.01 THE SUNSPHERE

The Sunsphere is an iconic structure located in downtown Knoxville, TN. Originally built as a symbol of the 1982 World’s Fair, it operated as a restaurant and observation deck. The attraction of the fair brought millions of tourists but also resulted in a 1000-1500 individuals displaced.

In response, this design proposal aims to revitalize the Sunsphere through a community involved urban farm and research lab that focuses on giving back to the community, specifically those affected by the construction of the structure.

STUDY MODEL 02

STUDY MODEL branching. anchoring. extending.

EAST FACING PLANTS [POLLENIZERS]

planters: Albertine, Clematis climbing plants: camellia,Marigolds

West Facing Produce

tomatoes, strawberries squash, lemons, sunflowers spinach, lettuce, cucumbers basil, mint, thyme, rosemary

BIO-RECEPTIVE CONCRETE

This multi-layered material absorbs rainwater and supports the growth of small mosses, fungi, lichens, and micro-algae.

Existing 24k Gold

The Sunsphere is known for its reflective gold exterior, the gold will be kept to maintain some of its original history.

FIRE RATED GLASS

Fire rated glass preserves views from elevator and stairs. Pilkington Pyrostop material has a fire rating of 45-120 minutes.

PVC — POLYVINYL CHLORIDE

PVC, a plastic commonly used for plumbing in the Southern region. This corrosion-resistant material will be used for network of pipes for the drip irrigation system.

Stained Cedar Wood

Durable, low-maintenance, lightweight material