NICOLAS BECK SELECTED WORKS
Great Salt Lake, UT
Set in the year 2080, the purpose of this project is to develop an eco-innovative stronghold that safeguards against toxic dust storms. Located in at the former boat marina for the Great Salt Lake National Park, this project seamlessly integrates the surrounding sandy landscape with the nearby salt water lakes by mounding sand over the rooftops. Using a steel truss system, this design will enclose the and submerge residents below grade to protect them from the harmful toxins outside. This shelter will replicate a desirable and resilient living environment found in the outside world. The facility will also feature a dust collection system that will be used to collect and extract valuable minerals found within the toxic winds. Through advanced technologies and sustainable design, this shelter will prioritize safety, resident well-being, and economic growth of the Salt Lake area.
Existing Site Plan
2023 2080
Proposed Site Plan
SITE CONDITIONS
500 People
675,000 SQFT Built Space 2080
210,000 SQFT Natural Space
Mineralists
Miners from the nearby abandoned copper mine have been retrained to harvest the mineral rich dust from the lake.
Scientists
Scientists are needed to better understand the side effects of the toxic dust and creating dust resistant vegetation.
Families
Families of the scientists and miners will also live within the shelter, bringing additional needs for farmers, teachers, and first responders.
DESIGN FOR COMMUNITIES
2 DESIGN FOR ECONOMY
3 DESIGN FOR RESOURCES
DESIGN FOR ENERGY
Easley, SC
Masters Program 2nd Semester
An intervention aimed at restoring the local ecology, hydrology, and community of a former Walmart box store. Situated on roughly 25 acres off highway 123 in Easley, SC, the site prioritizes taking the needs of the community found in the recently published comprehensive plan by creating a mixed use, walkable neighborhood that priotizes responsible water management strategies, an aging in place mentality, and human scale architecture that brings back the idea of the 3rd place. The center of the design revolves around the repurposing of the former Walmart, turning it into a hub of learning and exploration in the form of an environmental education center.
Proposed Site Plan (Created in Collaboration with Partner Joe Ostapow)
MIXED-USE MED. DENSITY DEVELOPMENT
PARKING
ENTRANCE PLAZA
MICROHOTEL
SENIOR LIVING
MEDICAL CLINIC OFFICES
SHOPPING PLAZA
MARKET SQUARE GROCER
Program Axon (Created by Partner Carson Cone)
RESTAURANTS CAFES
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
BUS TERMINUS
SPECIALTY STORES
PERFORMANCE CENTER
Our strategy supports the local environment by using a rain basin “highway system.” This allows water runoff to directly enter rain gardens that allow the water to be filtered and absorbed as it moves through this system towards a newly created park. This allows native vegetation to flourish throughout our site without the need to artificially water, reducing the sites water consumption and further its sustainability goals. From there we’re able to arrange walkable mixed use blocks that supports local businesses and homes for all ages. Introducing community facilities such as a new performing arts center, expanded outdoor ampitheater, and a new public library. Weaving around these forms and up into the center of the development, we created a network of pathways intended to integrate the new park into the community.
Greenville, SC
The Neighborhood of Poe Mill, situated a few miles from Downtown Greenville, is experiencing rapid growth and development. However, the existing infrastructure and single family residential typology does not support the anticipated growth in the area – large apartment complexes are slated to be developed without any consideration for current adjacent housing. The premise of this studio is to introduce missing middle typologies, a potential solution for responsible densification that will enhance the current neighborhood and benefit all residents. This project focuses on a neglected entry node into Poe Mill. Situated along Buncombe Rd, these relatively empty parcels, with the exception of two existing commercial use buildings – one is the former general store and the other a former insurance agency – offer the perfect opportunity to not only bring needed commercial space into the area, but also to create much needed accessible housing for the area’s largely aging population.
A ST
1ST AVE
Framing Model
By incorporating advanced framing methods, the design minimizes material usage while significantly improving the building’s sustainability and environmental impact. The thoughtful standardization of the floor plans ensures that the same roof design can be seamlessly applied to both layouts, requiring only three truss types, which streamlines construction and reduces complexity. Additionally, the square configuration of the plans introduces a creative opportunity to rotate the roofs, allowing each unit to possess a unique and personalized appearance. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic individuality of the units but also reflects a commitment to efficiency, practicality, and sustainable design principles.
Greenville, SC
By channeling the spirit of Unity Park, UNION represents the blending of the natural and built environments. By extending the Swamp Rabbit Trail into this over 25,000 sqft design, we have created a seamless, public, open air, UNION of spaces. The main level features public retail, entertainment, a fresh market, as well as small island restaurant spaces that create a visual appeal to draw in passerby on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. The cantilevered second level, featuring restaurant and coworking space, creates shaded spaces underneath for users to enjoy while also providing stunning views of Unity Park. This blending of community uses allows for UNION to be a feature at all times of the day, welcoming visitors to the innovative and new Unity Park.
SOUTHERNSIDE BREWING
Programming is organized to enhance the interaction between the built environment and adjacent trail system. The large corridor that runs parallel with the trail as an extension of the park serves as interior edge conditions for entertainment, dining, retail and social programming to activate the corridor and create an inviting atmosphere. The corridor itself doesn’t have a set program but is meant to be overflow space for programming and the main mode of circulation for the build as it connects all access points of Union.
Parallel Puncture Push
Recognizing the PARALLEL relationship between the SRT and the site
Pull Connection
PULLING cantilevers out to meet the SRT, providing shaded seating areas for passerby as well as providing views of Unity Park
By separating Union from the existing Commons, a new CONNECTION between the SRT and the greater neighborhood is established
PUNCTURING the core of the mass that runs parallel to the SRT
Strategically PUSHING spaces into the newly created core to allow access to SRT
Concept diagram created by partner Haley Rogers
Sharps Chapel, TN
Nestled on 3 wooded acres and surrounded by the pristine Norris Lake in northeastern Tennessee, the Beck family’s forever home is brought to life. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms, it provides ample room for family gatherings. An open concept main level encourages social interaction. The remote location of the house requires that all necessary progams be located on the main level - primary bedroom, office, laundry, and garage - so that the owners can age in place and enjoy their home for years to come. The building’s placement on the site affords seasonal views of the nearby mountains and lake while also offering complete privacy.
PRIMARY BATH
PRIMARY BEDROOM
KITCHEN
SCREENED PORCH
DINING
LIVING
BUNK ROOM MECH. ROOM
(Unheated)
