La Ameba_Structure_RomeroLy
STRUCTURE
A 5m x 10 m grid organizes the structure. The curving Glu-Lam girders and purlins are supported by a combination of square steel columns and circular ones as you get closer to the curvilinear edge. A large rectangular volume sits in the middle, organizing circulation around it. The cores walls make up the majority of the shear walls with some being at the edge of the building interrupting the otherwise glazed façade.
ROOF
The roof goes up and down, depending on programmatic needs under it, and uses that slope to deliver water to the four picturesque nook gardens representing the site’s four ecologies. The roof is carried by large girders curving in the y direction, while smaller purlins carve in the x direction. Smaller sub purlins sit in between. The grid of members form a rigid diaphragm allowing for a more open plan, and are moment connected at the edges. The roof overhangs significantly on the south side to combat the harsh sun and allow for people to be shaded while using the more public program on the south. Perforations are made for vegetation to be able to come through the roof
ENCLOSURE
Concrete walls that fit full or half modules, make up the non transparent façade, while glass panels and steel columns make up the transparent portion. A significant overhang on the south side provides nice shading while the north side has none to welcome in the less harsh light. Trees serve as the primary light/heat filtration system providing coverage all around, bringing in more interesting and beautiful lightning. The transparent façade welcomes all and allows for visitors on the outside to see most activities or at the least be interested enough to come in and explore.
HEATING & COOLING
Because of the transparency of the envelope, the curved roof structure will loop down on the south side of the building. Willow trees will be planted concentrated on the south side to block excessive sunlight when the willow trees mature, but these trees are deciduous so light can come into the building in the winter when it is necessary. Radiant heating will be laid on top of the concrete slab for quick and responsive heating. Geothermal cooling will be implemented for its efficient, sustainable cooling that does not need much maintenance.
LINK TO MIDTERM PRESENTATION:
Overall
You have really thought about how structure (specifically horizontal structure) can deliver a design intent. That is fantastic. Your drawings could use a bit more information. Grid lines with dimensions, interior furniture, etc. These architectural conventions are important. I think your wall section is underdeveloped. Really consider how these systems come together. “The devil is in the details.” A site plan would be nice, too.
Structure
Why so many structural materials? You have a timber roof, steel columns, and concrete walls. What is your primary structural system? My two cents: swap the steel columns for timber columns. This studio is about wood construction, no? Embrace that.
Roof
This is your design. I really like the concept, and think you need to push it a bit further. Develop a cleaner form and work out the tricky detailing. What is happening at the central depression? Looks like a bathtub to me.
Vertical Enclosure
In your plan, anything that is not poche (concrete) is glazing? The interior space does not exactly lend itself to that. And irregular curved glass is impractical. I would think your design would have more a perimeter hallway that allows the users to engage the glass and surrounding site. Your storefront or curtain wall system shown in the wall section is incorrect. We can talk about this later.