This course is intended to meet ability level for NAAB SC. 5. Design Synthesis: How the program ensure that students understand the established and emerging systems, technologies, and assemblies of building construction, and the methods and criteria architects use to assess those technologies against the design, economics, and performance objectives of projects.
This course is intended to meet understanding level for NAAB SC.6 Building Integration except SC.6.7 How the program ensures that students develop the ability to make design decisions within architectural projects while demonstrating integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance
This course is intended to meet ability level for NAAB SC. 5. Design Synthesis: How the program ensure that students understand the established and emerging systems, technologies, and assemblies of building construction, and the methods and criteria architects use to assess those technologies against the design, economics, and performance objectives of projects.
SC.5: Design Synthesis
• SC.5.1 Design Decisions that Synthesize Multiple Factors
• SC5.2 User Requirements
• SC5.3 Regulatory Requirements
• SC5.4 Site Conditions
• SC5.5 Ecological Concerns and Consider Measurable Environmental Impacts
• SC5.6 Accessible Design
This course is intended to meet understanding level for NAAB SC.6 Building Integration except SC.6.7 How the program ensures that students develop the ability to make design decisions within architectural projects while demonstrating integration of building envelope systems and assemblies, structural systems, environmental control systems, life safety systems, and the measurable outcomes of building performance
SC.6: Building Integration
• SC.6.1 Integrated Decision-Making Design Process
• SC.6.2 Integrate Building Envelop Systems
• SC.6.3 Integrate Building Assemblies
• SC.6.4 Integrate Structural Systems
• SC.6.5 Integrate Environmental Control Systems
• SC.6.6 Integrate Life Safety Systems
Teamwork, Collaboration and My Contribution:
Team work: I worked closely with Tyler Durbin and Tristan Taylor to research site conditions and context of the Lower Downtown area and then to later create a group site proposal for our 3 adjacent sites, that work together to create a more full, and vibrant urban center.
Collaboration: Alayna Thomas and I worked together to detail the city ordinances, and create bulk plane models for each site for the class use, and to create basic diagrams of such for their projects.
Individual Work: In our group work, I primarily focused on different means of transportation the a large, mid, and micro-scale environment surrounding our sites. As well, I detailed the site’s context including the demographics of the people who currently live and work there and analyzed their needs that were not being met such as local housing affordability.
In my own site proposal, I took it a step further to develop a space that not only creates a parkscape for the users of the downtown, but that primarily focuses on student residents from the adjacent campuses, and created a place for them to be successful in their studies but also offer a place to decompress and connect with peers.
SITE & MASSING STUDIES
• Site Conditions and Context, SC.5.4 (Pg.4-9)
• User Requirements, SC.5.2 (Pg.10-11)
• Design Decisions that Synthesize Multiple Factors, SC.5.1(12-14)
• Site Proposal, SC.5.1,SC5.3,SC.5.4,SC5.6 (Pg.15-16)
• Ecological Concerns and Measurable Environmental Impacts SC.5.5 (Pg. 26-28)
• Building Floor Plans, Sections and Elevations, SC.5.1 (29-38)
• Egress and Accessibility, SC.5.6, SC.6.6 (Pg. 39)
• Integrated Systems SC.6.4, SC.6.5 (Pg.40-41)
• Exterior Envelope and Building Assemblies, SC.6.3 (Pg.42-45)
• Building Performance, SC.6.7 (Pg. 46-47)
• Bibliography (Pg.48)
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024,
Hayley Ford, 2024, Arch 608
Union Station
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Protected and shaded sidewalks increase the walkability and saftey
Crossing a 5-lane road in one direction is very intimitdating
Longer the crosswalk, the more uncomfortable it is
Larimer
Cherry Creek
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Urban ScaleSite Scale
Demonstration of Ability SC5.1 Design Decsions that Synthesis Multiple Factors
Arch 608 Criss Fall 2024 Durbin Ford Taylor
Ford, Durbin, Taylor ,
Site 2
Site 3
Site 2
Site 3
Ford, Durbin,
CU CAMPUS DEMOGRAPHICS
55% of the student population are students of Color
50% of the student population are first generation college students
and colleges
110+ Majors throughout 7 schools
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
SC.5.1 Design Decisions that Synthesize Multiple Factors Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Site 1 will serve both downtown and campus with community green spaces and an bar serving the night crowd, creating constant movement in the area throughout all hours.
Site 2 will primarily serve student life by serving as a safe connection from campus down to Cherry Creek. The site will also have flexible study spaces such as a cafe and book store.
Site 1 will serve both downtown and campus Site 3 will serve as an extension of Larimer Square and utilize retail store, and an open air market to bring movement further down the street. This green space will become an extension of Site 1 and bring together the common parkscape of the sites. This will be an important connection to bring more people down into the creek.
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
SC.5.1 Design Decisions that Synthesize Multiple Factors Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Our group’s mission is to transform our sites along Cherry Creek into a thriving, interconnected parkscape that redefines the relationship between nature and urban life in Lower Downtown, Denver. By expanding the existing green strip into a substantial park, we envision a dynamic environment that not only enhances the ecological vitality of the hidden creek but also serves as a cornerstone for community engagement.
This new greenscape will act as a bridge, fostering meaningful connections between the diverse populations that surround it—downtown workers, campus students, future residents, and visitors in the area. Through thoughtful design, we aim to create spaces that foster interaction, connection, a refuge from the urban pace, while promoting sustainability and environmental awareness.
Our proposal seeks to integrate the natural beauty of Cherry Creek with innovative park features, transforming it into a landmark destination where greenery flourishes, people connect, and the community thrives all together.
Entry from Speer Blv
Underground Parking Entry
SpeerEntryfrom Blv
Entry from 14th St Connection to Larimer
Connection to Campus
Site Connections
Underground Parking Entry
Entry from Speer Blv
Entry from 14th St Connection to Larimer Connection to Campus Site Connections
SpeerEntryfrom Blv
Ford, Durbin, Taylor , 2024, Arch 608
Lower downtown Denver is a culturally rich area, home to Larimer Square and nestled alongside a thriving university campus. Historically, this neighborhood transitioned from an industrial hub of commercial activity to a vibrant urban community. The addition of many college campuses, such as CU, has brought in a mass amount of students, contributing to the area’s energy but intensifying housing shortages and affordability. The site’s vitality lies in its dynamic character and location- anchored by it’s proximity to campus and Larimer Square.
My research on the area reveals the need for more inclusive and accessible spaces that cater to its unique mix of students, workers, and shoppers. Larimer Square’s boutiques, restaurants, and cultural spaces celebrate the neighborhood’s heritage, while the growing student population highlights the demand for affordable housing options dedicated to their presence. My aspirations of the area center around adapting the site to the needs of its evolving community. By creating mixed-use spaces that support both social and economic activity, the area can nurture a more cohesive and integrated urban environment. Its unmet needs—affordable housing, accessible amenities, and opportunities for connection—shape the foundation of my project.
This design responds to the urban context by creating a mixed-use student housing complex that incorporates social spaces such as a coffee shop and book/plant store and welcoming green area that allow flexible study spaces , and areas for groups to gather and connect. The design is driven by the need to balance affordability, functionality, and community engagement. Aspirationally, the project seeks to enhance the neighborhood’s vibrancy and foster a sense of community through connecting people to nature. Values such as sustainability and inclusivity are vital to create these areas.
My materials and design elements are chosen to create these welcoming spaces. My mass timber structure, and sustainable systems, and green features all soften the aesthetic and emphasize it’s connection to nature while the red stone Rock Panel system, specifically references the local Red Rocks; a popular set of hiking trails in the Rocky mountains. Intangible qualities such as warmth, community, and inclusivity guide the design of both the interior and exterior spaces. The coffee shop and book/plant store act as anchors for social interaction, creating a sense of belonging. These design choices aim to integrate the building into its surroundings while fostering a sense of comfort and sustainability for its users.
The key goals of this project are to provide affordable, adaptable housing for students while creating spaces that welcome the broader community through the increased addition of ourdoor community spaces. The design aims to honor the historic context of lower downtown Denver while addressing contemporary needs for inclusivity and sustainability. By fostering social interaction through mixed-use spaces and promoting environmental responsibility, the project seeks to contribute meaningfully to the urban fabric and identity of the area.
Building Code and Occupancy
Occupancy Classifications
1. Assembly
2. Mercantile
3. Residential
4. Storage
Construction Type
Mill Construction Type IV-HT
A-2 (Food and Drink)
A-3 (Library)
M (Retail Store)
R-2 (Apartments)
S-2 (Parking Garage)
- CLT floor panels must be a minimum of 5-layers thick
- CLT roof panels can be a minimum of 3-layers and up to 9 depending on the needed spans
- CLT wall panels must be 3-5-layers in a 4 story residential building
1. R-2 Sprinklered
Max
Egress and Accessibility
Mill Construction Type IV-HT
1. Assembly (Sprinklered)
- Max Travel Distance
- Max. Common path of Egress
- Largest Area with Single exit
- Min. Length of Dead-end Corridor
- Min. Door Width
- Min. Corridor and Stair Width
Occupants
(<49 Occupants)
2. Mercantile (Sprinklered)
- Max Travel Distance
- Max. Common path of Egress
- Largest Area with Single exit
- Min. Length of Dead-end Corridor
- Min. Door Width
- Min. Corridor and Stair Width
3. Residential Multi-Family (Sprinklered)
- Max Travel Distance
- Max. Common path of Egress
- Largest Area with Single exit
- Min. Length of Dead-end Corridor
- Min. Door Width
- Min. Corridor and Stair Width
4. Storage Low-Hazard (Sprinklered)
- Max Travel Distance
- Max. Common path of Egress
- Largest Area with Single exit
- Min. Length of Dead-end Corridor
- Min. Door Width
- Min. Corridor and Stair Width
Occupants
or 2.5 x Width of Corridor
(>49 Occupants)
(<49 Occupants)
Occupants
or 2.5 x Width of
(>49 Occupants)
(<49 Occupants)
Parking Accommodation
-Residential (Multi-Family)
-Restaurant
-Retail
Accessible Parking
-Residential (Multi-Family)
-Other
Student Commons
Demonstration
ROSE DE VENTS STUDENT HOUSING
Montreal, Quebec 2022
LAYOUT
-123 affordable units divided among 6 floors to combat student housing crisis
-Dense micro student housing
-Mix of studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and lofted units
AMMENITIES
-Rooftop Gardens
-Learning Garden
-Community Cafe -Stepped Seating
-Underground bike parking
-Basketball and ping pong
PRELIMINARY MASSING STUDIES
PROS:
- Simple Circulation
- Leads to Lairmer St.
CONS:
- Center views inwards rather than outwards
- Heavy Footprint
PROS:
- Large green community spaces
- Predictable circulation
CONS:
- Cuts off campus
- Heavy on SIte
PROS:
- Emphasis on terraced concept
- Allows for local permeability
- Bend in for creates beneficial shading
CONS:
- Overly Complex Geometry
- Too small of green roofs for community
Massing 3
PROS:
- Fully connected to site
- Perfect amount of sun from the south without overheating
- Aims views to Cherry Creek
- Connects campus
CONS:
- Flat Facade to SW
- Floors deviate in size, therefore, apartments will too
Massing 4
PROS:
- Fully connected to site
- Perfect amount of sun from the south without overheating
- Aims views to Cherry Creek
- Connects campus
CONS:
- Flat Facade to SW
- Floors deviate in size, therefore, apartments will too
CherryCreek
Speer Blv
1.Regreen
-Create my part of the larger park
2.Terrace Landscape
-Create community spaces
-Connect people to the creek
3.Emerge Massing
-Blend natural and built environments
-Building as extension of site
4.Create Permeability
-Sanction safe spaces to be able to access the site
5.Rewild the Site
-Bring the native flora and fauna into the area
45 Units/Acre -33 studios
-7 one-bedrooms
-5 three-bedrooms
2 Amenities Spaces
-Separated occupancies
-Cafe space
-Retail space
One-Bedroom
Two-Bedroom
Three-Bedroom
Ammenities Residential Lobby
Book/Plant Store Cafe
3 Egress Cores
-Two main cores
-One smaller core only going up to 2nd floor
1. Green Roofs
- Absorbs rainfall
- Mitigates heat island effect
- Improves air quality
2. Native Vegetation and Trees
- Creates a habitat for local wildlife
- Requires less irrigation
- More resilient to pests
- Trees will sequester carbon and offer shade
3. Storm Water Management
- Rain gardens capture and slow down runoff,
- Mitigates flooding
- Filters pollutants
4. Connecting Site Topography to Creek
- Enhances natural water flow patterns
- Better soil health
5. Community Spaces as Ecological Enhancements
- Fosters environmental awareness
- Encourages community stewardship
Winter Equinox
Passive Shading Strategies
Equinox Initial Massing Final Massing
*Final Massing allows more light through the void towards the NE side of the site
*Rotating the building slightly towards the west, brings more north light onto the site.
*Pushing each floor out 6 feet on my most southern side brings more light on site throughout the year
Orientation Awnings
*Implementing awnings and balconies, act as a sun shading device in the summer but allow light in during the winter
Avg. Annual Rainfall (in)
Avg. Annual Runoff (in)
Days/yr with Rainfall
Days/yr with Runoff
% of Wet Days Retained
Smallest Rainfall w/ Runoff (in)
Largest Rainfall w/o Runoff (in)
Max Rainfall Retained (in)
Post-Design
Avg. Annual Rainfall (in)
Avg. Annual Runoff (in)
Days/yr with Rainfall
Days/yr with Runoff
% of Wet Days Retained
Smallest Rainfall w/ Runoff (in)
Largest Rainfall w/o Runoff (in)
Max Rainfall Retained (in)
Pre-Design
Designed Scenario
Current Scenario
Market St
Connection to Campus
undergourndPedestrianEntryto parking
PublicEntryfrom SpeerBLV
Terracing the site allows students connection to creek
1- Studio Unit (x15) 2- ADA Studio Unit (x2) 3- Laundry Room
1- Studio Unit
2-ADA Studio Unit
3- Laundry Room
4-Study Room
5- Mechanical/ Trash
6-Rooftop Balcony
7-2 Bedroom Unit
8- 3 Bedroom Unit
9-ADA 3 Bedroom
Cafe
Bathroom
Storage
Mail Room
Lobby
10- Book Store 11-Plant Shop
Study Room 5-Mechanical/ Trash 6- Rooftop Balcony
*Car entry and exit to parking garage is located on site one. Pedestrian entry is located in the egress cores
*Each ADA spot is the closest spots to eah egess core and elevator that provides direct entry into the building above
Bike
*In all ADA units there are a minimum of 67” turn radius’ in each space and around each door way
* All ADA units have ADA compliance fixtures and appliances
ALL DOORS IN ADA UNITS
Image from UPcodes
IBC REGULATIONS:
Residential Multi-Family (Sprinklered)
- Max Travel Distance
- Max. Common path of Egress
- Largest Area with Single exit
- Min. Length of Dead-end Corridor
- Min. Door Width
- Min. Corridor and Stair Width
Egress Stairs
Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where connecting less than four stories
Occupants
or 2.5 x Width of
(>49 Occupants)
(<49 Occupants)
Largest dead end corridor is 45’ which is less than 50’ maximum
Largest travel distance is corridor is 90’ which is less than 250’ maximum
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM
IBC REGULATIONS:
Mill Construction Type IV-HT
- CLT floor panels must be a minimum of 5-layers thick - CLT roof panels can be a minimum of 3-layers and up to 9 depending on the needed spans - CLT wall panels must be 3-5-layers in a 4 story residential building
CLT Construction
- CLT panels will be 12’ wide and span 30’ -The CLT walls will act as columns, with the load transfering to the next floor every 30’
5 PLY CLT ROOF
3 PLY CLT WALLS
5 PLY CLT FLOORS
3 PLY CLT WALLS
5 PLY CLT FLOORS
FIRE-RATED STAIR CORE
5 PLY-CLT WALL
3 PLY CLT WALLS
5 PLY CLT FLOORS
3 PLY CLT WALLS
6 IN 2-WAY CONCRTE SLAB
ALUMINUM FRAME WALLS, CONCRETE COLUMNS AND FLOOR
CONCRETE FOUNDATION
SC.6.4 Integrate Structural Systems, SC.6.5 Integrate Environmental Control Systems
ROOFTOP UNIT
CONDENSER
BOILER AIR HANDLING UNIT
FACADE CASE STUDY- SAWA
Inset residential balconies creates shading of large glass openings
Embedded planter boxes creates railings
4-5 ft setback that creates overhand of storefront
Storefront has predominent glass facade/ different language
By Mei Architects in the Netherlands
ROCK PANEL SYSTEM
Materiality:
• Made from natural basalt
• Organic Binder
• Dimensional Stability
Sustainability:
• Renewable material
• Uses recycled byproduct from other industries
• Designed for disassembly
Durability:
• Humidity resistant
• Fire resistant
7’x3’ Glass Doors
Planter Box Railings
Eroded Balconies
5’x3’ windows
Rock Panel Rainscreen
Roof Assembly:
Vegetation
Engineered Soil
Filter Fabric
Drainage
Roof Membrane
Insulation
Air Barrier
5 Ply-CLT
Wall Assembly:
Rock Wall Panel
Vapor Barrier
Sheathing
Rigid Insulation
3-Ply CLT
Floor Assembly:
Hardwood Plank Flooring
Underlayment
5-Ply CLT
Insulation
Insulation Batts
Air Barrier
Gypsum Board
Diffuser
Can Light
GLULAM Beam
Glass Railing
- Absorbs rainfall
- Mitigates heat island effect
- Improves air quality
2. Native Vegetation and Trees
- Creates a habitat for local wildlife
- Requires less irrigation
- Trees will sequester carbon and offer shade
3. Rain Gardens and Storm water Management
- Rain gardens capture and slow down runoff
- Mitigates flooding
- Filters pollutants
4. Connecting Site Topography to Cherry Creek
- Enhances natural water flow patterns
- Better soil health
5. Community Spaces as Ecological Enhancements
- Fosters environmental awareness
- Encourages community stewardship
1. Green Roofs
(ICC), International Code Council. 2021 International Building Code (IBC). Accessed December 21, 2024. https://codes.iccsafe. org/content/IBC2021P2.
Caballero, Pilar. “Rose Des Vents Student Housing / ADHOC ARCHITECTES.” ArchDaily, September 2, 2024. https://www.arch daily.com/1020631/rose-des-vents-student-housing-adhoc-architectes.
“Denver Central Market.” DenverCentralMarket. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.denvercentralmarket.com/.
Iano, Joseph, and Edward Allen. The architect’s studio companion: Rules of thumb for preliminary design. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2022.
“Sawa.” Mei architects and planners, June 2, 2023. https://mei-arch.eu/en/projects/sawa/.
“Sunflower Cafe and Pub.” Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop. Accessed December 21, 2024. https://www.sunfloweroutdoorand bike.com/articles/cafe-pg199.htm.
