Waste to Energy & Recycling Plant
Long Island City, NY
With Michael Pietosi
Alex Barker Studio
Spring 2022
With a primary program of a waste to energy plant and a secondary program of creative studios, this project focuses on contrasts at all scales. Combining the materialities of undulating brick screens with rigid corten steel and translucent polycarbonate incorporates layers of 6
light and textures. The human-scale artist creation spaces become small cubes of light dwarfed by the massive waste to energy and recycling machinery. Overall, this project embodies wider implications and possible evolutions of environmental, energy, and waste needs.
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Metal
WTE: TIPPING HALL
RECYCLING: BUNDLING
RECYCLING:TIPPINGHALL
Ceramics
WTE:SCRUBBERS+CHIMNEY
RECYCLING: SORTING
A. FERRY TERMINAL
B. RECYCLING TIPPING HALL
C. RECYCLING SORTING STATIONS
D. WASTE-TO-ENERGY ENVIRONMENTAL
CONTROLS AND SMOKE STACK
E. ARTS LOBBY
F. RESTROOM
G. GROUND FLOOR GALLERY
H. COURTYARD GALLERY
I. RECYCLING COLLECTION
J. WASTE-TO ENERGY TIPPING HALL
K. WASTE PIT, CRANE, AND HOPPER
L. WASTE-TO-ENERGY BOILER
The structural system consists of a steel frame with concrete on metal decking and cast in place concrete foundation. All machinery and truck traffic is on the ground with only circulation and secondary programing on upper floors. Trusses support the floors of the bridges spanning 50-70 feet over the walkways at the north and the east ends of the building. Moment frames are used as the lateral force resisting system at four locations E-W and two locations on each wing to prevent torsion and shear movement.
The facade system of this project consists of three main materials: terracotta brick, corten steel, and translucent polycarbonate panels. The terracotta brick references the New York Architectural Terracotta Works Building on the site. The brick screens as well as polycarbonate panels are used for points of aperture and are not structural. These materials and the exterior twisted corten steel panels are tied back to the overall steel supporting structure.
The thermal system is limited in the larger spaces due to the heat radiating from the machines adding no additional enviornmental or economic operable cost. Heat exchangers are set up to trade the energy from the steam after it pushes through the generating turbine with the steam looping between radiant floors in the people spaces and circulation. In warmer months, the people spaces are cooled by a pair of AHUs and air-cooled chillers. In the machine spaces, there are operable skylights to allow heat to escape and louvres along the exterior walls to promote cross-ventilation.
Detail Chunk Diagram Chunk First Floor Plan Chunk Second Floor Plan
POLYCARBONATE PANELS
POLYCARBONATE PANELS
JAMB
JAMB
INSULATION
INSULATION
ALUMINUM PLATE PANE
ALUMINUM PLATE PANE
STAINLESS STEEL GUTTER
STAINLESS STEEL GUTTER
TERRACOTTA BRICK
TERRACOTTA BRICK
Panel Subframe System
PANEL SUBFRAME SYSTEM
Corten Steel Panel: 60" x 46" x 3/8"
CORTEN STEEL PANEL
Air Gap
Rigid Insulation
AIR VAPOR BARRIER ON SHEATHING
AIR VAPOR BARRIER ON SHEATHING
W24X103 STEEL BEAM
W24X1103 STEEL BEAM
EMBEDED STEEL PLATE
EMBEDED STEEL PLATE
STEEL POST GROUTED
STEEL POST GROUTED
Sealant
SEALANT
COLD FORMED FRAMING
COLD FORMED FRAMING
Aluminum Window Frame
ALUMINUM FRAME
ALUMINUM CLOSURE
ALUMINUM CLOSURE
JAMB
JAMB
POLYCARBONATE PANELS
POLYCARBONATE PANELS
AIR GAP RIGID INSULATION WP VAPOR BARRIER
WP Vapor Barrier
5/8” SHEATHING
Sheathing: 5/8"
STEEL STUDS @ 16” O.C.
Steel Studs @ 16" O.C.
ALUMINUM INTERIOR FINISH
Interior Finish (Aluminum)
Thermal Section Diagram
NYCHA Farrugut Housing Adaptive Reuse
Brooklyn, NY
With Allison McBrearty
James Garrison Studio
Fall 2021
The intention of the Farrugut Adaptation project is to make a memorable place, transitioning from prioritizing object to prioritizing space using a modified courtyard typology. The existing Farragut houses lack affordable access to basic ammenities such as childcare, fresh food, laundry, and workout and healthcare facilities. These ammenities are now easily accessible on the ground floor of the towers and walled portions. To rectify the neutrality of the existing landscape and create a memorable space for the Farragut community, the manipulated landscape of the courtyard is transformed to a pedestrian-only marketplace and maker’s hub.
The core and structure of the original towers are preserved for sustainability and historical context, but have been redesigned to house multigenerational families via 1,300 square foot three-bedroom ADA accessible units. The existing brick facade was removed and replaced with larger double paned windows, though salvagable brick will be used in the marketplace for historic preservation.
The walled portions host less uniform apartment types, ranging from studio apartments to duplex two-bedroom units. All apartments include a balcony overlooking the center courtyard with removable, semi-opaque screens for privacy and weather resistance. The walled portion begins perfectly vertical and gradually tilts to a maximum angle of 17 degrees from vertical. This tilt is counteracted by a curve in plan.
Two- and three-story cut-throughs in the walls host community gardens where residents can grow fresh produce and sell excess product at the courtyard market. The roof also hosts green space with a more recreational focus. Reading areas, picnic tables, exercise stations, and areas for small performances are located along the top of the walls and are accessible via the tower cores. Half walls extend into the courtyard with semi- public balconies overlooking the public areas below. Five story arched voids in the walls correspond with major pedestrian thoroughfares and connect the courtyard to the surrounding community thus prioritizing people over vehicle traffic. Elevation
A. COMMUNITY CORE
B. GYM / RECREATION
C. LOCKER ROOMS
D. RECEPTION
E. PLAYGROUND
F. PICNIC / PLAY AREA
G. SPORTS COURTS
H. CHILDCARE
I. LIBRARY / READING ROOM
J. GALLERY / EXHIBITION AREA
K. OFFICES
L. RETAIL
M. GROCERY
N. RESTAURANT / DINING AREA
O. MARKET
P. PARKING LOT
Q. MECHANICAL ROOM
A. COMMUNITY CORE
B. THREE BEDROOM -
C. TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT
D. STUDIO APARTMENT
E. CUT-THROUGH
F. BALCONY
G. MECHANICAL ROOM
Mossy Terrain
Concrete Dome Structure
Interlaced Steel Structure With Drainage
Cistern Walkway and Event Space
Foundation and Water Storage
Vertical Component Diagram
This project has a dual purpose of both daylighting the underground DeVoor’s Mill Stream and reducing the flooding during major rain events in Midtown Manhattan. A fractal of domes, whose shape originated from the top of the Central Park lampposts, makes up the subterrainean level of the park with interwoven steel supports to create a sea of curving beams that are reflected in the cistern water. Pipes in the hollow beams carry the street level drainage and dome runoff water to the cistern basin. The varying dome foundation heights create different colors, sounds, and ripples in the water depending on recent precipitation levels. A circumnavagatory grated walkway weaves through the steel structure and connects raised platforms which can be used to host events from musical performances to public meetings. Concrete domes support the public park above.
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• Native to Northern Hemisphere
• Small Feathered Leaves
• Forms a Resilient, Soft Mat
• Native to North America
• Small Branching Leaves
• New Growth Creates Layered Effect
Fern Moss
• Native to East Coast
• Feathered
• Fast Growing
• Native to United States
• Dense, Low to the Ground
• Drought Resistant
• Native to North America
• Spiked Domes
• Changes Color with Temperature
• Native to Northern United States
• Bright Red Clumped Spikes
• Helps Neutralize Acidic Conditions
• Native to Six Continents
• Spiked Buds
• Grows in Any Exposure
Juniper Moss Dicranum scoparium
Artist Residence examines the process of iteration, framing, and intention through a multi-functional addition to a traditional-style home on Governor’s Island in New York City, New York. The program of an artist residence, studio space and gallery creates the need for both public and private spaces ranging in scale. The landscape around the original home is also incorporated as exhibition spaces.
The form of the addition was developed from pieces of hardware through a series of interventions, including slicing, merging, and subtracting. The final form emphasizes diagonality and contrast in the thickness of the walls and soft cuts through the sharp geometry. These concepts are also incorporated in the organic texture of the new form. The addition intersects the North side of the existing house and creates a public gallery space on the first floor that continues out to the exterior of the building. Permeable pavers reflect the geometry of the cuts in the form and offer seating or sculpture mounts. The second floor includes a balcony looking over the gallery as well as the private bedroom, restroom, and work studio for the artist.
The overall project encourages movement throughout the gallery space and offers a variety of staging locations both inside and outside. The pattern on the addition increases the juxtaposition of new and old while evoking the sense of organic materiality. Within provides a well-balanced space for an artist summer residence.
The Los Angeles River Cleanup is based on a Becher and Becher inspired photographic study of the Los Angeles River. Using a series of unique conditions along a 13 mile stretch of the river, nine “workers” were developed to study and improve the river flow and quality:
PIP (Pollution Intercept Point) - The net catches large pollutants in the river before the objects can interfere or damage the workers downstream. The arms raise and lower the net for easy retrieval and to allow for necessary passage.
FINN (Flow Index Numerical Notification) - The paddle wheel collects river flow data. This data is then stored for long term tracking. It is also sent to WILL for chemical calculations for water treatment.
WILL (Water Incorporation Load Location) - Using data received from FINN, BOB, and TIM, chemical treatments are incorporated into the river through a series of automated tubes. The process is cyclical as constant adjustments are made as new data is received.
BOB (Biomatter Observation Booth) - The inhabitable laboratory station is used to test the biomatter both in and on the water. Results from the testing and analysis done in the lab are then sent to WILL for chemical adjustments.
SEB (Solar Energy Bank) - Taking advantage of the open landscape along and in the river, solar panels are used to collect and store energy for the other workers along the river, specifically BOB, WILL, SID, and TIM.
LIA (Life Incorporation Assistant) - Aiding in the current re-wilding process of the Los Angeles River, this offers a mesh to grow water-based plants which can then be moved elsewhere in the river or riverbed.
SID (Soil Information Detector) - This inhabitable laboratory tests the soil as the re-wilding process develops. testing data is stored for progress tracking and is sent to WILL for chemical treatment adjustments.
DIB (Drought Index Beacon) - Using a floating indicator, water level data is extracted and tracked. This information is used to predict and quantify drought levels. The level is also visible to pedestrians on the river trails via notches on the post.
TIM (Toxicity Index Measurer) - The final worker of the series, this inhabitable laboratory tests the final water run off into the Pacific Ocean. This data is stored for environmental organizations and sent to WILL for chemical treatment adjustments.
