Succession

SUCCESSION

THE HAPPOLD TRUST PROJECT 2020-21 | GROUP 02 Ifrah Ariff | Jake Danson | Pierce Coveney | Sebastian Syrjanen | Sue Yen Chong | Winnie Ng

A view from across the East River looking from Queens.

SUCCESSION | CONTENTS

CONTENTS | SUCCESSION

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1 - 14

PROPOSAL 15 - 62

CONSTRUCTION 63 - 80

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y 81 - 92

PROCESS 93 - 104

INTRODUCTION The UN has plans to make a public library that will be accessible to all, sharing past and present knowledge held in their archives with the world to derive new solutions for the future.

INTRODUCTION | PROJECT BRIEF

1

PROJECT BRIEF | INTRODUCTION

“ The future we want, the United Nations we need: reaffirming our collective commitment to multilateralism”

As an extension to the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a new ‘Library for the World’ is proposed on a site that is immediately south of the complex.

The new library will act as a repository for an extensive global literary collection managed by the UN, on top of being a ‘living room for the city’ in that the majority of it is freely accessible to all and has something to offer every demographic of visitor.

The building is to be designed with a 150-year life in mind double the time the UN has existed at present - thereby driving a key focus on minimising the long-term operational costs and energy consumption of the building throughout its lifetime.

DESIGNING FOR THE UN In 2015, the UN outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that set a new precedent for a global effort towards achieving sustainable development, succeeding the 8 Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) established back in 2000.

It is therefore vital that the proposal bridges between the projected goals and their implementation over the next decade, and future aspirations beyond, providing a platform through which knowledge and community are celebrated to generate thoughtful and effective solutions to global issues.

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INTRODUCTION | PROGRAMME

SPECIFIED PROGRAMME

Public Lending/ Circulating Library 200 pax

Research Library 200 pax

APPRAISED PROGRAMME

Small reading rooms attached to public library

Small reading rooms attached to research library

Relocated UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library 200 pax

Small Reading Rooms 3 x 200 sqm

Librarian Offices 200 x 15sqm (1 per UN member state)

Office Suite incl. CEO, Boardroom & 8 offices

Auditorium 250 pax

Exhibition 1000sqm

Archives 24m x 90m x 16m internal volume

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Librarian offices integrated with relocated Dag Hammarskjöld Library

Librarian offices and office suite share common meeting spaces

Auditorium 250 pax

Archive showcase forming part of the exhibition

Archives 24m x 90m x 16m internal volume

USER PROFILES | INTRODUCTION

BUILDING USER DEMOGRAPHICS The building accommodates users ranging from UN officials to the wider public, with specialists to manage library collections and supporting staff for general building operations and maintenance.

The main user groups established below highlight the need for a clear distinction between public access and secured access points. The zoning of circulation routes provides a basis on which to vary the degree of separation or connection between different programmes, enabling interaction between specific users.

LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

P R I VAT E U S E R S

GENERAL PUBLIC

S U P P O R T S TA F F

UN Librarians

Archivist

Admin Staff

Board members

UN Delegates

Misc. UN staff

NYC Local

Tourist

Academic

Technical Crew

F&B Operators

Maintenance

Event Attendees

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INTRODUCTION | ARCHIVE COLLECTION

ARCHIVE COLLECTION Our proposal for the new UN library aims to facilitate innovation in managing complex universal problems such as water sanitation and natural disaster management, by providing information on how such issues have been addressed in the past in the form of prototypes, engineering/architectural drawings, computer programmes and literary content.

These treasured collections get curated by the UN member states’ librarians and disseminated to the public via exhibitions and outreach programmes, equipping future generations with knowledge of the past in order to tackle problems of today.

O R G A N I S AT I O N O F H O L D I N G S

Records received from a UN office/ department or from members of the public

Records are processed and appraised by UN archivists to determine their enduring value

Records are categorised into 3 typologies: Prototypes, Paper Documents and Digital Records

Historic physical records are gradually digitised over the years for diessmination to the public

Collections are frequently updated and curated by UN librarians for public exhibits and presentations

Each UN member states’ librarians organise and list their respective records physically and electronically

A R C H I V E C O N S U LTAT I O N

Visitor places request online to consult specific archive material and schedules an appointment

5

Visitor is registered at reception and granted access to searchrooms

Visitor consults archives in supervised searchrooms that are environmentally controlled

ARCHIVE COLLECTION | INTRODUCTION

D I G I TA L R E C O R D S

Digitised copies of archival collections below (paper and prototypes).

Photographs documenting historic instances of disaster & crisis management

PA P E R D O C U M E N T S

Diagrams of disinfectant chamber, League of Nations, 1944

Research papers and historic records of various departments

Social housing design, drawing by Quinta Monroy, 2016

PROTOTYPES

World’s first seismometer, China, 132 AD

Sea navigational chart (wood, shell, fibre) ‘Mattang’, Micronesia, c.1800s

Self-structuring tapestry as lightweight tent structure for disaster relief shelters, by Abeer Seikaly, 2012

Affordable portable water filter ‘Nirnal’, India, 2018

6

I N T R O D U C T I O N | M I D T O W N M A N H AT TA N L A N D M A R K S

7

8

I N T R O D U C T I O N | S I T E A N A LY S I S

EXISTING CONDITIONS Located on what is currently Robert Moses Playground, the allocated site is a 44.5m x 60m rectangle bounded by E 42nd St (north), 1st Ave (west) and E 41st St (south).

The empty site to the south stretching along the FDR Drive from E 41st St to E 35th St has been defined as a floodplain subject to the 1% annual chance flood, posing a significant risk of water damage and pollution at close proximity to the project site.

9

ABOVE GROUND

BELOW GROUND

VIEWS

Public access and private vehicular access routes to the site

Intersection of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel diagonally across the site at 12m below ground level

Opportunity for scenic views to the north and east

S U N PAT H

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The site is completely shaded at low level due to surrounding high rises, and receives plentiful sunlight on its southern and eastern faces as it currently stands.

Assumed completion of East River Masterplan Project to the south in the near future will impact on the site’s exposure to natural light.

S I T E A N A LY S I S | I N T R O D U C T I O N

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Although undeveloped at present, the empty site to the south is assumed to ultimately be built on, specifically by the East River Masterplan Project in the coming years. Three residential towers by Richard Meier & Partners and a mixed-use commercial tower

by Skidmore, Owings & Merill will populate the site to the east of 1st Ave, while a separate residential tower by Richard Meier sits on the west side of 1st Ave (completed 2019). These future high-rises will punctuate the East River skyline alongside the UN Secretariat Building and the new UN ‘Library for the World’.

Key:

Completed 2019

Not constructed

Site Boundary

UN Pla z a

Ea s t R i ve r

Top: East River Masterplan Site Plan by Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP Bottom: East River Masterplan visual looking from East River, by Richard Meier & Partners Architects

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INTRODUCTION | SITE RESPONSE

MASSING DEVELOPMENT Initial responses to the site analysis.

11

SET BACK

EXTRUDE

Building footprint set back to minimise structure-to-tunnel interaction, retaining a piece of landscaped public space

Verticality and proportions respond to contextual constraints

S TAG G E R

ENTRY

Staggered form visually defines programmatic functions within and introduce daylighting opportunities

Access points to the south and west correspond to main transport routes and directions of traffic

SITE RESPONSE | INTRODUCTION

DESIGN INTENT

CYCLE The building promotes the regenerative process of idea formulation, dissemination and preservation, a cycle which repeats itself time after time over the years wherein past innovations are continually iterated and succeeded by more refined solutions.

TIMELINE The building is arranged to house ideas in different stages of development, reinforcing the sequential narrative of past, present and future innovations. This may be loosely reflected in the programme as the archives, auditorium and public library respectively.

FOCUS The building begins with a series of more passive, contemplative spaces such as the archive and exhibition, which become increasingly outward-looking towards the top in the public library to encourage learning, interaction and activity.

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INTRODUCTION | DESIGN INTENT

PRECEDENTS

13

E X E T E R L I B R A R Y, 1 9 7 2

CENTRE POMPIDOU, 1977

Architect: Louis Kahn Location: New Hampshire, U.S.

Architect: Rogers + Piano Location: Paris, France.

CONNECTION

T R A N S PA R E N CY

V E R S AT I L I T Y

High degree of connection between people to inspire ideas

Visible processing of information and artefacts as knowledge belongs to all

Temporary/demountable structures to allow for varied exploration of ideas

DESIGN INTENT | INTRODUCTION

PRECEDENTS

O O D I H E L S I N K I C E N T R A L L I B R A R Y, 2 0 1 8 Architect: ALA Architects Location: Helsinki, Finland

GRADIENT

COMMUNITY

Spaces of different natures across floors to provide for everyone

Spaces that allow all to develop the ideas they generate

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PROPOSAL | INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION | PROPOSAL

PROPOSAL The Library for the World is a dialougue between knowledge of the past, present and future, with its consitutent programmes designed to the specific needs of its users.

P R O P O SA L | A R R I VA L

North approach from 1st Avenue

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A R R I VA L | P R O P O SA L

6

7

ND

ST

RE

ET

1

ST

AV

EN

UE

42

1

4

3 ST

ST

RE

5

ET

R

41

EA

ST

RI

VE

2

SITE PLAN 1:1000 @ B4

0

1. Proposed Scheme 2. Undeveloped Site (Future East River Masterplan)

10

20

30

40m

3. Queens Midtown Tunnel (QMT) 4. QMT Ventilation Building 5. United Lilholts Park of Unity

6. UN Plaza 7. Existing UN Dag Hammarskjöld Library

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PROPOSAL | ZONING

MASSING & ZONING The building’s zoning strategy responds to the opportunities and constraints of the site, with the design intent and logical progression of users through the building in mind.

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ARCHIVES

CORES

Due to the low requirement for light within the archives, the archives wraps around the East and South, shaded by the ventilation building and future developments to the South.

The structural service cores are located on the outer corners of the site, freeing up the middle of the floor plate for greater flexibiliy and visibility across the N-S & E-W axes.

PROGRAMME

SERVICES

The exhibition and library spaces attach to the archives where access to the archives is required, while the public library is pushed to the top of the building to maximise views and daylight.

The main mechanical plant floors are located away from flood-prone areas, sandwiched between the zones that they serve. A transfer structure sits discreetly within the upper plant floor, freeing the auditorium below of columns.

ZONING |PROPOSAL

Mechanical Plant Public Library

Auditorium

Office Suite + Makerspace

UN Library + Offices Mechanical Plant Research Library

Exhibition

Entrance Lobby

Exhibition Showcase + Searchroom

Archives

Loading Bay

Massing exploded isometric 20

P R O P O S A L | E L E VAT I O N S

W E S T E L E VAT I O N 1:500 @ B4

21

0

5

10

15

20m

E L E VAT I O N S | P R O P O S A L

The facade expresses the programme externally by transitioning from a more opaque surface to a more transparent upper volume.

Vertical language of the building expressed through the facade.

Asymmetrical stone panels provide optimum shading from the sun while still allowing views out.

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P R O P O S A L | E L E VAT I O N S

N O R T H E L E VAT I O N 1:500 @ B4

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0

5

10

15

20m

E L E VAT I O N S | P R O P O S A L

1

2

3

D E TA I L E D E L E VAT I O N

1:50 @ B4

0

5

10

15

20m

1. Pennsylvania Flagstone rainscreen facade panel 2. Glazing frame & triple glazing 3. Frameless glass balustrade

The use of Pennsylvania Flagstone panels as part of a lightweight cladding system makes use of a modern construction technique while maintaining a universal, timeless appearance that subtly complements the existing UN Secretariat Building and the New York cityscape. The stone external skin offers a high resistance to weathering and fire, with protruding fins and angled reveals that shade the internal spaces from unwanted solar gains.

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P R O P O S A L | M AT E R I A L I T Y

Public Library Mechanical Plant

Auditorium Makerspace Office Suite

UN Library + Offices

Research Library

Mechanical Plant

Exhibition

Entrance Lobby

Exhibition

SECTION E-W 1:500 @ B4

25

0

5

10

15

20m

M AT E R I A L I T Y | P R O P O S A L

Not only is timber considered the future of more sustainable high-rise construction, the warmth of timber makes it an appropriate material for the densely populated public library, thus was chosen as the primary structural material on the upper floors.

Concrete supports the lightweight timber structure above, with timber finishings to complement the habitable spaces of the library, offices, and auditorium.

The high thermal capacity of concrete makes it appropriate for heavily environmental-controlled zones. Its durability, fire/water resistance make this traditional high-rise material suitable for use in the protection of the archives.

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PROPOSAL | ENTRANCE LOBBY

3

4

8 10

2

10

9

10

42ND STREET

41ST

STREET

5

11

6 7

8

10

1

1 S T AV E N U E

ENTRANCE LOBBY 1:350 @ B4

0

27

1. Entrance 2. Reception 3. Cloakroom

4. Loading bay (at Level -1) 5. Servery

3.5

7

10.5

14m

6. Cafe 7. Passenger lift 8. Service lift

9. Goods lift 10. Riser 11. Bioswale

ENTRANCE LOBBY |PROPOSAL

Upon entry, visitors are greeted by the warm glow of the showcase, displaying artefacts embodying the human effort to tackle timeless problems. A cafe on the South opens up to the landscaped plaza, providing a space for the interior activities to flow outdoors.

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P R O P O S A L | V E R T I C A L C I R C U L AT I O N

Public Library

Public Library

Auditorium Auditorium

UN Library

UN Library Research Library

Research Library

Archives Exhibition

Archives Exhibition Ground Floor Ground Floor Exhibition

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Loading Bay Exhibition

PUBLIC ACCESS

SECURED ACCESS

A series of open staircases connect floors within the zones of the building, framing views in and out of the building. Five glass lifts provide high capacity circulation for members of the public, allowing them to witness the activities on each floor as they travel, exposing them to the processes embodied within the building and encouraging them to partake in problem solving.

Within the structural cores of the building are service lifts and fire escape stairs. The flow of objects is made visible by two small glass lifts in the showcase which transport archived objects under controlled conditions between floors. A separate fire escape stair serves the archives internally. Public access to the private floors is controlled through the use of turnstiles in front of the lifts that allow access with a keycard.

V E R T I C A L C I R C U L AT I O N | P R O P O S A L

View from glass elevators looking out to the UN Plaza and into the auditorium.

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PROPOSAL | EXHIBITION

EXHIBITION knowledge of the past

2

3

Basement Exhibition 1:500 @ B4 | Level -2 | FFL: -6.85m AGL Basement Exhibition Level -2 FFL: -6.8m AGL

4

5

1

4

Upper Exhibition 1:500 @ B4 | Level 3 | FFL: 12 m AGL Exhibition 15 5 Level 10 3 FFL: 12m AGL 3. Tunnel to Dag Hammarskjöld Library

0

31

1. Exhibition 2. Mechanical Plant

20m

4. Archive Storage 5. Archive Showcase

EXHIBITION |PROPOSAL

The archives and exhibition representing the knowledge of the past are located at the base of the building, with two exhibition floors above the entrance lobby and one below ground. Despite the potential flood risk in the basement, the temporary nature of the exhibits and low light levels required makes the basement suitable as an exhibition space. The large, open floor plans of the exhibition allow for greater flexibility with the potential to be subdivided.

ARCHIVES

SHOWCASE

EXHIBITION

heavily controlled conditions for the preservation of past ideas

adaptable controlled conditions (dependent on items displayed)

lightly controlled conditions

P R E C E D E N T : B E I N E C K E L I B R A R Y, Y A L E U N I V E R S I T Y ( S O M , 1 9 6 3 ) The Beinecke Library bookcase proudly displays its collection of rare books whilst maintaining them in suitable conditions. Drawing from this precedent, the showcase rooms which extend up alongside the archives act as an extension of the exhibition, displaying artefacts requiring more stringent environmental control than those in the main exhibition.

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PROPOSAL | EXHIBITION

Upper Exhibition Axonometric Level 3 | FFL: 12 m AGL Exhibition

Archive Showcase

Archive Storage (Prototypes)

The showcase rooms are visible across a void which stretches up from the entrance hall, connecting users to multiple floors from a single vantage point.

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EXHIBITION |PROPOSAL

Void running between the exhibition space and showcase expresses the scale of the archives.

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PROPOSAL | RESEARCH LIBRARY

RESEARCH LIBRARY The Research Library occupies three floors adjacent to the archives, each equipped with a searchroom for handling rare artefacts in a comfortable environment or acclimatising objects prior to their transfer into the main library space.

FLEXIBILITY

SEARCHROOM

D AY L I G H T

Open plan layout allows for reconfiguration and ease of adaptibility in the future

Controlled space for object consultation

Staggered voids connect floors and increase interior daylight level in the deep floor plans

4

3

2

4 1

Research Library 1:500 @ B4 | Level 10 | FFL: 40 m AGL Research Library 10 15 20m 5 Level 11 FFL: 44m AGL 1. Lobby 3. Searchroom 2. Reading Room 4. Archive Storage 0

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RESEARCH LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

Possible furniture setup

Searchroom

Central circulation

Research Library Axonometric Level 10 | FFL: 40 m AGL Research Library

Rare item searchroom

Archive Storage (Documents)

Facilities in the research library include lockers (to deposit items in prior to entering the search rooms) and printers.

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PROPOSAL | UN LIBRARY

UN LIBRARY Across five floors, the UN Library comprises the relocated Dag Hammarskjöld Library and the librarian offices for each member nation. The non-cellular offices are integrated into the library, increasing the UN officials’ access to the librarians, who act as a secondary resource with their specific knowledge on their respective countries.

OPEN PLAN

LIBRARY + OFFICE

Encourage cross-cultural collaboration between diverse UN librarians

Supporting interaction between librarians and UN officials

4

3

5

2

4

1

UN Library 1:500 @ B4 | Level 13 | FFL: 54 m AGL UN Offices + Library 10 15 20m 5 Level 14 FFL: 56m AGL 1. Lobby 3. Searchroom 5. UN Librarian 2. Reading Room 4. Archive Storage Offices 0

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UN LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

Level 16

Level 15

Level 14

UN Library Axonometric Level 14-16 | FFL: 54 m AGL UN Library

Rare item searchroom

Archive Storage (Documents)

UN Librarian Offices

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PROPOSAL | U P ANS LT I B R A R Y & O F F I C E S

INTERNAL FINISHES & 39A T E R I A L I T Y M

Exposed services traverse the ceiling, minimising unnecessary material use

U N L I B R A R Y & O F F PI C AE ST S |PROPOSAL

Polished concrete floor with plastic cast concrete columns (all circular columns) for increased reflection

Pennsylvania Flagstone dust from manufacture of facade panels used in concrete mix for lighter/warmer tone

Glass walls separate floors environmentally, improving ease of control over conditions especially when in low-capacity 40

P R O P O S A L | O F F I C E S U I T E & M A K E R S PAC E

O F F I C E S U I T E + M A K E R S PAC E

3

5

6

4

7

8

3

3

2

1

3

3

3

Office Suite 1:500 @ B4 | Level 17 | FFL: 72 m AGL Office Suite Level 14 FFL: 56m AGL

3

3

3

9

10

10

10

1

3

3

3

9

10

Makerspace 1:500 @ B4 | Level 18 | FFL: 76 m AGL Makerspace 10 15 20m 5 Level 14 FFL: 56m AGL seminar room 6. Photography Office 4. Staff lounge 7. Exhibition Office 5. Repographics Office 8. CEO’s Office 0

41

1. Lobby 2. Open Plan Office 3. Bookable meeting/

9. CAD/CAM Studio 10. Workshop

O F F I C E S U I T E & M A K E R S PAC E | P R O P O S A L

The makerspace invites and encourages the public to contribute to the continuous cycle of innovation - designed as a place in which visitors may develop and realise ideas. Bookable by all, flexible workshop spaces are provided for woodwork and metalwork alongside music studios, dark rooms, CAD/CAM facilities and seminar spaces.

Seminar Space

Woodworking

Makerspace Axonometric Level 18 | FFL: 76 m AGL

Print Workshop

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PROPOSAL | AUDITORIUM

AUDITORIUM

knowledge of the present The auditorium is designed to accommodate for the variety of ways in which ideas may be presented. The transfer floor above allows for a column-free central space, with temporary acoustic divider walls to allow for ease of reconfiguration of the space into a big event hall or a smaller auditorium for seminars.

C O L U M N L E S S S PAC E

F L AT F LO O R

uninterrupted floor plate for flexibility

allows for different seating arrangements

5

2

3

4

1

Auditorium 1:500 @ B4 | Level 19 | FFL: 80 m AGL Auditorium 10 15 20m 5 Level 19 FFL: 78m AGL 1. Lobby 4. Conference room 2. Roof Terrace (40 pax) 3. Auditorium (250 pax) 5. Backstage 0

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AUDITORIUM |PROPOSAL

Auditorium in the present day.

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PROPOSAL | AUDITORIUM

Green Room

Presentation Stage

A/V Zone

Auditorium Axonometric Level 19-20 | FFL: 80 m AGL Backstage areas extend to a mezzanine level, housing green rooms, storage, and an A/V (Audio Visual) zone for the control of sound and lighting. The acoustic divider walls can open up, allowing events to flow out onto the terrace.

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AUDITORIUM |PROPOSAL

Auditorium in the future.

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PROPOSAL | PUBLIC LIBRARY

PUBLIC LIBRARY knowledge of the future

The public library is placed atop the building as a space in which visitors can explore ideas, especially those relating to future solutions to global issues. From the entrance lobby, visitors arrive at the top floor bookstore cafe, moving down into spaces which gradually increase in formality. The five floors of the public library are pierced by a ‘book core’ with a staircase and series of outward-looking voids spiralling around it, encouraging users to look beyond for ideas.

OUT WARD LOOKING

VA R I E T Y

ADAPTIBILIT Y

Inversing the relationship of a central void with the central ‘book core’

Variety of seating spaces for various users

Demountable book cases for future adaptibility

4

1

3 2

Public Library 1:500 | Level 24 | FFL: 106 m AGL Public Library 10 15 20m 5 Level 24 FFL: 104m AGL 1. Lobby 3. Reading area 2. Librarian desk & 4. Book core borrowing zone 0

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PUBLIC LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

LEVEL 26 (TOP FLOOR) Bookstore Cafe

Public lounge

LEVEL 25 Children’s Reading Room

Storytelling space

LEVEL 24 Informal Reading Room

Media room

LEVEL 23 Formal Reading Room

Quiet reading area

Public Library Axonometric Level 23-26 | FFL: 100 m AGL

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PROPOSAL | PUBLIC LIBRARY

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PUBLIC LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

Interaction between the central book core and vertical circulation in the public library.

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PROPOSAL | PUBLIC LIBRARY

D E M O U N TA B L E B O O K C O R E Besides acting as a full high shelf for a large proportion of the books in the public library, the ‘book core’ carves a series of darker, more intimate spaces within itself. This can be tailored to suit the various ways in which knowledge and ideas are explored.

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A small cosy setting in the storytelling space contrasts the liveliness in the children’s reading room.

Low light levels are suited for film screenings and reading of e-books in the media room.

Enclosure by the surrounding bookshelves creates more privacy in the quiet reading room.

PUBLIC LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

The controlled atmosphere within the book core is a deliberate change in pace and spatial character from the surrounding liveliness of the public library.

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PROPOSAL | PUBLIC LIBRARY

BOOK CORE SHELF The ‘book core’ is designed to be demountable, allowing for the center of the public library floor plates to be opened up. A steel primary structure is used for the ‘book core’ construction due to its light weight and impermanence, with the steel staircase complementing in materiality.

douglas fir timber shelves acoustic panel backing timber secondary structure

steel primary structure douglas fir timber shelves

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timber secondary structure slot between the steel structure

steel structure anchored to the ground

PUBLIC LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

4

1

5

6

7

8

2

3

S TA I R CA S E D E TA I L | 1 : 5 0 @ B 4 0

1. 533 x 210 mm steel C-section 2. 20mm timber stair thread 3. 680 x 280 mm primary

0.5

1

1.5

2m

glulam beam 4. 500 x 300 mm secondary glulam beam (2m centres) 5. 120mm CLT floor slab

6. Breather membrane 7. 75mm rigid insulation 8. 15mm timber flooring finish

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PROPOSAL | PUBLIC LIBRARY

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PUBLIC LIBRARY |PROPOSAL

Outward looking top floor bookstore cafe, with a clerestory adding to the airy atmosphere and lightness of the space.

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PROPOSAL | STORYBOARD

T H E N A R R AT I V E While the needs of future users cannot be anticipated, the one thing that is certain is that the inherently unsolvable global issues which the UN aims to tackle will always exist. With the ‘Library for the World’ aiming to bring humanity closer to the resolution of these problems, the building’s narrative is explored through a fictional storyboard showing the contribution of the buiding’s constituent parts and its users to the cycle of knowledge.

The story follows the journey of David & Nina, two siblings from East Harlem, and the succession of their knowledge and ideas within the building over a 150 year time period.

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STORYBOARD |PROPOSAL

2025 David (14) and Nina (7) Garcia are siblings from East Harlem, one of NYC’s poorest neighbourhoods. They visit the ‘LIbrary for the World’ shortly after it inaugurates and there, David’s interest in emergency relief shelter design is sparked.

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PROPOSAL | STORYBOARD

2075 David (54), now a researcher, is asked by Nina (47), a UN LIbrarian, to give a lecture at the UN Library Auditorium on his prototype for a device that allows any piece of debris to be pieced together to create an emergency shelter.

Farah (11), a new immigrant from Somalia, attends the talk with her family and is first exposed to the workings of the library.

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STORYBOARD |PROPOSAL

2125 Farah (61), now an archivist, receives a request from the David Garcia Foundation to archive David’s old prototypes for the preservation of knowledge, in hopes that that knowledge can inform and inspire the future generation.

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PROPOSAL | STORYBOARD

2175 Mako (50), a Japanese diplomat, is researching earthquake management strategies. He finds David’s work and requests his prototypes from the archives.

He then joins his son, Arata (22), for a visit to the public library that might inspire further development.

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STORYBOARD |PROPOSAL

2025

David & Nina exploring ideas in Library for the World

2075

David presenting ideas in the auditorium

2175

Mako revitalising David’s ideas 150 years later

2125

Farah preserving David’s ideas in the archives

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CONSTRUCTION | INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION | CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

In view of the building’s 150-year life, the key aims of its structural strategy revolve around durability, flood resilience and minimising cradle-to-gate embodied carbon.

C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AT E R I A L S & T E C TO N I C S

M AT E R I A L S & T E C T O N I C S

Thr scheme employs a reinforced concrete frame structure, where RC columns gradually reduce in diameter across the building’s height, supporting a lightweight glulam and CLT hybrid system on the five highest floors. This is a look towards the future of more sustainable high-rise construction, while taking advantage of the highly advanced concrete technology available today.

CONCRETE FRAME

The building’s overall self-weight is thereby minimised through strategic member sizing and the implementation of a BubbleDeck two-way hollow slab system, eliminating the use of concrete where it has no carrying effect.

A 50% GGBS cement mix reduces not only the amount of energyintensive Portland cement required in concrete manufacturing, but also offers increased resistance to thermal cracking and corrosion to further protect the steel reinforcements within.

Although the ratio of GGBS to Portland cement ranges up to 85%, a balance was sought between reaping the durability benefits of GGBS and the slower setting time for casting. A 50% ratio of GGBS provides an optimum blend for greatest strength at 28 days.

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M AT E R I A L S & T E C TO N I C S | C O N S T R U C T I O N

CLT roof with clerestory

Glulam beams, columns and CLT floor slabs in upper reading rooms

Reinforced concrete cores anchoring two opposing corners

Steel truss transfer structure on plant floor

Shear walls supporting glass elevators

RC columns decreased diameter

Reinforced concrete columns & BubbleDeck flat slabs

Diaphragm retaining wall for basement

Reinforced concrete end bearing piles

FULL BUILDING STRUCTURAL ISOMETRIC 66

C O N S T R U C T I O N | M AT E R I A L S & T E C TO N I C S

TIMBER FRAME

By switching to a timber frame structure at the top of the building, a weight reduction of 30% is achieved as compared with a traditional steel or concrete structural frame. This places significantly less stress on the more robust concrete members below that support the entire building.

Glulam columns and beams provide the primary structural framework to which secondary timber joists are connected, allowing CLT floor slabs to span across. These elements are sized for fire resistance, including a 21mm sacrificial charring thickness TIMBER - CONCRETE on each exposed face for 30 minutes of fire. The nature of timber’s The connection detail in Figure 21 shows how a timber dry, offsite construction also enables ease of prefabrication and column can be connected to a concrete slab using a steel knife plate. The knife plate integrates with the timber modularisation.

CONNECTION DETAILS

allowing the timber to be bolted to the steel. The footing of the steel can then be bolted to another surface, such as a concrete slab. This connection will also be used for timber to timber connections.

tension at the bottom he section.

elwork and casting the offset by the concrete

he concrete volume to of the structure, fewer ck on effect in terms of air gap, the slab has

g on either side of the risk of a temperature

ents (Team 2 Architects)

Besides being a low-carbon alternative, the exposed timber lends its warmth and high acoustic attenuation to the lively public library floors above.

Figure 21 - Knife Plate Connection CONCRETE - CONCRETE Figure 22 shows how the reinforced concrete BubbleDeck slab will connect to the RC columns. When constructing the slab and columns, the steel reinforcement will be placed and welded first, ensuring that each steel reinforcing element fits (as shown). The concrete is then cast, in the formwork, for the slab and columns in a single pour.

Figure 22 - Concrete slab to column connection

CLT floor slabs 2x2m TIMBER - TIMBER

Similar to the connection shown in Figure 21, the timber column to timber beam connection uses a knife plate system. As shown in Figure 23, an unequal angle is bolted to the timber column. A knife plate is then welded to the middle of the angle, allowing it to cut into the timber.

Finally, the timber can be bolted through, connecting it to the knife plate.

te volume to cture, fewer t in terms of the slab has

r side of the temperature

Glulam beams 680x280mm

Figure 23 - Glulam Column to Beam Connection

Glulam column to beam connection

CONNECTION DETAILS

Glulam columns 300x300mm TIMBER - CONCRETE The connection detail in Figure 21 shows how a timber column can be connected to a concrete slab using a steel knife plate. The knife plate integrates with the timber allowing the timber to be bolted to the steel. The footing of the steel can then be bolted to another surface, such as a concrete slab. This connection will also be used for timber to timber connections.

t the bottom

d casting the he concrete

Secondary joists 500x200mm at 2m centres

Figure 21 - Knife Plate Connection

Knife plate connection

CONCRETE - CONCRETE

Figure 22 shows how the reinforced concrete BubbleDeck slab will connect to the RC columns. When constructing the slab and columns, the steel reinforcement will be placed and welded first, ensuring that each steel reinforcing element fits (as 67 shown). The concrete is then cast, in the formwork, for the slab and columns in a single pour.

Figure 22 - Concrete slab to column connection

M AT E R I A L S & T E C TO N I C S | C O N S T R U C T I O N

STONE CLADDING

Natural stone is used as a cladding to the building for its high resistance to weathering and long life span. A local Pennsylvania Flagstone variety has been chosen for its relative attainability as shown in the source map below. It has a timeless appearance that subtly complements the light, neutral tones of the adjacent UN Secretariat Building.

The stone is used sparingly in a prefabricated lightweight composite panel cladding system, as detailed on page 74.

Location map indicating distance between selected quarry and project site.

68

CONSTRUCTION | STRUCTURAL PLAN

43.5 4.5

5

6

8

6

5

4.5

4.5

4.5 4.5 5

6 43.5 8

6

5 4.5

STRUCTURAL PLAN | 1:500 0

5

10

15

20m

The square plan features a regular structural grid, with the largest span of 8x8 m.

Two 7x7 m structural cores anchor opposing corners of the plan, while shear walls are placed on the opposing corners for additional lateral stability.

These corners accommodate service zones such as fire escapes, lifts and toilets.

69

L AT E R A L S TA B I L I T Y | C O N S T R U C T I O N

Higher Column Density

607

Lower Column Density

723

0

200

400

600

800

VOLUME (m2) Columns

Slabs

Reinforcement

33 m

46 m

The plan features a high column density due to the decrease of material usage by 16% when compared to a similar plan with a lower column density. Athough a high column density is not typically favoured, the benefits of minimising the building’s embodied carbon by reducing material usage heavily outweighed the need for larger open spans.

46 m

COLUMN DENSITY

L AT E R A L S TA B I L I T Y

Taking the building as a vertical cantilever, the cores and shear walls are sized against wind loading, with deflection value of 118mm.

70

CONSTRUCTION | SITE SECTION

UN HEADQUARTERS

PROPOSED SCHEME

UN DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD LIBRARY

QUEENS MIDTOWN TUNNEL

N-S SITE SECTION 1:1000 @ B4

71

EAST RIVER MASTERPLAN

0

10

20

30

40m

QUEENS MIDTOWN TUNNEL | CONSTRUCTION

T U N N E L S T R AT E GY At 12m below ground level, the Queens-Midtown Tunnel partially intersects the site, limiting the flexibility for foundation design. In order to minimise the impact of the structure-tunnel interaction, three RC columns on the building’s standard structural grid were removed so as to avoid constructing deep piled foundations at close proximity to the tunnel.

The loadings from the columns above are transferred to the foundations using diagonal RC columns, while a steel cable suspends the otherwise unsupported corners of the floor slabs.

QUEENS-MIDTOWN TUNNEL

900mm x 900mm diagonal column sizing determined by resolving forces as shown in the figure to the right

F O U N DAT I O N D E S I G N

TYPE 1

TYPE 2

3nr. Pile Cap 23m depth 1000mm dia.

4nr. Pile Cap 31m depth 1200mm dia.

TYPE 1

TYPE 2

Pile under standard column

Pile under diagonal column 72

CONSTRUCTION | TRANSFER STRUCTURE

Public library Transfer structure/ Plant floor

Auditorium

Public library

Transfer structure/ Plant floor

Auditorium

TRANSFER STRUCTURE To facilitate the 20m open span of the auditorium, the four most central columns were removed and subsequently the loadings from above needed to be transferred to different columns below.

73

TRANSFER STRUCTURE | CONSTRUCTION

1920kN

380kN

1920kN

380kN

380kN

2680kN

2680kN

The load transfer from the upper glulam columns to the columnless auditorium hall is facilitated by a two way steel truss that spans across the middle of the floor plate. It is located on a mechanical plant floor to minimise disruption to the usable floor area.

1:25 TRANSFER STRUCTURE CONNECTION 0

1

0.25

0.5

0.75

1m

2 3 4 5 6

7

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

380x380 glulam column Steel knife plate 65mm screed Breather membrane 50mm insulation 340mm RC bubble deck slab 324mm steel circular hollow section (horizontal truss member) 8. 324mm steel circular hollow section (diagonal truss member)

8

74

CO N ST R U CT I O N | FACA D E

FACA D E M AT E R I A L C O N S I D E R AT I O N

Three facade systems and their respective properties were compared.

An aluminium honeycomb rainscreen facade was ultimately chosen for its light weight, relatively low embodied carbon and U-value. This relative efficiency is achieved through a reduction in stone thickness required due to the composite panel system in place.

Given the high degree of standardisation in the building’s envelope, the cladding panels are prefabricated off-site to minimise delays, material wastage, and on-site construction time. In addition, prefabrication decreases the risk for human error, often resulting in higher air-tightness values.

STEEL RAINSCREEN

A LU M I N I U M H O N E YCO M B RAINSCREEN

PRECAST CONCRETE

Substrate: Steel mullions U-value: 0.128 W/m2K EC: 766.1 kgCO2e Mass: 538.0 kg

Substrate: Steel mullions U-value: 0.130 W/m2K EC: 487.2 kgCO2e Mass: 288.0 kg

Substrate: Inner leaf concrete U-value: 0.131 W/m2K EC: 383.1 kgCO2e Mass: 2119.5 kg

*Values calculated above are based on one 1.5x1m solid facade panel

75

BUILDUP | CONSTRUCTION

1.

2.

3.

6.

4.

5.

FACA D E PA N E L B U I L D U P 1.

2.

3.

Fermacell recycled gypsum plasterboard Steel cladding rail Breather membrane

4.

5.

6.

Rockwool insulation Aluminium honeycomb stone rainscreen panel Triple glazing

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.

5.

7.

C LT R O O F B U I L D U P 1.

2.

3.

4.

75mm ballast Breather membrane 350mm rigid insulation Vapour control layer

5.

6.

7.

120mm CLT floor slab 680x280 mm Glulam primary beam 500x200mm Glulam secondary beam (200mm centres)

76

C O N S T R U C T I O N | D E TA I L

D E TA I L E D FLOOR-FLOOR SECTION

1:50 @ B4

0

77

0.5

1

1.5

2m

D E TA I L S | C O N S T R U C T I O N

1 : 2 5 R O O F D E C K D E TA I L (inside to outside) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

1.

350mm RC bubble deck slab Vapour control layer 75mm insulation Breather membrane 15mm ballast Paving slabs on plastic pedestals

1 : 2 5 FACA D E D E TA I L (inside to outside) 1. 15mm Fermacell recycled gypsum plasterboard 2. 15mm perimeter insulation strip 3. Angled steel bracket 4. Cladding rail 5. Breather membrane 6. Rockwool insulation 7. 30mm aluminium honeycomb sandwich panel 8. 15mm Pennsylvania Flagstone cladding 9. Glazing frame 10. 44mm argon filled triple glazing

1 : 2 5 F LO O R D E TA I L (inside to outside) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

65mm screed 50mm insulation Breather membrane 350mm RC bubble deck slab 700mm services zone

78

CONSTRUCTION | CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE

R E TA I N I N G WA L L

PILING

SLIPFORM

RC FRAME

Install RC diaphragm retaining wall using hydromill methodology. Excavate basement space to top of pile and ground source heat pump level.

Install bearing piles using rotary bored and DTH methodology.

Use slipform formwork to pour concrete cores and shear walls.

Install cast in-situ RC frame using temporary falsework and formwork.

S I T E P R E PA R AT I O N

79

RC FRAME

CONSTRUCTION SEQUENCE | CONSTRUCTION

TRANSFER TRUSS

TIMBER FRAME

FACA D E

LANDSCAPING

Install transfer truss using self-climbing, supported tower crane.

Install Glulam beams and columns along with CLT slabs.

Lift façade panels into position and connect to structural frame.

Complete landscaping in spaces around the structure.

TIMBER FRAME

BUILDING EXTERIOR

BUILDING FIT OUT

80

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | I N T R O D U C T I O N

I N T R O D U C T I O N | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y The proposed Library for the World aims for quietly brilliant sustainability credentials.

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | E M B O D I E D C A R B O N

EMBODIED CARBON Using reinforced concrete as the primary structural material ensures a high degree of rigidity and durability, optimal for the target life span of 150 years. However, the high embodied carbon and environmental impact of the cement used in its production remains an issue. Instead, a 50% GGBS cement mix is used as an alternative to energy-intensive Portland Cement. Also, the use of a BubbleDeck system reduces the quantity of concrete required in floor slabs, ultimately reducing overall embodied carbon of the scheme.

Concrete Volume Reduction* Solid Deck

BubbleDeck same thickness

BubbleDeck same capacity

Carrying Capacity

Indicative Slab Thickness

Dead Load

*Diagram referenced from BubbleDeck UK Ltd

Comparative Concrete Volumes

100%

65%

50%

Typical Solid Deck RC slab

BubbleDeck same thickness

BubbleDeck same capacity

Resultantly, the cradle-to-gate embodied carbon of the scheme (also accounting for carbon sequestered in any CLT/Glulam) is estimated to be at least 2.3 times lower than equivalent benchmark medians.

Comparative Embodied Carbon

EMBODIED CARBON (tCO2e)

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

Proposed Scheme w/o Carbon Storage (50% GGBS)

83

Proposed Scheme w/Carbon Storage (50% GGBS)

Proposed Scheme w/o Carbon Storage (CEM 1 Concrete)

Proposed Scheme w/Carbon Storage (CEM 1 Concrete)

North American Median

Typical Mixed-Use Median

Primary Structure Embodied Carbon

>25 Storeys Above Grade Median

PA S S I V E D E S I G N S T R AT E G I E S | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

PA S S I V E D E S I G N S T R AT E G I E S

84

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | Z O N I N G

E N V I R O N M E N TA L C O N D I T I O N Z O N I N G ZONING SECTION

H I G H - D E N S I T Y I N H A B I T E D S PAC E Some Operable Windows Daylit, 350 - 500 lux Temperature: 22 - 24 °C Relative Humidity: 45 - 55% Light Dehumidification LOW- D E N S I T Y I N H A B I T E D S PAC E No Operable Windows Artificially Lit: 200 - 300 lux Temperature: 22 - 24 °C Relative Humidity: 45 - 55% Light Dehumidification PLANT MEP Services & Equipment: Air Handling Units (Intake & Exhaust) Ducts & Filters Chiller Units Thermal Storage Units Greywater Storage & Water Pumps Boilers Dehumidifiers SHOWCASE Airtight Artificially Lit: 100 - 200 lux Temperature: 20 °C Relative Humidity: 40 - 60% Dehumidification Air Filtration ARCHIVE STORAGE Airtight, Windowless Artificially Lit: 50 - 150 lux Temperature: 17 - 18 °C Relative Humidity: 35 - 60% Dehumidification Air Filtration

85

E L E C T R I C A L | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

ELECTRICAL SERVICE SECTION (ELECTRICAL)

ELECTRICAL ENERGY DEMAND

MEAN POWER DEMAND (kWh/day)

6000

5628

4387 4000

2000 1241

Total Electrical

Electrical Excl.

Archives

Archives

Maximum PV supply: 216 kWh

PV Panels were considered for placement on the roof but deemed unsuitable as the maximum energy supply from the PV system would be insignificant in relation to the scheme’s energy demand. However, the roof has the capacity for PV panels in the future once the technology improves in efficiency.

Electrical risers are kept apart from wet risers.

SERVICE PLAN (ELECTRICAL) UN LIBRARY (LEVEL 13)

Archive

Library

Electrical Substation

Offices

Distribution Path Emergency Generator Electrical Outlet

The electrical substation connects to New York’s power grid. The operational carbon of the building is expected to decrease over time as the power grid decarbonises.

Distribution Path Riser

86

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G

H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G

H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G D E M A N D

H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G D E M A N D ( k W h / D E G R E E D A Y/ m 2 )

3

2

1

0

Dec

Nov

Sep

Oct

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

-1

MONTH Proposed Scheme Peak Heating Demand

Proposed Scheme Peak Cooling Demand

Typical Manhattan Office Mean Heating Demand

Typical Manhattan Office Mean Cooling Demand

Based on an analysis of temperature gains and losses within the building, the scheme’s cooling demands were identified to be significantly greater than the heating demands. The predicted temperature rise due to climate change will only enlarge this disparity.

The proposed services strategy is therefore optimised to meet the high cooling demand of the building - a network of 15 standing column well ground source heat pumps offer 49% of the peak cooling capacity (with storage units for excess thermal energy) and an air conditioning system extracts heated stale air.

87

H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

S E R V I C E S E C T I O N ( H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G )

H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G D E M A N D

0.057

HEATING & COOLING DEMAND (kWh/degree day/m2)

0.06

0.037

0.04

0.024 0.02 0.007

Proposed Scheme

Heating

Typical Manhattan

Cooling

The building’s predicted peak heating & cooling values are shown to be lower overall than the mean value for a typical Manhattan office.

Heating & cooling are delivered to the interior spaces via fan convector units located on the ceiling, linked to the ground source heat pump.

S E R V I C E P L A N ( H E AT I N G & C O O L I N G ) UN LIBRARY (LEVEL 13)

Archive

Library

Offices

Thermal Storage Unit

Fan Convector Unit

Ground Source Heat Pump

Distribution Path

Pump-To-Storage Distribution

Riser

Storage-To-Floor Distribution

88

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | V E N T I L AT I O N

V E N T I L AT I O N

N E W YO R K M E A N T E M P E R AT U R E ( 2 0 1 9 )

T E M P E R AT U R E ( F )

90

70

50

30

Dec

Nov

Sep

Oct

Aug

Jul

Jun

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

10

MONTH

An analysis of New York’s mean temperature in 2019 demonstrates that natural ventilation is only possible for 26% of the year.

Thus, all spaces within the scheme are mechanically ventiated using an air-conditioning system with integrated MVHR. Operable windows are provided in the UN librarian offices, office suite and makerspace, allowing for localised natural ventilation.

89

V E N T I L AT I O N | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

S E R V I C E S E C T I O N ( V E N T I L AT I O N )

V E N T I L AT I O N P E R S P E C T I V E S E C T I O N

Fan Convector Unit

Fresh Air Outlet

Stale Air Intlet

Single-Sided Natural Ventilation (Operable Windows)

Glass partitions separate mechanically ventilated spaces from mixed-mode ventilated spaces.

S E R V I C E P L A N ( V E N T I L AT I O N ) UN LIBRARY (LEVEL 13)

Archive

Library

Air Conditioning Unit

Offices

Distribution Path

Air Extract Distribution Path

MVHR units are integrated with AC units on plant floors.

Air Supply Distribution Path Riser Mixed Mode Optional

90

S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y | WAT E R M A N AG E M E N T

WAT E R M A N AG E M E N T

91

S E R V I C E S E C T I O N ( R A I N WAT E R )

S E R V I C E S E C T I O N (G R E Y WAT E R )

Rainwater Storage Tank

Water Pump/Processing Unit

Drainage Path

Distribution Path

Rainwater storage tanks on plant floors collect

Greywater processing units are located on plant

runoff from the facade.

floors. The basement pump is linked to the grid.

WAT E R M A N AG E M E N T | S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

L A N D S CA P I N G S T R AT E GY The landscaping integrates an urban drainage system into its slope, acting as a low-lying green buffer to the site. The bioswale treats polluted stormwater and controls sewage overflow by reducing the volume of surface runoff that could otherwise seep into the local waterways through the sewer system.

LANDSCAPING

BIOSWALE

Stormwater Runoff

Deep-Rooted Native Shrubs Ponding Zone

Bio-Retention Soil Mixture Gravel Bed

Perforated Pipe

1. Stormwater runoff enters the bioswale 2. Deep-rooted shrubs slow down flow of runoff and filter pollutants 3. Ponding zone allows pollutants to settle and organic matter to accumulate 4. Clean water infiltrates the soil and enters the perforated pipe, slowly absorbing into the ground 5. Excess stormwater flows through the pipe into an outlet 92

PROPOSAL | INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION | PROPOSAL

PROCESS The project spanned over 10 weeks, with a team of six collaborating on the scheme. The following pages detail the process undetaken.

PROCESS | WEEK 1

WEEK 1

Ambitions

Archive to Library

The Future Of...

ASKING THE BIG QUESTIONS

95

WEEK 2 |PROCESS

WEEK 2 P A S T, P R E S E N T A N D F U T U R E

OMA Zoning Diagrams

Past, Present and Future

1. Materials, structure & details

Precedents

Happold Foundation Project Precedents Group 02 | 09.10.20

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.10.20

'

Precedent Qualities

Precedents

, \

I

,'

\

' ..

Ir \/ AIUf'tY OF �tAt'.tf-JG­

u

Precedents EfJV.r/to tJMtlJO Happold Foundation Project

VO.IDS Precedents

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.10.20

Group 02 | 09.10.20

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Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.10.20

, \

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Our initial discussions were about the aims of the UN LIbrary over its 150-year life. We established that it would be a place that would direct future generations towards u socially and environmentally sustainable development.

&-

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.10.20

Thinking vertically emphasised the upward .. journey through' the building; the proposal no conceives it as one that corresponds to the Ir dt past, present and future of knowledge. ,'

VO.IDS

&-

\

'

.:tU.U�ATE

coJJtJtcr

s,1-,e.

The Queens-Midtown Tunnel as a constraint allowed us to establish that we would avoid building on the South of the site.

96

Reading Rooms PROCESS | WEEK 3

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.10.20

WEEK 3

The Person and the Books

FORM AND FUNCTION

Interior Spaces

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 14.10.20

Multi-Purpose Reading Spaces

Stepped reading rooms

Exterior Form & Massing

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | Interim Review | 23.10.20

NYC Form-Finding

Flexible interior furniture, allowing for various activities of different scales to take place in the reading rooms

Exploring a stepped exterior form to fit in the context of New York, and an experiential glass lift that connects the past, present and future blocks.

97

WEEK 4 |PROCESS

WEEK 4

External Articulation of Lifts

INTERIM REVIEW

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 30.10.20

Facade

Concept

West

Structure

South

East

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | Interim Review | 23.10.20

Initial facade idea

Randomised facade based on preliminary facade study, gradually in

Structure and Facade

View from 1st Avenue looking North

Preserving the Past, Presenting the Present, Exploring the Future

Structural concrete core with service lift, fire stairs and riser.

CLT columns & floor slabs in the reading rooms

Steel truss spanning across the auditorium to minimise internal columns in the auditorium

A library is a hub in which knowledge is exchanged, sharing work from and across multiple timeframes. Allowing for the building to have a gradient shifting from preservation to presentation to exploration places emphasis on the idea that we can learn from the past to work on the present in order to improve the future.

Reinforced concrete columns and floor slabs

The spatial programme and external envelope of the building reflects the progression of the human race from the past (archives), present (auditorium/exhibition), and future (library) beyond, as an ode to its 150 year life.

Member sizes assuming maximum loading capacity.

Facing East (Ventilation building)

Facing North (UN Headquarters)

Structural isometric diagram

Past, Present, Future

West

Future transparent, permeable, open (libraries) South

Preliminary facade study based on daylighting and programme

East

Exploration of a more regularise

Present translucent (amphitheatre)

Past heavy, opaque, solid (archives)

The ascension through the past, present and future of knowledge was explored through a tri-volume massing, facade studies and primary structure through a gradient of heavy and light spaces.

Although the hope was that the ‘past‘ volume would have a historically eminent structural strategy - such as the use of stone columns

and beams - its feasibility was waived due to stone’s brittleness and low tensile capacity.

Our attention shifted to celebrating this journey through the internal spatial experience and the facade’s rhythm while ensuring that the spaces would perform well passively.

98

PROCESS | WEEK 5

WEEK 5 OPTIMUM ENVIRONMENTS

Environmental Zoning Environmental Zoning

Happold Foundation Project Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 6.11.20 Group 02 | 6.11.20

‘It’s boiling in here!’

‘We need more daylight!’

Splitting the public reading rooms into separate zones which can be heated, cooled and ventilated separately. This enable the building to operate efficiently regardless of whether it is at a maximum or minimum capacity.

Splitting the public reading rooms into separate zones which can be heated, cooled and ventilated separately. This enable the building to operate efficiently regardless of whether it is at a maximum or minimum capacity.

99

‘We need more daylight!’

Outward Looking

Concept Outward Looking

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 6.11.20

Amphitheatre

Inward Looking

Outward Looking Inward Looking

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 30.10.20

WEEK 6

THE CYCLE OF KNOWLEDGE

Outward Looking Outward Looking

Inward Looking

DAG Library

Inward Looking Inward Looking

Entrance Foyer

The narrative and the zoning strategy was emboldened by considering the way in which knowledge would percolate down the building. The idea that the UN Library would be a platform for the public to help mitigate global issues such as natural disasters and poverty was further explored.

The spatial programme and external envelope of the building reflects the progression of the human race from the past (archives), present (auditorium/exhibition), and future (library) beyond, as an ode to its 150 year life.

Past heavy, opaque, solid (archives)

Present translucent (amphitheatre)

Future transparent, permeable, open (libraries)

Past heavy, opaque, solid (archives)

Present translucent (amphitheatre)

Future transparent, permeable, open (libraries)

A library is a hub in which knowledge is exchanged, sharing work from and across multiple timeframes. Allowing for the building to have a gradient shifting from preservation to presentation to exploration places emphasis on the idea that we can learn from the past to work on the present in order to improve the future.

A library is a hub in which knowledge is exchanged, sharing work from and across multiple timeframes. Allowing for the building to have a gradient shifting from preservation to presentation to exploration places emphasis on the idea that we can learn from the past to work on the present in order to improveand theexternal future. envelope of the building reflects the progression of the human race from the past (archives), The spatial programme A library is a hub in which knowledge is exchanged, sharing work from and across multiple timeframes. Allowing for the building to present (auditorium/exhibition), and future (library) beyond, as an ode to its 150 year life. have a gradient shifting from preservation to presentation to exploration places emphasis on the idea that we can learn from the past Theinspatial programme and external envelope of the building reflects the progression of the human race from the past (archives), to work on the present order to improve the future. present (auditorium/exhibition), and future (library) beyond, as an ode to its 150 year life.

Preserving the Past, Presenting the Present, Exploring the Future

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 6.11.20

Preserving the Past, Presenting the Present, Exploring the Future

Concept Concept

Preserving the Past, Presenting the Present, Exploring the Future

Concept

Concept

Concept

Concept

Concept Past heavy, opaque, solid (archives)

Present translucent (amphitheatre)

Future transparent, permeable, open (libraries)

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 30.10.20

WEEK 6 |PROCESS

Happold Fou Gr

Happold

Appraisals of the environmental design higher spaces would be too hot but lower spaces would be too dark - were addressed by considering the positioning of rooflights and voids respectively to let in controlled amounts of daylight. High clerestories, deep reveals and stone brise-soleils were implemented.

Happold Fou Gro

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 6.11.20

Void between exhibition space & archive acclimatisation display rooms

100

PROCESS | WEEK 7

WEEKS 7 R E F I N I N G A N D R E S O LV I N G Facade Detail

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 30.10.20

Facade Facade

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 13.11.20 Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 13.11.20

prefabricated panel construction process

Facade Studies

prefabricated panel construction process

Concepts

1. Past, Present, Future The progression of human innovation as three interlocking volumes, representing knowledge of the past, present and future

Happold Foundation Project Group 02 | 09.11.20 | Materials & Making

Future transparent, open (reading rooms)

Present translucent (amphitheatre)

Past heavy, opaque, solid (archives)

north elevation north elevation

east elevation east elevation

2. Outward vs Inward Looking

The ‘Book Core’

Inversing the relationship of the central voids on the lower floors by introducing a solid central spine of bookcases in the upper public reading rooms.

Outward Looking

Servicing Strategy

Inward Looking

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WEEK 8 |PROCESS

WEEKS 8

SOUTH APPROACH

23

Art Installation to Highlight Plastic Waste

Group 02’s Day at the UN Library

Public Library

FINAL CRIT REFLECTION

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A pre-crit consideration for detailed design elements led to the ‘book core‘, a demountable structure in the middle of the public library that reinforces the outwardlooking nature of that zone.

The facades and services strategies were also finalised in this period.

At crit, the proposal was well-received, with commendation for the presentation as a journey through the spaces.

The elevations were said to have a 1930s ‘New York feel, which - although it was praised - we were encouraged to explore beyond the 21st century. Our uncomplicated structure was seen as a positive as it allowed for architectural and servicing freedoms.

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PROCESS | REFLECTION

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

IFRAH ARIFF

WINNIE NG

JAKE DANSON

Despite the lockdown restrictions putting a damper on our much-loved studio culture, I was fortunate that our group was keen to meet up as much as possible so that we could discuss our ideas as conducively as possible. Our collective enthusiasm and candour allowed us to filter out ideas quickly and critically.

Going into this year’s design project remotely, I was sceptical of how we would communicate as a group without being in studio together and how we would manage the design process from within our own homes.

Despite the restrictions in place, working with the team has been a great pleasure and I have learnt so much from each member of the group along with the various tutors we get to see each week.

Early on in the project there were several open discussions about the scheme from the points of view of the architectural and engineering disciplines. I enjoyed these thoughtprovoking conversations as they challenged me to think about structures from a more architectural point of view than I was used to.

This allowed me to learn more about architectural concepts and decision making.

The project has picked up in pace and lost its momentum countless times throughout the process and we have at times felt helpless, but the eagerness to resolve matters and bring the scheme to its best potential has always remained embedded in the group and no one has backed down from a problem without addressing it. I am pleased with how the project has evolved over the past 10 weeks for a building of such a scale.

I enjoyed explaining ideas to team members. This often required me to explain engineering concepts to an architect which I found was a good test of my knowledge and allowed me to demonstrate my understanding. Throughout the project, I improved my ability and confidence to communicate ideas through sketches.

Admittedly, there were times where I struggled to understand the engineering aspects of the design.

This was remedied by blatant questions expressing a lack of understanding. There were also times when I felt a great amount of self-doubt in terms of my proportional contribution to the group and this had the unintended consequence of hindering our group morale during key points in the project. But I hope that this is something I will be able to manage in the future, having become aware of it now.

I am grateful that my technical skills complemented that of my teammates well; whilst they worked on easy-to-read diagrams that were not my forte, I was able to work more comfortably on digital illustrations.

On a more general note about the Ted Project: it is my pleasure to say that I have been able to work as part of a collaborative and fun team of architects and engineers who all strived for the very best.

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Overall, the project presented a great challenge which required a lot fo hard work from the team.

However, it was interesting to work to solve these challenges and rewarding to come to a final result.

REFLECTION |PROCESS

SUE YEN CHONG

SEBASTIAN SYRJANEN

PIERCE COVENEY

To think that we designed a 26-storey building to its finest detail in just under 10 weeks, and not get tired of each other after day-in-day-out of endless Zoom calls, I have to say that I’m incredibly proud. Ask me this a week ago however, my answer would have been the total opposite.

On reflection, I’m very proud of what our group has achieved during the past two months, developing a scheme that I believe is well integrated architecturally, structurally, and environmentally.

The project went by super-fast, all of us developing significantly across its duration as a result of the strong individual skill sets of group members and the unusual nature of the brief. None of us had worked on a high-rise building before and so we were all a little uncertain of things, yet despite this, we pushed on and learnt a significant amount about planning, structure, and material. I specifically learnt a lot about environmental design within large buildings, in turn helping the engineers with the servicing diagrams.

Initial meetings focused on building form and structure, with constant consideration made for the environmental requirements and architectural desires we set following our preliminary research.

I was later tasked with forming the environmental strategy for our scheme. Each environmental factor was assessed where it was deemed most significant, to provide the clearest strategy possible given finite report space. This was a significant challenge for me and I am grateful for the guidance I received from tutors and coursemates during this time.

The first 8 weeks of the project flew through so quickly as we were so consumed in the process of designing, with half the team getting lost in the littlest of details, and the other half trying to pull the bigger ideas together. I think that was one of the biggest strengths we had as a team. The difference in the ways in which we approached problems often added to the richness our discussions and resulted in wellconsidered decisions. I personally had learnt so much from my teammates, and so much more about myself through them.

The final 2 weeks was probably the most difficult time in the entirety of the project, as having to curate and compress 8 weeks worth of ideas into the report was so much harder than we imagined. Mistakes have been made, but lessons have been learnt, and I’m very grateful to have gone through this project with these people I called home for 10 weeks.

The architects and engineers worked very well in tandem, each sub-group contributing to the work of the other effectively.

The characters in the group were fantastic and I believe a lot of our success came from a willingness to contribute ideas, listen and be brutally honest with each other.

If we had more time, I would be keen to work on the presentation of our architectural design a little more. Ultimately, I’m happy to have worked with five incredible people and, despite a few blips, I think we created something that we can truly be proud of.

This design project was like none other that I have experienced at University. The first few weeks were as much to do with understanding the scope of the project, as it was learning to work cohesively without the use of studio. I am immensely pleased with the manner in which our group managed the obstacles we faced, using daily communication to provide clarity and general support for all project tasks. It also ensured we could better monitor each other’s well being during this extraordinary time. Although this habit slipped towards the tail end of the project due to individual workloads, it is a testament to the cohesiveness of our group and the satisfaction we felt working collectively as designers on a totally new type of project.

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A view from across the East River with the future SOM development adjacent to the site.