Graduate Design Studio, Orlando Fl, Ruth Ron Assistant professor by ruth ron

Ruth Ron | Assistant Professor Graduate Design Studio 1 | Fall 2009

G|SoA

Urban Planning and Design Research Project, Downtown Orlando, Florida:

Interstate 4 Bridge District Study - Opportunity Assessment and Place-making Initiative PI: Michael Kuenstle, Co-PIs: Assistant Professor Ruth Ron, Professor William Tilson, Ivan Smith Eminent Professor Guy Peterson and SoA Director, Martin Gold

Executive Summary Report Introduction

This publication documents graduate student design research produced at the University of Florida, Graduate School of Architecture (GSoA), during the fall semester of 2009. The purpose of the design research was to study alternative urban planning strategies and building design proposals for a project study area, referred to as the “Interstate 4 Bridge District,” located in downtown Orlando, Florida. The research was accomplished in a graduate level architecture design studio course format lead by architecture faculty working in close collaboration with a team of design professionals from the City of Orlando’s Economic Development Department and with input from local neighborhood stake-holder’s representatives. The student design projects generated with the research are intended to assist the City in its visioning and evaluation process for possible implementation of a “Place-making Initiative” that was developed by the City of Orlando’s Economic Development Department. The “Place-making Initiative” includes recommendations to study urban planning and architectural design projects for the “Interstate 4 Bridge District” that will, in coordination with an Interstate 4 highway expansion project, promote mixed use development with an emphasis on recreational, entertainment and commercial programs that integrate high quality pedestrian oriented design intended to reconnect the urban space contiguous with the Interstate to the downtown urban fabric.

A primary goal of this research and the “Placemaking Initiative” is to promote and enhance the quality and integrity of life in the City and to help the City move forward toward achieving its stated goal that “the Bridge District will become a keystone of Orlando’s Vision Plan uniting communities, connecting destination venues and creating a memorable sense of place.”

Acknowledgements

The Orlando I-4 Bridge District Study was made possible, in part, by a grant issued to the University of Florida, Graduate School of Architecture (GSoA), through the City of Orlando Economic Development Department. Brooke Bonnet, Deputy Director of the Economic Development Department, with the support of Daisy W. Lynum, City of Orlando Commissioner, District 5, assisted Martin Gold, Director, School of Architecture, and Michael Kuenstle, Associate Professor, in developing the initial proposal for the research project. The project served as the inaugural GSoA project implementing the University of Florida, Citylab-Orlando research and teaching facility located in the University of Central Florida Center for Emerging Media in Orlando. The design proposals generated with the study were developed under the direction of GSoA Professors Michael Kuenstle, Ruth Ron, Bill Tilson and Ivan Smith Eminent Professor, Guy Peterson. The professors collaboratively developed and organized the studio projects to meet the requirements of the GSoA curriculum while incorporating the requirements of the research agenda, which is never an easy task, but nonetheless has lead to some very interesting design results. The implementation of a studio model as a vehicle for graduate research provides a unique experience for graduate students to interact with design professionals, community officials and business leaders - an experience hard to

ascertain within the walls of a University.

formal reviews in Orlando and Gainesville.

Professor Ron developed and organized the parametric modeling workshop with Dr. Yasha Grobman, from the Havard GSD, and with the assistance of Gail Milano, prepared the workshop results for this publication. Professors Ron and Grobman also provided the text to accompany the workshop results.

Davon Barbour and Walter Hawkins of the Community Development Agency represented the neighborhood stakeholders during the critical meetings and provided valuable information relative to the history and culture of the Parramore Heritage District bordering the project study area. Davon Barbour also participated in panel discussions and formal reviews in Orlando and Gainesville.

Robert L. Ward and Joanie Schrim represented the Downtown Orlando “Interstate 4 Design Review Committee” and prepared the initial documents and site plan study that was presented to the research team and later incorporated into the project proposal as starting point for the design analysis. The committee’s “Place-making Principles” and “Opportunity Assessment” became the catalyst for the GSoA study. Design Professionals at the City of Orlando Economic Development Department played a key role in advancing the project at every stage of its development. They tirelessly critiqued and guided the research from the City’s perspective. The leadership of Jason Burton, Holly Stenger and Kenneth Pelham was instrumental in the success of this project, providing valuable insight and historical context for constructing the parameters of the study and for proving valuable input during important phases of the project development. They participated in panel discussions and

Professor Kuenstle, working with Justin Taylor and Angel Nieves, assembled the final publication, fine tuned the compositions and did the final editing. Kuenstle, serving as the PI for the research, wrote the grant proposal, provided the overall management of the project and developed the text for the final publication and research deliverable. Finally, the Advanced Graduate Design 1 class of 2009 should be credited for producing the intricate drawings, diagrams and models represented in this document. Their work will serve the City well in assessing and implementing its strategic vision plan for the “Interstate 4 Bridge District” in downtown Orlando.

Research Abstract

East River Waterfront, SHoP Architects

The City of Orlando is in the process of implementing successful urban planning and design strategies to reclaim its everyday public spaces that have fallen victim to the poor quality of design that characterizes many new public spaces found in major cities throughout the world. These unattractive urban conditions are often dominated by parking lots, highway infrastructure, introspective buildings, a lack of pedestrian scale, indeterminate or undefined territorial boundaries, a poor sense of place, and by spaces which in different ways for different groups are too often exclusionary. Recent accomplishments with urban renewal projects 1 in other cities and the successful mitigation of these undesirable urban conditions has inspired

Viaduc Des Arts, Patrick Berger

the City of Orlando to establish and institute a “Place making Initiative” as a part of the City’s overall Strategic Vision Plan. The goal of the “Place-making Initiative” is to study, develop and advance new urban planning strategies and design concepts for the redesign of the “Interstate 4 Bridge District,” a major public space within Orlando’s downtown urban fabric. To assist the City in the visioning, evaluation and possible implementation of this important initiative, this design based research project studies key elements of the “Place-making Initiative” and provides a valuable design resource to the City and its stakeholders for advancing their process of urban renewal for the

1 Some recent successful and notable example projects include the East River Waterfront and South Street Seaport projects in NYC by SHOP architects and Patrick Berger’s adaptive re-use strategy implemented with the Viaduct of Arts, an elevated promenade in Paris. Of particular interest with SHOP’s work is their creative programming strategy for pavilion structures located beneath the FDR Highway.

“Interstate 4 Bridge District.”

Research Methodology

The research methodology for the design study included graduate architecture students working under the direct supervision of architecture faculty at the University of Florida Citylab research center in Orlando and at the main University of Florida campus in Gainesville. The research commenced with a preliminary review of the City’s “Place-making Initiative” for the “Interstate 4 Bridge District” followed by making direct observations on site visits to the proposed project study area and by attending coordination meetings with City officials and neighborhood representatives. In consultation with City officials, a comprehensive approach to the study was developed that included two primary student design research projects. These projects are both theoretical in character and are structured to meet the research requirements of the City of Orlando study and the curriculum requirements of the GSoA. The first project implemented, Design Research Project One (DRP-1): The Architecture and Space of Urban Infrastructure, concentrates on developing large scale infrastructure design concepts and urban planning strategies to theoretically redesign the I-4 bridge and contiguous public space between Church and Washington streets. A second project, Design Research Project Two (DRP-2): Re-connecting the Orland Urban Fabric: Bridging through Building, focuses on developing concepts for

a theoretical architectural building intervention proposed for a site within the Bridge District. To qualify the each study, strategic parameters for each of the projects were established to facilitate a focused study and evaluation of particular issues outlined in the City’s “Placemaking Initiative.”

simulation techniques for urban analysis. In the workshop courses students learned to apply these advanced techniques to study selected data on environmental concerns, traffic use patterns, pedestrian movement and use patterns, as well as zoning data relative the Orlando research study area.

To advance the initial research, students were asked to take a comprehensive approach to the study. They reviewed an existing streetscape design recently implemented for the project study area and researched the Parramore Heritage District and historic buildings, tourism studies, current land use designations, previous master plan studies, the new “Event Center” design, and other studies prepared by the City’s “Downtown Orlando Interstate 4 Design Review Committee” and other agencies regarding existing city and state buildings. The student research also incorporates information and data gathered from participation in formal reviews and presentations of their work made during the conceptual design phase of the research. The formal reviews and presentations for each stage of the research were organized in Orlando and in Gainesville and were attended by architecture faculty members, city officials and local neighborhood stake-holder’s representatives. Additionally, students participated in a special workshop focusing on the application of advanced modeling and

The final design research deliverable for each student project includes the production and evaluation of alternative design concepts using planning and building design studies represented with architectural drawings, diagrams, models and 3 dimensional concept type renderings. A brief narrative text accompanies each project outlining the principle ideas explored. An outline of preliminary recommendations for evaluating the “Place-making Initiative” is provided with the project description in the summary report. The work provided is intended for strategic planning, concept evaluation and to promote a transparent discourse regarding available alternatives. It is not intended for direct implementation. The work is part of an educational mission and does not constitute a professional service. A range of professionals including, but not limited to, licensed and/ or registered engineers, planners, architects or landscape architects would be required to translate the concepts developed as part of this work to a level of detail acceptable for implementation.

The Interstate 4 Bridge District – Existing Conditions of the Project Study Area

The “Interstate 4 Bridge District” is an important section of the Orlando urban fabric that is unfortunately characterized by the negative impact of an elevated segment of the I-4 highway that bridges over and bisects the downtown area in the north-south direction. The I-4 highway in downtown Orlando, which was once the American symbol of speed, mobility and efficiency, has evolved into an enormous urban infrastructure impediment to the City’s Strategic Vision Plan for renewal of the area. As the I-4 bridge has continued to expand over time to keep up with the growing vehicular traffic, it has gradually become what can currently be perceived as a physical

territorial barrier between a lively and active downtown central business district located east of the bridge and essential cultural amenities, a new sports arena, residential housing, government buildings, and proposed redevelopment, located west of the bridge. Moreover, this vast urban public space beneath the I-4 bridge (measuring approximately 350’ wide x 1250’ long or about 10 acres) lacks any clear sense of cultural or community program commensurate with the many different activities and events that constantly define and redefine the everyday public life of the city.

Traffic counts on I-4 and Garland Ave.

Central Village Parramore Neighborhood

Downtown Orlando

Bridge District

New Arena

Project Study Area

View of Project Study Area 7

Lynx Central Bus Station

Place-making Principles and Opportunity Assessment

The City of Orlando “Place-making Principles” and “Opportunity Assessment,” which in part became the catalyst for the GSoA study, are outlined below:

“Place-making Principles”

“Opportunity Assessment”

• •

•

• • • •

Think “End-Users” Establish Downtown Walkability as a Priority Create Seamless Connectivity between Neighborhoods and Destinations Utilize Destination Assets as Focal Points Understand and be Responsive to Key User Programming and Operational Criteria Establish a Place-making Vocabulary providing a Cohesive Experiential Fabric throughout Downtown Orlando

•

Capitalize on the potential of the Bridge District to connect the Parramore Heritage District, the Events Center, Commuter Rail, the Performing Arts District, the Creative Village, downtown businesses, residents and visitors Seize this brief moment in time to Collaborate together with a Common Goal to ensure that Infrastructure and Transportation improvements are key contributors toward achieving our Vision and Mission statements

•

Establish an Area Development Placemaking Palette (hard-scape, landscape, lighting, sound, graphics) Study additional signature/destination programs for the site, including programs that promote mixed use development with an emphasis on recreational, entertainment, and commercial programs that integrate high quality pedestrian oriented design to reconnect the urban space contiguous with the Interstate.

I-4 DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE BRIDGE DISTRICT PLACEMAKING DIAGRAM February 15th, 2007

Research Project One (DRP-1) The Architecture and Space of Urban Infrastructure

The design proposals developed with this phase of the research explore innovative approaches for the possible redesign and reprogramming of the I-4 bridge and adjacent public space. From an urban design and planning position, the enormous dimension of the I-4 bridge infrastructure and the vast urban territory it occupies are critical urban conditions impacting a complex layer of public space whose design must be considered as part of any comprehensive urban planning strategy for the renewal of the “Interstate 4 Bridge District.” The City of Orlando “Interstate 4 Design Review Committee” has perceptively recognized that this existing urban condition needs remediation and has developed a set of “Place-making Principles” that are recommend for study and possible implementation during an upcoming bridge expansion project. The “Place-making Principles” are incorporated into the following student design studies and tested along with additional design parameters that were developed as part of the preliminary research for the project. While the student design research projects are theoretical proposals, they do delineate some very optimistic design approaches and concepts that could be developed further and implemented to improve the urban infrastructure condition of the existing “Interstate 4 Bridge District.” First, many of the student design proposals provide a vision for how to integrate a pedestrian sensitive scale into the urban space beneath the bridge

by designing public spaces that encourage outdoor activities and community use. Some of the programs studied to encourage outdoor use and activation of the public spaces include informal community programs such as parks, children’s play area, dog walk, bike riding, skate boarding, exercise venues and other informal performance and gathering type spaces. These programs are balanced with opportunities for business retailers that could service those activities. Another important aspect of the reprogramming issue relates to the integration of transportation linkages into the overall infrastructure design and planning strategy. Many projects provide spatial and infrastructure links to the LYNX, zip car and bicycle rental and additionally, reconfigure public parking facilities to accommodate the different scale of events occurring in the neighboring venues as well as in the space beneath the bridge. A goal for this phase of the project was to study the possibility of integrating these “linking“strategies so they can serve to reconnect and weave the adjoining urban fabric into the reprogrammed public space. This urban planning gesture and design approach will also encourage connectivity between the east and west side of the bridge. Concerning the I-4 bridge structure, a critical challenge to improving the overall aesthetic atmosphere at the project study area remains the existing physical I-4 bridge structure itself. The I-4 bridge utilizes design and construction

detailing for a standard utilitarian type bridge - the type you might use to cross a rural wetland or other unpopulated area, which is not the most appropriate aesthetic or spatially accommodating for such an important urban situation. Additionally, the physical constraints of the bridge pose some difficult spatial issues that need attention. For example, the column spacing, height, and overall width of the bridge, which keeps increasing with every new expansion, create undesirable conditions for natural day lighting, air flow and acoustics. Although the complete redesign of the bridge following a more elegant scheme may not seem feasible, ideas for modifying the existing bridge structure are a possibility. Some of the concepts studied to mitigate this condition of the physical bridge structure include the design of acoustic dampening devices, visual screening panels and armature structures that could be retrofitted to the bridge during future expansions. Modifications to the bridge configuration that allow natural daylight to penetrate into the cavernous space beneath the bridge also show some promising results. Integrating these strategies will not only improve the overall atmosphere in the I-4 Bridge District, but will also improve the perception of public safety and security.

Research Project One (DRP-1) Summary Design Recommendations for Interstate 4 Bridge District

Li Ran, DRP-1

In addition to the “Place-making Principles,” design modifications to the bridge infrastructure and contiguous space should consider the following:

Urban Programming Issues

Bridge Infrastructure Design Issues

•

• • • •

develop programs that encourage outdoor activities and pedestrian friendly uses such as bike riding, dog run, skate park incorporate transportation linkages with LYNX, zip car, bike and scooter riding provide flexible parking opportunities for special events incorporate appropriate retail and mixed use occupancies incorporate CPTED principles for passive and active control and safety

• • •

redesign the bridge as a monument or destination and focal point allow natural daylight to penetrate into the space beneath the bridge design of acoustic dampening surfaces to mitigate road noise increase the span and height of structural supports using architecturally designed and engineered system rather than standard Florida DOT design details

Research Project Two (DRP-2) Re-connecting the Orlando Urban Fabric: Bridging through Building While Research Project One (DRP-1) investigates urban planning strategies and operates at the design scale of a very large thread of urban infrastructure, Research Project Two (DRP-2) focuses on developing individual building design proposals to study the possible integration and testing of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Place-making Principlesâ&#x20AC;? and urban planning strategies within a single theoretical building design project. The theoretical project implements a mixed-use type occupancy for a Hotel/Sports Museum proposed for the site of the existing city parking garage located at the intersection of W. Church and S. Hughey streets. The Hotel is intended to support new and emerging developments within the Interstate Bridge District and downtown Orlando and the Sports Museum makes a direct programmatic link with the new Event Center. Within the Sports Museum, possibilities for integrating facilities for community based or cultural activities are explored. Retail spaces are integrated into the occupancy to help activate linkages between the public and private, and interior and exterior spaces. The theoretical building design proposal does not support, nor endorse, the demolition of the existing parking garage - the site was chosen to facilitate research and educational issues related to the overall project deliverable and curricular objectives. During the building design process, emphasis was placed on developing an innovative approach to a vertical building section that explored a strong set of layered transverse relationships between the ground plane and existing and proposed public street level activities, the I-4 bridge and exigent 13

infrastructure issues, and an overall building scale and gesture that could relate positively to the Interstate 4 District and the image of downtown Orlando. The building design projects consider environmental issues such as building orientation for appropriate solar exposure and building material selection for weathering, texture and scale. Some of the designs emphasize the relationship of the building to the urban context by incorporating pedestrian movement systems that engage the public space, movement and events at the street level.

Church Street

Project Site

Research Project Two (DRP-2) Summary Design Recommendations for Building Intervention Study The mixed-use program for a theoretical Hotel/Sports Museum type building occupancy shows promising potential to successfully link new development with the proposed planning and design strategies developed with DRP-1. The following design issues should be considered when implementing a building project the building study:

•

cultivate building programs that can serve as direct support for developing the I-4 Bridge District as a destination venue

•

encourage building programs that activate and link the ground floor of the building with the street and adjacent public spaces at the ground level implement building programs that can promote and encourage linkages between the community and private business

•

design approach should facilitate connectivity between east and west side of I-4 urban fabric

•

goal for building programs should include the integration of the overall design and planning strategy to advance the renewal initiative

Hotel Tower

Mixed-Use Facility

Joint Use Public/Private Programs

Public Space Development to Incourage outdoor Activities

Site Section 14

cultivate building programs that can serve as direct support for developing the I-4 Bridge District as a destination venue

•

design approach should facilitate connectivity between east and west side of I-4 urban fabric

•

goal for building programs should include the integration of the overall design and planning strategy to advance the renewal initiative

Matt Chandler, DRP-1 University of Florida graduate architecture student Matthew Chandler and visiting architecture professor Guy Peterson generated this proposal for the Interstate 4 bridge and a new mixed-use building in Orlando. In this digital rendering, part of the freeway is removed to delineate the vast amount of space and structure located beneath the expressway. The design proposal explores a variety of outdoor activities and events that the new public space might facilitate, including a skateboard park and bicycle paths. The newly designed building, to the left, incorporates a sports museum, as well as housing and retail on the ground level. The bridge is so large that one of the challenges was to capture some daylight to make the space more pleasant and inviting and also to make linkages between the central business district to the west and new developments underway in the Parramore district to the east. 15

Turning Design on It’s Head

Generative Use of Simulation Processes by Architects in the Early Stages of the Design Process Prof. Ruth Ron and Dr. Yasha Grobman

Introduction

Traditional modes of form creation have given significant weight to qualitative, cognitive and perceptual aspects of the architectural form. Throughout the history of architecture, this idea sustained logo centric modes of operation and theories, which in turn promoted the imagebased approaches to form, such as typology and shape grammar. Starting from the late 1960’s, the introduction of computers to architectural design ushered in the possibility of using computers to generate architectural form using performance oriented quantitative data (Grobman et al. 2009). The University of Florida graduate studio workshop in CityLab Orlando examined the notion of performance-based form generation in architectural design. The main aim of the workshop was to develop new architectural design methods based on direct information exchange with interdisciplinary digital simulation platforms. Performancebase design approach continues the lines of research of former morphogenesis and form finding in architectural design.

Performative Design

One of the most interesting issues within the early stages of this discourse had to do with the relationship between performance related criteria and architectural form. Early attempts to use performance criteria for form generation such as Greg Lynn’s proposal for the Port Authority pedestrian bridge competition, or Franken Architekten design of ‘Dynaform’

project, used animation software to simulate performance. Thus, performance simulation was used more as an inspiration or a method to achieve formal complexity, rather than for optimization and control over the behavior of the architectural form. Later research within this realm in the early 2000’s promoted interdisciplinary approach that examined new possibilities in performance-oriented design due to the increasing connectivity between tools and ideas coming from engineering and architecture (Kolarevic 2003) and promoted material oriented approach (Hensel et al. 2006), (Hensel & Menges 2007). Another approach to performance, which is important in this context, examined the possibility to use simulation tools to directly generate architectural form. Early application of this idea could be traced to tools such as eifForm (Shea 2004) and Flux Structure (Sasaki et al. 2007). Both tools generate architectural form using a custom tool and algorithms that translated initial programmatic structural demands to architectural form. The current workshop tried to develop this approach further by examining the possibilities to use additional criteria such as wind, circulation and sunlight /shade in a generative manner and suggested ways to embed performance-oriented design into state of practice architectural design.

We argue that while traditional use of simulation in architecture for form evaluation acts on an existing form, in performancebased form generation, form is created by the computer directly from raw information. Many contemporary architectural practices evaluate their proposed design using simulation in an “after-the-fact” manner. In this typical design process, the solution’s adherence to performance criteria is examined, usually by specialized consultants, using simulation software. The design is then modified according to the results in order to improve upon it. However, changes at late design stages are generally very limited, hard to implement and expensive. Therefore, in this workshop we tried to turn design process on its head by using simulation processes in a generative, or “before-the-fact,” manner that is, to generate a 3-D design space or a building’s initial form directly from performance information. Form which is generated this way adheres by definition to the specified performance criteria used to generate it, and does not necessitate re-evaluation. Its parametric origins and dynamic characteristics elevate it to a new type of form, a “smart form” (Magdy & Krawczyk 2003). This can augment the general performance of the building and save time in the design process, while producing a form that embeds a larger amount of performancerelated information. In the workshop, students used simulation tools both by working directly in the simulation environments and by using mediating tools. This led, for example, to

performative envelopes that were generated in the simulation environment and imported to design software, where they could be manipulated more easily.

The Workshop

The five day intense workshop opened with a presentation by Dr. Grobman introducing the concepts of performance-oriented design along with several case studies. Then the students broke up into three large groups focusing on three performative themes: sun, wind and circulation. Each group was introduced to analysis and simulation tools: climate analysis tool named ‘Climate Consultant’ and wind simulation software ‘envi-met’ for the wind group, ‘Climate Consultant’, Sun Tool and ‘Ecotect’ for the sun group, and Autodesk 3DMax ‘Crowd’ and Particle Dynamics for the circulation group. Each group analyzed local conditions at the downtown Orlando I-4 ’bridge-district’ site, simulating existing environmental and physical conditions with the newly acquired digital tools. At the end of this phase students presented their understanding of the general and specific problems of the project. For example, the ‘circulation’ group examined the location of parking structures, public transportation and people destinations within the district and site scales, and identified existing movement paths and deficiencies. Then the students broke into sub groups to define their desired performance criteria and form generation strategies. For example- the’ sun’ group worked in two

directions- desired direct sun radiation and shading on the building envelope and ground itself within site limits, and desired direct sun radiation or shading in adjacent area- under the I-4 bridge, streets and neighboring buildings. Each group defined how much daylight and shading per programmatic element are required (hours, days and months of the year) and used a strategies like mass positioning, orientation and volume subtraction to generate an initial architectural building form. The proposed architectural interventions altered the existing condition of the site and were simulated and tested against the defined performance goals. Working in large groups allowed the students to produce a large quantity of simulation, research and solution proposals in a very short time frame. After the analytical phase, the students worked in multiple sub- groups, which challenged them to propose alternative strategies from an identical set of site conditions. It was very successful in conveying the following concept: performance–oriented design is not a singular dictated solution, but rather the opposite. It is an open-ended strategy that can lead to countless diverse solutions.

Summary

The move towards performance-oriented design and the use of simulation processes in architecture carries contradicting claims regarding the future of the profession. On the one hand, the complexity of the tools and the required knowledge could support an argument that engineers are the new architects (Fort

Meyer 2006). On the other hand, the ability of architects to use simulation tools and the move towards a singular modeling environment based on Building Information Modeling (BIM), coordinated by architects, elevate the architect’s position within the industry in terms of responsibilities and influence. Although it seems that these changes do not do away with the need for professional advisers, nor decrease the roll of the architect in the near future, it does seems to point at highly developed, precise and fine tuned architectural form. The idea of turning the traditional design process on its head, thus, tries to integrate numerous developments in architectural practice, technology and theory into a singular idea. It is based on the assumption that as opposed to the situation in previous decades, many current analyses, optimization and design applications can now be linked and synthesized into interdisciplinary platforms based on direct data exchange. Architecture is no longer limited to a mere inspiration found in the scientific realm and other disciplines, but rather establishes the integration of diverse disciplinary know-how in the computational design processes. The suggested approach would help to equip architects with means to meet the huge challenges facing the built environment. We hope that the workshop, as an inclusive design approach, has a potential to improve the design and performance of future buildings, neighborhoods and cities towards a more sustainable world.

Wind Speed Low Avg High

References

Fortmeyer, R., 2006. When Less Powers More. Architectural Record, 194(12), 104. Grobman, J.Y., Yezioro, A. & Capeluto, I.G., 2008. Building Form Generation Based OnMultiple Performance Envelopes. In 25th Passive and Low Energy Architecture Conference. Dublin. Grobman, J.Y., Yezioro, A. & Capeluto, I.G., 2009. Computer-based Form-generation in Architectural Design – A Critical Review. International Journal of Architectural Computing, 7(4). Hensel, M. & Menges, A., 2007. Morpho-Ecologies: Towards Heterogeneous Space In Architecture Design, AA Publications. Hensel, M., Menges, A. & Weinstock, M., 2006. Techniques and Tech

nologies in Morphogenetic Design, Academy Press. Kolarevic, B., 2003. Computing the Performative in Architecture. In eCAADe 21. Graz, Austria. Magdy, I. & Krawczyk, R., 2003. The Level of Knowledge of CAD Objects within the Building Information Model. In K. R. Klinger, ed. Connecting——Crossroads of Digital Discourse. Indianapolis, pp. 173-177. Sasaki, M., Ito, T. & Isozaki, A., 2007. Morphogenesis of Flux Structure, London: AA Publications. Shea, K., 2004. Directed Randomness. In P. N. Leach, D. Turnbull, & C. Williams, eds. Digital Tectonics. John Wiley & Sons, p. 96.

Performance Oriented Design Using Sun Shading Simulation Dr. Yasha Grobman

Student Contributors: Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Tools

Performance Goals

Sun Tool Sky Dome

The effect of the new building on the Bridge District based off of light and shadow exposure

Sketch-Up Sun Shading Simulation

Climate Consultant

The effect sun exposure and shadow coverage on the new buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facades within the site limitations. Sun Path Tool

Sun Analysis and Design Process

Initial Form Generation

Primary Tools

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 1, Orlando, Fl Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Original Lighting Condition

Initial Study to Increase Public Lighting Sun Angles present during November and December guide the excavation of the south facade The excavation also created a shade corridor present from MayAugust.

The angled surface is used to simultaneous reflect and block the direct sun of July. The strategy of choosing a double skin is used to diffuse and channel the light to interior spaces December sun channeled through the south facade of the building is now reflected underneath the bridge by the activated ground.

Final Form With Shadows

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 2, Orlando, Fl Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Using the longitudinal south half massing study to optimize the site footprint, it was determined that in order to allow sunlight onto our own site during winter months and to give the existing context more direct light, the form should be adjusted to allow sunlight to pass through. A shadow density diagram showing previous site conditions established the tower location on site so that the new arena would not shade the building, but provide shaded areas in public spaces. This also introduced the concept of using the tower connection to shade our own site in order to create an enjoyable atmosphere in the summer months. When viewing the site from the southeast corner as from Hughey Avenue or I-4, most of the sky is visible, as occupants and visitors should understand the sunlight entering the site and the light and shadow features that it creates.

Shadow Study on Selected Dates

Mass Studies Using Sun Path Studies

Sun Dome Site Analysis

Cumulative Shadow Study

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Form Carving Using Sun Path Tool

Final Building Designs with Shadows

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 3, Orlando, Fl Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Current Shadow Form June 5:30 PM

Sky Dome Showing Visible Sky From the Southeast Corridor of the Proposed Building.

Proposed Shadow Form June 5:30 PM

Form Generation Through Shape Analysis and Shadow Studies

Cumulative Shadow Diagram

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Final Proposals with Shadows

Final Form and Shadow Proposals

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 4, Orlando, Fl Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Cumulative Shadow Study at the Scale of the District

Individual Bridge Shadow Studies

33 Red Fescue shade tolerance: HIGH

Saint Augustine shade tolerance: HIGH

Zoysia shade tolerance: HIGH

Dichondra shade tolerance: MEDIUM- HIGH

Kikuyu shade tolerance: MEDIUM- HIGH

Creeping Bentgrass shade tolerance: MEDIUM

Colonial Bent grass shade tolerance: MEDIUM

Highland Bent grass shade tolerance: MEDIUM

Tall Fescue shade tolerance: MEDIUM

Kentucky Bluegrass shade tolerance: LOW

Perennial Rye grass shade tolerance: LOW

Hybrid Bermuda shade tolerance: LOW

Common Bermuda shade tolerance: LOW

Buffalo Grass shade tolerance: LOW

Final Landscape Proposal at the Scale of the Bridge

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 5, Orlando, Fl Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

CUT DATE: DECEMBER 21 (NORTH FACE) JUNE 21 (SOUTH FACE) DESIGN GOAL: NORTH FACE: 25% LIGHT, 6 MONTHS OF THE YEAR SOUTH FACE: MAXIMIZE SHADING WITHOUT REDUCING INDIRECT LIGHTING

Sun Path Study Used to Derive Main Gesture

CUT DATE: DECEMBER 21 (NORTH FACE) DESIGN GOAL: MAXIMIZE LIGHT TO THE SOUTH FACE AND PUBLIC RAMP 9:0017:00

Sun Path Study for Light Exposure on Smaller Volume

Final Form with Shadow and Sun Exposure

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Sun Path Tool Study to Optimize Light Within Forms under Interstate

Final Sun Paths Utilized in Final Interstate Form

Final 3 Component Form With Ideal Exposures

Shading Simulation Shading Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Proposal 6, Orlando, Fl

3PM December

Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

9AM July

9AM December Current Situation

3PM December

DEC Sun Angle 33.7

3PM July

9AM July

200 ft Tower

July Sun Angle 81.9

9AM December

Current Situation

Building Mass Study 1

Building Mass Study 3

3PM December

3PM July

9AM July

9AM December Winter Sun Building Mass Study 2

Building Mass Study 4

Final Plan Shadow Studies

DESIGN GOAL: Carving the shade- Massing and Constructed based on light and shadow effects on surroundings. Slices of light- Slits through the building start acting as a local time piece connecting east to west and north to south.

Optimized Building Form to Allow Direct Sunlight on Site

Performance Oriented Design Using Wind Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Erica Azorin Mat Chandler Ashley Cino Franco Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ascanio Erika Duran Jim Frey Andrew Herbert Noah Marks Ryan McGinn Jennifer Princivil Kyle Proefke Glenda Puente Shawmeron Seal Joelle Szerdi Mark Thomas Chris Vidal Di Wu

Tools

Performance Goals

ENVI-Met: microclimate wind simulation program

Site Conditions Wind conditions determined from references

Create comfortable environment by permitting or blocking wind. Climate Consultant: Weather Analysis Tool

Generate building form

-Wind Vector -speed (m/s) -direction -Humidity -Temperature

Configuration File 12 environmental conditions

ENVI-Met Iterative Workflow

Initial Form Generation

Physical Environment Context of simple volumes with variable: -Resolution/Scale -Extents -Environmental Modifications ENVI-Met Visulations output

Area File -1 default context -4 variable contexts

Proposal 1

-2D Plan Velocity -2D Section Velocity -3D Volumetric Section

Proposal 2

Climate Analysis Using “Climate Consultant” Software Prof. Yasha Grobman

Erica Azorin Mat Chandler Ashley Cino Franco D’Ascanio Erika Duran Jim Frey Andrew Herbert Noah Marks Ryan McGinn Jennifer Princivil Kyle Proefke Glenda Puente Shawmeron Seal Joelle Szerdi Mark Thomas Chris Vidal Di Wu

Climate Consulant Wind Diagram Wind Speed (m/s) Max Avg Min Temperature Max Avg Min

Temperature (Deg. C) <0 0-22 22-24 24-38 >38

Example wind diagrams

Predictions of wind behavior

Block

Increase velocity

Acceptable

Average Wind Speeds for Selected Dates Direction

Wind Speed (m/s)

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

*Months Potentially Requiring Wind Protection Direction

Cool Moderate

Wind Speed (m/s)

Warm

*JAN

*FEB

*MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

*NOV

*DEC

Wind Analysis Using “Envimet” Simulation Prof. Yasha Grobman

Default Site Conditions Plan Cuts Through Site

Noth-South Sections Through Site

East-West Sections Through Site

Site With Test Form Plan Cuts Through Site

Noth-South Sections Through Site

East-West Sections Through Site

Wind Simulation Proposal 1

Prof. Yasha Grobman Erica Azorin Mat Chandler Ashley Cino Franco Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Ascanio Erika Duran Jim Frey Andrew Herbert Noah Marks Ryan McGinn Jennifer Princivil Kyle Proefke Glenda Puente Shawmeron Seal Joelle Szerdi Mark Thomas Chris Vidal Di Wu

Wind Speed Lowest

Highest

Area of study 4 m/s 3 m/s 2 m/s

Rectangle Shape Gen. Approach Maximized Footprint

Customized Form According to wind flow analysis

Rectangle Shape Gen. Approach Maximized Footprint

Customized Form According to wind flow analysis

Site at 20 meters SE wind

Site at 0 meters SE wind

E-W Section E-W Section

N-S Section N-S Section

Rectangle Shape Gen. Approach Maximized Footprint

Site at 10 meters SE wind

Customized Form According to wind flow analysis

Rectangle Shape Gen. Approach Maximized Footprint

Customized Form According to wind flow analysis

Site at 30 meters SE wind

E-W Section

N-S Section

Wind Simulation Proposal 1

Speculative sketches of plans and sections. The sketches were produced through analysis of data output from the Envimet software while also considering design intentions such as building performance and blocking or facilitating wind flow through different forms and mechanisms to achieve desired wind quality

Wind Simulation Proposal 2

Location + Wind Speed Rasters

Height Fields

Stack

2D plan wind velocity diagrams and derived heightfield. The plan diagrams output from envimet were analyzed and used to produce heightfield surfaces based on differences in tone. The surfaces were then stacked to produce a form.

Performance Oriented Design Using Digital Agents Prof. Yasha Grobman

Ni Guan Wylie Gunn Daniel Gutierrez Margaret Hoffman Lauren Insalaco Ji Woong Kim Jamie Krissoff Yang Liu Nick Lowe Chris Neukamm Angel Ortiz Alex Ruhnau Joana Thurston Hannah Wharton Helen Wong

Issues

Design Goals

Urban Scale

Urban scale circulation

Make places for collection of vehicles, re-route bus system

District Scale

Lack of connectivity between bridge district and surrounding nodes

Make places for rest and exchange of activity.

Activation of site with programmed spaces

Make places for collection of people, Activate bridge district as central hub organize program based on movement analysis

Site Scale

Modes of Analysis

Initial Design Proposal at Urban Scale

Initial Form Generation at Bridge District Scale

Initial Form Generation at the Scale of the Site

Digital Agents Digital Agents Circulation Analysis Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel 2 Proposed Free Shuttle Bus Routes

Existing Free Shuttle Bus Route

Circulation Nodes and Intensity of Use Evening Mid-Day

Morning Pedestrian Nodes

Parking Garages and Lots

Circulation Nodes and Intensity of Use: MORNING

Circulation Nodes and Intensity of Use: MID- DAY

Places for collection of vehicles

Places for collection of people

name of image/drawing

Circulation Nodes and Intensity of Use: EVENING

parking garage public nodes new proposed space

Existing and proposed area for bridge district Goal: activate bridge district to be a central hub of all hub of all Orlando via bridge activation.

moment of pause

waves of pedestrian

waves of pedestrian dist.

parking garages

fuel station Intensities of pedestrian movement

waves of pedestrian movement: existing

fuel station waves of pedestrian movement: proposed

Proposed Modified Circulation

Circulation Flow Modifiers

Circulation Day

Circulation Night

Circulation Event

Digital Agents Digital Agents

day night event

Simulation Conclusions Prof. Yasha Grobman

group

Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

individuals

Crowd Simulation Overlap Diagram

Initial sketch for under I-4 bridge

I-4 Bridge ground proposal

I-4 Bridge roof proposal

Design issues being addressed: Connectivity at the scale of the bridge district Strategies of resolution: Activate hub to be the central hub of Orlando. Groups and individuals will be drawn to this hub thus creating the paths of connectivity at the scale of the bridge and eventually within the city.

Proposal and form development: Design an overhead and underfoot condition derived from the issues of existing circulation and modified to create nodes and create flow.

3-D Ground Plane Representation

3-D Roof Plane Representation

Composite Bridge Representation

Digital Agents Digital Agents Partical Simulations Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Define circulation origins and patterns of movement for program organiztion The intention was to analyze the relationships between placement of forms within the site, thereby generating interactions between given forms and around. The outcome is creating an active environment. By combining sixteen screen shots of repeating particle simulation flow into three sequential products with four layers in each to reveal patterns of movement under the bridge region.

Pedestrian flow direction underneath I-4

Modes of Movement Diagram: Tendency

Modes of Movement Diagram: Overlap

Modes of Movement Diagram: Pervasion

Modes of Movement Diagram: Radiation

Digital Agents Digital Agents

Partical Simulations & Form Generation Prof. Yasha Grobman Froukje Akkerman Allison Angle Sarah Appleyard William Arthur Kayleigh Carlisle Liz Desmond Nick Hall Josh Kiffer Rachel Kirby Ran Li Gail Milano Jacob Peel Vanessa Rodriguez Kelly Rowan Ramona Samali Steven Tenzel

Defined circulation origins and patterns of movement for program organization Identifying regions of high density suggested a form that would be most suitable for enclosing, while also providing for open air public spaces in less dense regions.

urc

t ey

Extruded Enclosed Spaces

e Av

Using Height Fields in Rhino a 3D form emerged. These fields were based off of data derived from circulation analysis. These patterns were used to create the facades of the building form shown to the left.

Form Generation

Part 3: selected students’ work Professor Ruth Ron, Assistant Professor

Guan, Ni - Project 1 ‘Bridge’

Nicholas Lowe

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

Florida’s dynamic karst topography is found few places around the world. Millions of years, a unique recipe of limestone, confining beds, organic matter, and moving water have sculpted Florida’s seemingly flat terrain into a geologic piece of artwork that includes complex network of interconnected caverns and caves, drainage basins, disappearing rivers, flowing springs, collapsing sinkholes, circular lake, and subsurface aquifers. Ultimately these ideas take a formal shape which has a relationship to a force acting upon a surface. The concept of erosion is used to understand surfaces that are created by fluids overtime. This project focuses on the variety of ways that water restructures the ground and blends a variety of soil types as well as creating cavernous space that is ‘smooth.’ The ground itself becomes folded inward to accomodate the erosive water flow. However there is some instances when the water comes up from underneith to create a sink hole. Other times water itself remains as a dormant cavity beneath the surface.

This project views the ground place as a set of systems in which erosion creates a form that courses through the levels of sediment and rock. The Hotel in Orlando begins to treat program itself as a force acting upon architecture and manipulating a surface that remains intact but gives to the pressure and rippling of applied forces. The single surface under the bridge provides a gradiated slope between multiple spaces to provide seemless boundaries between mulitple zones. This surface extends beyond the bridge and flows into the building, where it transforms to become part of an occupiable roof structure. The public realm is extended allowing yoga and meditation to take place. This supplements the aspects of sports and provides alternative activities also dealing with the body. These applied programmatic force tests (below) begin with the calculated volume spheres falling on top of a plane. The deformations are recorded and output as frames within a series. The multiple forces acting on the surface creates a variety of scales of motion and reaction. The moments when

the reaction of the surface reaches a maximum and minimum are labelled as crest and trough. Their is an applied color gradient that results from the various altered heights. These heights are translated into programmatic relevancy based upon their degree of social measure. The tall crest-like moments offer a more drastic rippling of the surface and are thus linked to entry-lobby and museum space. Moments are also fixed along the plane moreso than others to accomdate for their inflexibility to deformation. The structural system becomes three-dimensional when apertures reform features such as a pool alongside the yoga lawn. Here the pool rests within the boundary of the structure and reveals how the structure becomes a somewhat modular system into which various programs can be inserted. inserted. Also the overall structure is partially revealed in the facade of the hotel rooms. Small glipses of the structure give the occupant a unique view and a variation on framing the window of the city.

_Flux, Rainstorm street-level perspective

Mapping programmatic fluctuation

Nicholas Lowe

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

Exterior View from I-4

Skin Deformation Experiments

Exterior Roof Garden

Site Plan- revealing underbridge park

Christopher Vidal

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

The general view of this grad 1 course was 1) The spacial development of an Urban infrastructure in Orlando, Florida to reconnect two communities back together after being divided by the construction of the I-4 highway 2) Gather information to find social connections in data to use as arguments in the development 3) Create a new infrastructure to become the new social connector with a highly developed program. The project opened with an introductory intervention built above the I-4 highway to include urban and private spaces as social attractors to bring in jobs, reduce crime and promote activities. This charrette made me invest a lot of time into demographics to get a better understanding of what I can contribute to the community to bring them together. The census information concluded that the west side of the highway was majority unemployed households and the east side was single business people.

Offices/ Business center

lobbies, shops, offices, restaurants/ cafeterias, green spaces, all with the qualities of a professional solution. This was uncharted territory for a lot of the students in studio, including myself. Only just recently have a more formalist, algorithmic architecture curriculum emerged from this program. This was something I have researched for some time in other schools and their methods for data generate architecture, so I was intrigued to learn a whole new method called Algorithmic Architecture. After learning/ experimenting with a java based program called processing, I realized that this program is worth pursuing in parametric modeling.

Through this connection, my intervention was to include park space for families, shops which lead to jobs for the unemployed and a venue where all for the community can be in one place. The end product was a concert venue above the highway and park space with shops below the highway. The site (130â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 300â&#x20AC;&#x2122;) is located in the Parramore district west of the I-4 highway and north of the new Amway Arena which also includes the parking lot (approx.) for a social gathering space under the bridge. This area is in very close distance for pedestrians on foot or in vehicles to commune to from neighboring residences, businesses and historical areas.

Hotel rooms: Business Center: Shops/ Retail: Sports Museum: Utilities: Main Entrances:

The final project was a densely programmed infrastructure both north of the new Amway arena and under the existing I-4 highway. This iteration had to temporarily house, have a sports museum,

Hotel Rooms

75%

Urban

Museum

Utilities

170,00 sq. ft 8,900 sq. ft 8,900 sq. ft 25,000 sq. ft 8,900 sq. ft 9,000 sq. ft

Main Entrances

perspective overhead

+ ground

N Program

To achieve 30% ground coverage a processor was formed to convert flat images to 3-dimensional forms, but also keeping space type information.

Final Parametric

Overall Perspective

+ Spacial Section diagrams

+ Floor diagram

= Split diagram

Spacial 3D

Rachel Kirby

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

The Downtown Recreation Center focuses on maximum control of the sun entering the building while optimizing the public space within for different active programs. The sports museum within the building has responded to this by adapting its program as an interactive museum. Tennis courts adjacent to I-4 act as an icon to bring people to the site as well as an acoustic barrier. They carry through in section to bring other sporting activities such as swimming, jogging, and working out to the inside of the building. These programs, along with the retail center, provide the building a public space that is both desired and needed in Downtown Orlando. The sun is controlled differently on each of the four facades. The north is completely open and sheathed with transparent glass. In order to maximize shade on the south side of the building there is a large concrete grid that forms the balconies which provides large span overhangs for each

of the guest rooms. The east and west facades both have a shifting pattern but are expressed in contrasting ways. The east is all glass with an opaque skin to provide morning light in a less harsh manner, while the west faรงade uses the pattern as the only means to allow light to enter the rooms by penetrating a concrete wall.

south elevation

site plan

under bridge space/ eastern facade

Rachel Kirby

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

residential floor plan

south facade

longitudinal section

view along church street

birds-eye view: north/east facads

sectional light-well diagram

process diagram: recreation in relation to I-4

Di Wu

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

Di Wu

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

Joshua Kiffer

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

Orlando’s downtown district has experienced many changes throughout the years, none of which have led to a distinct identity the city can rally behind and support. Early development saw the construction of Interstate 4, a road that has created a division between the east and west portions of the downtown area and is still a very prominent fixture. This massive structural element has created a division of a physical, cultural, social, and economical nature in the downtown area. In an effort to create a convergence of ideas and activities, the city has recognized a key area called the “Bridge District” that has been purposed as a zone of major development. The Bridge District will use architecture as the primary element to encourage a connection between east and west downtown Orlando. A major aspect of the new architectural features will be a high concentration of public spaces in order to integrate the communities from the east and west. These public spaces will include retail shops, restaurants/coffee shops, a museum, a hotel, recreational facilities and a lobby area for people to

east_entry courtyard

gather. The majority of the spaces will be contained in a mixed-use facility located across the street from the city’s new events center. This new events center serves as an anchor to the bridge district and provides a strong start to the integration process. All of the public spaces included in this project were placed within the first seven levels of the 14-story building. Moving the public spaces vertically created a more cohesive building. This cohesion was created by the ability to physically link different programmatic elements through an atrium and a façade; both of which having direct adjacencies to the public functions of the building.

North and South facades were of major importance both pragmatically and visually. Dividing the façade vertically reinforced the main circulation throughout the building while also allowing for a variety of surface treatments. Each façade was designed with programmatic and atmospheric conditions in mind; these conditions were used to determine the proper placement of windows, opaque panels, light panels and open framework.

The building footprint was influenced by the anticipated direction and flow of potential foot traffic through the site. Analytical models, using both current and future areas of interest, were used to create these influential paths. The same paths then created large courtyard spaces on the ground level to encourage gathering and entry into the building.

influential paths

south courtyard

longitudinal section-south

Joshua Kiffer

Project 2, Orlando, FL Prof. Ruth Ron

exterior street view

first floor plan

programmatic elements

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J -

lobby reception desk parking garage entry loading dock mechanical south courtyard east_entry courtyard south hughey avenue existing building existing garage

G J

fourth floor programmatic elements A F

G E D

A- B- C- D- E- F- G-

museum exhibit space museum theater balcony museum workroom atrium administrator offices open to below

Nicholas Lowe

Project 1, Orlando, FL Prof.Ruth Ron

Through analysis of the city of Orlando and the audible impact of Interstate-4, ideas of sound and how frequencies and vibrations affects the city produced this idea of a sound shell. Sound becomes channeled by the surrounding buildings forming sound corridors that often reach into the city and impact areas much further than its source. This project deals with porosity as a means of insulation. It also develops a way of refracting sound that is emitted from I-4 to create ‘pockets of silence.’These pockets of silence or sound shells begin to program the I-4 region based upon sound and its relation to the pedestrian and the car. The porous shell of the bridge insulates and refracts sound. The skin serves as its own structure and allows for the passages of light. Buffer zones occur when multiple layers of skin begin to overlap. It is here where pedestrian pathways and public events take place. There are a variety of scales of pedestrian spaces that run parallel with the interstate. The skin

wraps underneith the bridge and forms an exhibition area. This brings the person ‘into’ the bridge rather than just through it. A moment exists when the pedestrians move through the internal support of the skin and navigate their way to a platform on top of the structure-- A viewing dispay of the cities traffic at night coursing through the porous structure. This concept of porosity is rooted in the ground of Orlando, specifically the limestone. Porous sediment known as limestone creates underground reservoirs which hold submerged bodies of water. These cavities occasionally surface revealing themselves as sinkholes and springs. The bridge itself is constructed as a membrane or a singlesurface in constant exchange between light and sound. The varying pixels of light penetrate into the interstate to display an ever-changing pattern of light and shadow. Sound itself is thought of as

a malleable force that is manipulated, shaped, and even expressed by the contours and articulation of the sound shell bridge. This project deals with the sensitivity of sound on pedestrains and the dynamic sets of scales that exist simultaneously in the site- the city, the automobile, and the person. The light scheme of the bridge directly mirrors the program and position of the sound shell pocketssound becomes silhouetted by light. Private spaces alongside the bridge are draped in a sound shadow. The sound shell bridge also intends to interface the city at large as a light display. The structure forms a series of pixels diplaying fragments of the city. Headlights at night, and skyscrapers become a cinematic display aimed to redefine the nature of a bridge, to allow the bridge to become a visual screen between the city, the automobile, and the person.

Sinkhole Diagrams

I-4 Bridge interior