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aura development
cache/wst.opf.3469919.xml
Project Description
When something is said to have an aura about it, it means it has a distinctive atmosphere or quality that surrounds it. This is the motivation behind the Aura Development, create a mixed-use urban-infill project in downtown Fargo that has an exciting aura about it and in doing so changes the identity of downtown Fargo. The Aura Development accomplishes this lofty goal through the three buildings that it is comprised of. The three buildings are Approach, Reveal, and Shear.
Approach is the first building an individual would encounter as they travel north on Broadway. This building is recognizable by two large glass curtain walls, an elevated outdoor dining area, and a large sloped roof which is oriented towards the south to optimize the use of photovoltaic panels. As an individual continues to travel north along Broadway, the next building they would encounter is Reveal. Aside from being the tallest building in the development, Reveal is recognizable by it’s large sloped exterior, large cutout glass curtain wall, and angled roof. Turning right on 3rd avenue and proceeding south, an individual would next encounter Shear. Shear is distinguishable by it’s large glass curtain wall that wraps around it’s corner and a roof that abruptly changes directions as it descends. The sloped roofs seen throughout the development are to aid in the collection of precipitation for non-potable purposes. Intermingled amongst the three buildings are gathering spaces of various sizes, intimate alleyways, recesses to accommodate outdoor seating for restaurants, and vegetation.
The inspiration for each building and the development as a whole comes from the unique angles seen in the window layout of the neighboring Radison high-rise and the sloped walls of the adjacent skyway. The angles seen in these two examples are unexpected and refreshing. However, a tremendous effort was made to respect the existing buildings in the area. As a result, the design of the the development aims to respect the past while embracing the future.
The past is respected through building placement and materials. An important aspect of downtown architecture is respecting the corners of a city block. Therefore, the development occupies all three of the vacant corners. The materials used in the buildings that occupy these corners are materials not uncommon to downtown architecture. These materials include brick, glass, and limestone. These materials are primarily used at the base of the buildings. As each building ascends, the aforementioned theme, embracing the future, becomes more and more evident. No view, of any of the three buildings, is the same. Each building is an asymmetrical composition in itself. The buildings break away from the repetitive box buildings seen throughout downtown architecture. While each building is distinctively unique, there are elements that tie the buildings together. Besides the same material palette, the slopes of the roofs are inspired by one another.
This development not only changes the skyline of downtown Fargo, but enlivens the surrounding area as well. There is truly an aura about it.
agenda 21: holistic sustainability
cache/wst.opf.3405410.xml
Project Description
Agenda 21 is a high density, two block urban redevelopment project in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. This project aims to create a holistic sustainability in which the well being of humans is taken into consideration along with the environment. This aspiration is addressed by establishing connections that encourage healthy movement and foster a sense of community, increasing the density and diversity of the area, and integrating nature. Agenda 21 is meant to serve as a transitional element that takes us from where we are today to the utopia of tomorrow.
I embraced this sense of moving forward through contemporary design and progressive innovations. The designs of the seven components (factory, high density mixed use building, medium density mixed use building, low density mixed use building, corridor, walking mall, transit hub) on the site acknowledges the past through the material palette while embracing the future through the use of exciting geometries.
Factories are typically viewed as undesirable and unhealthy. However, a factory is included in the redevelopment to disprove these negative connotations. To combat these negative connotations, the factory features a large slanted glass curtain wall. In addition to illuminating the interior with natural light, the wall gives the public the impression of transparency. Also, the inclusion of a factory has sociological benefits. The factory provides a variety of unique jobs for a different socioeconomic group. This increases the diversity of the people who inhabit the redevelopment.
The residential units in the high density mixed use building include efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom. The building has a greater number of efficiency units. As a result, the building has an increased density. This was done intentionally to keep the cost of the units low. Also, the building features a rooftop garden and automated parking system. The automated parking system provides parking for almost 150 automobiles where a traditional parking garage would only have provided parking for 64 automobiles. If automobile use decreases, the space occupied by the automated parking system can be converted into additional retail, office or communal spaces.
Unlike the high density mixed use building, there is more of an equal combination of efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom units. This results in an average cost for the units. The tower is distinguishable by wind turbines and mesh video cladding that spans the entire height of the tower. The mesh video cladding is transparent so light and views are not compromised. In addition to being a potential source of extra income through ads, the mesh video cladding can be used to display art and entertainment. These features make the tower a downtown landmark.
In addition to efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom units, the low density mixed use building contains two story condos. The cost associated with these units is slightly higher given a reduced number of efficiency units and the inclusion of condos. A rooftop garden sits atop the building which serves as a backyard for the condos.
The project book for Agenda 21 is available here.
bernard schwartz house
Agenda 21 is a high density, two block urban redevelopment project in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. This project aims to create a holistic sustainability in which the well being of humans is taken into consideration along with the environment. This aspiration is addressed by establishing connections that encourage healthy movement and foster a sense of community, increasing the density and diversity of the area, and integrating nature. Agenda 21 is meant to serve as a transitional element that takes us from where we are today to the utopia of tomorrow.
I embraced this sense of moving forward through contemporary design and progressive innovations. The designs of the seven components (factory, high density mixed use building, medium density mixed use building, low density mixed use building, corridor, walking mall, transit hub) on the site acknowledges the past through the material palette while embracing the future through the use of exciting geometries.
Factories are typically viewed as undesirable and unhealthy. However, a factory is included in the redevelopment to disprove these negative connotations. To combat these negative connotations, the factory features a large slanted glass curtain wall. In addition to illuminating the interior with natural light, the wall gives the public the impression of transparency. Also, the inclusion of a factory has sociological benefits. The factory provides a variety of unique jobs for a different socioeconomic group. This increases the diversity of the people who inhabit the redevelopment.
The residential units in the high density mixed use building include efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom. The building has a greater number of efficiency units. As a result, the building has an increased density. This was done intentionally to keep the cost of the units low. Also, the building features a rooftop garden and automated parking system. The automated parking system provides parking for almost 150 automobiles where a traditional parking garage would only have provided parking for 64 automobiles. If automobile use decreases, the space occupied by the automated parking system can be converted into additional retail, office or communal spaces.
Unlike the high density mixed use building, there is more of an equal combination of efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom units. This results in an average cost for the units. The tower is distinguishable by wind turbines and mesh video cladding that spans the entire height of the tower. The mesh video cladding is transparent so light and views are not compromised. In addition to being a potential source of extra income through ads, the mesh video cladding can be used to display art and entertainment. These features make the tower a downtown landmark.
In addition to efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom units, the low density mixed use building contains two story condos. The cost associated with these units is slightly higher given a reduced number of efficiency units and the inclusion of condos. A rooftop garden sits atop the building which serves as a backyard for the condos.
The project book for Agenda 21 is available here.
bernard schwartz house
cache/wst.opf.3470879.xml
Project Description
The objective of the project was to redesign one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian houses in order to make it more sustainable and fit within an eco-community. I chose to redesign the Bernard Schwartz house.
The original Bernard Schwartz house is 3,000 square feet. This is slightly greater than the average American house, which is 2,349 square feet and growing. However, the redesigned Bernard Schwartz house is only 1,000 square feet! Size is a unique sustainable element of the redesigned house. The reduced size means less space to heat, less space to cool, and less space to illuminate, which, of course, means less energy. Despite the reduced size, all the features of a traditional house with more square feet are available in the redesigned house. No sacrifices are needed. This is possible because the redesigned house focuses on quality, not quantity. Spaces are more efficiently used.
Before redesigning the house, I studied what spaces are used in a house, when they are used, how long they are used for, and how are they used. Doing so revealed what spaces were expendable. Bedrooms and dining rooms were two such rooms. When sleeping or having a formal meal, no other rooms a house are being utilized. Therefore, why couldn’t these spaces be condensed with other spaces in the house that would otherwise go unused? This question spurred some very interested results.
The large recreation room provides the flexible space needed to accommodate the functions lost by excluding a bedroom and dining room. Out of the built-in seating folds a bed. Panels fold down on either side of the bed to become nightstands. A curtain provides the option to close the room to the rest of the house. Just like that, an intimate bedroom is created, complete with luxurious fireplace and magnificent views. In the kitchen, an extra large island, fitted with wheels, acts as a table for formal dining. Storage lost through the exclusion of these two rooms and the relatively small size of the house is offset by a storage wall.
A soaring brick column clearly marks the entrance of the redesigned house. The recessed entrance welcomes guests to the house. Movement into the house is encouraged by a low canopy, a technique used by Frank Lloyd Wright. Once inside, the open floor plan and high ceilings make the house feel bigger than it actually is. Innovations, such as the aforementioned foldout bed and movable dining table, allow the inhabitants to interact with their environment and in doing so create outstanding spaces.
The clearstory and envelope of the house contain numerous windows that flood the interior of the house with natural light. Natural light not only reduces energy, but is beneficial to human health. Furthermore, the abundance of windows means more views and a greater connection to the natural environment. Abundant french doors and operable windows essentially allow the redesigned house to open up to the natural environment. This allows fresh air to cleanse the interior of the house. In addition, planters placed on the terraces allow the wind to pick up fragrances and bring them into the house. Two terraces encourage outdoor activities and consequently interaction with neighbors.
hybrid high-rise tower
cache/wst.opf.3405554.xml
Project Description
The design of the hybrid high-rise tower began shortly after a site selection trip to San Francisco. A great deal of effort was placed on connecting the tower with the site and people with one another.
The design was inspired by waves seen in the nearby bay. In this dynamic, interesting shapes are created by the water falling back on itself. Much like Gothic cathedrals, the tower creates a connection between the sky and the ground by acting as an intermediary. The transition from empty sky to occupied sky is very subtle. The building gradually increases until it fully appears. In addition, the low point of the “swoop” on top of the tower is the same height as a neighboring building. The tower acknowledges it’s neighbors while creating a more unified, appealing skyline.
The layout of the residential space within the tower is arranged to create diverse neighborhoods within the tower. To accomplish this, residential floors are divided into four floors. Each of these neighborhoods feature an atrium. Elevators will transport residents to the first of these four floors. From there, residents will proceed to their unit. If their unit is located on floors two through four, residents have the option of taking another elevator or the stairs.
Behind the tower, at it’s base, are two stories of commercial space. This space features a sculptural vegetative roof and ramp that wraps around the building’s interior. The ramp spans from the third floor to the fourth floor. It leads to an observation deck that looks out over the buildings plaza and an adjacent park. This is especially desirable when the plaza is converted into a performance area. A skylight located in this area floods the base of the tower with natural light while providing breathtaking views of the tower itself.
The main orientation of the site is 45° west of north, resulting in a building that provides the residential and office spaces direct access to the southern exposure and it’s numerous benefits. A double skin envelope provides an extra layer of protection. During the hot summer months, this double skin acts as a heat and sunlight barrier. However, during cool winter months the same double skin acts as a heater. The exterior skin features Spider Glass supported by the steel structural elements. The exterior skin is coated with photovoltaic spray, which collects energy from the sun similar to solar panels. The interior skin features electrochromatic glass, virtually eliminating the need for traditional window treatments inside. The glass turns from transparent to opaque and various stages in between with a flick of a switch. Patterns created by individual control of the glass is always changing and makes the building’s skin seem alive. Also, the glass can be programmed to change during the day so that the space does not get overheated during sunny days.
union storage & transfer
cache/wst.opf.3369063.xml
Project Description
The goal of this project was to reinvigorate a deteriorating building through the introduction of sustainable features. The tremendous character seen in the elegant brickwork and detailing of the Union Storage & Transfer in downtown Fargo made the building an obvious choice. I transformed the warehouse into a variety of residential units that, in addition to sustainability, took an extensive look at human well being.
To begin, openings were punctured in the building’s brick envelope to add doors and windows. With the addition of doors, walkouts were added for eight of the units. The walkouts replicate the appearance of two loading docks at ground level. The top of this portion of the building features an atrium allowing natural light to flood the interior and a green roof. Adjacent to this portion of the building is a green space for outdoor activities and water runoff.
The empty space in front of the recessed portion of the building, currently being used for parking, was transformed into green space for the ground units. A gated brick fence and trees were added to this green space for added privacy and safety. The existing canopy is retained and renovated to provide shelter for these units.
Some of the large multi-paned windows on the top floor of the recessed portion of the building were removed and replaced with railings. The roof covering this portion of the building was removed as well. The floor in this area was upgraded to accommodate green space and other vegetation. The units in this area are separated by brick walls. The new exterior wall for these units is curved to match the slope of the roof on the back of the building. The curve disappears into a raised section of the roof. The south side of this section contains clerestory windows that allow light to penetrate into the upper units.
The roof on this side of the building was extended six feet to block excess summer sun and outfitted with photovoltaic panels. The batteries used to store the energy captured by these photovoltaic panels are located in a space adjacent to this portion of the building. Also, this space contains hydrogen fuel cells to create supplemental energy for the building.
midwest city airport
The goal of this project was to reinvigorate a deteriorating building through the introduction of sustainable features. The tremendous character seen in the elegant brickwork and detailing of the Union Storage & Transfer in downtown Fargo made the building an obvious choice. I transformed the warehouse into a variety of residential units that, in addition to sustainability, took an extensive look at human well being.
To begin, openings were punctured in the building’s brick envelope to add doors and windows. With the addition of doors, walkouts were added for eight of the units. The walkouts replicate the appearance of two loading docks at ground level. The top of this portion of the building features an atrium allowing natural light to flood the interior and a green roof. Adjacent to this portion of the building is a green space for outdoor activities and water runoff.
The empty space in front of the recessed portion of the building, currently being used for parking, was transformed into green space for the ground units. A gated brick fence and trees were added to this green space for added privacy and safety. The existing canopy is retained and renovated to provide shelter for these units.
Some of the large multi-paned windows on the top floor of the recessed portion of the building were removed and replaced with railings. The roof covering this portion of the building was removed as well. The floor in this area was upgraded to accommodate green space and other vegetation. The units in this area are separated by brick walls. The new exterior wall for these units is curved to match the slope of the roof on the back of the building. The curve disappears into a raised section of the roof. The south side of this section contains clerestory windows that allow light to penetrate into the upper units.
The roof on this side of the building was extended six feet to block excess summer sun and outfitted with photovoltaic panels. The batteries used to store the energy captured by these photovoltaic panels are located in a space adjacent to this portion of the building. Also, this space contains hydrogen fuel cells to create supplemental energy for the building.
midwest city airport
cache/wst.opf.3470958.xml
Project Description
This project was inspired by a two part competition sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. The first part dealt with improving airport security while the second dealt with the design of the airport itself.
The goal of the security implemented in the airport was to be as invisible as possible while still being as thorough as possible. Advances in technology made this a reality. After resolving any baggage or ticketing issues, passengers proceed to the security checkpoint. To avoid the inconvenience of waiting, the number of portals was increased. Despite this increase, the number of employees needed did not see a corresponding increase. This is due in part to the aforementioned technological advances requiring less employees at each portal.
Passengers present their tickets to an employee stationed at a desk for visual verification. After doing so, passengers are instructed, via monitor, to enter the portal. Once the passenger is in position, a different monitor instructs the passenger when to stop. As the passenger’s body is scanned for foreign objects and “sniffed” for traces of explosive powders, the same monitor that instructed the passenger to stop displays flight information. Face recognition technology scans the passenger's face while the passenger is looking at the monitor. This process takes about 20 seconds. Passengers that pass the inspection are allowed to proceed to the airside concourse, while passengers that fail the inspection are taken into an adjacent room for further investigation.
The airport has a very elegant and graceful curvilinear form, which fittingly resembles a bird. Passengers enter the airport at a smooth half-circle emerging from the core. The other half of the circle, located on the other side of the core, contains offices for the airport’s administration. Unlike the entrance, this half-circle is a juxtaposition of boxes. Clearstory windows, around the perimeter of the roof, make the core the highest part of the airport. Concave triangular nodes on the extensions of the airport are the gates for the airplanes.
Inside the landside concourse are baggage and ticketing desks. Also, there is an observation deck to view airplanes landing and taking off. Concession and retail space is located in the airside concourse. A water feature defines this space while diffusing the noise. A ramp allows passengers to access an observation deck with seating situated above the concession and retail space.
When returning, passengers take elevators or escalators to the level below where baggage claim is located. This is where car rental and information desks are located as well.
start house!
cache/wst.opf.3471133.xml
Project Description
This project originated from a competition to design a prefabricated living unit. My response to the competition was the Start House. The house is a contemporary, innovative, stylish, prefabricated house that doesn’t look like a prefabricated house.
The starting component of the house is a glass atrium. From there, individual components are added or subtracted and arranged based on the needs of the occupying guests. The components of the house are designed to be transported on a flatbed truck to the site. As a result, each component is sized for interstate transportation. Once on the site, a crane lifts the components into place.
The arrangement featured contains a bathroom, dining room, living room, kitchen, auxiliary bedroom with a private outdoor area, two communal outdoor areas, office, master bedroom (bathroom, laundry) with a private outdoor area. The stepping up arrangements of the components on the exterior provide opportunities for gardens, gray water collection and solar photovoltaic panels.
Upon entering the house, guests are welcomed by a light filled glass atrium. The ground floor features a bathroom, dining room, kitchen, living room, and staircase to the floors above. This level is where most of the public functions of the house take place. Guests of the house can make conversation at the kitchen island before enjoying a meal in the dining room and after take in the views provided in the living room.
The first floor contains an auxiliary bedroom with a private outdoor area and a communal outdoor area. Guests access these rooms, opposite the staircase, via walkway suspended from the atrium ceiling. Like other spaces in the house, the bedrooms feature very distinctive windows. Given the nontraditional shape of the house, traditional windows would look out of place. Therefore, a new window shape was needed. The windows mimic the angles seen in the house.
An office, outdoor area, and master bedroom (laundry, bathroom) with a private outdoor area can all be accessed on the second floor. Again, the master bedroom, opposite the staircase, can be reached by a walkway suspended from the atrium ceiling. However, the office and outdoor area are on the same side as the staircase and can be reached directly from it.
fargo public library
cache/wst.opf.3471023.xml
Project Description
This project was inspired by Fargo’s actual interest in updating the city’s library system. My design draws it’s inspiration from an open book, more specifically, half of an open book. The polished metal curve that forms the roof as well as one of the exterior walls represents the pages of the book.
Another dynamic feature in the design of the library is the curved masonry wall. The wall begins on the exterior of the building, swings inside, and emerges once again on the outside. The wall is showcased to the public through a glass curtain wall. The wall is meant to draw the public’s attention to the activity taking place inside the building and, by doing so, inspire them to enter the building.
Further intrigue comes from the plaza in front of the building. A space is provided in the plaza to showcase local artwork.
The building is elevated to protect its contents should the downtown flood during the spring. The space created by elevating the building was used for parking. The public enters the building at a ground floor lobby. The floor above is accessible via a circular staircase and elevator at the back of the lobby. Upon arriving on the first floor above the ground, the public can proceed forward into the library. A meeting room is located just outside of the library. This room is not intended for the general public and is accessible independently from the library.
After entering the library, a circular checkout desk and back room is immediately visible. The desk is a key element in the layout of the library. The book selves are arranged in a circle around the desk and run parallel to the desk. Doing so, allows the library staff to have visibility in-between the shelves. Behind the desk and back room, is an outdoor promenade deck. The deck, which spans the entire length of the building, contains seating and trees to create a tranquil reading environment.
It is through these elements that the aim of the project, to create a stimulating environment that fosters excitement for learning, is accomplished.
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