RAINFOREST CONSERVATION Visitor + Research Center
SARAH SCHMID Interior Design Capstone Project Maryville University 2020
Peru
» home to 10th most forested area in the world with half the country cover » one of the most biodiverse countries due to dense Amazon forest » economy relies on natural resources which leads to high levels of defores
Climate
» equatorial climate » average temperature is 77 ° Fahrenheit or 25 ° Celsius » rarely ever below 32 ° F » no distinct difference between summer and winter season, but, rather, r » overall rainfall typical beween 6 ft. - 30 ft. » no clear distinction between seasons other than rainy and less rainy time » winds from the South-West at noon and South-East in the afternoons
Rainforest Regions
» Southern Peru: hotter with heavy rainfall from December - March, coole » Northern Peru: hotter with heavy rainfall from December - May, cooler a » Selva Baja (Down Forest) also known as the Omagua region has average overall » Selva Alta (High Forest) also known as Rupa-Rupa or Rainforest Mountai and the altitudes cause cooler temperatures
red in trees
location
station
rainy and not as rainy seasons
es of the year
er and less rainy from June - September and less rainy from June - November temperatures of 82 ° F, very high humidity, and lots of rain
in High, exists along the eastern side of the Andes mountains
TAMBOPATA RESEARCH CENTER - AMAZON VILLA HOTEL Located in the Reserva Nacional Tambopata area of Peru, this bungalow-style hotel is private and resered within the rainforest. It offers quiet, nature-centered getaways and ammenities such as spa services, guided hikes, and wildlife excursions.
This visitor’s center will partner with this hotel to allow visitors the option of staying for a night (or a few) during their trip. This will also give the center the opportunity to make use of an already semi-populated area so there is not a need to construct on fully natural land. Tambopata Center is focused on conservation efforts and has a small structure dedicated to this research, though most is conducted throughout the forest.This new visitor’s center will provide the Tambopata Center with more space and better resources to continue their research and conservation efforts. https://www.perunature.com/amazon_lodge/tambopata-amazon-villas/
REFUGIO VISITOR AND RESEARCH CENTER » remodeled suites serving as a visitor center and lab » 1 hour bustrip from airport, followed by 1 hour boat trip
POSADA AMAZONAS » less private, connected suites » immersed in the communal reserve of the Ese Eja Native Community of Infierno » 1 hour bustrip from airport, followed by 1 hour boat trip
TAMBOPATA LODGE » most remote lodge » best chance to experience biodiversity of flora and fauna » 1 hour bustrip from airport, followed by 2.5 hour boat trip
ÿ ÿ
site analysis AMAZON VILLAS » private bungalows » 1 hour bus trip from airport, followed by 1 hour boat trip
Problem Statement
Environmental crises such as climate change, deforestation, rapid reduct issues plaguing our planet. This center strives to inform, research, and te
Deforestation
» second largest contributer to greenhouse gas emmissions worldwide » prominent issue in Peru, mostly due to small-scale agriculture, comm » around 1,100 sq miles cut down every year in Peru » natural resources being extracted at a quicker rate than they are ab » consistently on the rise in Peru » largely due to quick turnover of goverment officials and lack of appl
REDD+
» Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (RE » “+” relates to the inclusion of further conservation efforts and sust » organization run by indigenous communities in Peru who are directl natural resources » focus on attaining and preserving right to forested land, monitoring ty » strive to show that indiginous communities are directly affected by t direct call to action to make the changes they wish to see
tion of natural resources, etc. are urgent est solutions in order to combat these.
supported causes
e mercial mining and road construction, and illegal logging
ble to replenish
licable enforced laws
EDD+) tainable forest management ly affected by climate change and reduction of local
g carbon emissions, and recording changes in biodiversi-
these changes to the surrounidng area as well as take a
» uses a mineral nutient solution and water to grow crops as opposed to » crops can be grown year round in a monitored and controlled environm » quicker and larger yields » water efficiency » efficient use of nutrients and less waste » no competition with weeds or invading species » elimination of soil-borne disease » less manual labor required » can grow only one type of crop year-round if needed as opposed to cycl » on the rise globally as applicable technology improves
Hydroponic Farming as a Laboratory Focus
» One of the main reasons deforestation is occuring in Peru is the use of » incorporating vertical indoor farming will reduce the amount of land ne tion relief » laboratory dedicated to the research of advancements in non-tradition » crops grown can be used to benefit the community and indigenous soc tion and lack of natural resources/useable farm land
o traditional soil farming ment
hydroponic farming
ling with the seasons
f the land for growing crops eeded for horizonal traditional farming, therefore aiding in deforesta-
nal farming cieties in Peru who are suffering directly from the effects of deforesta-
WICK SYSTEM
The passive system, meaning there are no floating parts; the crops are supported by ordinary trays or other growing mediums (perlite, vermiculite, or coconut fiber); the nutrient solutions are supplied from the reservoir with a wick.
WATER CULTURE SYSTEM
The simplest of all active hydroponic systems, the roots of the crops are completely immersed in the water; the platform that holds the plants floats directly on the nutrient solution; an air pump supplies the oxygen and the nutrient solution to the plant roots.
NUTRIENT FILM SYSTEM
The nutrient solution and oxygen are pumped from a reservoir into the growing tray; the plants absorb the nutrients and oxygen from the flowing solution and then drains nutrients back into the reservoir; giving the crops a constant flow of nutrients.
hydroponic farming systems AEROPONIC SYSTEM
Crop roots hang in the air; the timer controls the nutrient pump which provides nutrients to the crops via mists every few minutes.
DRIP SYSTEM
Probably the most used hydroponic system; the nutrient solutions and water are pumped from a reservoir to each plant using a small drip line; the pump is controlled by the timer.
precedent projects
EL PORTAL VISITOR CENTER - EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FOREST, PUERTO RICO » elevated structure provides treetop views from all sides » information desk, observation decks, theater with short informational movie, informational displays, restaurant, gift shop, interactive displays, artwork and crafts for sale » short, looped walking trail near building » indoor-outdoor canopy style structure » filled with plants, rock, waterfalls, and other natural elements
https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/el-portal/
PANAMA RAINFOREST DISCOVERY CENTER PANAMA » “off the grid” so as not to disturb from the natural habitats around it » built on a previously deforested site » photovoltaic panels provide energy » recycled building materials » collection and recycling of rainwater » natural ventilation system
https://www.archdaily.com/220248/panama-rainforest-discovery-center-ensitu?
FAZER VISITOR CENTER - FINLAND » natural elements and plants integrated througout space » large, open spaces » inviting and interactive
https://www.archdaily.com/796321/fazer-visitor-center-and-meeting-center-k2s-architects?
INTERACTIVE NATURE CONSERVATION MUSEUM - THEORETICAL » visitors immersed in discussion » made to feel empowered in the conservation effort and reminded they can personally make a meaningful change » guided walks and tours » rented iPad tours » interactive game requiring players to make real life decisions and shows consequences » virtual reality and projections
https://museumplanning.com/portfolio-item/interactive-nature-conservation-museum/
concept
This center will borrow geometric forms from the natura to blur the lines between nature and human-made struc it will mirror the blocked architecture and deep jewel ton ruvian architecture, while integrating natural and locally materials.
al world in an effort ctures. Additionally, nes of modern Pey sourced building
Lobby |
» information desk with space for line to form » coat check » seating » charging station
Restrooms | » » » »
ADA compliant unisex family capabilities mothers room
Theater |
» seating for ~100 people » small stage » projection capabilities
Cafe | » » » » » » »
coffee and food options varied seating space for line to form storage refrigeration check out counter product display
Rental Cabins |
» existing hotel [Tambopata Center]
Museum |
» multiple exhibits » connection to research efforts
Gift Shop | » » » »
check out station space for line to form storage product display
Children’s Center | » interactive learning » storage » zipline
Gallery |
» local artisan goods on display » sales capability to give back to community
Research Lab |
» storage » table top space to work
Greenhouse |
» direct connection to lab » hydroponic farming? » growing new species?
#| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
programming
| Area | Quantity | Est. Sq. Ft. | Plumbing | Daylight | Privacy | Acoustics Special Equip. Lobby 1 1,500 N Y N Y N Coat Check 1 50 N N Y N Y Restrooms 2 250 Y N Y N N Theater 1 900 N N N Y Y Cafe 1 1,200 Y Y N Y Y Observation Areas 4? 200 N Y N N Y Research Labs 1 600 Y N Y Y Y Greenhouse 1 1,000 Y Y Y N Y Interactive Center 1 400 N N N Y Y 0 Museum 1 1,400 N N N Y Y Gift Shop 1 400 N N N N N Children’s Center 1 500 N Y N Y Y Gallery 1 800 N N N Y N Rental Cabins N/A N/A Y Y Y Y N TOTAL Circulation TOTAL
30%
10,050 3,015 13, 065
Cafe
room
Rest Coat Check
LObby
Theater
Giftsh
Research Labs
Hydropon Greenho
Children’s Center
ms
Interactive Center
Museum
hop
nic ouse
Gallery
Observation Areas
adjacencies
Structual wood material sustainibly sourced from surrounding forest
Colored glass inlays and stained glass accents
materials
Thatched straw roofing
Layered natural stone
floor plan - level 1
1 9
10 11
9
1. EMPLOYEE ROOM AND OFFICE 2. ALL-GENDER RESTROOM 3. COAT CHECK 4. LOBBY 5. KITCHEN 6. CAFE
7. ART GALLERY 8. THEATER 9. MECHANICAL ROOMS 10. HYDROPONIC WATER TANKS 11. AIR PUMPS
2 5
3
UP
4
6 7 UP
8
floor plan - level 2
1
3
5 6
2
4 8
7
11
1. ALL-GENDER RESTROOMS 2. CHILDREN’S CENTER 3. PROJECTION WALL 4. HAPTIC FLOOR PROJECTION 5. ZIPLINE 6. ROCK CLIMBING WALL
7. HYDROPONIC GREENHOUSE 8. RESEARCH LABORATORY 9. INTERACTIVE HAPTIC PROJECTION WALL 10. MUSEUM 11. GIFT SHOP
9 DN
10
LEVEL 1
LEVEL 2
reflected ceiling plans
The natural surrounding foliage is encouraged to extend into this spa and blur the line between indoor and outdoor
ace
main lobby
lobby stair Custom built stair uses sustainibly sourced wood while integrating Peruvian stained glass insets
0' - 1"
0' /8"
0' - 2 1/2"
31
0' - 0 1/2"
North Section: Stair
0' - 3"
0' - 7"
0' - 11"
0' - 7"
0' - 1"
0' 2' - 6"
3" 0' - 2"
0' - 3"
0' - 1 1/4"
0' - 2"
0' - 0 1/8"
West Section: Stair 1' - 0"
NTS
CUSTOM STAIR DETAILS
connecting pathways Drawing inspiration from the lush colors of Peruvian architecture and stained glass Rope and wood planking to mirror rainforest suspension bridges
museum
An interactive and educational experience
Haptic projection wall
Waterfall wall falls into basin on first floor
hydroponic greenhouse Supports the research of hydroponic farming and allows space to test new experiements
Utilizes water culture system (plants resting directly in beds of water) as well as wick system (supporting water tanks and air pumps situated underneath building
children’s center A space for children to learn, explore, and play
Treetop zipline leads to main building second floor
Interactive haptic screen encourages interactive learning
THANK YOU!