Midterm Review

I think that my current project will be a key asset to creating a community identity for the south waterfront. One aspect which I could develop more is creating more outdoor centers and engaging with the public more. One way in which I could do this is by integrating recreational spaces for both the residents and students to utilize.

Water is an extremely versatile resource and I think that I can use it in a very powerful way integrated with my building structure to display the dynamic qualities and aslo use it as a medium for the transference of heat as well as for general occupant needs. The water can be harnessed at the end of the visual display to transfer heat between building functions internally as well as externally potentially on a district scale.

Organizationally the building has a rather clear system, but the residential tower does need to be better developed which will in turn affect the ground levels and lobby access, so that will be my next step to make the spatial relationships more concrete.

Midterm Presentation

This week I presented my current design progress at a midterm review. Below are the perspective drawings from the presentation that I have developed thus far.

Below is the full midterm Presentation

Macro Site Design: Reflection

This is my current progress on the over all site design for my project. My concept for the site design is a mediation through the site. This applies to the larger context of storm water from the local environment being treated through the site before it reaches the willamette, as well as the program mediating the interaction of the public with the environment through art. I think that this metaphor works with the engaging and dynamic character I want my site to have, but it can be strengthened by reaching further and developing the design to integrate and interact with the actual waterfront and environment more. 

To make my project more effective, I need to develop the interaction with the water directly, whether it is dealing with the river or stormwater run off. I have mentioned before a system that would be capable of retaining storm water and then using it to transfer heat where needed. At the district level this would be a proposal, but my building should be self sustaining and utilize this system on a smaller scale so that it can be an example and model for a system that other buildings could plug into. Another resource which I should account for is the wind that could be harnessed at the housing tower. Although the tower is not my focus, there is a lot of potential for energy at that part of the program.