THE HILL

This studio examined at the design of Maggie’s Centers for nonhospital cancer care with a focus on biophilic design. The Breathing Hill looked at the Maggie’s Center in Glasgow done by OMA and considered what design changes would be made if the building was put in a Minneapolis climate.

For a transition from Glasgow to Minneapolis the main climate concerns are wind direction seasonally, sun angles, temperature changes, and sudden dramatic seasonal changes. In the diagram on the bottom, the left shows the conditions of Glasgow while the right shows the conditions of Minneapolis. Since Minneapolis is known for having harsh winter winds, design changes needed to be kept in mind on how to reduce the impact of these winds.

This project examines Terrapins 15 Patterns of Biophilic Design which is split into three categories. The three categories are nature in space, natural analogues, and nature of the space. This design selects patterns from each category to build upon in biophilia.

Winter Wind

Summer Sun

Winter Sun

Summer Wind

The patterns demonstrated through this design are visual connection with nature, thermal + airflow variability, and dynamic and diffuse light, material connection with nature, prospect, and refuge. These fall into the three categories of Nature in Space, Natural Analogues, and Nature of the Space from Terrapins 15 Patterns of Biophilic Design.

Patrick Cipriano