Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A CONTEMPORARY AGENDA: RETHINKING CONCRETE THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH




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  1. CATEGORY I: TRANSIT HUB
    A CONTEMPORARY AGENDA: RETHINKING CONCRETE THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

    DESIGN ESSAY

    The goal of contemporary architectural agenda is to create new sets of values through innovation, convictions, integrity, and vision. This project researches the processes and techniques involved when exploring new architecture.
    The raw framework is first derived from the development of a simple script. This script produces a series of connected lines that form a web. From the produced web a secondary script is overlaid to create a physically formable structure on a micro scale yet interpretable as an elegant structure on a macro scale. This holds to predetermined convictions of the assembled design team and fully realized the feasible possibilities of the developed scripts.
    As for the internal structure it allows for maximum flexibility by accepting any form that can be constructed through the use of angled steel. The reinforced cores attach to the ground plane and to each other adding to the durability. The steel cores can be positioned to many specifications to allow for shaded platforms, carefully placed apertures, and revealed structure. The webbing also permits multiple ways to infill the openings with glazing options, solid panels, or open structure. A sleek look is achieved through implementation of an orthogonal geometric superstructure and a fusion with edgy floor plans.
    The site chosen is located in metropolitan Chicago, south of the loop on the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and State Street, west of Lake Michigan and the museum district. The site was chosen due to Chicago’s need for order among certain rail lines and the need for multiple command stations. The area combines an experience of all that Chicago has to offer including new high rise structures, residential, commercial opportunities, adaptability, and history. The area the site provided was more than enough to allow for the program changes made to accommodate the area and needs of the community such as parking, bicycle rental, ease of transportation, and convenience.
    Being highly traveled by pedestrians, vehicles, and riding patrons the solution offers a multitude of transportation methods which include the addition of two existing underground subway rails, two existing elevated rails, and six converging bus lines, parking for approximately 120 vehicles, bicycle rental, and four new coach bus stops. With the addition of methods of transportation, the need to add amenities became clear. The Chicago Transit Authority history exhibition, a large conference room, and numerous lounges for resting between transit were included in response.

    Points covered in the design solution are as follows:
    The transit center incorporates a sustainable solution through a wide variety of transportation methods.
    The materiality of the concrete uses recycled materials like fly ash, silica fume, and slag to reduce the embodied energy of the material.
    A shared existence is a priority and natural (not planned) overgrowth of trees, grass, wildflowers is foreseen.

    In summation recycled content, durability as evident in the structure, and reduced site disturbance are drivers for the project and contemporary methodology dictates the formal aspects.

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