Nazanin Naeini by Nazanin Nayini

DETROIT I 21

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

[1]

[33]

[12]

[39]

[23]

[44]

[28]

[51] Nazanin Naeini

Architecture Portfolio Masters of Architecture . McGill School of Architecture

DETROIT I 21

MOTOPIA An Assembly Line For The Post-Fordist City [Evolo Submission] “So long as the new [speed] is everywhere available at the same time, there is a possibility that the structure may be changed without breakdown. Where there are great discrepancies in speeds of movement, as between air and road travel or telephone and typewriter serious conflicts occur with organizations. The metropolis of our time has become a test case for such discrepancies. If homogeneity of speeds were total, there would be no rebellion and no breakdown.” McLuhan, Marshall. Roads and Paper Routes. 2010

In Detroit, the urban logic of “center“ is confused as its inhabitants speed up towards the periphery. The core is left vacant - its proximity and status blurred by high speed freeways.

MArch . Fall 2011 . 8 weeks 1

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55 mi/hr

0 mi/hr

DETROIT speedscape i

The speed that car travel offered disturbed the hierarchy of the city versus periphery by favouring the edge “So long as the new [speed] is everywhere available at the same

100%

middle ground core

35 mi/hr

73%

suburbs

McLuhan, Marshall. Roads and Paper Routes. 2010

42%

100 mi/hr

27%

In Detroit, the urban logic of “center“ is confused as its inhabitants speed off towards the periphery. The core is left vacant - its proximity and status blurred by high speed freeways.

70 mi/hr

“So long as the new [speed] is everywhere available at the same time, there is a possibility that the structure may be changed without breakdown. Where there are great discrepancies in speeds of movement, as between air and road travel or telephone and typewriter serious conflicts occur with organizationtions. The metropolis of our time has become a test case for such discrepancies. If homogeneity of speeds were total, there would be no rebellion and no breakdown.”

DETROIT vacantscape i

Formerly industrial and residential, these vacant pockets are weakly engaged with the living city. In come cases, they have disappeared without recognition as Detroiters zoom past on raised or sunken speedways.

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DETROIT

What can we say of architecture in speed? Static in nature, is it rendered irrelevant? The modern city is characterized by a great divergence between the scale of architectural form and the urban dimension. Detroit’s lifeline is its infrastructure.

DETROIT speedscape ii

As Detroit sped up, the center fell behind, and a new Detroit emerged scuplted by major highways. 2

DETROIT speedscape iii

The Vacant plots surrounding the city center are foreshortened as speed shrinks distance. 3

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DETROIT I 7 12

Detroit is not about corridors, but is rather a city of routes to destinations. At the urban level, we play on this distortion of speed to redefine the urban image. The City of Detroit is defined as a series of nodes punctuating an otherwise streamlined path(left). Formal Distortion in Speed_Our connection to physical distance and the material is distorted-shrunken- in speed(bottom right). As the driver speeds up, distances shrink, architectural information dissolves into speed, reducing the observer’s knowledge to a grasp on height, rhythm and colour(bottom left).

Each node hosts a significant amount of residual land with which to root our interventions. The visual noise along the path is reduced The according to as City of Detroit is defined a series of nodes punctuating an speed of travel, creating an almost seamless transition from place to place through non place. otherwise streamlined path. Each

00 05 10 20 30 20 10 0500 SPEED DISSIPATION

30 20 1005 00

PROGRAMS IN VIEW

051015 2025 HEIGHT

PERSPECTIVE

node hosts a significant amount of residual land with which to root our intervention.

Effect of Speed:

Program Emergence/Logic_Contextualism describes a collection of views which emphasize the context in which an action, utterance, or expression occurs, and argues that, the action, utterance, or expression can only be understood relative to that context(top left).

Contextualism describes a collection of views which emphasize the context in which an action, utterance, or expression occurs, and argues that, DETROIT the action, II 10 DETROIT 9 utterance, or expression can only be understood relative to that context.

Holling’s cycle can be applied to Detroit’s car-culture. In his discussion of the figure 8 loop, he highlights the importance of salvaging the relics of the release phase. In Detroit, the car remains and so does the landscape of freeways and suburbs that it inspired.

DETROIT I 33

Formal Distortion Our connection to physical distance and the material is distorted - shrunken - in speed.

as the driver speeds up,distances shrink,

We see Detroit as positioned in the midst of a reorganization 0 km/hr phase, and we plan to work with what speed has made its most valued assets.

The high-speed car accelerates as it moves out of the suburbs, shortening both travel time and the time in which the landscape is perceived. In the city, the car slows down, extending the perception of the cities and the actual shrinking of the countryside produces an exponential effect on the traveller’s perception.

20 km/hr

20miles DETROIT land 0 mi

architectural information dissolves into speed,

Our connection to physical distance and the material is distorted - shrunken - in speed. As the driver speeds up, distances shrink, architectural information dissolves into speed, reducing the observer’s knowledge to a grasp on height, rhythm and colour. 200

highway

(corridor) road

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city

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reducing the observer’s knowledge to a grasp on height, rhythm and colour.

suburbs

The corrido urban deve few decade sensory stim cheerless an ment of sta mobility ax therefore b ing the goo the destina path as a un sensorial ex

FORMAL distortion in speed

30minute DETROIT time suburbs

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Phase two develops a single node within a larger loop - the intersection of highways 94 and 75. With schools closing in vacant areas of Detroit, idle youths take fire to homes. The lack of education in this city is tell-tale sign of its fragile position. In a post-fordist city, material production is replaced by an immaterial production - the production of knowledge. In this first node, we have chosen to use education to reorganize Detroit. A planar gesture mimics the highway’s language and absorbs speeding car on off-shoots of the existing intersection and enclose the residual space. A vertical extension follows this horizontal gesflexible atelier ture to further envelope the residual land. The result is aspace continuous 3 dimensional loop that dissipates speed: from a high speed autovoid above route, to a drive-through plinth; pedestrian are then lifted to calmer classrooms classroom spaces serviced by escalator followed by static, quiet moments at the crown. Campus programming is distributed in a linear fashion along the looping tower - a conveyor belt of education. people mover

void above social space

(above)The people moverstructure acts as a compression ring for the building. This compression ring is held taught by a series of tensile ribs folSiegfried Gass, Frei Otto and lowing the curvature similar to those observed in Frei Otto’s Bendmezzanine Wolfgang Weidlich. “Experimente: Physikalische Analogmodelle Im classrooms above ing Geometry studies. Architektonischen Entwerfen” STUDY OF BENDING

LIBRARY

CLASSROOMS

WORKSHOPS

STUDY OF BENDING

Siegfried Gass, Frei Otto and Wolfgang Weidlich. Experimente:

Physikalische Stuttgart: Analogmodelle Im Universität Institut für Architektonischen Entwerfen" leichte Flächentragwerke, Universität Stuttgart: Institut für1990 leichte Flächentragwerke, 1990

DETROIT DETROIT II 14 25

Crossing Merging Diverging

drive-thru/drop off with stadium seating above

student life

administration building

sports fields with auditorium below

MIDPOINT PLAN 0

30 PLINTH PLAN

Wayne State University

NODE NODE11 70 I-75 I-75//M-10 M-10

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Together the tensile ribs and skin pull on the compression ring to support a 3 dimensional loop encompassing tower and plinth - protecting and defining a central outdoor space: Residual land becomes campus quad.

classrooms DETROIT II 25 DETROIT 25 DETROIT DETROIT II 25 25

1 1 1 1

drive-through/drop off drive-thru/drop off with seating drive-thru/drop off with stadium stadium seating above above drive-thru/drop off stadium drive-thru/drop off with with stadium seating seating above above with stadium seating above

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student life student life life student

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administration building administration building administration building administration building administration building

student student life life

study area PLINTH PLAN 0

Wayne State University

sportssports fields with sports fields with auditorium auditorium below below fields with sports with sports fields fields with auditorium auditorium below below auditorium below

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void below

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library

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The logic of the skin follows both this tensile force distribution and our earlier experiments with formal distortion in speed. Stretching of the elastic fabric at the highest point, the slowest speed. Porosity of the fabric will appear at these points 1 1 1 on the structure. Lower points in the structure witness the 1 2 2 2 2 accumulation of the material, shrunk and reduced to form, rhythm and colour.

FACADE distortion in speed Stretching of the elastic fabric at the highest point, the slowest speed. Porosity of the fabric will appear at these points on the structure. Lower points in the structure witness the accumulation of the material, shrunk and reduced to form, rhythm and colour.

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ELEVATION

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The interior space is best understood as a whole through the section - pedestrian are drawn from the plinth up into classroom spaces adjacent to a void core and finally to the library space above. As observed previously the towerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plinth attempts to mimic the highwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s language. Cars enter from the existing highway into a drop off zone moving along the edge of the plinth in a continuous looping motion. Pedestrians leaving the drop zone can access ground level entrances to the people mover and the campus quad or sports fields. This central space is wrapped by a series of programs including student life complex and admin. centre.

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Crossing

library

Merging Diverging

classroom

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FULL

I-75 / M-10

LABS

AUDITORIA

LIBRARY

CLASSROOMS

WORKSHOPS

void

people mover stands

auditorium parking SECTION 0

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THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE:

WET LAB

20 years

COMMON ROOM

15 years

LECTURE SPACE

45 years

PERFORMANCE HALL CINEMA

DRY LAB

15 years

LECTURE SPACE

45 years

CINEMA

LECTURE SPACE

70 years

CONTROL ROOM

PROJECTION ROOM

80 years

SCAFFOLD STRUCTURE CONTROL ROOM

COMMON ROOM

< 7 years

Dealing With Architectural Pace

GUE INSTITUTE | NN

80 years

PERFORMANCE HALL

50 years

SCREENING HALL

WET LAB

PERFORMANCE HALL SCREENING HALL

80 years

WET LAB

45 years

SCAFFOLD STRUCTURE

DRY LAB

PROJECTION ROOM

70 years

CONTROL ROOM

45 years

COMMON ROOM

DRY LAB

15 years

LECTURE SPACE

COMMON ROOM

< 7 years

WASHROOMS

STORAGES REFRIGERATOR

CONTROL ROOM

20 years

PROJECTION ROOM

FLEXIBLE USE

COMMON ROOM

70 years

WASHROOMS

STORAGES REFRIGERATOR

PERFORMANCE HALL

45 years

70 years

MArch . Winter 2012 . 8 weeks 12

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

degrees of visibility

cafe

bar

bookstore

performance

screening

lecture room

control room

projection

dry lab

wet lab

common room

storage

refrigerator

degrees of permanence

performance

deconstructing the empress

base building

fit out

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

screening

control room

projection

dry lab

wet lab

lecture room

common room

storage

refrigerator

cafe

bar

bookstore

A glance at the Empressâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; timeline reveals only one constant variable: a life characterized by change. In this way, the empress is recognized neither as a moment frozen in time, nor as break between before and after (responding to the exact needs of the moment), but as a moment in the continuous process of change. Bearing ephemeral layers from multiple eras, the Empress is a showcase of the transient nature of contemporary society--one of strict opinions and shifts in values; and while styles are temporary, principles are not. What has remained through the multiple phase changes witness by the building is its essence, an atmosphere emanating from her body. Construction and decay, the two elements that co-exist in this vicious circle, render the actual existence of the structure transitory, as a means to serve the creation of this atmosphere: the place-ness of the event. Here, architecture is not an object of desire but an event, a performance that could end at any moment. This proposal reacts to the contemporary rehabilitation of historic buildings by recognizing (and accommodating) change as the only constant.

In this way, the empress is decomposed into a stable and a versatile element. At present, the base building, a shell or container, is the sole interface encountered by the younger generation in NDG; and thus, it remains the only recognizable social anchorage for the project. In this scheme, the Empress preserves its identity on the surface with a semi-permanent, autonomous scaffold structure to accommodate the evolving program of the analogue institute--the latter categorized by degrees of permanence.

1928_egyptian theater

1962_royal follies

1968_cinema V

2012_analogue institute

2040_?

1928_egyptian theater

1962_royal follies

1968_cinema V

2012_analogue institute

2040_?

the rigidity of fixed programs catalyses their demolition v

changing functions of the empress

antagonistic forces palimpsests of previous functions

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

Designing for changeability requires looking at the program through the lens of permanence, establishing a timeline for the construction , assembly, degrees of changeability and perhaps eventually the decay of the analogue institute(below).

Scaffold structure is offset by a meter from the shell acting as an autonomous structure

Spaces of performance and spaces of production change, each at their respective pace. The adaptable scaffold structure allows for multiple scenarios to arise, of which one linear scenario has been developed under the scope of the Studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mandate. What remains clear in the end is that all aspects of a project are temporal in nature, no matter their position on the timeline of permanence, as we will later see in the video-mapped projection of the model. On the left the relationship of the fit-out to the base building, with the fit-out a meter offset on each side of the empress, allowing it to act as an independent unit within the shell of the existing building.

SCAFFOLD INDEPENDENT FROM SHELL, 1 METER OFFSET FROM EACH SIDE

Possible Scenarios of Construction Timeline

possible program distributions based on program inputs Present

wet lab

performance

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lecture room

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SCAFFOLD INDEPENDENT FROM SHELL, 1 METER OFFSET FROM EACH SIDE 29 15

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | N TITLE I 13

1:200

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6 1.

dry lab a. projection space

the section displays the flexibility of the assembly space where it can be combined into one large performance space(above) or separated into a smaller performance space and a screening space(below).

1. dry lab a. projection space ANNOTATION TEXT b.editing c.printing 2. wet lab 3. informal projection/lecture 4. storage 5. refrigerated storage 6. public washrooms

b. editing

1. 2. 3. 4.

c. printing theater access 2. wet lab flexible exhibition space 3. informal projection/lecture space 4. storage informal projection/lecture 5. refrigerated storage main circulation 6. public washrooms

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informal lecture/projection s

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flexible exhibition space

ANNOTATION TEXT

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

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the structure of the fit-out is consisted of a scaffold system, with rosette disks supporting the clip-on posts at regular intervals allowing for the versatility of the systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s configuration. Program is hung from the structure, offset within the grid of the scaffolding, through the use of clamps attached to the frame as shown on the left and above. 37

clockwise from above: connection of program to structure, clip-on connection of beams to rosette, base jack supporting the structure, rosette design, close up view of the system 38

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

fig.2 deflector connection detail

1:10

fig.1 glass deflectors act as sound control elements, positioned in front of sound absorbing glass panels. By allowing the deflectors to constantly move along an axis, the homogeneity and quality of the sound can be controlled through changing the angle of deflection. fig.2 The flexibility of the connection point to these deflectors also allows for changes in the material in case different levels of opacity and acoustic are to

fig.1 Performance hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wall section

fig.3 mullion-deflector detail

fig.2 The flexibility of the connection point to these deflectors also allows for changes in the material in case different levels of opacity and acoustic are to be required in the future.

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construction_

of _degrees CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE changeability \ DEGREES OF PERMANENCE

EMPRESS FOORPRINT

EXTRUSION

construction_ degrees of changeability

SHELL THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

theater

EMPRESS FOORPRINT

construction_ degrees of changeability

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

vault

VAULT

construction_ degrees of changeability

scaffold poles storage -closed

scaffold frames

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

SCAFFOLD STRUCTURE THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

construction_ construction_ degreesofof degrees changeability changeability

VERTICAL COLUMNS

MOVEABLE BOOK STORAGE 21

production laboratories

freight elevator exhibition storageopen

FLEXIBLE EXHIBITION

PRODUCTION SPACE

THEANALOGUE ANALOGUEINSTITUTE INSTITUTE| NN | NN THE

THE ANALOGUE INSTITUTE | NN

freight-closed elevator storageopen storage

cinema

ASSEMBLY SPACE

screen exhibition

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DISPLAY SCREEN

watch video-mapping presentation at http://vimeo.com/45914843

H[U]T SPOT

Redefining Cultural Significance in Abuja, Nigeria

The following piece required looking at Lagos as a showcase of the failure of urban form in Nigeria, through the research carried out by Rem Koolhaas, and subsequently examine Abuja, the new capital of Nigeria. The narrative follows the arrival of a visitor to each city from the airport and their path of flaneur through the city. What is revealed in both cities is the topdown method of design in the third world country where the normal civilian has no place/right within the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s structure. Abuja is afterall a first world city in a third world country.

BArch . Winterr 2010 . 3 weeks 23

LAGOS

RESEARCH PHASE

ABUJA

In Abuja, a city that clings rigidly to the typical image of Western glass and concrete buildings, what could be a design that is simultaneously local and global? In the course of studying the traditional architecture of Western Africa, the African huts, gathered in clusters, became almost immediately apparent as a culturally and socially suitable image to draw inspiration from, while appropriating the design to the current epoch. The proposed international community center in Abuja aims to create a poetic skyline, that is distinctive as an urban silhouette yet in harmony with its periphery; arousing the curiosity of the passerby and attracting them to its introverted realm.

B’ B’

The sun’s higher rays are mos due to the presence of deep Much of the hot air inside ris the operable skylight, a lot lik

A’

The hut module thus incorporates each part of the program in its shape, location of oculus and relationship to the other huts, ultimately creating a complex of interconnected huts.

The the sun’s lower rays which ac Cross-ventilation through the maze of walls cools The sun’s higher rays are mostly prevented from entering the space The sun’s rays. running at a steep angle are blocked compound, while the concrete walls and floors store due to the presence of deep window sills andthick roof. by the roof geometry the deep window sills. So theand building at night, when th Much of the hot air inside rises into the chimney and is drawn out through gain is thus prevented in the interior space. thethe heat from solar radiation during the day, reducing the operable skylight, a lot like in a hut. overall indoor temperature. The oculus at the top of each “hut” brings the light in with varying intensities according to the space’s needs.

A’

Drawing from traditional African architecture, the complex The sun’s loweraround rays which actually the interior are absorbed by revolves apenetrate courtyard, where all activities Thermal Chimney permeate Eﬀect building at night, when the temperature intothethe outdoor opendrops. space. Ponds adjacent to the exterior walls allow for the evaporation and cooling of the area close to the walls.

S E C T I O N AA’ 1 : 3 0 0 1. p a r k i n g r am p 2. a d m i n i s t r a t i o n 3. l i b r a r y 4. p a r k i n g a r e a 5. d a n c e t h e a t e r 6. r e s t r o o m

[DE]FORM Togs Competition . temporary outdoor . exhibition . design â&#x20AC;&#x153; The Ideas Competition generates innovative proposals for a temporary outdoor structure that will function simultaneously as an exhibition space and as an architectural exhibition.â&#x20AC;? - TOGS 3, purpose statement

BArch . Winter 2010 . 4 weeks 30

MODULE no.1

This first module is mostly a direct reinterpretation of the Pin Screen. Each component’s tongue and groove were designed to attach it to its neighbour in the x and y plane, giving it freedom to move freely along the z axis. This configuration allows for a direct deformation of the system as a result of the objects exhibited. Moreover, the object’s “echo” would then remain as a deformation on the system.

module 1_Just as a Pin Screen deforms in reaction to the force applied, this projects aims at creating a similarily dynamic exhibition space, deforming as a reaction to its users, immediate surroundings, and objects exhibited. The result is a series of systems, which in this manner deform to emphasize the objects exhibited at times, to user activities another, and further on to create a shelter. As a result, the conventional exhibition space is no longer rigid; its form is liberated to react to the exhibitions it houses in a more flexible manner. module 2_Urban tag resulted from experiments in creating curves with the previous orthogonal modules. The fice new modules are based on the perimeter of a circle, creating an arch based on the circle’s curvature. The resulting vertical undulation spawns a new animal. This predator engulfs the city’s transportation hubs, harrasing its users with a taste of the latest exhibition at a nearby venue.

31 2

MODULE no.2

Urban Tag resulted from experiments in creating curves with the previous orthogonal modules. The five new modules are based on the perimeter of a circle creating an arch based on the circle’s curvature. The resulting vertical undulation spawns a new animal. This predator engulfs (Right) Axonometric view, showthe city’s transportation hubs; harassing its users with a ing a possible configuration of taste of the latest exhibition at a nearby venue. the module. (Left) Cross-sections of the module, illustrating the tongue and groove logic.

MODULE no.2

Urban Tag resulted from experiments in creating curves with the previous orthogonal modules. The five new modules are based on the perimeter of a circle creating an arch based on the circle’s curvature. The resulting vertical undulation spawns a new animal. This predator engulfs the city’s transportation hubs; harassing its users with a taste of the latest exhibition at a nearby venue.

module 3_the “Building Skin”, is the largest application of the Pin Screen system to date. It has been designed to dress the entrance facade of an exhibition space performing as an introduction to the featured works inside. Not unlike the Vertical Display, Building Skin is capable of bulging by recession and protrusion. These recessions and protrusions are further exaggerated to produce overhangs and entrances. Hollow sections were introduced in the third module in order to allow for ventilation and maintain views to the retrofitted facade. The voids also provide an opportunity for the display of objects from the exhibition.

(Above) Module Detail, (Right) Building Skin in plan (Left) Rendering showing its integration within an urban context.

Below is an example of the skin’s integration within an urban fabric, while on the left a close-up view of what this system appears like clarifies the degree to which the screen reveals and conceals the space behind.

THE BMF LIBRARY

Re-appropriating the Physical Space in a Digital Age

BArch . Fall 2009 . 5 weeks interior sketch_suspended garden at the top of the library

This project encompassed the re-definition of the library in the twenty first century. In an era where digital media overshadows any other form of access to information, the library must speculate on the relevance of the physical book and the architectural ramification that follows the need to house such media. The library therefore becomes not only a space to acquire media but a space that holds a strong ritualistic character. Could the library be seen as emanating the aura of a modern temple, where one enters the space to achieve something intangible, incorporeal and with a lot of respect for the place? The idea of procession and meditation, therefore, becomes significant in the library, allowing for the creation of a continuous path that allows for chance encounters, flaneur and serendipitous moments to occur as a result of simply being there. plan_entrance to the library from the exterior ramp/stair system

first move_ lifting of the ground and framing views as the initial atmospheric collage of what the library should encompass.

based on the base image and imagining what form could complement the pictureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mood.

the lift triggers the procession to the enigmatic presence of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;templeâ&#x20AC;?, while creating a smooth tectonic landscape.

plan_access to the top of the library with the suspended garden

site plan_ site lies on an island between residential/office buildings

final product responding to the initial sketch 36

section _ exhibits the continuous ramp from the underground to the top of the building

_interior logic Another inspiration stemmed from Magritteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carte Blanche, where the visible is simultaneously invisible. The columns, therefore, as the most repetitive and rhythmic elements of the building become a manifold of frames through which views and continuous layers of space are defined, shifting oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visual links in space as one moves through the continuous ramp of the library. As visible below, the entire building relies on a system of ramps, where, from the moment one steps inside the building to the moment of departure, they are inevitably part of the ritual of experiencing the built space without being able to hastily cut through areas to reach others. The existing building on the site will house the closed programs of the building that would otherwise obstruct the movement on the ramp. Two ramps on the exterior, funnel the movement from the site to an elevated plateau containing a summer cafe and the entrance to the library. The perimetric movement of the ramp is therefore cut in the middle, at the entrance poiont, where one can decide to either ascend to the adult area or descend to the teenage/children areas. Moving up in the building reveals a higher level of transparency and smaller, more intimate space.

THE SECOND SKIN An Architectural Trilogy

MArch . summer 2012 . 8 weeks

[1]

[2]

[3]

THE SECOND SKIN A Prosthetic Device

MArch . summer 2012 . 2 weeks 41

[3]

fig 1.Intradermal injections by injecting a small amount of allergen just beneath the skin surface fig 2. purified horse allergen and fig 3.purified grass allergen are the two substances the patient is most allergic to fig 4. the width of the reaction measures the growth of wheal, a small swelling of the skin note. Two millimeters of growth in 10 minutes is considered positive. fig 5. patient’s arm before prick test fig 6. allergens applied onto the skin fig 7. skin pricked on the surface fig 8. skin reaction after 5 minutes fig 9. minute 15 grass and horse allergens seem to react strongly fig 10. minute 25 - patient is clearly allergic to most allergens, but deathly allergic to horse and grass allergens

[1]

_Allergic reaction mapping

The understanding of the body as a hybrid, a super-organism, upon which, change and direct contact with the environment is not only inevitable, but also desirable. Indeed, the defense mechanisms of the body can only be developped if the body encounters a specific environment. The relationship is necessary for the survival of the body, yet it has its limitation. The second skin seeks balance, as it is constantly receiving, reacting, adapting, remembering, rejecting, tolerating. 5

Translating the normally invisible microcosm into a visible, textured macrocosm in order to inspire, provoke and confront people, making them realize that the body in only able to exist if the different forms of life on it cooperate; by shielding this “alive” layer, we are only suffocating it, to the point of self destruction. This visible textured macrocosm is in fact the manifestation of a new field of spatialities and temporalities that open up as the body and the environment fuse. _Allergic reaction scripting The use of scripting, as a time-based methodology, allowed us to track and extract moments of the allergic reaction of the patient, morphed into a voronoi pattern depicting the changing nature of the invisible layer of the skin. The script analyses the pigment of the skin and translates the gradients of the skin into point clouds, which are then decomposed through a Voronoi pattern. The rectangular grid depicts areas of the outer skin where no reaction has occured, representing the “normal” potential of the second skin. As a continuously adapting and morphing skin was imagined, certain moments were frozen in order to reveal the reaction of the skin at a particular instant. The sequence, therefore, reveals the decomposition of the grid pattern into a cellular one; a second skin is forming as a response to the environment.

_The second skin In the final interpretative stage of the process, we sought to materialize the second skin. The prosthetic device becomes the materialization of a phenomenon that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye. Our speculation is a skin capable of mediating between the body and the environment, no longer acting as an isolating unit but a filter, a porous membrane adapting to the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. The second skin therefore represents the balance necessary between the body and the environment, allowing spatiality and temporality to fuse in a new field, as Merleau-Ponty states in his book â&#x20AC;&#x153; the visible and the invisibleâ&#x20AC;?.

PARASITIC SYMBIOSIS Impregnating the Super-hospital

MArch . summer 2012 . 3 weeks 46

[2]

Parasitic Symbiosis

The Clinic will be a prototype of impregnating hospitals with an abortion clinic. this will be an embryonic prototype, strongly integrated to the building infrastructure and/or program yet functionally strong as to impose its necessity, as socio-political changes in the future will make use of the possible symbiotic relationship between the two entities. The hospital will act as the second skin for the abortion clinic, a physical and social filter, protecting yet displaying the new addition to the facility. The clinicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s symbiotic relationship with the hospital shall be manifest through the development of stem-cell research. The parasite will be an overt exposure within the hospitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fortress. inverted skin_alternate parasitic system existing in the infrastructure of the superhospital. As general superhospitals, like most other architecture, need to be preconceived prematurely, much of the finalized designed space will , further on, prove to be obsolete/unnecessary/unfit to the momentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, especially considering the scale of the architecture and the estimated time of delivery of such a project. The parasite will use the opportunity to overtake these ill-conceived spaces and makes them fit to its purposes.

circulation

highly used spaces used

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highly used

under-used spaces

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Insertion II Insertion Insertion II II II Insertion I Insertion Insertion I Insertion Insertion I I IInsertion IIInsertion

Insertion III Insertion Insertion III Insertion Insertion III III III highly used

unused/locked spaces cell research stem cell stem research cell stem research cell stemresearch cell research stolen space the abortion clinic the abortion the clinic abortion the abortion the clinic abortion clinic stem clinic

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stolen space stolenstolen spacestolen space space

not used Insertion IVInsertion Insertion IV Insertion Insertion IV IV IV

Insertion V Inserti

linked hybrid

oncology research oncology

linked hybrid linkedlinked hybrid linked hybrid hybrid

counselling room + office [4]

outdoor recovery area [6]

waiting room [3]

recovery room + exit [7]

entrance + reception [2]

hospital ground floor [1]

We have therefore imagined a parasite latching on a piece of infrastructure within the hospital. Imposing the abortion clinic onto the most repetitively banal space of the hospital, the fire-escape,not only allows this space to become the threshold between the hospital and the clinic, but also turns this undesirably necessary infrastructure into a priviledged hidden entrance for the patients of the clinic. From there, the parasite makes its way toward the outter facade of the building where it can finally grow safely. The minimal depth of this skin, allows it to appear disguised as a programless space, unnoticed by many in the labyrinth of the superhospital, merely exposed as a screen animating the fire-escape, while,in fact behind the screen, the program of the abortion clinic is ever-evolving.

outdoor terrace for the hospital [6]

The acceptance of abortion as a common neutral right, will catalyse the symbiotic relationship between the clinic and the hospital and allow the former to provide the adequate facilities on stem cell research to the latter in its available space.

anti-chamber + procedure room [5]

The acceptance of abortion inherently becomes an integral part of society through this porous skin adapting to social and political changes regarding the debate overtime. Conducted within a Hospital, this trade off from the synthetic views on abortion and pro-life research allows the Hospital to be seen beyond its basic utility as a social and political machine incorporating technology as a marker of modernity. 49

section

recovery room + exit [7]

entrance + reception [2]

RECLAIMING CRISIS: Provoking Small, Controlled, Urban Responses

The last set of work of this architectural trilogy further explores the idea that medical, social and urban crisis can be used as a vector for the production of new realities for Jacmel.

_Scope of intervention The scope of the project recogizes the need for a large scale intervention. This is not about one hospital, but about the alliances of a manifold of interconnected hospitals within the city. Deployed as such, the hospitals become more than health care providers, but also reinforcement to the city infrastructure as the only sources of potable water. This allows each hospital to be seen beyond its basic utility, as an integral part of the larger cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s framework, claiming its status as a social and political machine.

MArch . Summer 2012 . 3 weeks 53

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utopic model

center vs outskirts model

overlapping model

_# units: 19 _radius: 0.25 miles _max. population: 95,000 - 190,000

_# units: 24 _city center radius: 0.15 miles _outskirts radius: 0.25 miles _max. population: 120,000 - 240,000

_# units: 29 _city center radius: 0.15 miles _outskirts radius: 0.25 miles _max. population: 145,000 - 290,000

Isolated neighborhoods distributed across the Jacmel territory. This model is sensitive to the difference in density between the city center and its outskirts, by allotting more infrastructure and resources in the center.

This model of overlapping neighborhoods distributed across the Jacmel territory takes in consideration the existing high-density fabric of the city center. The overlaps thus represent concentration of population, resources, but more importantly potential hidden alliances within the city.

Isolated neighborhoods distributed across the Jacmel territory. This model implies de-densification of the city center, thus relocation of residents towards the outer neighborhoods.

The scheme reacts to the flood lines risk by installing an all-encompassing sewage, irrigation, filtration and water distribution system.

jacmel

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_Existing Reaction points Multi-hazard risk zones and terrain: flood risk and wet lands

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It takes form as a chain reaction: the system starts on the eastern border of the Jacmel where it takes its source in the Rivière de la Cosse and makes its way through the neighborhoods where it is filtrated and distributed.

_Urban Units Deployment The urban intervention on the Jacmel territory results from a series of studies evolving from a repeated cookie-cutter utopic model to one that is increasingly sensitive to Haiti’s mode of living and therein the difference in density in the urban as opposed to the suburban fabric. Most importantly, the final scheme exploits the mostly damaged areas after the 2010 earthquake as privileged entry points for the deployment of the proposed neighborhood units.

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More specifically, each hospital unit receives polluted water to be filtrated, used and distrubuted on site for that particular neighborhood. Contaminated water then goes to the adjacent neighborhood wherein it is filtrated and re-distributed once again.

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Although the creation of neighborhood units physically appears as a model encouraging isolation and segration, the town is actually bounded by a strategic alliance between all health care institutions; their being interdependant when it comes to the provision of potable water.

post-earthquake building damages high

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“A strong earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hit Haiti on the 12th of January 2010 at 21h53 (GTM), 16h53 (local time). This map shows a density if damaged buildings and gathering areas as observed in DigitalGlobe imagery acquired the 15th of January 2010 in the city of Jacmel.” International Charter - Space and Major Disasters

post-earthquake model

reaction points - community centers

emerging cellular pattern

_# units: 36 _city center radius: 0.15 miles _outskirts radius: 0.25 miles _max. population: 180,000 - 360,000

_# units: 36 _# community centers: 36 _max. population: 180,000 - 360,000 _population 2012: 40,000 _max. population growth: 900%

Each neighborhood finds its vital resources in its center - the hospital being the main provider of adequate health care and potable water -.

This rendition of the overlapping neighborhoods model refocuses the revitalization not only in the city center but also according to the availability of space in the city. Damaged buildings areas represent more opportunity for rehabilitation.

The overlaps are translated into main streets connecting all the units together from the city center to the suburbs.

_Form

1 neighborhood scale

The hospital emerges from the convergence of the city grid onto a central lot within each neighborhood unit.

new above ground sewer system

2 building scale

new water filtration system

new water pump stations

3 person scale

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Scripting

This civic center will act as the centrifugal force of the neighborhood and a node among the network of the 36 spread-out throughout the city.

The overall form is therefore flexible and dependant upon the grid existing in its periphery, while the 1 division of the complex into multiple buildings allows for flexible arrangements and changes within each building.

The script input (Fig.1) is based on the existing damaged areas and the proposed neighborhood units. By regulating the the grid size, the script achieve a secundary cellular pattern within the previously defined neighborhood units.(Fig.2) The new grid represents the interior ‘local’ streets all converging to their respective focal points. (Fig.3)

_Scripting

Fig.1

The script input (left) is based on the existing damaged areas and the proposed neighborhood units, as demonstrated previously.

Fig.2

Fig.3

By regulating the grid size, the script achieves a secondary cellular pattern within the previously defined neighborhood units. The new grid represents the interior “local” streets all converging to their respecting focal points.

_Site plan

The hospital emerges from the convergerce of the city grid onto a central lot within each neighborhood unit. This civic centre will act as the centrifugal force of the neighborhood and a node among the network of the 36 spread-out throughout the city. The overall form is therefore flexible and dependant upon the grid existing in its periphery, while the division of the complex into multiple buildings allows for flexible arrangements and changes within each building.

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[1] TRIAGE BUILDING 1 public drop-off area 1 admission desk 1 waiting room 4 triage rooms [2] EMERGENGY BUILDING trauma + acute care unit 12 beds 8 examination rooms 1 nurses station 2 storage + supply space 1 ambulance bay 1 paramedic + police station 3 ambulance stations observation unit 1 room 1 nurses station 1 storage + supply

[3] CLINICAL BUILDING infectious disease department 5 examination rooms 4 procedure room 1 recovery room [4] BED TOWER 1 14 beds [5] BED TOWER 2 12 beds [6] FUTURE EXPANSION BUILDING