Monday, September 21, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
The Rules
I was trying to evaluate/consider the 8 or 10 design rules that I am using for the design.
I started with a list that went something like this:
-Design a place for the community to gather/come together in a social setting (to promote interaction).
-Make the spaces (interior/exterior) accessible to all residents of Berlin.
-Bring people together from neighboring towns
-Create architecture/style that respects/responds to the surrounding environment (ie. river).
-Bridging the gap between east/west Berlin (the river has divided the town and the site is sandwiched between the two sides - separated by the river and the roadway that defines the boundaries of the site)
-Using architecture to reference the past (the history of industry)
-Recycling materials/buildings/foundations.
-Use materials that are representative of the location
-Promote future growth on the site (master planning - plan for future building and program expansion)
-Keep scale of buildings relative to one another
-Design with the climate in mind (ie. northern new hampshire temperature is cold for most of the year)
I then realized that some of these "rules" were not actually rules, but more like "goals." Things I want to accomplish or achieve through the design.
So looking back at the list, I selected the points that could be used as rules and examined them further:
-Make space accessible
-Create respecting/responding architecture
-Bridging/Connecting two sides of Berlin
-Reference the past
-Use of materials (recycled, location appropriate)
-Scale
-Promote future growth
-Keep climate in mind
Then I broke them down further:
1. Make spaces accessible
-Accessible from both sides of the river (through use of physical bridge, walkways)
-For visitors/students (perhaps by re-establishing train system)
-Programmatically, allow for uses by all age groups/levels/abilities (not only having indoor gym space, but also parks, sitting areas, places to gather and listen to music/lectures, green space for running/playing)
2.Bridging Berlin
-Make connection to Main Street (to help improve economic situation)
-Develop program not only on site, but carry to Main Street to help establish connection
-Include the eastern part of town (right of site) in design (make more of a gesture other than connecting to the site with a road)
3.Referencing the Past
-Industry was a part of town for over 100 years, let the architecture represent the history of the town
-Use materials that would represent that industry
4.Materials
-Local character/materials - (wood, stone)
-industrial aesthetic (referencing the past)
-Carry the materials throughout the entire site design - all buildings should use same materials
5.Scale
-Existing building is quite large - but that is part of the character of the site/town (its impressive, huge size)...this should remain as it is, but the auxiliary buildings should stay within the height constraints/limits of the neighboring buildings in the town (ie. not exceeding 2 or 3 stories in height)
-Footprints of the buildings should remain with the footprints/foundations of former buildings (to remain within the "hurt" part of the site)
6. Future growth
-Develop a site plan that would allow for future growth
-Provide multiple entry/exit sequences on outlying buildings - to connect to future buildings
7.Climate
-Consider creating interior spaces (hallways rather than exterior walkways) to connect spaces/buildings
-Cold climate: use warm materials (colors) to counter-act the "coldness" (both physical and psychological) - creating a "warm" place for people to come to
8. Create respecting/responding architecture
-The site was originally chosen for its location to the river - represent why the river is important
-Make the river a key focal point of the design, rather than an afterthought
-Orient buildings towards views (main street, river, mountains)
I am hoping that this list will help me define and shape this final design in a way that will help to reinforce the ideas I have set forth in my thesis.
I would appreciate feedback on any/all of these points - I want to make sure that they are helping to really "define" what I want.
I started with a list that went something like this:
-Design a place for the community to gather/come together in a social setting (to promote interaction).
-Make the spaces (interior/exterior) accessible to all residents of Berlin.
-Bring people together from neighboring towns
-Create architecture/style that respects/responds to the surrounding environment (ie. river).
-Bridging the gap between east/west Berlin (the river has divided the town and the site is sandwiched between the two sides - separated by the river and the roadway that defines the boundaries of the site)
-Using architecture to reference the past (the history of industry)
-Recycling materials/buildings/
-Use materials that are representative of the location
-Promote future growth on the site (master planning - plan for future building and program expansion)
-Keep scale of buildings relative to one another
-Design with the climate in mind (ie. northern new hampshire temperature is cold for most of the year)
I then realized that some of these "rules" were not actually rules, but more like "goals." Things I want to accomplish or achieve through the design.
So looking back at the list, I selected the points that could be used as rules and examined them further:
-Make space accessible
-Create respecting/responding architecture
-Bridging/Connecting two sides of Berlin
-Reference the past
-Use of materials (recycled, location appropriate)
-Scale
-Promote future growth
-Keep climate in mind
Then I broke them down further:
1. Make spaces accessible
-Accessible from both sides of the river (through use of physical bridge, walkways)
-For visitors/students (perhaps by re-establishing train system)
-Programmatically, allow for uses by all age groups/levels/abilities (not only having indoor gym space, but also parks, sitting areas, places to gather and listen to music/lectures, green space for running/playing)
2.Bridging Berlin
-Make connection to Main Street (to help improve economic situation)
-Develop program not only on site, but carry to Main Street to help establish connection
-Include the eastern part of town (right of site) in design (make more of a gesture other than connecting to the site with a road)
3.Referencing the Past
-Industry was a part of town for over 100 years, let the architecture represent the history of the town
-Use materials that would represent that industry
4.Materials
-Local character/materials - (wood, stone)
-industrial aesthetic (referencing the past)
-Carry the materials throughout the entire site design - all buildings should use same materials
5.Scale
-Existing building is quite large - but that is part of the character of the site/town (its impressive, huge size)...this should remain as it is, but the auxiliary buildings should stay within the height constraints/limits of the neighboring buildings in the town (ie. not exceeding 2 or 3 stories in height)
-Footprints of the buildings should remain with the footprints/foundations of former buildings (to remain within the "hurt" part of the site)
6. Future growth
-Develop a site plan that would allow for future growth
-Provide multiple entry/exit sequences on outlying buildings - to connect to future buildings
7.Climate
-Consider creating interior spaces (hallways rather than exterior walkways) to connect spaces/buildings
-Cold climate: use warm materials (colors) to counter-act the "coldness" (both physical and psychological) - creating a "warm" place for people to come to
8. Create respecting/responding architecture
-The site was originally chosen for its location to the river - represent why the river is important
-Make the river a key focal point of the design, rather than an afterthought
-Orient buildings towards views (main street, river, mountains)
I am hoping that this list will help me define and shape this final design in a way that will help to reinforce the ideas I have set forth in my thesis.
I would appreciate feedback on any/all of these points - I want to make sure that they are helping to really "define" what I want.
Thoughts...
So here are my thoughts so far:
This is what I would like to address in the final weeks of design time:
-Architectural Materiality & Character
-Define edge conditions
-Develop plan/design to incorporate “the community”
-Further develop use of building
-Develop characters for book
Architectural Material & Character:
I think I took the modern approach the first time around, as I thought that a modern/white/new facade would help further express the “new identity” of Berlin. Instead, it caused more confusion, as the modern style did not assist the idea of my thesis, nor was it a style of architecture I appreciate.
I would like to incorporate more wood, stone, glass, and exposed metal (similar to images below). I think that by using materials local to the area, such as wood and stone - that it will help to emphasize not only the historic nature of the town (the building formerly being a paper mill), but also it will help to keep the building within a more naturalistic, appropriate style. Having a large white building in the middle of an old New England town does not seem at all appropriate to me.
I think that by using more natural elements in the facade and design (interiors and exteriors) it will help to express a notion of the past as well as paving a way for future architectural design (master planning).
The images you see here are of James Cutlers work. I like the use of the wood in combination with the metal and stone. To me, materials like these would help to express the industrial nature of the former building (telling a story of history) as well as provide a new design template for the rest of the buildings on the site.
Large wood beams, exposed metals and local stone (granite), would help to express a sense of localism (making a connection between the local materials and the new program) - while also reminding the viewer that this building was once of an industrial nature.
Define Edge Condition:
I dont think I successfully did this task for the presentation - in regards to the river. I simply left the river the way that it was - steeply pitched banks covered with rocks and trees...almost no connection to the river through my site (other than the kayak launching area and pitched lawn).
I would like to explore the notion of edge and how I can manipulate the edge of the river to work to help better express my ideas and make my argument more convincing.
Develop Design to incorporate COMMUNITY
One of the reasons I wanted to explore this site and building was because I had concerns for the residents of Berlin. I was worried that they would not be represented, that this land would be used in a negative way - without benefitting the townspeople whatsoever.
I want to make it a point that the community is my priority in this thesis. I am designing a place for these people to BENEFIT from, a place they can belong to, a place they can be proud of.
While walking through Providence with Denise, she and I came across a small amphitheater along the the river. We discussed how I might be able to incorporate something like that within my own project. This could potentially be a place for the community to gather alongside the river (facing the mountains) that would bring not only Berlin residents together, but people (students, tourists, neighboring townspeople) together.
I also wanted to look into the transportation situation - and how people would get to the site. I initially had only one footbridge and an existing road as a way to the site.
I would now like to propose extending Community Street across - allowing for BOTH car traffic and foot traffic (two separate units to be designed - although they are connected). I would also like to propose re-establishing the railroad connection - by reinstating the existing railroad bridge (further up river) that would cross over to the site and terminate at a new building at the end of the rail.
The purpose of extending the rail back to the site (re-establishing the rail) would be to encourage the tourists from neighboring cities to visit Berlin (either without the hassle of the car, the nostalgia of the train). The train played a vital role in keeping this site alive and I believe that by re-establishing that connection, it will help to further encourage my ideas.
Further Develop Use of Building
I think that I may have tried to fill too much space (with program) within the existing building. I now think that instead of filling it all with program, I will leave some areas “existing” - and plan to use them within the master plan/future growth of the site/program. This way I am able to expand my program and use land on the site to build new buildings (such as the classrooms).
I still plan on keeping the NOLS School, but now I would also like to propose that local businesses have space either within this building (or surrounding buildings) to encourage growth across the river.
I also propose on a community/regional based entity - something that would bring neighboring townspeople to the site - such as a firefighters training/meeting area, etc.
In addition, I would also like to propose that the dormitories be placed along Main Street, rather than on the site. This would help encourage students to interact with the townspeople, their businesses and help to bridge the gap between the use groups.
Characters in Book
Denise and I agreed that my thesis should be a “story” and that I need to develop who the characters are within my book. I have come up with these characters as of now:
-Bill: 60 years old, former mill worker (third generation) who was laid off in 2002 when the mill was closed.
-Gretchen: 45 years old, wife of mill worker
-Aimee: 22 years old, recent college graduate, coming home to Berlin
-Rich: 17 year old teenager, growing up in Berlin
-Shannon: 20 year old student in NOLS program
-Mike: 35 years old, avid outdoorsmen, loves to travel in North Country
-Dean: 50 year old resident of Goram (town 15 min. south of Berlin)
I plan to use these characters within my “story” to help further explain the problems with Berlin, the proposed solutions for the town/site/building and the proposed master plan/future for the town.
I will have to develop these characters in more detail - so their stories actually explain what my thesis is about.
This is what I would like to address in the final weeks of design time:
-Architectural Materiality & Character
-Define edge conditions
-Develop plan/design to incorporate “the community”
-Further develop use of building
-Develop characters for book
Architectural Material & Character:
I think I took the modern approach the first time around, as I thought that a modern/white/new facade would help further express the “new identity” of Berlin. Instead, it caused more confusion, as the modern style did not assist the idea of my thesis, nor was it a style of architecture I appreciate.
I would like to incorporate more wood, stone, glass, and exposed metal (similar to images below). I think that by using materials local to the area, such as wood and stone - that it will help to emphasize not only the historic nature of the town (the building formerly being a paper mill), but also it will help to keep the building within a more naturalistic, appropriate style. Having a large white building in the middle of an old New England town does not seem at all appropriate to me.
I think that by using more natural elements in the facade and design (interiors and exteriors) it will help to express a notion of the past as well as paving a way for future architectural design (master planning).
The images you see here are of James Cutlers work. I like the use of the wood in combination with the metal and stone. To me, materials like these would help to express the industrial nature of the former building (telling a story of history) as well as provide a new design template for the rest of the buildings on the site.
Large wood beams, exposed metals and local stone (granite), would help to express a sense of localism (making a connection between the local materials and the new program) - while also reminding the viewer that this building was once of an industrial nature.
Define Edge Condition:
I dont think I successfully did this task for the presentation - in regards to the river. I simply left the river the way that it was - steeply pitched banks covered with rocks and trees...almost no connection to the river through my site (other than the kayak launching area and pitched lawn).
I would like to explore the notion of edge and how I can manipulate the edge of the river to work to help better express my ideas and make my argument more convincing.
Develop Design to incorporate COMMUNITY
One of the reasons I wanted to explore this site and building was because I had concerns for the residents of Berlin. I was worried that they would not be represented, that this land would be used in a negative way - without benefitting the townspeople whatsoever.
I want to make it a point that the community is my priority in this thesis. I am designing a place for these people to BENEFIT from, a place they can belong to, a place they can be proud of.
While walking through Providence with Denise, she and I came across a small amphitheater along the the river. We discussed how I might be able to incorporate something like that within my own project. This could potentially be a place for the community to gather alongside the river (facing the mountains) that would bring not only Berlin residents together, but people (students, tourists, neighboring townspeople) together.
I also wanted to look into the transportation situation - and how people would get to the site. I initially had only one footbridge and an existing road as a way to the site.
I would now like to propose extending Community Street across - allowing for BOTH car traffic and foot traffic (two separate units to be designed - although they are connected). I would also like to propose re-establishing the railroad connection - by reinstating the existing railroad bridge (further up river) that would cross over to the site and terminate at a new building at the end of the rail.
The purpose of extending the rail back to the site (re-establishing the rail) would be to encourage the tourists from neighboring cities to visit Berlin (either without the hassle of the car, the nostalgia of the train). The train played a vital role in keeping this site alive and I believe that by re-establishing that connection, it will help to further encourage my ideas.
Further Develop Use of Building
I think that I may have tried to fill too much space (with program) within the existing building. I now think that instead of filling it all with program, I will leave some areas “existing” - and plan to use them within the master plan/future growth of the site/program. This way I am able to expand my program and use land on the site to build new buildings (such as the classrooms).
I still plan on keeping the NOLS School, but now I would also like to propose that local businesses have space either within this building (or surrounding buildings) to encourage growth across the river.
I also propose on a community/regional based entity - something that would bring neighboring townspeople to the site - such as a firefighters training/meeting area, etc.
In addition, I would also like to propose that the dormitories be placed along Main Street, rather than on the site. This would help encourage students to interact with the townspeople, their businesses and help to bridge the gap between the use groups.
Characters in Book
Denise and I agreed that my thesis should be a “story” and that I need to develop who the characters are within my book. I have come up with these characters as of now:
-Bill: 60 years old, former mill worker (third generation) who was laid off in 2002 when the mill was closed.
-Gretchen: 45 years old, wife of mill worker
-Aimee: 22 years old, recent college graduate, coming home to Berlin
-Rich: 17 year old teenager, growing up in Berlin
-Shannon: 20 year old student in NOLS program
-Mike: 35 years old, avid outdoorsmen, loves to travel in North Country
-Dean: 50 year old resident of Goram (town 15 min. south of Berlin)
I plan to use these characters within my “story” to help further explain the problems with Berlin, the proposed solutions for the town/site/building and the proposed master plan/future for the town.
I will have to develop these characters in more detail - so their stories actually explain what my thesis is about.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
UPDATE
Not complete...just wanted to show what I was working on.....
PROGRAMMING
PROBLEMS: ON SITE & WITHIN TOWN
(Insert slide about displaced loggers/sense of community - reaction to mill closing)
Just wanted to post what I'm in the process of crafting...trying to make diagrams/boards that illustrate the terms of new identity - then I will implement these into the plan and master plan of Berlin.
PROGRAMMING
PROBLEMS: ON SITE & WITHIN TOWN
(Insert slide about displaced loggers/sense of community - reaction to mill closing)
Just wanted to post what I'm in the process of crafting...trying to make diagrams/boards that illustrate the terms of new identity - then I will implement these into the plan and master plan of Berlin.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Developing the Axis
The axis line which runs through the climbing school originally was parallel to Main Street - a concept that I soon realized neither tied into the idea of a new identity or the programmed space.
I took a step back, and looked at the geography and site....
I then realized that if I angled the axis to align with the White Mountains National Forest [which coincides with both the identity (awareness of surroundings, sense of place, honoring nature) and the program (climbing)] - that it would strengthen the connection of the new identity (with a focus on the surrounding landscape).
I took a step back, and looked at the geography and site....
I then realized that if I angled the axis to align with the White Mountains National Forest [which coincides with both the identity (awareness of surroundings, sense of place, honoring nature) and the program (climbing)] - that it would strengthen the connection of the new identity (with a focus on the surrounding landscape).
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Looking at moments
Paths
Rivers Edge
Outdoor Space (school and path)
River Edge
Entry
Public Space
Public Space - Looking south
Outdoor Climbing Wall
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Just to be clear
I am planning on re-using the existing building - or at least most of it.
These sketches should explain what I plan to keep and what I envision is on the inside of the existing structure.
I plan on keeping the majority of the building for these reasons:
1. It is one of the few remaining buildings on the entire site.
2. Its obvious links to history.
3. Its psychological connection to the people of Berlin (the last piece of their history of a paper mill town)
4. It reinforces the idea of creating a benefit to a disturbed site - without having to create more destruction/disturbance to create a new piece of architecture - through adaptive reuse.
5. I think the overall challenge would be to take something I believe to be unattractive -large, looming, unfriendly, unapproachable, non-transparent (what goes on in that building?)- and to create something of value, something more approachable for the entire community.
Elevations
Section One
Section Two
Section Three
These sketches should explain what I plan to keep and what I envision is on the inside of the existing structure.
I plan on keeping the majority of the building for these reasons:
1. It is one of the few remaining buildings on the entire site.
2. Its obvious links to history.
3. Its psychological connection to the people of Berlin (the last piece of their history of a paper mill town)
4. It reinforces the idea of creating a benefit to a disturbed site - without having to create more destruction/disturbance to create a new piece of architecture - through adaptive reuse.
5. I think the overall challenge would be to take something I believe to be unattractive -large, looming, unfriendly, unapproachable, non-transparent (what goes on in that building?)- and to create something of value, something more approachable for the entire community.
Elevations
Section One
Section Two
Section Three
Inspiration
I found this project today - Museo del Acero Horno in Mexico. Grimshaw Architects designed a museum within the space of an old blast furnace.
A fascinating project of adaptive reuse.
It gives me hope that I can do the same with my building and program.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Showing you the process
I took the terms I am using to define the new identity and attempted to define how these terms can be represented architecturally.
-Accessibility
-Awareness
-Interaction
-Recreation
Accessibility: (approachability, friendliness)
-Gentle grade/slope changes
-View to a given vista or node (or visibility THROUGH opening or glass or material)
-wide spaces
-clear entry spaces (well defined as entry)
-ramps
-open entries
-large (wide/open) walkways
-warm materials/colors
-sense of place (see where you are going/know where you are)
Aware:
-Sense (feel, see, touch, hear, smell)
-Orientation (sense of place - know the surroundings)
Interaction:
-Open Spaces
-Gathering Spaces
-Places of convergence (paths, hallways, greens)
-Views through openings (ability to see others)
Recreation (Green Space):
-Lawn
-Bench/Sitting (viewing)
-Trees/plants/flowers
-Experience (enjoyment, happiness)
-Wild areas vs. Landscaped areas
-Retreat
-Medium for interaction
-Habitat
Now, incorporating those concepts into an initial design for the school...
The Site
Looking at the school - wanting to incorporate view of river (interaction of sloping grade with river) and the perception of viewer from school. (The angle of the "view corridor" is based off the angle of Main Street that runs perpendicular to the site across the river.)
By extending the interior wall to the outside (outdoor space) and extending it - I can create several spaces; the path, the green, the wall.
Creating sections of the building on two axis (3 section cuts per). These sections helped me to develop a sloping floor and ceiling in the entryway/entry hall - that emphasises the slope in the grade on the outdoor space facing the river.
Site Section:
Looking at the sloped grade - and what will happen where the grade meets the water.
By creating an exterior climbing wall on the facade of the retaining wall - it reinforces the programmatic aspect of the site and its relationship to the building.
Also - knowing that the river will change in height throughout the year - the river will be allowed to spill onto the hardspace at the bottom of the sloped grade - providing further interaction between the river and site.
Looking at the plan in more detail and its effects on the outdoor spaces around it.
Entry space extends through the building (creating clear points of entry). Immediately, you enter the view corridor (room) that has a direct sloping view to the river. (sense of place/awareness). The climbing room is to the right and spills out onto the green space outside.
Considering the views:
From inside the entry space - looking to the water.
Climbing wall (outdoor space)
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