APERTURE

CRITIC: BRIAN RINGLEY

LOCATION: SPECULATIVE PRATT INSTITUTE

SPRING 2020

Aperture was an investigation into facade development and analysis that led to a double facade system. The double facade system is made up of a window wall and sunlight analysis that led to the development of the GFRC panel facade. The GFRC panels are being held up by the substructure that then is connected to the balconies that wrap around the buildings. The double facade system allowed for the introduction of the balcony that serves as a means of circulation, but also a space to get fresh air and enjoy being outside. The GFRC panel aperture size helps direct sunlight into the building where it needs it the most. Where the aperture is the largest is where the sunlight tends to hit the least, thus the need to get sunlight in that space is necessary. Through a series of sunlight analysis, the size of the aperture changes depending on the amount of sun received on the north, south east and west sides of the Buildings.

The project, although speculative, dives deep into how a facade system may be constructed and the necessary structural elements that may be needed. The project is successful in the way that it provides a realistic sense of how a double facade system works together and how the interstitial spaces are created through that process.