FINAL PRESENTATION

I just finished final presentations. Here are some of the boards from the wall.

ENTER ECOTECT

A large percentage of the south façade requires protection from solar heat gains in the summer. Using concepts from earlier Grasshopper definitions, a new definition was developed to:

1. Generate different densities, thus changing visibility  based on interior needs
2. Provide adequate shading
3. Continue the concept of shifting lines in the articulation of the façade

The definition solves these problems by expanding and contracting the density based on placement of attractor points. As the louver spacing increases, they also become deeper, maintaining proper shading. The louver system can be generated on any wall imported into the definition allowing for quick testing and analysis.

Above, early study of different louver compisitions applied to an arena wall

I brought the louver system into Ecotect to test out the performance of the wall in reduction of solar radiation. Two louver systems were looked at; the multi-depth system providing wider louvers where openings are bigger, and a single depth system. Though more tests will be done, Ecotect revealed that the multi-depth system provides more consistant shading over the entire surface, ever where the louver spacing is larger.

While the changes are subtle, the definition is producing positive results. I hope to get more dramatic results with further testing.

Finally, some images of the BGSU arena digital model at its current stage.

ARENA SEATING PARAMETRIC MODEL

To aid in the design of the transforming arena seating, I created a parametric model that would allow me to test out the mechanics of the structure as well as the density, spacing, slope, site lines, and other factors.

Just to recap, the Lecture hall seating faces outwards through a large glass curtain wall to an outdoor amphitheater allowing the system to double as seating for outdoor performances. I will be exploring how the curtain wall can open in the future. Movable walls separate individual lecture halls creating sound isolating rooms. When the seating transforms to the arena side, it provides ideal site lines to the court

THESIS PROGRESS: JANUARY

The form development has shifted to focus on pedestrian traffic. Early diagrams showed that circulation through the site was not very efficient due to parking lots and the library plinth. I designed a Grasshopper definition that would generate new pedestrian paths. I also wanted the definition to insert a small degree of chaos. This was due to the fact that people do not walk exactly the same paths and have to shift directions when passing others. Finally, an attempt was made to push main intersections of pedestrian paths closer to the new arena which would create opportunities of gathering places and building entry points. The result was an interesting assembly of line work that I then overlayed on the site plan and began cutting away ground and building form.

Existing Pedestrian Paths

New Pedestrian Paths

Grasshopper generated linework with attractor points

line work overlayed on the site with the new building form displayed

Early on in the project, I wanted to push ideas of transformation within the arena. I have begun working out details of the arena seating transforming into lecture hall seating, and multiple other uses. Issues I am running into is acousticly separating lecture hall rooms from each other while avoiding site line disturbance for the arena seating.

MIDWAY POINT

For the midway point of the thesis design, maturity of building program, site location, and site development were required.  As of right now, the arena will be engaged with the library mass, with the outdoor amphitheater facing north toward the cemetery. A classroom bridge will extend from the main arena mass to Olscamp Hall (classroom and lecture halls) also acting as a sound buffer for the theater and the rest of campus. Program adjacencies and square footages are also established. The next steps will be working with Ecotect and Grasshopper to begin sound analysis and lighting analysis of the present massing. I am interested in how the building can possibly transform to accommodate multiple sound and lighting scenarios with the outdoor theater, arena, and underground parking structure. Finally, maintaining pedestrian paths through the site is still important to the building development and form, so I will be exploring strategies to maintain these walkways.

Below, a process board showing showing the evolution of the present arena massing engaged with the campus library tower. In step 5, a physical model was introduced which proved to be helpful in transitioning into a more rational building form

A few of the iterations looked at in step 3 of site forces

Below is the current state of the arena massing. The form is based on earlier studies of site forces and also the transformations of surround building axis and forms. The end result is the appearence of the landscape peeling up into the arena spaces, sloping for the outdoor amphitheater, and bridges connecting surround campus buildings.