collier
DESCRIPTION
a collection of work thus far...TRANSCRIPT
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University Life 2nd Annual Art Contest
Second Place, 2009
Kansas State University CAPDEnvironmental Photography Competition
Honorable Mention, 2010
Master of ArchitectureKansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas
Graduation: May 2010
Il Centro Studi Citta di OrvietoOrvieto, Italy
Spring 2009 (Study Abroad)
Honors
Education
R Y A NC O L L I E R2 9 3 3 P E N S T E M O N
c o l l i e r r r r @ g m a i l . c o m
W I C H I T A , K S 6 7 2 2 6 U S A
3 1 6 . 6 5 5 . 0 4 7 8
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Adobe Software Suite CS4Photoshop
Illustrator
InDesign
After Effects
Premiere Pro
Flash
Microsoft OfficeWord
Excel
PowerPoint
Drawing ProgramsAutoCAD
DrawingSketching
Technical Drafting
Watercolor Rendering
Modeling Programs3ds Max Design
Autodesk Viz
SketchUp
Rhino
Revit
American Institute of Architecture StudentsHead of Publications / Graphic Designer
August 2008 - May 2010
correspondence with event initiators
incorporation of submitted materials
independent design of posters
OZ JournalGraphic Designer
February 2010 - May 2010
contributed to journal graphics
incorporation of submitted materials
independent design of posters
Spangenberg Phillips Tice ArchitectureWichita, Kansas
May 2008 - August 2008
primary assistant to principal architect
on-site assistance to architects
communication + assistance with clients
computer drafting + modeling
Cocoa Dolce Artisan ChocolatesWichita, Kansas
May 2005 - December 2007
retail specialist
customer / kitchen support
store courier
Skills
Additional ExperienceWork Experience
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02 10BUTTERFLY BOX T H E H I V ES E C O N D Y E A R2 0 0 6 - 2 0 0 7 2 0 0 7 - 2 0 0 8
T H I R D Y E A R
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28 35 50WELD GALLERY DIE RUEKKHER T H E S P R O U T
2 0 0 8 - 2 0 0 9 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0F O U R T H Y E A R F I F T H Y E A R F I F T H Y E A R
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B O XB U T T E R F L Y
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of the study, release it back into the wild.
A specific species of lepidoptera was to
be selected and further studied as to
provide further insight into the world
of the lepidopterist. The creation had
to be operable and speak to the spirit of
the butterfly selected to be the muse in
this endeavor. Finally, the dimensions of
the 'box were not to exceed those which
would allow for realistic human handling.
This project began as an introduction to
an even larger project involving designing
a retreat for a lepidopterist. However, the
first step involved creating an apparatus in
which the individual might place their
butterfly for study and further research.
The mechanism was to be designed as
a catch and release system where the
lepidopterist could coax the creature
into the box, and at the conclusion
L E P I D O P T E R A
PUPA CONCEPT
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The creation of the apparatus was initially
spurred on by research done simply on
the life cycle of butterflies, an interesting
topic unto itself. The liberating process of
metamorphosis, as well as the different stages
were of immediate influence when forming
conceptual ideas. In the butterflies' larval
stage, it exists as a caterpillar, armed with
poisonous hairs to ward of potential predators.
(defense concept) During the Pupa stage, the
larva transforms into the butterfly, emerging
from the shell it had been inhabiting. (pupa
concept) A strand of silk is used to suspend
the larva during the creation of the pupa. This
notion started a creative process, thinking of
this strand as being the formation of the box.
(silk concept) Finally, looking towards butterfly
folklore, a belief kept reappearing amongst
various cultures; butterflies are an ethereal
link to the soul, The qualities of a soul are
difficult to determine, but most agree on one
aspect; its enduring nature. (infinity concept)
P R O C E S S
INF IN ITY CONCEPT S ILK CONCEPT DEFENSE CONCEPT
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8 8B U T T E R F LY
The butterfly which was selected for
further study was the 88 butterfly, or
Diaethri clymena. This species gets its
name from the distinctive marks on the
underside of its wings which usually can
be seen to say 88, but sometimes read
89. They reside in wet tropical forests
and predominantly live in South America.
While other butterflies use markings
similar to these to confuse predators, the
88 butterfly had a natural graphic quality
which was highly appealing. Conceptually
speaking, the species also aided in the
further development of the butterfly
apparatus due to its distinctive markings.
fas t + ac t i ve f l i ers
1 1/2" w ingspan
88 namesake
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The conceptual idea of
endlessness was further studied,
especially in relation to the
chosen 88 butterfly. Fittingly,
the symbol for infinity was
emblazoned on the underside of the butterfly,
another curiosity involved with this project.
The box started to take form with thoughts of
limitlessness pervading the design. How could
this sense of perpetuity be expressed in the
built form? Looking for more direction, the
descriptions of the soul previously mentioned
in butterfly cultural folklore became of more
interest. The soul is described as containing
someone's essence in an ethereal, amorphous
form, moving from this plane to the next to reside
forever. Butterflies were seen as representations
of this notion, leading towards the idea that
the container must represent this infiniteness in
some capacity. Thus, the materiality of the box
must be representative of the beyond. Mirrors,
while not considered to be amorphous do
allow for a certain level of limitlessness when
placed in certain arrangements. The exterior
of the case was developed with a protective
nature, housing the endlessness created by
the mirrors inside. The shape of a cube was
decided upon due to its ability to create the
intended feeling of infinity inside the box. The
cutouts on the cube were to allow for light to
enter, as well as for air to circulate. They are
also mirrored in the construction, yet another
reference to the infinite space held within.
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bu t ter f l y box axon
con ta ined perpe tu i t y
mi rror p lacement
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H I V ETHE
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This project was done with the intent of entering it into the annual American Institute of
Steel Construction competition. The task for that year was to design a structure following
the theme of 'assembling housing'. These designs were to be situated in an urban location
with a heavy emphasis on steel construction. The competition also made it clear that the
housing should provide an evolution on the norm, emphasizing alternative construction
methods. The site that was selected for our studio was located in San Francisco in the Hays
Valley District. Previously used as an off ramp for the nearby highway until destroyed in an
earthquake, the site had sat vacant for years, The project had to be a mixed use residential
structure, with a mixture of strictly commercial spaces, mixed use, as well as live/ work units.
R E B U I L D I N G T H E H I V E
v iew a : towards c i t y ha l l
v iew b : towards the bay
v iew c : towards the h i l l s
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F E
L L
O A
K
L A G U N A
O C T A V I A
H I C
K O
R Y
A
B
C
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residential / mixed use
cultural /institutional industrial office
mixed use retail / entertainment
B U I L D I N G U S E S41 - 85 feet 86 - 120 feet
161 - 220 feet
0 - 40 feet
121- 160 feet
B U I L D I N G H E I G H T S
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The site selected, now vacant, used to be the off ramp for Highway
101 which now filters through Octavia street at the southern portion of
the site. Circulation patterns about the site include all types of motor
vehicles, public transit, pedestrian, and bicycles. Major factors in many
sensory aspects of the location are determined by movement about the
site. Noise from vehicles is prevalent. The site's borders are heavily
trafficked by vehicles moving towards or exiting Highway 101. This
causes the southeastern intersection of Oak and Octavia to be a hub of
traffic. To the south and north, Oak and Fell have one directional traffic.
Laguna, the west border of the block, allows traffic in both directions
and receives many pedestrians moving northward towards the dense
commercial district on Hayes Street, only one block to the north. Octavia
is the most complexly designed street in relation to the heavy traffic from
the highway. Bikes, pedestrians, and vehicles coming off the freeway
share this busy side of the block which ends in a public park at the
north eastern intersection with Fell. There is ample public transportation
nearby to the site, with buses running along Oak and connections to
other lines only a block away. Connection to rail and higher speed travel
is also relatively close, at the most a ten minute walk. Building density in
the area surrounding the site is high, with structures ranging from one
story to five stories depending on the use. Most buildings are currently
being used for residential purposes with a bit of mixed use as well.
Climate, along with density determine the character of the city of San
Francisco as a whole. A very cool and damp climate prevails across
the peninsula with over 22 micro climates within the city. The block is
located on the bay side of the peninsula but will still benefit from the
cool breezes coming over the hill to the west from the Pacific Ocean.
muni bus and street car
golden gate transit samtrans
BART muni metro
S I T E A N A L Y S I S
P U B L I C T R A N S P O R T
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Looking towards the future of housing,
it's becomes clear that prefabrication
has potential to be the way which many
buildings could be built. Looking for
competent forms with which to base this
prefabrication, I turned towards more
natural components. I started to study
bees, and in their complexity found
a system with which I could base this
new form of housing. The honeycomb
is the basic form from which a bee
hive is built from. Another aspect of a
bee's habitat which became of interest
was a decrease in honey bee hives
throughout the country. This epidemic,
known as colony collapse disorder
has become widespread in the passing
years. It is characterized by a complete
disappearance of an entire colony. When
thinking of how this concept applied to
our society, it became quite apparent
there was a direct correlation. We are
on a road to destruction through our
increased dependence on foreign oil,
as well as our continued involvement in
a variety of different political disputes.
It is with this thought that I started to
realize a concept: rebuilding the hive.
P R O C E S S
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Creating housing which can be constructed efficiently, offer the amenities that are necessary for human existence and provide aesthetic
pleasure became the main goals in the realization of this project. The hexagon became the fundamental component of this process. Each
necessary component for living, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or bedroom would be contained in a hexagonal unit. These units could then be
interlocked, forming larger units for families of a greater scale, allowing for a variable number of families and residents to interact. Thus, the
building form started to appear as a part of this organic process of interlocking the units. The building eventually would rise to be eight stories
tall, relating to the nearby larger scale buildings a few blocks away. The first two stories along Fell St. were designed to be live/work units where a person could
sell their goods on the first floor, and then have a lofted apartment above that space. The ground floors were to be constructed of pre-stressed concrete, creating a
base to rest the hexagonal units on. The occupiable spaces on Laguna Street were designed to be all retail with facilities ranging from two stories to three stories.
The driving factor in this project was a connection to nature, whether it be derived from the form, or just a physical connection a resident could have. A large semi-
public garden is located in the center of the lot, allowing for all sides to utilize this space, whether it be a restaurant allowing exterior seating, or residents playing
frisbee on the weekends. Gardens were also implemented on each floor of the residential building between units, allowing for residents to grow herbs and
flowers which they could use or potentially sell. These terrace's offer views of the surrounding area, as well as provide the pivotal connection to the natural realm.
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L A G U N A
O C T A V I AF E
L L
O A
KRETA IL RETA IL
RETA ILRETA IL
ENTRY
ENTRY
RETA IL
RETA IL WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
WORK / L IVE
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L A G U N A
O C T A V I A
F E
L L
O A
K
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Each prefabricated unit would also be equipped with prefab
furniture which would be built into the non walkable space created
by the hexagonal shape. This allows for a substantial increase
in the amount of usable space as compared to a conventional
rectangular apartment. While each units walkable space is only
ten feet wide, the added side storage makes the apartment
appear to be more spacious. Living compactly doesn't have to
be an uncomfortable process if livability is the main concern in
the design. Prefabricated furniture would include the kitchen
spaces, as well as built in shelving or benches in the living
sleeping quarters. These units would be able to be customized
by the resident depending on their needs. For instance, if they
required more storage, a set of shelves could be utilized as
opposed to a built in seating area. Light is a pivotal component
when designing residences. Natural light is let in on both the east
and west sides of each hexagonal unit. This allows for ample
daylight, especially since the footprint of the units so minimal.
I N T E R I O R
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three bedroom apartment plantwo bedroom apartment plan
one bedroom apartment plan
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3L IV ING
L IV ING
L IV ING
K ITCHEN
K ITCHEN
BEDROOM
BEDROOM BEDROOMBEDROOM
BEDROOMBEDROOM
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user circulation
pre-fabricated structure
pre-fabricated shell
pre-fabricated furniture
unit placement
three bedroom unit
two bedroom unit
one bedroom unit
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W E L DG A L L E R Y
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BA
C
The first semester of fourth year involved designing a
structure all the way through to construction documents.
Previous projects were only designed up to schematic
development stage, so this new endeavor was quite an
undertaking. The project selected was that of a mixed use
unit located in the River Market of Kansas City, MO. The
project brief called for a design that would incorporate
a metalworking studio, gallery space, apartments for the
curators/metalworkers, (a husband and wife team aptly
named the Welds) as well as a separate apartment space
for an artist in residence. The site that was selected had
been vacant for some time and had been being used as
a temporary parking lot. Much of the area was overgrown
with vegetation with vacant buildings adjoining its eastern
and western borders. Views of the Kansas City skyline
were abundant from the southern portion of the site, with
the Missouri river within walking distance to the north.
META L S T UD I Oview a: looking south
view b: looking west
view c: looking south
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BA
C
4TH S TREE T
3RD S TREE T
EXIST ING EXIST ING
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When presented with designing a metal studio for a group of
artists, one's mind could travel to a number of different places
for inspiration. Taking into mind site considerations as well,
the building needed to address the adjoining wall of the
vacant building to the west, as well as respond to the skyline
to the south. The most compelling image that kept springing
to mind was the process of metalworking and how one shapes
and forms metal from its molten state into something unlike
its previous iteration. Plasticity then became a driving force in
the creation of both the interior spaces as well as a facade.
Spaces formed organically with this sentiment in mind, with
an emphasis on ebb and flow. Molten metal slinking down
structure, becoming part of the building as well as interacting
with the ground became a very seductive thought. Architecturally
speaking, this had the potential for the creation of a variety
of spaces sectionally as well as providing a beautiful aesthetic.
P R O C E S S
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115114
113
112
111
110
109
108
95
96 97 98 99 100
101
102
103
104
105
1" = 20'-0"1
Site Plan
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115114
113
112
111
110
109
108
95
96 97 98 99 100
101
102
103
104
105
1" = 20'-0"1
Site Plan
4TH S TREE T
3RD S TREE T
EXIST ING EXIST ING
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The initial programmatic elements that seemed most opposed the gallery spaces
and the studio spaces. Metalworking can be a clamorous process, and if one
is working on their artistic piece, privacy would be needed. The gallery on the
other hand, while not necessarily needing to be quiet, does demand a composed
demeanor. This sparked the physical exterior separation of the buildings from one
another, forming gallery space This area is used as continuation of the interior gallery utilizing
the natural world to showcase the pieces of art. The studio and gallery spaces are connected
below ground with a private entrance for the artists. The Weld's apartment is located above
the gallery, offering ample lofted space and providing them with an uninterrupted view of the
skyline. The artist in residence's apartment is located above the studio, allowing for them to have
access at all times if needed. The studio space was sunk into the ground, providing a bit of noise
isolation, as well as connecting the metal work back to its origins. As this project progressed,
an interesting notion began to arise; The act of viewing the metal shop itself as a piece of art.
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2
1/8" = 1'-0"1
Weld Second Floor A
partment Plan
1/8" = 1'-0"2
Artist in Residence A
partment Plan
1/8" = 1'-0"1
Weld Second Floor A
partment Plan
1/8" = 1'-0"2
Artist in Residence A
partment Plan
APARTMENT GALLERY
STUDIO
1
1 2 3
3third floor plansecond floor planfirst floor plan
BBB
A
A A
A A
A
B B B
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APARTMENT
APARTMENT
GALLERY
1/8" = 1'-0"1Cross-Section Through Gallery
1/8" = 1'-0"2Cross-Section Through Weld Apartment
GALLERY
APARTMENT
STUDIO
section a-a
section b-b
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A-5012
A-5015
A-5017
1/2" = 1'-0"2Gallery Entry Wall Section
1/2" = 1'-0"1Gallery Corridor Wall Section
Standing Seam Metal RoofFelt Eqaulizing StripWaterproofing Membrane
Plywood Paneling
Wood Nailing Strips
W5 x 16 Steel Joist
Gypsum Ceiling
Glulam Beam
6" Concrete Wall
Bamboo HardwoodFelt Panel2" Rigid InsulationSteel DeckingSteel Open Web Joist
12" Concrete Wall
Cast In Place Concrete Flooring
4" Rigid Inslation
Steel Connector Bracket
Glazing
Steel Connector Bolt
Gravel
PVC DrainagePipe
Standing Seam Metal RoofFelt Eqaulizing StripWaterproofing Membrane
Plywood Paneling
Wood Nailing Strips
W5 x 16 Steel Joist
Gypsum Ceiling
Glulam Beam
Aluminum Mullion
Bamboo Hardwood FlooringFelt Panel2" Rigid InsulationSteel Decking
Steel Open Web Joist
Aluminum Fronting Panel
Gypsum Board
Gypsum Board
Glazing
4" Rigid Insulation
Aluminum Mullion
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A-5012
A-5015
A-5017
1/2" = 1'-0"2Gallery Entry Wall Section
1/2" = 1'-0"1Gallery Corridor Wall Section
Standing Seam Metal RoofFelt Eqaulizing StripWaterproofing Membrane
Plywood Paneling
Wood Nailing Strips
W5 x 16 Steel Joist
Gypsum Ceiling
Glulam Beam
6" Concrete Wall
Bamboo HardwoodFelt Panel2" Rigid InsulationSteel DeckingSteel Open Web Joist
12" Concrete Wall
Cast In Place Concrete Flooring
4" Rigid Inslation
Steel Connector Bracket
Glazing
Steel Connector Bolt
Gravel
PVC DrainagePipe
Standing Seam Metal RoofFelt Eqaulizing StripWaterproofing Membrane
Plywood Paneling
Wood Nailing Strips
W5 x 16 Steel Joist
Gypsum Ceiling
Glulam Beam
Aluminum Mullion
Bamboo Hardwood FlooringFelt Panel2" Rigid InsulationSteel Decking
Steel Open Web Joist
Aluminum Fronting Panel
Gypsum Board
Gypsum Board
Glazing
4" Rigid Insulation
Aluminum Mullion
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As was mentioned previously, a full set of construction
documents were created for the Weld's Gallery. Details which
might have been overlooked in previous studio projects now
had to be addressed. Casually stating that the rain water
would naturally flow down the building is much different
than designing drainage system and detailing every portion
of it. The entire project was designed and drawn in Revit,
DOCUMENTAT ION
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D I ER U E C K K E H R
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HEI D
ESTRAE
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S I T E I N T R O D U C T I O N
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As with many other cities, Berlin has followed an
evolutionary pattern to become the urban space that it
is today. This process has weathered the city through
numerous political scuffles and world wars, developing a
gritty undertone to the earnest efficiency of this German
city. Located in the tenacious Moabit district, the site
selected for our graduate work has endured its fair share
of these struggles, Moabit's urban nature exists due to
its original use as an industrial zone with the site's origins
being derived from its use as a rail yard during the 1800's.
The first rail station erected, located just
inside our site, was the Hamburger Bahnhof. It ceased
to be used a rail station when the Lehrter Bahnhof was
constructed, but has been converted into a contemporary
art gallery currently. Lehrter Bahnhof was used for quite
some time, but due to damage it endured during WWII,
the majority of the station was shut down, excluding
the existing S-Bahn stop. The eventual fall of the Berlin
wall brought forward a resurgence in reconnecting
Germany with their surrounding countries, and thus, a
new station was planned. The Berlin Hauptbahnhof,
which was opened in 2006, now connects Berlin
with a myriad of countries, including such cities
as Prague and Amsterdam. The station could easily
be seen as the new transportation nexus for all
of Europe, especially connecting those coming
from countries not directly adjacent to Germany.
The neighborhood was also home to a bevy
of hospitals as well as a monstrous corrections facility
eventually utilized by the gestapo, whose remains lie
just west of the site. On the opposite edge of the site
lies the canal which separates the Moabit district from
the Mitte district. This canal has a grave past which is
largely unseen today except for a few artifacts located
off the beaten path. It offered a natural barrier between
East and West when the Berlin wall was erected, and
became a resting place for countless individuals trying
to escape to freedom. The wall rested on both sides
of the canal, creating a deadly 'no man's land', so it
is fair to say that our site rests on the convergence of
East and West Berlin. The coalescence which Berlin
experienced after the fall of the wall can definitely be
felt, but the wall still exists in the spirit of the city, an
ever constant reminder of the importance of autonomy.
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A study of the massing of the surrounding neighborhood
was necessary if attempting to tie the site in question
back into the natural urban fabric. This study revealed
that much of the site was far less dense than the
surrounding area, much of this of course due to the rail
systems which run directly through the site. This look
into the density also aided in forming a basic idea of
building typologies as well as the variation in widths
and lengths comprising the structures near the site.
The long term unemployed near the site is higher than most
neighborhoods surrounding the site with an average of 6
unemployed per 100 citizens. Unemployment usually has
a direct correlation to poverty levels in a community so
this should be of concern when planning out urban spaces.
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Understanding the population already occupying the space
within which our site was located was pivotal, especially
considering their age. The site itself as well as the Mitte
neighborhood across the canal are relatively low in senior
citizens, while the area to the south, near Tiergarten is higher
in the elderly. This study is of importance due to the influx of
young creatives who have stormed Berlin in recent years, and
who might be interested in living in the new urban proposal.
Citizens over 64 years of age per 100 people
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The site was found to be relatively vacant with a few
nodes of individuals towards the northern sector. The
area directly across the site from the canal is relatively
low in density but towards the north raises. To the
west of the site the density is also consistently high.
1-4
5-20
21-70
71-150
151-250
251-350
351-450
451-550
>550
An intensive look into the noise levels (dB) reveals that
the site is rife with noise levels which could be harmful
to individuals residing in the space if not dealt with.
The largest producers of noise were the high speed rail
which cuts through the site at the northern end, and the
Hauptbahnhof, located at the southern end of the site.
Traffic ways were extremely loud as well, the most unhealthy
being the main thoroughfare through the site, Heidestrae.
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Weaving the urban plan into the existing building
typologies involves understanding what is needed in the
area, as well as what is already in abundance. The land
use study aided with this question, noting that a majority
of the existing land was being used for public facilities,
along with industrial purposes. Residential was dotted
through the area, with very little actually existing on site.
Another aspect which was noted was the abundance of
green space and of what importance this is to Berliners.
Residential
Public Facilities
Green Space
Industrial
Mixed Use
This pivotal historical remnant is a constant reminder
of the struggle of the people who inhabit the city. It's
proximity to our site has a direct impact on how the canal
is treated as well as how one might choose to recognize
the lives lost and the strife caused by its existence.
BUILDING TYPESB E R L I N W A L L
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One criticism commonly hurled at the modern city is that one loses a sense of community and identity amidst
the greater whole. The ever increasing population, the majority residing in urban spaces, can only bolster this
sentiment more. Working in tandem with the creation of a permeable plan, fostering a sense of community is
of utmost importance. Community zones cut through the normative grid structure, weaving through the site on
a north/south axis. These spaces allow for a communal zone which residents, visitors and commercial entities
would all experience on a daily basis. Uses would be derived by a consultation between representatives from
each zone, but the intent is that they would act as community gardens and green spaces. The zones also break
up spaces even more, offering the pedestrian or biker even more routes when moving between blocks.
Building heights play a role in enhancing this sense of connection, both tying the master plan in
with Berlin's existing structures while making the building's accessible. The normative height of roughly six
stories will be maintained in the urban plan, with the exception of the vertical farms which will pierce this
height considerably. Along with the verticality of the buildings, the forms also foster communal space, with
interior courtyards allowing light and ventilation to pierce the building, creating agreeable spaces to use.
F O S T E R C O M M U N I T Y
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The site exists in a precarious position at the moment. It is largely cut off from the surrounding neighborhoods, whether it be by rail, road,
or canal. While this disconnection was probably paramount for its original use as a rail yard, the sites successful reuse relies heavily
on re invigorating the space by linking it back up to the surrounding area. The initial moves involved the addition of another boulevard
to offset the increasing traffic piling up on Heidestrae, along with burying the rail lines which created a fissure in the connectivity
before. Secondary streets were then added connecting existing streets on the west to a new bridge crossing the canal on the eastern
side. This bridge would offer both pedestrian and vehicular access to the core node in the master plan, connecting the Moabit district
directly with the Mitte district. Additionally, the inclusion of public transport into the plan is essential to a successfully trafficked urban
space. The existing bus lines B123, B120, and B147 have all been rerouted and extended into the new master plan, along with the M6
tram. The U-55 line which originally terminated at Hauptbahnhof has been extended through the site, with one main stop at a central
point in the master plan. There are numerous pedestrian zones, along with bike lanes and paths along most if not all roads and bridges.
C R E A T E P E R M E A B I L I T Y
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P R O M O T E U R B A N A G R I C U L T U R EA severe problem with the human sprawl today is the way in which we are consuming land for
farming. 80% of the farmable surface has already been utilized, leaving only a small portion
left. The future increase in population and movement towards the city only furthers this dilemma,
because once produce is farmed, how does it travel to the city? Currently produced is trafficked
from rural areas on the exterior of urban spaces, into the city to be consumed by residents. Not
only does this causes an increase in carbon emissions, but it promotes an unneeded reliance
on the rural areas for food. Along with this reliance comes a disconnect between humans and
the fare they are eating, no doubt spurred by fast food chains whose meals are questionable
at best. We have created a society that is uneducated about the origins of our food, but even
worse, one that is willingly giving into the destructive nature of processed sustenance.
Fortunately, this situation does have a solution, and it lies in returning the
farming to the city. Urban agriculture can be utilized in a myriad of ways, whether it be
growing vegetables on your windowsill, converting large scale green spaces into plots
of farmable land or even vertical farming. The return of agriculture to the city would cut
back on carbon emissions from the transport of goods, as well as reconnecting the residents
with food they are eating. The community zones are twofold in nature, offering a space
for residents to gather, but also offering space for farming. They also act as a farming
spine with horizontal farming on the ground floor as well as vertical farming towers placed
as nodes which drive the form in plan. The canal also acts a space where farming can be
introduced in the form of aquaculture. Fish farms would allow for more than just produce
being created in this district, creating a more cohesive and believable consumptive process.
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32 The master plan went through various transitions during the course of the design. The original design marked the first step
in connecting the site to the surrounding neighborhoods with a
new bridge crossing the canal. The blocks were split diagonally,
but some were a bit too large to create permeability for the resi-
dents. Existing buildings were kept if possible, while the railway
was buried underground. The next alteration in model form fur-
ther expanded on breaking up the existing blocks with secondary
streets accompanying the diagonal streets. The bay was reduced
in size, allowing for boats to turn around if necessary off of the
canal. Building forms started to become more manageable and the
forms started to dictate the urban space in a much more realistic
way. The community zones also started to appear, weaving their
way through the site. The final alteration of the master plan in-
volved a tightening of certain buildings and a further study of the
communal zones and how light enters into those spaces. Attention
was also given to the bay area, where an textiles school was intro-
duced with a performance space integrated into the waterfront.
The bay was also north to create a core space in the master plan
where a public plaza was created utilizing views of the water.
P R O C E S S
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Throughout the research process, it came
to my attention that Berlin is a city which
is almost transient in nature. The residents
of the city have come and gone in large
numbers during the course of it's history.
The detrimental image brought on by WWII and the rise of
the Berlin Wall led to a number of individuals fleeing Berlin
in search of a place where they wouldn't be persecuted. The
wall created a barrier that dissected the city, creating varied
living conditions, one being more desired than the other. The
fall of the wall was a catalyst, invigorating the youth across
Germany and sending a message of liberty throughout the world.
As the wall fell, citizens that had once left started to return to
the city they had once resided in, along with a group of new
individuals discovering Berlin for the first time. This idea of a
city returning to its past importance in the modern era became
very influential in the master plan formation, so much so that
the project was eventually titled 'Die Rueckkehr', meaning 'The
Return' in German. This was also formative in the basis for
the re-resurgence of urban agriculture which is present in the
design. The return was not only implying a new breed of creative
citizens, but also, replacing the dated system of food production
which cities currently rely on. A return to the cultivation which
was so inherent in our ancestors is necessary for cities to
continue to thrive and the master plan responds to this notion.
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ESTRAE
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The existing transportation infrastructure was
integrated into the site, including bus lines, the U-55
U-Bahn line, as well as the different tram systems.
There are a number of stops positioned throughout
the site to offer extreme permeability for users.
U-55 M6
Bus 123 S-Bahn
Bus 120
Bus 147
Green spaces are spread throughout the city with
the largest being a public sculpture garden along
the canal. A large cemetery also existed which
has been kept in its original location. The paved
spaces are generally for the public to utilize.
Green
Paved
The site is highly porous, focused on
connectivity between the street and interior of
each block. The main pedestrian thoroughfare
revolves around the farming zones, moving
citizens along the interior spine of the site.
Low Pedestrian
Medium Pedestrian
High Pedestrian
The public spaces in the master plan follow
along the farming zones culminating in a
large central plaza near the major bay off
the canal. A majority of the open spaces
are semi-public and only a few are private,
allowing for public access to most zones.
Semi-Public Space
Public Space
Private Space
Parking is an unseemly eyesore in most
cases and has been placed underground
for the majority of it's existence. There
is street parking along Heidestrae and
along four of the secondary streets,
allowing ample zones for vehicular parking.
Street Parking
Underground Parking
The buildings are split up into various zones
based on their uses. Most are split based on
their relation to the street and pedestrian access.
Property Outlines
GREEN SPACE
P R O P E R T Y PEDESTR I A N OPEN S PACE
PUBLIC TRANSIT P A R K I N G
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10Maple trees are placed along the main boulevards, offering shade to the large sidewalks. Spree Oaks, relatively smaller than the Maple are placed along the secondary streets, while Lindens, even smaller are placed along the waters edge. Maple
Spree Oak
Linden
Heidestrae still remains the main thoroughfare
in the new master plan. A secondary boulevard
was added to aid with traffic coming from
the train station, while secondary streets
connect to the new bridge crossing the canal.
Access Streets
Secondary Streets
Main Boulevards
Green spaces are spread throughout the city with
the largest being a public sculpture garden along
the canal. A large cemetery also existed which
has been kept in its original location. The paved
spaces are generally for the public to utilize.
Green
Paved
The building of the master plan will have take
a number of years to complete due to its
size. The phases are set up to allow for each
portion to be self sufficient on its own, with
each phase adding a piece to the already
thriving community in existence.
Phase 1 (2010-2013)
Phase 2 (2013-2020)
Phase 3 (2020-2025)
Phase 4 (2025-2030)
Phase 5 (2030-2035)
Parking is an unseemly eyesore in most
cases and has been placed underground
for the majority of it's existence. There
is street parking along Heidestrae and
along four of the secondary streets,
allowing ample zones for vehicular parking.
Street Parking
Underground Parking
Public Farming
Private Farming
The farming zones are comprised of two uses,
both public and private. The private facilities
are placed at the end of the pedestrian
zones, allowing for ample light filtration.
They take their form in a vertical direction
while the public spaces are horizontal.
OPEN S PACE T R E E S P H A S I N G
P A R K I N G F A R M I N G V E H I C U L A R
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There are numerous advantages to farming in the city, many of which are outlined in
Dickson Despommier's work. Year-round crop production; 1 indoor acre is equivalent
to 4-6 outdoor acres or more, depending upon the crop (e.g., strawberries: 1 indoor
acre = 30 outdoor acres). There are no weather-related crop failures due to
droughts, floods, pests. All VF food is grown organically: no herbicides, pesticides,
or fertilizers. VF virtually eliminates agricultural runoff by recycling black water.
VF returns farmland to nature, restoring ecosystem functions and services. VF
greatly reduces the incidence of many infectious diseases that are acquired at
the agricultural interface. VF converts black and gray water into potable water
by collecting the water of evapotranspiration. VF adds energy back to the grid
via methane generation from composting non-edible parts of plants and animals.
VF dramatically reduces fossil fuel use (no tractors, plows, shipping.) VF converts
abandoned urban properties into food production centers. VF creates sustainable
environments for urban centers. VF creates new employment opportunities. We
cannot go to the moon, Mars, or beyond without first learning to farm indoors on
earth. VF may prove to be useful for integrating into refugee camps. VF offers the
promise of measurable economic improvement for tropical and subtropical LDCs.
If this should prove to be the case, then VF may be a catalyst in helping to reduce
or even reverse the population growth of LDCs as they adopt urban agriculture
as a strategy for sustainable food production. VF could reduce the incidence of
armed conflict over natural resources, such as water and land for agriculture
FARMING IN THE C ITY
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The site selected is located in the heart of the master plan, adjacent to the bay and the
main public plaza. The farm site rests at the intersection of the two farming zones which
spread throughout the site, thus offering widespread connectivity to the other vertical farms.
The location is pivotal for views, as a majority of major buildings lie to the south of the site
which would be visible from taller floors in the farm. The location also is where a number
of pedestrian paths interact, those following along the farming zones, and those following
along both Heidestrae and the secondary streets. Adding to this sense of movement, the
farm also rests directly above a pivotal transport station and is adjacent to a number of
bus stops. The newly constructed U-55 line will stop directly underneath the farm creating
another point of intersection below ground. Solar access is of importance to a farming space,
especially a vertically oriented design. The surrounding space near the site allows for ample
solar access from southern light due to the platz to the southwest, and the bay to the southeast.
F O R M I N G T H E F A R M
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The vertical farm is a fairly new building type, so new that
there are not any physical precedents as of yet. Most
of the work has been theoretical, ranging from the highly
theoretical to some realistic solutions. The aim for this
project was to be grounded in reality, and the form came
from this intent. Considering that there are no built projects
to study, the initial step was to look towards the function
and uses of the building to determine form. Considering the
needs of a farm came into play here, the main determining
factor being light. The first step was cutting away from the
building to allow ample light penetration from the southern
exposure, as well as ambient light filtering in from other
locations. The agricultural nature of the building led to
many different studies of organic form in the realms of
biomimicry. An pivotal aspect of the organic form was how
the building met the ground. Originally, the intent was for
the building to emerge from the pavement, much like the
shape of an inverted tree, with the foliage being present
on the ground floor and the trunk rising into the tower.
This would allow the building to spread throughout the
site, integrating it even more into the daily lives of those
experiencing the space. This has since changed and been
inverted to allow for extensive light filtration to the site
as opposed to covering the space with structure. The form
morphed from the rigid components of the triangular plan
to a buxom form whose shape is influenced by solar access.
P R O C E S S
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community could come to learn about
production, as well as healthy living
+ Processing/filtration zones where the
produce makes the transition from growing
to being sold
+ Treatment zones where the produce
could be studied and labs where research
could be conducted.
+ Farming production zones where both
hydroponics and aeroponics would be
utilized to grow produce
The building acts as a nexus, drawing individuals wishing
to learn to how to live healthy, wholesome lives can be
educated and hopefully participate in the vertical farms
production of sustenance. Along with the programmatic
elements of the farm, the subway station below
ground had to be programmed for it's variety of uses:
+ Platform allowing for ample space for
rider's movement to and from the trains
+ Egress from the train station below to the
surface above allowing natural ventilation
and light to filtrate
+ Information desk where tickets could be
purchased as well as an area for ticket
kiosks to placed
+ Public restrooms to be utilized be
travelers on board the U-Bahn
The use of a building is
pivotal to the creation of its
form, and thus programming
played an integral role in
the creation of the vertical
farm. Certain functions had
to exist in a public realm,
while others needed a more private building response.
This interplay between public and private became a
main factor in the creation of the program, as one of
the main goals of the farm is to educate the masses.
If the entire farm was closed off to the public, there
would be no dissemination of information and the farm
would fail at its main purpose. Thus, the building had
to interweave the public and private spaces, offering a
vision of the advantages to the individual, without allowing
full access to the tower. At the core of the program
was the non-for-profit organization who is funding the
project and their needs, along with the demanding uses
of the farm. The program was determined as follows:
+ Public market space allowing for the
goods produced in the farm to be sold
+ Restaurant utilizing the produce created
in the farms
+ General office spaces for the NGO
including open offices and private offices
along with conference zones
+ Education zones where the surrounding
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Given the amoebic nature of the form and the programmatic elements, the skin of the
building must act in a similar notion becoming a diaphanous extension of the structure.
The facade of the building has gone through various renditions, but the main component
which was maintained throughout the design process was the importance of operability.
The skin should act as a living unit, attached to the building to help ventilate and
light the space and protect the interior from the natural elements. This however, does
not mean the interior and the exterior do not have an imperative relationship. The
facade acts as a mediator between the two, creating a harmonious environment to
experience. User control of the skin is of importance as well to negate the use of
heavy mechanical systems being implemented which would create unneeded noise and
environmental disturbances. Considering the agricultural nature of the building, the
skin must not prevent ample light from entering the building, but it must also moderate
temperature conditions through cross and stack ventilation. Acknowledging all of these
issues is quite the task and a majority of it resides in the materiality of the skin. Many
elements were considered for the membrane, but the most efficient one turned out to
be a material used in greenhouse architecture, ETFE sheeting. The sheeting has a low
dead weight, high UV transmittance , a long life and is almost completely recyclable.
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