Inhabitation: a study in post-functionalism

INHABITATION a study in post-functionalism

“With the rise of industrialization, this balance (between function and form) has been fundamentally disrupted. In that it had of necessity to come to terms with problems of a more complex functional nature, particularly with respect to the accommodation of a mass client, architecture became increasingly a social or programmatic art.�

- Peter Eisenman in Post-Functionalism

Post-Industrial America has left skeletal forms dotting its landscape. These empty shells can no longer cater to the monotonous repetitive function of mass production, so they must respond to the geometries and energies that surround humanity.

This thesis seeks to move beyond a pre-existing formalistic condition toward human spatial experience - also known as inhabitation. It is not a matter of what we experience, but how we experience - primarily through sensual perception. So, the purest form currently existing (the rational industrial building in its post-functional state) is redeveloped to create unprecedented spatial situations designed through human perspective as a result of this existing formality.

contents |

01

The New Standard Grain Elevator the evolution of the dying utilitarian structure through formally isolated questioning and contextually adapted architectural decisions

symbiotic addition

formal transformation 10

contextualization

geometric integration 04 viewing platform 05 light reflectors 07

the concept 12 light 18 porosity 22 circulation 30

designed product 40 facade perforations 44 suggested program 46 closing thoughts 56

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02

03

symbiotic addition

inhabitation and public interaction

04 | geometric integration

It is necessary for the building to make a smooth transition from its functionalist state to its inhabited state. To accommodate this move, a symbiotic addition may be added to it, which allows it to still preform its task while beginning to take on public interest.

The only reasonable place for the symbiotic addition to occur is on the roof of the structure, flanking the central conveyor workhouse. Here, it does not interfere in the storage process of the grain but still offers a public place.

viewing platform |

05

(above) The strong geometric and structural plan generates the placement of a viewing platform and reflectors. Such additions draw form and structure from the existing building while promoting it in the new public realm - that which previously has had little relationship with the structure at all.

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| viewing platform

07

(left) The viewing walkway lies 132’ above the ground, set back from the edge of the building for comfort. A small platform sits on top of the conveyor house to provide a solid surface on which to stay. To the northwest is a view of the Buffalo skyline, and to the southeast is a view of the degraded industrial first ward along the river.

(above) To properly cast shadows onto the full facade, the reflectors must be convexly curved and appropriately sized. To accommodate the changing seasons they must twist on axis and also move along a track, changing proximity to the building.

08 | light reflections

Using natural light to animate the dark, northern face of the elevator helps to soften the imposing structure. The casting of the inhabitants’ shadows along the facade gives it a cinematic, approachable air. This massive facade is visible from multiple locations throughout Buffalo, including over a mile of uninterrupted exposure along the skyway.

(above) The newly lit north facade will have a direct visual impact on the adjacent neighborhood. (right) The north facade has a significantly more dynamic presence with the addition of the reflective mirrors.

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formal transformation internally focused, formally inspired inhabitation

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| the concept

x-ray

the concept |

13

(image) This sectional montage shows the first consideration of spatial inhabitation in the building. It begins to question what may be necessary to bring the industrial structure to a human scale through stimulated senses and atmospheric cognition.

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the concept |

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the concept |

17

The American grain elevator may have its roots in functionalism, where the program materializes into rational form, but as such roots are severed, what remains may arguably be considered pure and true form. The history and symbolism that shadows these silos can be temporarily overlooked to create an isolated (yet structural) hypothetical situation that permits unbiased design decisions to take shape. Movement and activity in and around

the building at its moment of transformation have the undertones of a microcity, where spaces could be compartmentalized and adaptable to best fit their use at that time. (previous 3 pages) In designing for the future of the silo, several architectural qualities can be considered for the unique space. It has the opportunity for unprecedented studies in acoustics, structure, lighting and spatial qualities, volume, history, and program.

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light |

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(left) The introduction of dramatic direct light can alter the scalar atmospheric perception of a massive volume. (above) Transforming the smaller, interstitial bins into skylights can create a wash of natural light throughout the structure.

It is not until the introduction of light into the form that it may be considered “inhabitable.” Apertures in the skin allow the building’s scale to be experientially reduced without actual volumetric transformation.

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light |

21

(left) Modern silos, with the cap removed, have a way of depicting beauty through simple geometry and framing of the sky. (above) The skylights create an abundance of even light (shown), while the apertures can produce a more playful, direct light.

The presence of light and sky (as global, natural phenomena) is the first sign of inhabitability within a structure. These industrial giants, previously so formidable and opposing, may now be considered a place to “be.�

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porosity |

23

(left) The tangential connections of the main bins and interstitial bins serve as the preferred pathway of circulation with the center of each volume as geometric reference. Each cluster of nine silos revolves around a central silo used for vertical movement.

Diversifying openness throughout the plan yields a spectrum of visual and circulatory experiences. Alone, each bin suggests isolation, but by cutting through the tangential connecting walls, they open up for better motion and sensual connectivity.

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| porosity

porosity |

25

24 vertical reinforcement bars are typical in each bin. Each opening carved into the walls eliminates at most one of these bars, leaving the rest intact. The horizontal rings are no longer necessary due to severely diminished tensile stress. This ring reinforcement can easily be maintained where mandatory to keep integrity, though most may be cut and welded to the steel plate that will be connected to the adjacent bin’s reinforcement as well.

Because of the size of the elevator, such tall cuts may initially seem impossible. However, since the entire bundle of silos acts as a whole, they are able to rely on each other for lateral bracing. (left & above) By cutting only the tangential connections between the bins, what is leftover is a heavily reinforced, three-sided, concrete column. Each hollow column is concavely curved with a arc length of 10’ on each side, providing more than enough support.

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| porosity

porosity |

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When fully carved, what is left of the bin walls becomes a grid of structural columns, providing the atmosphere of a large volume.

The experience creates self-awareness due to the inhabitation of such an out-of-scale space.

(left & above) In the “cathedral,� the light quality is reminiscent of a forest, while the sound quality is reminiscent of a cavern.

Perspective is naturally drawn along the lengthy corridors while the overall space is cognitively understood through movement.

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porosity |

29

When the “cluster� of silos are left uncarved, it allows each to be experienced in their original unaltered form. The purity of the original structure can be understood and celebrated.

(left & above) When left to their own devices, each bin is experientially isolated from all others. The integrity of the geometry is maintained, yet the unparalleled volume and proportion of each is uncomfortably overbearing.

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circulation |

31

Although these geometric spaces are pure, a new structural element needs to be introduced, not only to allow for vertical circulation through the elevator, but also to apply some scalar perspective to its mass.

(left & above) The light frame structure is the first type of regulating filter introduced to the existing structure. Even though it is very open, it acts to visually filter the volumes in order to pull them back to a more relatable scale.

32 | circulation

A custom, dual grid space frame acts as a floor system. It makes 16 radial contact points with each bin wall, where it runs along a vertical track that is bolted into the existing structure between the horizontal reinforcement. Regardless of the presence of openings, the floor system can be placed vertically at any 15’ increment. (image) The added steel frame builds off of the existing structure of the bin walls, enhancing it without jeopardizing its strength.

circulation |

33

The space frame itself will control the light, sound, and density of each desired space, which may be isolated or connected to one another at the tangential openings to create larger rooms. (image) The individual floors establish a spatial and circulatory relationship when they sit in proximity to one another around an interstitial light well.

34 | circulation

The vertical circulation silos follow the same principles as the floor structure with its custom plan and 16 points of contact, but it organizes itself into 3 concentric double-helix spirals. The outer spiral is the staircase, the middle ring is a platform for transverse movement, safety, and rest, and the central core provides the structure for the elevator. (right) The steel framework has light capturing qualities similar to a spider’s web.

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The whole light-frame circulatory structure works as a modular grid. Since the floors, vertical circulation towers, and viewing platform use similar dimensions and language, they can all plug into the overall system and adapt as they are needed. (right) Light plays off of the network of steel members and massive concrete columns in the cathedral area.

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contextualization application of suggested function

40 | designed product

Light, porosity, and structure are overlaid on the form to create the most diverse set of spatial situations possible. It is only after these things are considered that the new function of the space may be suggested in order to put these architectural decisions to the test. Here, the project is removed from isolation and placed into its context. The new elevator begins to take shape as an actual work of architecture that embraces the challenge of existing conditions like cardinal directions, proximity to the city, and site.

designed product |

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| facade perforations

facade perforations |

45

(left) Smaller openings bring direct light to different locations in the building as the sun moves along its path. (above) The larger openings, which may also be considered door openings, were designed to frame views of the disused industrial district to the southeast, or the new Buffalo skyline to the northwest.

To organize the cuts in the facade, they were granted the dual purpose of letting direct light in and framing views outward.

They are formally designed using the same considerations as the interior cuts, responding to structural needs and reinforcement of the existing elevator.

46

Analysis of the infrastructure of the site led to the discovery of the elevator’s potential as a transportation hub. It has immediate access to water, rail, and road routes that could easily be modified to accommodate people instead of grain.

(above) The site has an ideal infrastructural and urban proximity with rail, road, and water access as well as unobstructed views to and from the elevator.

suggested functions |

47

Due to its size, the elevator had much more to offer than simply an anchor for transport. Programs of many different energies could be provided simultaneously under one shell. The building could then adapt to these functions as they become more or less active throughout the 24 hour day.

(above) The typical American city produces a dense, fluctuating, and overlapping system of programs that calls for adaptability throughout the typical 24 hour cycle.

48 | suggested functions

Starting from the center and moving to the extremities, the energy of the microcity fluctuates throughout the day, with moments of high energy always buffered by moments of low energy through time and space. These projections determine the desired density, acoustics, and light for that area.

suggested functions |

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4:0

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50 | suggested functions Morning Transit - 7:00 AM

Routine Path - 10:00 AM

Wandering Path - 2:00 PM

Evening Transit - 6:00 PM

Evening Social - 9:00 PM

suggested functions |

51

Accessible Basement Stair Circulation Light Shafts

(left) These plans show possible pathways of motion inspired by the energy maps. Some paths are more regulated, suggesting routine, while others are wandering, suggesting intrigue and spatially guided, in-the-moment decision making.

Due to the leftover space created by the planometric repetition of the cylinder, the utilities are accessible from any point in the shell.

The main systems can run horizontally through the basement and branch upward to reach the higher floors and rooftop.

52 | suggested functions

Locations where spikes in energy are suggested receive no added structure, allowing the light and the inhabitants to play unrestrainedly in the space, and more constant energies have patterned and regulated added structure to better cater to a consistent use.

suggested functions |

53

Placement and density of the floor plates relative to each other and the vertical circulation towers can begin to suggest certain uses for the space, where regulated floor plates and gridded structure may be office space, porosity and openness imply a climactic space such as the transportation hub.

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suggested functions |

55

One single bin, at the farthest end of the silo, is to be left unaltered. Its pure and simple form is to remain vulnerable to the sun, sky, and weather as a monument to what used to be.

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closing thoughts |

57

The importance of this study was to discover how the dialogue between existing form and techniques of inhabitation can influence and diversify the process of architectural thinking. A slow, regulated design approach with tedious application of contextual and situational cicumstances allows the building to fully develop into a work of architecture that is operating at its highest potential.

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This thesis is devoted to my family, whose rigid stability helped to keep me sane, whether they were aware of it or not.

Tyson Keen Phillips Instructor: Aki Ishida May, 2013