At the beginning of this term I was not very versed in digital media. This studio so far has helped immensely in my understanding of Rhino, V-ray, and Grasshopper/Ladybug and how I can use these tools to aid in my presentation and understanding of my ideas. This studio has been different from the other studios I have taken in regards to how on your own it is. If anything this has shown me that you must be self-motivated and on the ball in order to produce. This term has also shown me that switching media and working both digitally and by hand can help with ideas when you get stuck. Although this term has been a challenging one I know It has only pushed me to overcome obstacles and has better set me up for future studios.
My project shows positive community spaces developed throughout the structure. As well as a form that is effective in creating a positive outdoor in-between space that lends itself to the community that will inhabit my structure. The structure also directly responds to the southern sun path of Portland by adjusting the height of the southern tower. This allows for more sunlight to reach the park block terraces on the northern structures southern façade. The structure also responds to the environment it is placed in. The Zidell Yards have been a hotspot for the topic of storm water runoff. My structure builds upon these ideas by acting as a large bio swale and concentrating the storm water runoff from Portland’s West Hills into a tributary that runs between my building. Using the vertical park blocks of my building as rainwater catchment spaces and directing the water down into the tributary below the building functions as a system to direct storm water and rain water back to the Willamette River. This also creates a positive place for people to come and interact with this stream during hot months of the year in the center of Portland’s urban environment. The location adjacent to Tilkium Crossing will create a strong draw to pedestrians riding the max as well as biking or walking across Tilikum Crossing as an urban summer hang out space when the temperatures increase. My site will act as a strong anchor to Portland’s developing south waterfront greenway.
Looking forward I plan to develop my buildings urban connections further and focus on centering my design on my storm water tributary scheme. I will continue to focus on refining my structures interior spaces and exterior façade. This midterm was extremely successful in presenting me with a direction to push for these last three weeks. I am excited to produce my vision of what an adaptive skyscraper can be.
