLOOR

HIGH STRENGTH STEEL PLATES AND FASTENERS

COMPOSITE FLOOR

PV CELLS

CLT ATRIUM WALLS

ROOF SYSTEM

(5 LAYER) CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER PANEL SELF ADHERED AIR/WATER VAPOR BARRIER (R23) 5-1/2” MINERAL FIBER INSULATION

KEY STRUCTURE PLAN

10”X48” TIMBER BEAMS

1-1/2” AIR GAP WHITE PORCELAIN RAINSCREEN TILES METAL CLIP SUPPORT SYSTEM

AUDITORIUM STRUCTURAL SUMMARY

CURTAIN WALL GLAZING

LONGEST SPAN: 82 FT.

STEEL TUBE SUBSTRUCTURE

18FT x 18 FT. DIAGONAL WAFFLE BEAM STRUCTURE

PATTERNED METAL SHADING DEVICE

3” REINFORCED COMPOSITE CONCRETE ON 6” CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER FLOOR PANELS.

CURVED WOOD SUSPENDED CEILING

10”x 48” GLUE LAMINATED WOOD BEAMS

INTEGRATED LIGHTING

GYMNASIUM STRUCTURAL SUMMARY

MASS TIMBER TRUSS

LONGEST SPAN: 72 FT. AT LONGEST SPAN 18FT x 18 FT. WAFFLE BEAM STRUCTURE

24X24” TIMBER COLUMNS

3/4” VENTILATION CHAMBER METAL FLASHING

RAIN SCREEN WALL METAL FLASHING CONCRETE SILL WATER BARRIER 5-1/2” MINERAL FIBER INSULATION 1-1/2” AIR GAP METAL ANCHOR RECLAIMED BRICK FLASHING AND WEEP HOLES 2” RIGID INSULATION 2 FEET BELOW GRADE

3” REINFORCED COMPOSITE CONCRETE ON 9” CROSS LAMINATED TIMBER FLOOR PANELS. BRICK BASE WALL 0

SMALL SPAN STRUCTURE

6"

12”x 48” GLUE LAMINATED WOOD BEAMS

1'

LARGE SPAN STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL REVIEW|STRATEGIES FOR VENTILATION, DAY LIGHTING, AND WATER MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES 20

STRONG WESTERN WINDS

26 19

VENTILATION

21 11 23

25 COOL

WARM

COOL

WARM

COOL

WARM

5 19

COOL

6 14

LONGITUDINAL BUILDING SECTION

19

1

15

24

11 17

SUMMER

WINTER

DAY LIGHTING

2

24

COBBS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL

TRADE SCHOOL FOR THE NEW GREEN ECONOMY

SPIRIT OF PLACE NATURAL MATERIALS DIRECT NATURE TRANSVERSE BUILDING SECTION 2 AT LOBBY ENTRANCE

RAIN

TRANSVERSE BUILDING SECTION 3

RAIN

COMMUNITY GARDEN CISTERN

WATER MANAGEMENT

RAIN GARDEN

1. Greenhouse 2. Native landscaping requiring no watering 3. Reduce paved area 4. Increase pervious area 5. Green roof 6. Rain gardens 7. Views of nature 8. Increase day lighting

9. Mass timber structure 10. FSC certified wood 11. Porous paving in parking 13. Low emitting materials and adhesives

19. Outdoor classroom 20. Protected Courtyards

COMMUNITY

21. Separate community entrance 22. Teach students and community about sustainability 23. Community garden EVOKING NATURE 24. Outdoor fields shared with 14. Operable windows and cross ventilation community 15. PV cells 25. Close proximity to public 16. Energy efficient lighting fixtures transportation 17. Geothermal wells & heat pump 26. Cool roof to reflect heat 18. Good acoustics 27. Rainwater cisterns 28. Locally sourced materials

FINAL REVIEW

NORTH ELEVATION

WEST ELEVATION

SECOND FLOOR PLAN

EAST ELEVATION

SITE PLAN

THIRD FLOOR PLAN SOUTH ELEVATION

FINAL REVIEW

TRANSVERSE BUILDING SECTION 2 AT CENTRAL COMMONS AND LEARNING COMMONS

CAFETERIA

COMMUNITY GARDENS

EAST

CENTRAL COMMONS

LONGITUDINAL BUILDING SECTION

LEARNING COMMONS

HYBRID CLASSROOM AND LAB

WEST

CLASSROOM

FINAL REVIEW

TRANSVERSE BUILDING SECTION AT OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

AUDITORIUM

LEVEL 1&2 OUTDOOR LEARNING

OUTDOOR LEARNING

GREENHOUSE

ROOFTOP BASKETBALL

GYMNASIUM

PROJECT VIDEO

TRANSVERSE BUILDING SECTION AT COMMUNITY GARDENS

CRITIQUE AND REFLECTIONS

By integrating DIRECT NATURE, NATURAL MATERIALS, and EVOKING NATURE with forms and patterns, to create a SPIRIT OF PLACE and sense of COMMUNITY, biophilic design can improve the social, psychological, and educational outcomes in low-income urban communities.

PRELIMINARY REVIEW Critique: The interior views are a good start and show a strong base for further development and strong opportunities for enhanced day lighting in the interior with the vaulted space in the Central Commons. The exterior needs work [be dramatic] to bring a sense of place and identity to the school and make students want to come to school!

Response: After several elevation iterations, a mural wall of reclaimed brick was designed with “spaces for nature” to allow the classrooms and spaces along the east and west elevations to have strong views of green trees, and good day lighting. These trees together with the indented massing are a shading strategy for the long east and west wall exposure to the sun. By adding a cantilevered overhang at the north and south entrances it enhances the sense of prospect and views and creates a more dynamic entrance to the school.

More iterations in all the spaces increased access to nature both in the interior and exterior with “pods” of nature with fixed seating for impromptu social and learning spaces.

INTEGRATED DESIGN REVIEW Critique: Bring biophilic design into all parts of the design, with more dynamic flowing forms, and more nature in the space.

Response: By bringing in more organic and curved ceiling design into the learning commons, biophilic forms and patterns orient the visitor toward the eastern views of center city and the green courtyards. A serpentine flowing form is given to the colorful east and west reclaimed brick mural walls as well as the interior wooden lattice walls in the auditorium. Subtle patterns in the elevation create a biophilic connection for the public on the sidewalk with space for trees as a “natural mural” changing with the seasons.

FINAL REVIEW Critique: The representation of nature in the space could have been stronger with more plants and nature at the south entrance and in some of the landscape design of the courtyards as well as the outdoor rooftop basketball courts. Representing more planted areas in these views would enhance the sense of connection to nature.

Response: The landscape design in the courtyards was designed to balance the need for durable outdoor learning spaces for worktables and chairs to expand into the courtyard as well as maximizing the amount of soft connection to flowers, trees, and grass.

Future iterations would help to amplify and increase the presence of nature in these specific spaces and represent the pervious hard scape in a different way in the courtyard to show that it is pervious.