Radical Ecologies - Portfolio

Radical Ecologies

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Matt Huckenpoehler GRADUATE ARCHITECTURE PRATT INSTITUTE

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Myco - Biome Living Lo/Lux.

Critic: Erich Schoenenberger

Site: Farragut Houses (NYCHA)

Typology: Lo/Lux high rise Partner: Rowan Price

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Biotic Refuge Restoration of a artisans house on Govenor’s Island.

Critic: Olivia Vien

Site: House 14, Governors Island, New York Typology: Artisans Residence

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Regenerated Porifera Living, breathing middle school for Red Hook.

Critic: Andrew Heid

Site: Red Hook, New York Typology: Middle School

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Biomechanoid Wasted

Critic: William Antozzi

Site: Bushwick Inlet, Brooklyn

Typology: Waste/ Recycling Center Partner: Pat Ruvo

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Symbiopolis (work in progress) Coexisting research center

Critic: Abby Coover

Site: Red Hook, Brooklyn Typology: Research Center

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CRITIC: ERICH SCHOENENBERGER

FALL 2022

MYCO-BIOME

The approach to Farragut Housing involved a focus on ecological design, utilizing spaces devoid of trees to create a building typology supporting circular energy systems and multi-species interactions. It aimed to maximize exterior space for new residents while respecting existing towers and providing services and amenities for the benefit of all residents.

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Choisy Chunk

GRADUATE STUDIO

Aerial View

PRATT INSTITUTE

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Systems Diagram

For the building facade, we selected bio-concrete and incorporated panels made of Mycelium mixed with bricks from the existing towers. In-house cultivation of Mycelium was part of our strategy to counter the panels’ natural degradation over time. A custom steel lattice structure provided support for these frames, which activated the tower surfaces and provided habitats for insects, animals, and plants, reinforcing the circular energy system we envisioned.

Detail Physical Model

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Site Intergration

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Existing Intergration and Ground Plan

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9th Plan

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The project emphasizes the integration of topdown mechanical systems, the establishment of a localized energy grid, and the use of innovative materials like Mycelium to create habitats for various species, reinforcing the circular energy. system.

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Interlocking Section

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Sectional Details

Detail, Details

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Designed panel deterioration is expected while mycelium is grown in house and panels are replaced as needed throughout the years.

Over time the deterioration will happen as weather and non human species start to make their homes within the facade of the building.

As the deterioration contiunes and new panels are replaced in different configurations, more of the building will be exposed, while simitanously being conceled as vegetation starts to take the place of the mycelium as it deteriorates.

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Facade Deterioration

Living Facade (physical)

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CRITIC: OLIVIA VIEN

FALL 2021

Biotic Refuge

The concept of growth and transformation led to the seamless merging of volumes and voids, giving rise to innovative spatial configurations. This idea was applied to House 14 by blending nature with the existing structure, allowing controlled natural integration. Growth, devoid of specific rules or principles, is solely guided by the driving force of life.

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Worms eye cut away

GRADUATE STUDIO

Tumbling parts

PRATT INSTITUTE

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Ground Plan

Sectional Model (Physcial)

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Addressing a specific site through its interior. It emphasizes the related conceptual and material impacts of this “inside out” approach. Circulation and its material and spatial qualities are explored through the design of a small building that responds to a detailed ensemble of architectural programs and the multiple contexts of a local institution.

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Site Axonometric

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Cross Section (top), Long Section (bottom)

Model Zoom (Physical)

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CRITIC: ANDREW HEID

SPRING 2022

REGENERATED PORIFERA

Focusing on a particular site from the inside out, the design underscores the interplay of conceptual and material influences. The exploration of circulation, along with its material and spatial characteristics, is integral to a small building's design, which caters to a diverse range of architectural programs and the nuanced contexts of a local institution. Collaborating with various communitybased organizations facilitates knowledge exchange, enabling students to gain an in-depth understanding of the activities housed within the engaged spaces.

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Figuative Drawing

GRADUATE STUDIO

Cellular Diffusion (top), Iterative Growth (bottom)

PRATT INSTITUTE

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Ground Plan

Physical Model

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Cross Section

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Detailed Physical Model

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CRITIC: WILLIAM ANTOZZI

SPRING 2023

BIOMECHANOID

This concept draws inspiration from the East River's ecologies and is guided by the ethos of oysters, which purify water and produce pearls from waste. It reconciles the contrast between the mechanical aspects of the waste to energy (WTE) machines and the organic elements by gradually transitioning from rectilinear to curvilinear forms. The design aims to challenge the perception of waste by incorporating oysters, algae, and kelp into a mutualistic relationship with the structure. Utilizing materials like oystercrete, steel, and wood for biomaterial experimentation and ecological integration.

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Kelp Chunk

GRADUATE STUDIO

Wasted Concept

PRATT INSTITUTE

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Additionally, it approaches the stigma of both ecological and artificial waste, and how it can be repurposed as an ingredient of creation while probing the dichotomy of waste and perception.

One of the recurring themes of this project was designing around how we want waste to be perceived.

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Site Plan

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Our plans feature a shifting poche language that mirrors our exterior massing strategy. How the program is intertwined with the machines and its various steps. Program is laid out so that the different shops can utilize the waste products such as fly ash, waste heat.

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2nd Plan

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Further exploring the relationship between biology, nature and architecture, the concept forms a mutualistic relationship between structure and the native ecologies. The art production facilities and laboratories consist structurally of oystercrete, steel and wood; and are intended, programmatically for biomaterial experimentation and implementation.

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Cross Section

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Systems Detail

Our facade typology consists of metal sheet panels on the machine side and kelp covered oystercrete panels on the inlet side. The oystercrete panels are porous where the aperture of the holes is dependent on its location on the facade and our initial solar study. On the machine side, there are also moments of glazing that follow the rectilinear shapes.

Connection Details

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Facade Vingette

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CRITIC: ABBY COOVER

FALL 2023

SYMBIOPOLIS (work in progress)

Symbiopolis envisions a city where urban and natural elements have merged, creating a harmonious ecosystem that embraces curated natural aspects. The architecture of Symbiopolis is defined by its adaptability, using bio-receptive materials to welcome various life forms, from lichens to insects, making the building a living organism that continuously evolves.

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Post Apocalyptic Coastal Proposal

GRADUATE STUDIO

PRATT INSTITUTE

This ever-changing structure offers a sensory experience, blurring the boundaries between human and non-human habitats, demonstrating the potential for harmonious coexistence in a bustling city where nature and the built environment unite as a sanctuary for all species.

Symbiopolis showcases the power of innovative construction and materials, where the city itself breathes and adapts to the diverse needs of its inhabitants.

Plan

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Coexisting Section

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