Dominic Garrett Portfolio2016

Routes to Roots

C3o

Undergraduate Postgraduate

Contents

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futoffice

This project based in liverpool was the final project for un-dergraduate degree. For this i developed a design for a fashion education facility on the docks in liverpool that developed as a result of thinking and interpreting the theme of a ‘fold’ as will become apparent through the development of the project.

Roots To Routes

Roots to routes is a project that was realised as a result of entering the RSA student awards competition ‘project rural’ which asks students to design something that will allow rural communities to flourish. The nature of the competition meant that the answer was not strictly architectural but we approached it in a way that aimed to design an architectural solution.

r o u t e s t o r o o t s RECONNECTING RURAL COMMUNITIES

DEVELOPS NEED FOR

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

COMMUNICATES NEEDS FOR

HEALTH SERVICES

INCREASES DESIRABILITY

FOR YOUNGER INHABITANTS

BOOSTS LOCAL BUSINESS

CONNECTIONS

IMPROVES RESILIENCE

OF SENSE OF PLACE

REJUVENATES SOCIAL

CONNECTIONS REDUCING

DEPRESSION

ELIMINATES LONG

BUSINESSCOMMUTING

IMPROVES AWARENESS OF HEALTH ISSUES

BRINGS EDUCATION CLOSER TO

RURAL COMMUNITIES

C30 (CREATIVE CONDITIONS)

This project aimed to redefine the values that an office environment can have through looking at wellbeing and creativity as drivers for the design of spaces. By analysing existing exemplar projects and existing studies it aims to establish a new set of goals for workplace development and a new paradigm for the future of work.

METAMORPHOFFICETHE TRANSFORMATION OF OFFICE CULTURE

Project AbstractMetamorphoffice

Sitting within the Airport City Masterplan for Manchester Airport this project brings together member of big businesses, local residents and international travelers, offering an exciting experience for all that discover the site. Offering a work experience that takes advantage of the sites location Metamorphoffice has been designed to allow development and change to take place over time and for companies to grow in an effective way. The bridging physically and visually within the design promotes collaboration between a full social spectrum and encourages play to help promote and induce a happy and creative atmosphere.

IWE (INFORMATION WORK ENVIRONMENT)MEtamorphoffice

This project looks to develop an information work environment within the future masterplan for manchester’s airport city. This project in particular encouraged my interest in Gensler as they have a a very informative and interesting ap-proach to office design which makes use of post occupancy evaluation at an im-paction level.The project aims to create a future workspace that not only considers those that will be working within the environment but the ecology of the building from ma-terials to interactions with users as part of a larger system.

Morphological development

Morphological development

Original Masterplan block contains a set of 6 individual Office buildings.

By merging the office blocks on either side there is a greater opportunity for interaction between businesses but also a more dynamic space for growth.

Each block is split into 3, 14metre blocks considering natural ventilation and levels of daylight.

The floors are then split and stepped to create visual connections between floor plates and develop a continuation of the public realm underneath.

A unique structural frame is developed to house the floor plates that creates unique relationships to the external depending on the location.

Anatomy of a building

A building can be identified and understood by examining the anatomy of its makeup. The information work environment works as a results of these components working together to create a synergetic environment each with its own requirements, lifespans and change over time. This anatomy will form the explanation of the building and how it works as a system.

-Structure-Circulation-Services-Skin-Space plan-Stuff (furniture)

Structure

Skin

Services

Circulation

Space plan

Lifespan of building elements

By splitting up a building into different elements to understand the life cycle of each they can be treated differently.

Site Eternal

Structure 30-300 years

Skin 20 Years

Services 7-15 years

Space plan 3-30 years

stuff 1 day to 1 month

Structure (30 - 300 years)

Regularity in the conventional forms of column and slab in an information work building can be cause for monotonous environment without stimulation or potential for further development and growth. With these in the project uses a structure that can allow further growth and change over time considering future uses and the changing office work paradigms.

The structure is split into the following sections

- Primary structure (Frame)- Secondary Structure (Cables and Columns)- Floor slab (Space frame)- Connecting structure (Bridge)

Primary Structure (Frame)

MorphologyThe form of the structure for the frame was inspired by the trusses of bridges and other structures that extend over long spans. Although a standard column and slab layout would have worked this structure adds a variety of conditions for the inhabitants and creates future options for alternative uses.

Material: GluLamAs an alternative to steel structures GluLam structures offer a more eco friendly alternative despite the fact that more timber is required than steel. In the ecological paradigm, choice of materials is important. Further to this timber offers an element of biophilia to the project connecting inhabitants with natural textures which is linked to improve wellbeing.

MetamorphosisThe primary structure will last for a long period of time potentially seeing a change of use of the functionality of the building. As this functionality changes the building may need to grow or shrink. The morphology of this structure means that it can be continued infinitely supposing there are no obstructions allowing the inner structure to inhabit it in different ways.

above : View from ground floor showing primary structure

above: Expansion potential of structure

Secondary Structure (Cables and columns)

(Cables)MorphologyThe cables in the secondary structure echo the techniques used in cable stayed bridge structures by aiding the upholding of the floor plates. The cables follow the triangulated angled of the longest cable and then sit opposite to each other on ascending floors. This adds variety to each floor plate and creates a unique arrangement of spaces.

Material: Galvanized steelInspired by the engineering wonders of bridges a number of suspension structures were analysed before this choice was made to help support the long spans between elements of the primary structure.

LifespanThe steel cables should match the lifespan of the main structure and can potentially move to consider different load distributions.

(Columns)MorphologyThe columns reflect the triangulated pattern set by the cables strung from the top of the primary structure. They are required to be thicker than the cables to extend the same distance but also break each floor in a unique and expressive way.

Material: Glulam timber and CardboardThe columns use glulam in a similar way to the primary structure but each column is coated with a cardboard tube to express the column in a similar way to the round nature of the cable.

MetamorphosisThe Glulam columns will have the same lifespan as the primary structure but could be rearranged and re triangulated to accommodate alternative structures within the primary framework.

East - West Elevation1:500 (A3)

Plan (Cables)1:1000 (A3)

Plan (Columns)1:1000 (A3)

Perspective showing columns and cables

Floor plates (Space Frame)

MorphologyThe floor plates is composed of standard aluminum elements which make up the 500mm deep plate. The make up of the space frame means that it can be reconfigured into different arrangements depending on the desired arrangements of the inhabitants of the space. The space frame structure also means that services can run inside the space extending to areas of need. Different materials can be applied to the top and underside of the structure to vary acoustic and lighting needs.

Material: AluminumDue to it’s high strength to weight ratio aluminum is an appropriate reason for its use. Additionally as aluminum can be recycled so easily makes it a less ecologically negative material than alternatives. LifespanThe modularity of the space frame means that it’s lifetime is extended as either a recreation of the existing space on the site or it is possible that it can be transported and used in alternative ways. The final alternative use is for the aluminum to be recycled and reformed in a different form.

Above: Space frame structure makes up the floor slabs

Below: Exploded view of floor plate options

1. Flooring materials2. Deck

3. Space frame4. Services

5. Ceiling materials

Above: Exploded view of ball and joint system

Below: Plan view of floor grid layout for modular application

Reconfigure Redistribute Recycle

Skin (20 years)

Many conventional offices make use of glass as a material because of the high levels of transparency it offers increasing the levels of daylight in the building. Progression in technology has led to new materials such as ETFE which allows the integration of other systems such as photo voltaic and other adaptive qualities which offer a superior choice.

The skin is split into the following sections

- Curtain walling- ETFE systems- Visual branding

Curtain Walling

MorphologyThe curtain wall system on all sides means that the skin does not need to extend down to ground level and therefore leaves the space open to improve accessibility into the realm below as the aim is to make it as inviting as possible.

Material: ETFEETFE offers a number of beneficial properties that give it superiority in this project in comparison to its regularly used alternative, glass.

South Facade uses a Nitrogen based ETFE pillow system

Roof uses a hung ETFE system that integrates Photo voltaics for energy generation and also solar shading.

LifespanThe expected lifespan of ETFE is beyond 50 years as it is unaffected by UV light, atmospheric pollution and other forms of environmental weathering.

Lightweight - For covering the same spans ETFE is 1percent of the same weight it would require in glass.

PV integration - Photovoltaics can now be printed on the surface of the ETFE pillows so they can be used for energy generation but also allow daylight.

Solar shading - Printing of PVS can act as a brise solei system as pillows inflate and deflate.

Insulation - A layer of air in the ETFE cushion works as a layer of insulation.

Due to the smoothness of the material it does not require much cleaning as most dirt will be washed off my rainwater.

Adaptive shading system

This South facing facade receives the most amount of sunlight throughout the say and can be cause for glare and other distractions. The system is filled with nitrogen which increases the air density and therefore filters solar radiation and blends the building into the clouds.

South Facade System

Curtain WallThe curtain wall system on all sides means that the skin does not need to extend down to ground level and therefore leaves the space open to improve accessibility into the realm below as the aim is to make it as inviting as possible.

Detail of fixingDue to high wind speeds at the airport the systems would be fixed on the top and first floor with flexible fixtures on the intermittent floors.

Flexible connections

Fixed connections

Lenticular System

A lenticular pillow shape provides the solution to solar shading within the space. As sensors detect the level of sunlight the pillows fill with nitrogen and increases the air density and acts as a solar filter. The system still creates a translucent layer so a desirable level of light can enter into the space.

Nitrogen filled pillow

Normal pillow

Solar radiation

Normal pillow Nitrogen filled pillow

Access under curtain wall

Adaptive shading system 2

The skin that extends between the buildings creates acentral communal space. The inner edges of each building are left open to increase interaction with the space below, opening up the interpretation of the boundaries of work. The skin between them controls the solar shading but also generates electricity through photo voltaic printed pieces.

Roof shading system

Hung panelsThe ETFE roof extends between the two buildings enclosing a central courtyard but also freeing up the facades to create a unique relationship to the space in between.

Detail of fixingInitially a frame would be constructed in tension between the two buildings and then the ETFE pillows would be fitted into position by clips connected to the frame. Between clips would be a drainage change moving water from the surface of the skin.

PV shading System

An alternative to the nitrogen filled pillows these ETFE pillows are printed on with photo voltaic material. Not only does this generate electricity for the building by being on an uninterpreted sun facing surface but as the pillows increase and decrease the level of solar radiation that enters into the space is monitored to create a thermal-ly desirable environment and reduce distractors such as glare. The pillow is built up of three 2 chambers which not only increases insula-tion but vary in inflation to move a change the level of solar shading.

Shading surfaces closed

Shading surfaces open

1. ETFE pillows2. Air flow tube3. Fixing clip4. Gutter channel5. Frame Structure

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Services (7-15 years)As technology progresses and internal environments in buildings change so do the services they require. Not only do this, as we strive in new ecological paradigm to act in a way that doesn’t harm the environment we look to alternative influences such as nature to help us use systems that are intelligent and passive reducing the energy demands on our buildings.

The services is split into the following sections

- Ventilation- Energy generation- Water management- Waste management

An anaerobic digester takes the food and other waste from the surrounding buildings and uses this to generate electricity through the production of biogas and digestate to feed the surrounding garden space.

Vents in the curtain wall coated in titanium dioxide neutralise pollutants in the air from the airport and nearby road allowing an intake of clean air.

Louvred units at the first floor regulate the levels of air coming in form the space below which at times contains a market environment, introducing desirable smells of fresh produce.

Water collected on the roof scape is diverted through the toilets and other services at the ends of the building and finally into the central garden space.

Overview of services

Plant rooms and risers are located at the far ends of the buildings making them easy to access from inside and out.

Ventilation (stack effect)

Multiple intake pointsBy leaving the ground floor space open, fresh air is introduced into the office environment at first level through louvres that open and close to control the flow of air. Accompanying this are ventilation holes in the roof skin that allow air the escape at the top of the space. The resultant outcome is a space that has a constant renewal of air as the stack effect ensure hot air from office technology and other sources is moved.

Pollution(NOx)

Titanium dioxidepigment

UV raysAirport

Busy roads

Calcium nitrateCarbon dioxideWater

Neutralising PollutionAccompanying this system are inlets in the curtain wall that allow air to flow into the floor plate and into the outer edges of the floor space. The curtain wall where the inlets are located is coated in a titanium dioxide paint which acts as a photo-catalyst and removes pollutants from the air ensuring that inhabitants do not suffer from the airport and road pollution.

Titanium dioxide panels neutalise pollution

Louvres control airflow into the building

Hot air moves into the void and escapes through the roof.

Waste management and energy generation

Anaerobic DigesterConsidering the amount of organic waste produce by large offices and taking an ecosystem thinking approach an anaerobic digester is an appropriate way to deal with waste, generate electricity and also provide food source for the internal garden. The plant space in the building allows for the additional processes to take place in order for the digester to benefit the building.

Above: Housed in a mirrored panels the anaerobic digester reflects light into the surrounding office spaces and creates a unique experience in the garden whilst also dealing with aspects of waste management, generating electricity and fueling the garden space.

Bio Waste

Digester

Bio Gas

Electricity

High qualityfertiliser

Inhabitants

Feed garden space

In the plant space food processing waste and other biowastes are grinded down and preheated ready to be sent to the digester.

The digestion process takes place inside a large unit in the centre of the buildings, reminding inhabitants of the process that their waste goes through.

By products from the digestion process are collected in the plant process and distributed as electricity and added back into the garden space for growth.

Above: Simplified diagram explaining the close loops cycle of anaerobic digester in relation to the inhabitants of the building

Powers heating

Food and relaxation space

Water management

Water collectionThe ETFE roof scape is sloped to channel the water to collection points where it can flow down the pipework of the facade into the system below. There is rainfall in Manchester over two thirds of each month, which otherwise is left unharvested.

The second area of collection is the external walkway on the roof where special drainage panels that are fitted in the surface of the flooring collect water into the system below.

This water is then channeled to the ends of the building where the risers extend the full height of the floor plates.

Rain water useThis rain water can then be used in to flush toilets which are situated by the risers reducing the distance of pipework needed. The use of rainwater within the building can aid considerably with the levels of water consumption from alternative sources.

IrrigationOne the rainwater has gone through the toilet system it is classified as greywater, this is still useful in the building system as it can be used to water the central green space which otherwise would not receive adequate water unless there is constant maintenance of the site.

Rainwater collection in roof rainwater use in services Garden irrigation with greywater

Circulation (7 -15 years)The way that humans circulate around a space is just as important as the way we inhabit the space. Movements can act as a catalyst for ideas, cause interactions and in the health benefits of being active are mostly positive. A well planned circulation layout is easy the understand yet can produce unique relationships between elements of the building and the people that inhabit it.

The circulation is split into the following sections

- Location- Fire escape strategy- Circulation structure- Interaction points

Location

Space in the voidThe circulation is situated within the full height void spaces in the building creating dramatic relationships with the roof scape. The lift glazing also reflects lighting into the office spaces.

Fire escape strategy

Considering the fire regulations in the office in relation to stair location the 4 stair cores within the building that were within 45 meters of any point in the building space. The initial plan consisted of moving the fire escape stairs to the external edges but by having them sitting within the building not only do they aid a dramatic experience looking into the surrounding spaces but provide efficient methods of entering and exiting the building.

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Circulation structure

Stair cores

The stair cores provide vertical circulation to both sides of the void space allowing users to observe their contextual workers and potential increase social collisions.

Lift shafts

The lift shafts work provide access to all floors but at a different approach on each floor adding variety and a different threshold condition for each floor, requiring alternative layouts of furniture.

The lifts split in a ‘V’ shape one half meeting the central floor plate, a potentially more collaborative zone, and the other half meet the focus zones where less distraction may be preferred.

Structure

The primary structure of the floor plates also determines the path of the lifts and means that there is no additional structural developments required.

Interaction pointsUsing a physical model i was able to test the potential scenarios of interaction that could take place with the office environment. The goal is to encourage interaction between workers and inhabitants, causing collaboration and getting closer to that creative eureka moment. In conclusion to this a three spatial tactics were implemented in the design.

Split floor plates

Portals of interaction

Undulating edges Portals of interactionThe section of the building can show the paths of visual connection (blue) that flow throughout the building joining floors and reminding inhabitants of the structural wonder of the building in which they inhabit.

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Split floor plateIn this section the split floor plate is visible. This is a tactic used to create visual connections between floor plates and increase views throughout the building with the goal to increase collaboration and for workers to feel like part of the bigger picture. The section is overlayed with vision areas from different positions within the buildings.

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Section North -South

Section East-West

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Typical Floor Plan

Key 1. Office space2. Lift shaft3. Stairwell4. Toilets and wash space5. Riser6. Viewing portals above7. Floor plate above

Scale 1:500 (A3)

Providing choice

When considering furniture and places to work it is important to consider the different tasks that workers will be undertaking that require different furniture types. Providing choices of places to work is also strongly linked to worker satisfaction and self reported productivity.

Biophilic thinking

Links to nature within the office can aid with stress relief, lowering blood pressure and longer concentration periods. Moss carpets represent one method of implementation and require little maintenance and leave little trace once their time is up.

Acoustic actionPortals of visual connection through the office can aid connection but could cause distraction. The prevent this it is important to consider using softer materials around the areas to absorb sound such as cork and carpets, dampening unwanted noise traveling between floors.

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Roof Floor plan

Key 1. Internal escape space2. External escape space3. Stairwell4. Lift shaft6. Roof above7. Bridge

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Escape space

When in an intense office environment having an escape space is very beneficial to employee wellbeing and also productivity. Making use of the roof space this project creates a space that has almost uninterrupted views to the external environment creating spaces of calm and relaxation but also those that encourage healthy activities.

Roof garden

Incorporating the value of biophilic design and making use of the rainwater collection on the roof skin the space brings nature inside to aid the tranquility of the environment.

Exercise space

Exercise and general health play a large part in the wellbeing of a person. Many office spaces will have gyms but these are experienced in potentially uninspiring spaces. The roof scape of this building provides opportunity to take part in health activities. This is only possible because of the large long span of the roof scape allowing integration of features such as running tracks in an open air yet partially protected zone.

Connection space

At the roof level the connection between the two buildings is realised by two bridges spanning between the spaces providing a mutually shared community space and opportunity for interaction. This also doubles as an observation deck down into the central garden space.

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Central garden plan

Key 1. Garden space2. External vehicle parking3. Roof line4. Revolving door5. Anaerobic digester

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Central garden space

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Activity spaceThe size of the central garden space allows space for different activities from musical events to team activities. The space does not have a prescribed agenda and can therefore be used for whatever is desired.

Customisable environmentThe space is populated with a number of modular furniture units that can be customised to make chairs, tables, platforms and even walls for privacy. This lets the users take control over the space and create the environments they require.

Growing spacesThe central garden also provides opportunity for information workers to grow their own food sources and plants. This ties into the closed loop cycle incorporating the anaerobic digester as a link to help generate this restorative environment.

Seasonal retreatThe central garden remains an indoor space, irrigated by the rainwater collection system on the roof. This means that despite seasonal change which creates undesirable external conditions outside the space will still be comfortably habitable.

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Multi functional spaces

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Open accessAt the far end of the space the lightweight ETFE walls can rotate on a central axis to allow pieces for larger events to be transported into the space.

Performance layoutThe layout of the central space works well for observing a performance act. The balconies look down into the space are suitable for seating and the central square can host a large crowd of observers.

24 hour functionalityThe integration of evening and night time activities means that the buildings operation extends beyond the typical 9-5 hours of an information work environment. This is something that is a unique and important part of the project to consider as when thinking of ecological systems there is always a constant use of resources and this is a step towards full time habitation.

SecurityBy increasing the potential time of occupation for the building the security aspects of the building are less rigid and this can act as a deterrent to potential vandals.

Central garden section

Key 1. Garden space2. External vehicle parking3. Revolving facade4.Bridge

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