architecture and other creative works portfolio
by Liana Zimmerman
Liana Zimmerman, LEED [email protected](718) 404-5777
Architecture & Exhibition Work Anti Residence
Smith & NephewMaori Tourism Display
VistaPrint European Food
Hospira Elliot-Turbo Centennial
Stryker
Academic Work Kobyl Winery Convergence Theater
Interpretive Nature CenterGrowing Herron
Light Wall
Personal & Community WorkCarpenters Design-Build Event
The Street Trash Sculpture ClashWoodturning
Anti ResidenceA late 19th Century Pittsburgh home with outdated systems and no insulation underwent extensive renovation, and is now the first residence in the city and second gut renovation in Pennsylvania to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifi-cation.
As a LEED AP (accredited profes-sional) at KSBA Architects, I guided the LEED certification of the project; I specified materials, equipment and practices that followed LEED criteria as well as submitted all necessary documentation to the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). I was also heavily involved in the interior de-sign, bid process and construction management.
1117 S. NEGLEYPast, Present, Future
The home dates back to 1890 and an addition was built circa 1912. Janet and Alvise Anti, having lived and raised their children in this home, decided to make it their home for life. They sought to make 1117 S. Negley not only a place molded around their day-to-day lives, but also a home for the next generation and generations to come. The Leadership in Energy and Environmen-tal Design (LEED) for Homes program provided a path to realize this goal. LEED for Homes , a pro-gram developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), offers a list of criteria to create an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly resi-dence. LEED certification involves a rigorous pro-cess of environmental and collaborative design, product research, added documentation and con-struction management, and home inspections. Only 17 homes in Pennsylvania have been LEED-certified. Only 1 of those 17 certified homes is a gut-rehab (a term used to describe the complete renovation of an existing home). The Anti resi-dence, depending on when the final certification is granted, may be the second LEED-certified gut rehab in the state.
Pittsburgh is a city full of old, beautiful homes. Throughout the renovation and addition process, preservation was key. From the outside 1117 S. Negley looks very much as it did before, but the interior has completely changed. Today the homes conditioned square footage, including garage and basement, totals 8,678 SF. A detached garage was replaced with an attached garage. Additions in-clude a new kitchen, study, and master storage closet. The back porch was enclosed to create a li-brary.
The images at right show the home as it stands today.
where you entered
Existing Porch enclosed for 1st floor library
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Created w/ SketchUp, Microstation, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesignProfessional: KSBA Architects, 2007 - 2009
Throughout the renovation and addition process, preservation was key. From the outside, the home looks very much as it did before, but the in-terior has completely changed. A detached garage was replaced with an attached garage. Additions include a new kitchen, study and master stor-age closet. The back porch was enclosed to create a library.
One of the project goals was to cre-ate an airtight house so that me-chanical heating and cooling would not go to waste.
Different types of insulation were installed in the house based on dif-ferent framing geometries. Spray foam was used in vaulted ceilings and along rim joists, but could not be installed everywhere due to the great expense. Rigid insulation was set into a metal frame and installed along existing masonry walls, while batt insulation was installed along new wood-framed walls. And new insulated doors and windows were installed throughout. Old doors and windows were donated and scrap metal was recycled.
WHOLE HOME transformed home
Hidden Features asbestos removal
low VOC materials
salvaged materials
insulation
Top asbestos removal in mstr bedrmMiddle attic prior to insulationBottom wall between mstr bedrm (usually heated/cooled) and storage closet (sometimes heated)
Top insulation in master bedroomMiddle attic post insulationBottom doors salvaged for reuse anddonation
Top all openings sealedMiddle batt insulation in storage closetBottom new energy-efficient door
rigid insulation in metal frame
drywall
existing brick
existing block
foam to stop air leaks
foam to stop air leaks
tape to stopair leaks
closetleft
bedroomright
afterbefore
afterbefore
The renovation and addition process involved de-molishing many old walls and putting up many new walls. Early in the project, asbestos was found in the wall plaster. By removing asbestos from the existing walls, instead of trying to work around it, a safer environment was created for the workers. This environment allowed them to do their jobs more efficiently.
. All paints, stains, and adhesives complied with LEED for Homes volatile organic compound (VOC) restrictions to better indoor air quality.
Salvaged interior doors, wood framing and wood flooring were reused during construction. Sal-vaged doors that were in excess, windows, copper piping and other reusable materials were donated to Construction Junction. www.constructionjunction.org
. New WallsExisting Walls
New RoofsExisting Roofs
Rim Joists
New SlabNew Windows &
Doors
.
R-21 batt insulation (R-30 in kitchen) R-10 2 rigid insulation with metal frameR-38 batt insulation 5-6 open cell spray foam insulation (Icynene)(equates to R-19 and complete air seal)3.5 open cell spray foam insulation (Icynene)(equates to R-12 and complete air seal)R-10 2 rigid insulation (kitchen).30-.35 U-value
.
frame fordrywallsupport
R-value and ability to stop air movement are key to creating a tight, energy-efficient home. 40% of home energy loss is due to air leaks.
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ducts sealed tostop leaks
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separategarageradiantsystem
*basement has its own forced air zone
1st Floor - Forced Air Zone 2
4 heat pumps
In addition to the radiant heat system, there is a forced air system for heatingand cooling the house. And like the radiant heat system, the forced air system is broken into zones so that heating and cooling of the home is based on occupancy (in other words, energy is not wasted on heating/cooling the whole house when only part of the house is occupied). The forced air system is the first line of defense to the cold, but once the outdoor tempera-ture falls to 40 degrees and below, the systems efficiency drops off. There-fore, the radiant heating system kicks in and the two work in tandem (forced air, radiators, and infloor radiant heating are all working).
Four Carrier ENERGY STAR rated heat pumps are located at the back of the house (see plans), and these four heat pumps serve the four conditioning (a.k.a. heating and cooling) zones in the house. Zone 1 is the basement, Zone 2 is the first floor, Zone 3 is the most occupied part of the second floor, and Zone 4 is the least occupied part of the second floor and the attic.
Inside this mechanical closet (and the mechanical closet on the first floor), you will find the Broan Energy Recovery Ventilator with HEPA filtration, which does the following:- slows moisture transfer between outdoor and indoor air- keeps the house free of dust and allergen material- simultaneously removes stale air and draws in fresh air
Inside this mechanical closet (and the mechanical closet on the first floor), you will also find the Carrier Variable Speed Indoor Air Handler, which is an energy-efficient unit that uses Puron R-410A environmentally-friendly refrig-erant.
The spray foam that you see was installed to fix a problem found after all the drywall and mechanical systems were complete. Air was sweeping up into the joist space (reason unknown) and, in order to inhibit this movement and attain the goal of an air-tight house, spray foam was added to fill the gaps.
*MERV 10 filters used and all ductwork sealed
separateclosetradiantsystem
2nd Floor - Forced Air Zones 3 & 4
(divided by hall door)
3rd Floor - Forced Air Zone 4
CLOSET air handling
4 heat pumps
4 heat pumps
Carrier ENERGY STAR Heat Pump
(located in backyard on recycled plastic equipment pads)
Carrier VariableSpeed IndoorAir Handler
(located here in closet)
Broan Energy RecoveryVentilator with HEPA filtration
(located here in closet)
Carrier programmableset-back thermostats
with zoning(located throughout house)
Aprilaire wholehouse de-humidifier
(located in basement)
Visible Featuresforced air system
Above: The second floor of the house has two forced air heating and cool-ing zones as well as radiant floor heating in the study and master bath-room. Heating and cooling of the home is divided into zones in order to save energy. There are five zones in the entire house.
At left: Insulation, waterproofing, radon mitigation and drainage are specified to meet local codes as well as achieve LEED points.
The kitchen, an addition to the exist-ing home, is seen as the hub of activ-ity. As part of the interior, I designed the custom TV cabinet, which serves as a division between a lounge area and the food preparation; the cook-top backsplash is mounted on one side, while the other side conforms to the size, shape and venting re-quirements of the owners electron-ics.
Horizontal lines and neutral tones open up the master bathroom. ADA compliant handles and clearances found in the bathroom and through-out the house will allow the owners to live comfortably into their old age.
From countertops and showerheads to light fixtures and sealants, the in-terior is outfitted in accordance with LEED credits. The kitchen counter-tops are made of paper and natu-ral resins and the master bathroom countertop is made of 100% recy-cled plastic.
2nd Floor - 1 RadiantHeating Zone
radiant floor for master bath & 2nd floor study,panel radiators for master bedroom
*temperature control on each panel radiator
KITCHEN hub andheart of the home
The countertops were manufactured by PaperStone. They consist of 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard and cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL)-based resins (a type of phenolic resin, which is petroleum-free). CNSL-based resins have been around for nearly a century and are used in many other products, including high quality automotive brake pads.Find out more at www.paperstoneproducts.com
The dishwasher and refrigerator are ENERGY STARappliances (as well as the washer and dryer in the laundry room).
Visible Featuresenergy-efficient appliances
paper countertops
Hidden Features batt insulation
radiant floor heating
1st Floor - 2 RadiantHeating Zonesradiant floor for kitchen
panel radiators for common rooms and back study*temperature control on each panel radiator
,
The kitchen is the only part of the addition that has a new concrete floor (other than the garage) and, as such, it created the opportunity to install a radiant floor heating system.
Hot water flows through PEX tubing, heats up the concrete, and that heat transfers to the entire room. Radiant heat, as compared to forced air heat, creates a more equal heat distribution (i.e. less cases of cold feet), minimizes roof heat losses, and does not circulate airborn particles. While the up-front costs are greater for a radi-ant system, houses with forced air systems generally use 25-50% more fuel, which means greater operating costs. (www.radiantheat.net).
The tile floor transfers heat slowly,making it an ideal material to place over a radiant floor slab. Tile isalso durable, which allows it to
withstand a great amount of foot and paw traffic.
Below, 2 rigid insulation (R-10) sur-rounds the heated concrete floor, al-lowing the kitchen to retain more heat.
separateclosetradiantsystem
separategarageradiantsystem
radiant flooronly at perimeter
radiant floor
panel radiators
panel radiators
radiant floor
panel radiators
panel radiators
panel radiators
By framing the walls with 2x8s instead of typical 2x4s, more insulation could be stuffed between the studs. Taking advan-tage of this, batt insulation R-30 was installed in these walls.
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boiler
indirect water heater
insulationbehind wall
BASEMENT workshop & command center
Visible Featuressealed concrete
DHW & radiant heating system
The radiant heating system (heat from radiators and floor tubing) and do-mestic hot water (DHW) system starts with the Buderus boiler. The boiler is fired by, in this case, natural gas. The boiler is ENERGY STAR rated with 94%+ AFUE efficiency. As a comparison, the typical residential boiler is rated at 80-84% AFUE efficiency.
Once heated by the boiler, hot working fluid enters into the indirect water heater where it is stored until it is called upon to heat the house via radia-tors and infloor heating. This hot working fluid is a closed system; it travels from the boiler to the indirect water heater to the radiators and floor tubing, then back to the boiler and the cycle starts again. Meanwhile, cold water comes in from the city and directly enters the indirect water heater. The cold water moves through copper coils surrounded by the hot working fluid. Domestic hot water comes out the other end of the indirect water heater and travels to the various taps in the house.
The 48 gallon Ergomax indirect water heater (a.k.a. heat exhanger) has a 99% heat transfer and provides instantaneous and continuous hot water throughout the house. The insulative lining of R-15 surrounding the indirect water heater limits heat loss to less than 1/2 degree per hour. Once the hot water pipes leave the basement, they are covered with R-4 pipe insulation.
In this house, the radiators and infloor heating start working once the out-door temperature gets down to 40 degrees (Farenheit). At and below 40 degrees, it is more energy and cost-efficient to supplement the forced air heat (supplied by the heat pumps to the grills) with radiant heat (supplied by the boiler to the radiators and infloor heating tubes).
Concrete is a porous material that gets damaged (mostly by water) over its lifespan. Both the new concrete floor in the basement and the garage are sealed to ensure durability.
DOMESTIC WATERCOLD (IN) HOT (OUT)
DOMESTIC HOT WATER (OUT)SPACE HEATING RETURNVIA DIP TUBE
1 COILSUPPLY
RETURN
BOILERWATER
BOILER WATER SUPPLY
SPACE HEATING SUPPLY
FROM 3 TO 9 COILS
DOMESTIC COLD WATER (IN)
BOILER WATERRETURN
TYPICAL INDIRECT VS. ERGOMAXTM
BOILER WATER IN TANK NO CORROSION, NO SCALING BUFFERS BOILERS, ELIMINATING SHORT CYCLING PROVIDES THERMAL STORAGE TO HEAT WATER WITHOUT FIRING THE BOILERDOMESTIC WATER IN COILS NO RECOVERY WATER HEATED ON DEMAND, INSTANTANEOUSLYTURBULENCE IN TANK FOR BEST HEAT TRANSFER IN COILS FOR BEST HEAT TRANSFER TO MINIMIZE POTENTIAL FOR
SCALING*Ergomax diagram redrawn
BOILER WATER IN COILDOMESTIC WATER IN TANK RESULTING IN SCALING & CORROSIONNEEDS TIME TO RECOVER
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R-4 insulation was installed around all piping above basement. 3.5 (R-12) of spray foam was installed around the rim joists (at top of perimeter walls). To separate the conditioned basement from the unconditioned crawl space, 2 (R-10) rigid insulation was installed on the other side of the wall shown below.
.
Hidden Features insulation
In a typical indirect water heater, a lot of cold water is heated by a small amount of hot water (see diagram). In the more effi-cient Ergomax indirect water heater, a lot of hot water heats a small amount of cold water. The result is that the domestic hot water is instantly heated (no waiting at the tap for the water to get warm). Both energy and water are saved in the process.
MASTER BATH personal retreat
Visible Featuresenergy-efficient lighting
water-efficient fixtures
exhaust fans
Faucet aerators are installed on all bathroom faucets. Faucet aerators (see image at right) restrict the flow of water by compressing it into a higher-pressure discharge than typical faucets. Air bubbles are generated by separating the water stream through a metal grate, and these air bubbles make it feel as if there is a greater flow of water than there is in actuality. Aerators reduce water flow by 50% or more. Most modern faucets are threaded to accept aerators, making aerators an easy-to-install and low-cost way to save energy.
Typical showerheads are rated at 2.5 gpm since the Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992. Kohler showerheads rated at 2.0 gpm were installed in all showers in the home, and a Kohler handshower rated at 2.0 gpm was installed in this shower only. These showerheads and handshower have three spray options, one of which is a soft-aerated spray. As with the faucet aerators, shower-head and handshower aerators make it feel as if more water is flowing than there is in actuality. If you want to lower your water use and hardly notice it, make sure you specify an aerating low-flow showerhead/handshower instead of a non-aerating low-flow showerhead/handshower.
The Lithonia downlights and wall sconces in the master bathroom as well as most of the homes light fixtures (also Lithonia ) are ENERGY STAR qualified. Though most standard incandescent fixtures accept screw-in compact fluo-rescent lamps (CFLs), these fixtures may not reduce the heat adequately, thereby affecting the CFLs light output and shortening its lifespan. The deci-sion to install ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures, requiring pin-based CFLs, en-sured full energy and cost savings. By using one ENERGY STAR qualified CFL instead of an incandescent bulb, owners save $30 over the bulbs lifetime and the bulb pays for itself in 6 months. And ENERGY STAR light fixtures use 1/4 the energy of traditional lighting (www.energystar.gov).
Radiant floor heating is installed be-neath the new tile and existing floor boards. A reflective metal sheet is placed just under the radiant floor tubing to secure the tubing to the bottom of the floor and increase the transfer of heat (image at right).
Hidden Features radiant floor
Dual-flush Toto toilets were installed in this and all bathrooms in the house. The toilet will flush at .9 gpm at the push of one button, and 1.6 gpm (average flush rate) at the touch of an-other. Considering toilets use more water than any other plumbing fixture and appliance in a home, buying a low-flush or dual-flush toilet has a great impact on water use.
Broan humidity-sensing fans (image at right) were installed in all the bathrooms in the house. These fans can also be turned on manually via a wall switch in each bathroom. They remove humidity which causes mold in bathrooms and these particular Broan fans are ENERGY STAR qualified.
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separategarageradiantsystem
*basement has its own forced air zone
1st Floor - Forced Air Zone 2
4 heat pumps
In addition to the radiant heat system, there is a forced air system for heatingand cooling the house. And like the radiant heat system, the forced air system is broken into zones so that heating and cooling of the home is based on occupancy (in other words, energy is not wasted on heating/cooling the whole house when only part of the house is occupied). The forced air system is the first line of defense to the cold, but once the outdoor tempera-ture falls to 40 degrees and below, the systems efficiency drops off. There-fore, the radiant heating system kicks in and the two work in tandem (forced air, radiators, and infloor radiant heating are all working).
Four Carrier ENERGY STAR rated heat pumps are located at the back of the house (see plans), and these four heat pumps serve the four conditioning (a.k.a. heating and cooling) zones in the house. Zone 1 is the basement, Zone 2 is the first floor, Zone 3 is the most occupied part of the second floor, and Zone 4 is the least occupied part of the second floor and the attic.
Inside this mechanical closet (and the mechanical closet on the first floor), you will find the Broan Energy Recovery Ventilator with HEPA filtration, which does the following:- slows moisture transfer between outdoor and indoor air- keeps the house free of dust and allergen material- simultaneously removes stale air and draws in fresh air
Inside this mechanical closet (and the mechanical closet on the first floor), you will also find the Carrier Variable Speed Indoor Air Handler, which is an energy-efficient unit that uses Puron R-410A environmentally-friendly refrig-erant.
The spray foam that you see was installed to fix a problem found after all the drywall and mechanical systems were complete. Air was sweeping up into the joist space (reason unknown) and, in order to inhibit this movement and attain the goal of an air-tight house, spray foam was added to fill the gaps.
*MERV 10 filters used and all ductwork sealed
separateclosetradiantsystem
2nd Floor - Forced Air Zones 3 & 4
(divided by hall door)
3rd Floor - Forced Air Zone 4
CLOSET air handling
4 heat pumps
4 heat pumps
Carrier ENERGY STAR Heat Pump
(located in backyard on recycled plastic equipment pads)
Carrier VariableSpeed IndoorAir Handler
(located here in closet)
Broan Energy RecoveryVentilator with HEPA filtration
(located here in closet)
Carrier programmableset-back thermostats
with zoning(located throughout house)
Aprilaire wholehouse de-humidifier
(located in basement)
Visible Featuresforced air system
1117 S. NEGLEYPast, Present, Future
The home dates back to 1890 and an addition was built circa 1912. Janet and Alvise Anti, having lived and raised their children in this home, decided to make it their home for life. They sought to make 1117 S. Negley not only a place molded around their day-to-day lives, but also a home for the next generation and generations to come. The Leadership in Energy and Environmen-tal Design (LEED) for Homes program provided a path to realize this goal. LEED for Homes , a pro-gram developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), offers a list of criteria to create an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly resi-dence. LEED certification involves a rigorous pro-cess of environmental and collaborative design, product research, added documentation and con-struction management, and home inspections. Only 17 homes in Pennsylvania have been LEED-certified. Only 1 of those 17 certified homes is a gut-rehab (a term used to describe the complete renovation of an existing home). The Anti resi-dence, depending on when the final certification is granted, may be the second LEED-certified gut rehab in the state.
Pittsburgh is a city full of old, beautiful homes. Throughout the renovation and addition process, preservation was key. From the outside 1117 S. Negley looks very much as it did before, but the interior has completely changed. Today the homes conditioned square footage, including garage and basement, totals 8,678 SF. A detached garage was replaced with an attached garage. Additions in-clude a new kitchen, study, and master storage closet. The back porch was enclosed to create a li-brary.
The images at right show the home as it stands today.
where you entered
Existing Porch enclosed for 1st floor library
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BACKYARD private yard and dog run
Flagstone salvaged from demolished sidewalks were reused in the new retain-ing wall next to the driveway.
Pittsburghs streets, basements, and rivers are plagued with contaminated water from overflowing storm sewers. In order to take the Antis home off the list of contributors to this problem, water needed to be managed efficiently on site. Rainwater from the roof was routed to the rain garden (area with plants to in-tercept rainwater) and multiple infiltration beds (areas with stone aggregate to intercept rainwater). These features accept half of the roof rainwater and all of the runoff from the driveway, rear and side yard, and walks.
The driveway itself is composed of a light-colored concrete with a high-albedo factor to help reduce the heat island effect (result when area is hotter than surrounding areas due to its heat-retaining materials, such as asphalt).
Drough tolerant, native and non-invasive species were planted.
According to the NHLA, a sustainable landscape is "one which is ecologically healthy, economically viable and contributes to human cultural experi-ences and the human good (education, aesthetic appreciation, sense of place, equal access, and, un-derstanding of the human niche and the human role in natural systems)." More precisely, sustain-able landscapes often incorporate recycled or reused materials found on site, harvest rainwater and utilize it to reduce water consumption, and specify drought tolerant and native plant materials.
Visible Featuressalvaged material
infiltration beds& rain garden
light-coloreddriveway
site-specific plants
WHOLE HOME transformed home
Hidden Features asbestos removal
low VOC materials
salvaged materials
insulation
Top asbestos removal in mstr bedrmMiddle attic prior to insulationBottom wall between mstr bedrm (usually heated/cooled) and storage closet (sometimes heated)
Top insulation in master bedroomMiddle attic post insulationBottom doors salvaged for reuse anddonation
Top all openings sealedMiddle batt insulation in storage closetBottom new energy-efficient door
rigid insulation in metal frame
drywall
existing brick
existing block
foam to stop air leaks
foam to stop air leaks
tape to stopair leaks
closetleft
bedroomright
afterbefore
afterbefore
The renovation and addition process involved de-molishing many old walls and putting up many new walls. Early in the project, asbestos was found in the wall plaster. By removing asbestos from the existing walls, instead of trying to work around it, a safer environment was created for the workers. This environment allowed them to do their jobs more efficiently.
. All paints, stains, and adhesives complied with LEED for Homes volatile organic compound (VOC) restrictions to better indoor air quality.
Salvaged interior doors, wood framing and wood flooring were reused during construction. Sal-vaged doors that were in excess, windows, copper piping and other reusable materials were donated to Construction Junction. www.constructionjunction.org
. New WallsExisting Walls
New RoofsExisting Roofs
Rim Joists
New SlabNew Windows &
Doors
.
R-21 batt insulation (R-30 in kitchen) R-10 2 rigid insulation with metal frameR-38 batt insulation 5-6 open cell spray foam insulation (Icynene)(equates to R-19 and complete air seal)3.5 open cell spray foam insulation (Icynene)(equates to R-12 and complete air seal)R-10 2 rigid insulation (kitchen).30-.35 U-value
.
frame fordrywallsupport
R-value and ability to stop air movement are key to creating a tight, energy-efficient home. 40% of home energy loss is due to air leaks.
TM
ducts sealed tostop leaks
TM
As part of the LEED process, the home was opened up to educate over 500 visitors over four consecutive weekends. I created the following educational boards and placed them throughout the home. In addition to the boards, myself and others were on hand to answer questions about the project.
Smith & NephewAs an exhibition designer at Peek Exhibition, it is key to design stands that are easy to transport, build, dis-mantle, and reconfigure. The Smith & Nephew stand was designed to fit a 6m x 3m space at one convention and a 9m x 1.8m space at another convention a couple months later. It continues to be reused in various configurations.
The dynamic orange structure is in-tended to dart your eyes around the stand while serving the practi-cal purposes of counter and pelmet lighting. The front reception area is clearly defined from the meeting and storage areas. The targeted lighting on the stand combined with the framing effect of the orange structure allows a small area to have multiple zones.
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Artlantis, MDF, paint,aluminum, digital prints, opal acrylic, lightingProfessional: Peek Exhibition, 2011-2012
6m x 3m configuration
Storage and refrigeration area in the 6m x 3m configuration
9m x 1.8m configuration
Maori TourismThis permanent installation in Auck-lands main information center is used to teach people Maori history and culture and to promote Maori tourism.
The form is derived from the history of Maori boat-building and their first journey to New Zealand on the open water. In the center is a changing digital presentation with a magneti-cally attached frame to access the TV and power. The graphics and text to the sides of the digital display are lit from behind. Visitors can come to read the history, take information pamphlets on the left, and ask ques-tions/make bookings at the informa-tion desk. This installation acts as an engaging break from the visual overload created by the hundreds of brochures lining the rest of the infor-mation center.
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Artlantis, MDF, wood melteca, opal acrylic, prints, paint. lightingProfessional: Peek Exhibition, 2012
VistaPrintConstruction of a 6,968 m call cen-ter in Montego Bay, Jamaica is well underway.
This project was very interesting in terms of the level of security in-volved, the effect on the local econ-omy, and the approach to creating a sense of community in the work-place. The site is within a free zone in Jamaica, which means there is a heightened level of security around the perimeter as well as the building entrance. While Jamaican employ-ees will initially travel by bus, the parking capacity is sized to accom-modate the near future, when their employment will afford them their own vehicles. The site itself also includes a football field and outdoor patio area to foster a sense of community during break periods.
Created w/ SketchUp, Maya, MicrostationProfessional: KSBA Architects, 2007 - 2010
2
I was heavily involved in the site planning. Much coordination was needed with local government as the surrounding roads un-derwent width expansion, which had an impact on the site layout. Coordination was also needed with local civil engineers to handle intense rainfall following long drought periods common to the region. To better communication with various in-volved parties, I oversaw the flow of infor-mation through a project website.
I worked with one of the principals at KSBA to create a perimeter fence that provides the necessary security while not visually block-ing out the public.
The challenge with large call centers is to create an efficient use of space that fosters interpersonal relationships. Work clusters and changing interior elevations, such as the mezzanine and acoustically-isolated pods on the main floor, are the main devices we (KSBA) used to meet this challenge.
Call centers need flexible and some acoustically-isolated space. Four huddle clusters serving as acoustically-isolat-ed meeting and work areas are distributed within the open plan office. Transformers are hidden above these spaces, and plantlife grows on the roofs. In floor modular cabling and HVAC allow for greater workspace flexibility.
European FoodThe 6m x 6m stand was used in two shows in different configura-tions and then later placed in a final configuration in the company show room. The stand was used to sell imported European Food products to the general public.
Glass shelves showcasing the food are lit from the sides and above. A red carpet effect using the compa-nys banner graphic is used to draw people into the stand. The black & white color scheme allows the many food products to catch your atten-tion. The single accent color, a bold red, is used throughout, from the kitchen equipment to the graphics to the meat slicer to the flowers. The white, red and touch of green in the logos fosters the Italian identity the owner wants to project.
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Artlantis, MDF, paint,aluminum, digital prints, opal acrylic, lightingProfessional: Peek Exhibition, 2012
HospiraConsidering the stand was located in front of a glass facade that looks onto an active Auckland city plaza and the client decided not to display its pharmaceutical products, it was an opportunity to create a simple but eye-catching backdrop for con-versation (and to steer clear of quar-tering off the area). LED-lit signage, three light boxes intersected by linear supports, and planter boxes were enough to say This is the Ho-spira zone. Come sit and chat with us.
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Artlantis, MDF, paint, opal acrylic, digital prints. lighting, plantsProfessional: Peek Exhibition, 2011
Elliot-TurboCentennialThe new 11,613 m building for El-liott-Turbo, a global company that manufactures large turbines and generators, serves to consolidate an entire campus of engineers and executive groups just outside Pitts-burgh, Pennsylvania.
Under the company Presidents di-rection, the new building will en-courage inter-departmental com-munication through an open office plan. In addition to office space, the building will have a gymnasium and assembly and test area to better serve its employees.
While working at KSBA, I was heavily entrenched in understanding Elliot-Turbos needs through department meetings, measurements and inven-tories of existing conditions.
Created w/ SketchUp, MicrostationProfessional: KSBA Architects, 2009 - 2010
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Ideas in the design development stage were computer modeled by one principal, myself and an intern.
ID Task Name
1 PROGRAMMING
2 dept manager interviews
3 prelim program information
4 management review
5 revise & approve
6 PROJECT DEFINITION
7 estimate alt building costs
8 haz mat report
9 build mock up and/or visit KSBA
10 core alternatives
11 dept layouts
12 hazardous mat scope def
13 review & select building type
14 define scope of perf options
15 perf options cost estimate
16 crane mods scope def
17 crane mods budget est
18 review & select perf options
19 hazardous mat budget est
20 economic analysis
21 computer rm equip scope def
22 relocate bandwidth scope def
23 phone system scope def
24 workstn PCs scope def
25 office equip scope def
26 lab equip scope def
27 showroom equip scope def
28 graphics equip scope def
29 plants, art, branding scope def
30 video-conf scope def
31 conceptual cost estimate
32 computer rm equip budget est
33 relocate bandwith budget est
34 phone system budget est
35 workstn PCs budget est
36 office equip budget est
37 lab equip budget est
38 showroom equip budget est
39 graphics equip budget est
40 plants, art, branding budget est
41 video-conf budget est
42 review options
43 refine preferred solution
44 proj def report
45 DESIGN & DOCUMENT
46 schematic design
47 gov intro
48 design development
49 gov review
50 construction documents
51 specs
52 gov progress review
53 gov approval
54 FFE
55 equipment removal
56 food service RFPs
57 food service proposals & select
58 showroom tours
59 prelim furn RFP
60 prelim furn bids
61 bid analysis
62 branding & art design/select
63 branding & art production
64 branding & art install
65 final furn specs
66 review & revise furn specs
67 furn mfg. & deliver
68 furn install
69 BIDDING & PROCUREMENT
70 procurement
71 haz mat final price
72 crane mods final price
73 relocate bandwidth final price
74 computer rm equip final price
75 phone system final price
76 workstn PCs final price
77 office equip final price
78 lab equip final price
79 showroom equip final price
80 graphics equip final price
81 plants, art branding final price
82 video-conf final price
83 estimate & bidding
84 review & approve GMP
85 CONSTRUCTION
86 temp parking
87 crane mods complete
88 relocate bandwidth complete work
89 haz mat
90 building permit
91 mobilization
92 utilities
93 skin demolition
94 groundbreaking
95 footings & foundation
96 slab
97 steel
98 roof & skin
99 mech & elect rough-ins
100 elevators & stairs
101 walls & doors
102 client systems
103 finishes
104 site work
105 staff tours
106 mech & electrical final
107 computer rm equip complete work
108 ribbon cutting
109 phone system complete work
110 workstn PCs complete work
111 office equip complete work
112 lab equip complete work
113 showroom equip complete work
114 graphics equip complete work
115 plants, art, branding complete work
116 video-conf complete work
117 move
118 commissioning
PROGRAMMING
dept manager interviews 5/112/10
prelim program information 3/92/24
management review 5/185/12
revise & approve 5/255/19
PROJECT DEFINITION
estimate alt building costs 4/143/10
haz mat report 4/63/16
build mock up and/or visit KSBA 4/143/24
core alternatives 5/43/24
dept layouts 5/113/31
hazardous mat scope def 5/64/6
review & select building type 4/144/8
define scope of perf options 5/124/15
perf options cost estimate 6/164/29
crane mods scope def 5/54/29
crane mods budget est 5/125/6
review & select perf options 5/175/6
hazardous mat budget est 5/315/6
economic analysis 5/265/6
computer rm equip scope def 6/25/6
relocate bandwidth scope def 6/25/6
phone system scope def 6/25/6
workstn PCs scope def 6/25/6
office equip scope def 6/25/6
lab equip scope def 6/25/6
showroom equip scope def 6/25/6
graphics equip scope def 6/25/6
plants, art, branding scope def 6/25/6
video-conf scope def 6/25/6
conceptual cost estimate 6/165/18
computer rm equip budget est 6/236/3
relocate bandwith budget est 6/236/3
phone system budget est 6/236/3
workstn PCs budget est 6/236/3
office equip budget est 6/236/3
lab equip budget est 6/236/3
showroom equip budget est 6/236/3
graphics equip budget est 6/236/3
plants, art, branding budget est 6/236/3
video-conf budget est 6/236/3
review options 6/236/17
refine preferred solution 7/146/17
proj def report 7/147/8
DESIGN & DOCUMENT
schematic design 6/304/15
gov intro 6/146/3
design development 7/146/3
gov review 7/217/15
construction documents 8/187/1
specs 8/187/15
gov progress review 8/168/9
gov approval 9/158/19
FFE
equipment removal 9/164/1
food service RFPs 5/255/12
food service proposals & select 6/115/26
showroom tours 6/306/3
prelim furn RFP 7/287/1
prelim furn bids 8/237/29
bid analysis 8/278/2
branding & art design/select 8/15/10
branding & art production 9/228/2
branding & art install 10/209/22
final furn specs 5/315/4
review & revise furn specs 6/286/1
furn mfg. & deliver 9/206/29
furn install 11/19/21
BIDDING & PROCUREMENT
procurement 12/217/28
haz mat final price 9/28/5
crane mods final price 9/28/5
relocate bandwidth final price 9/18/5
computer rm equip final price 9/18/5
phone system final price 9/18/5
workstn PCs final price 9/18/5
office equip final price 9/18/5
lab equip final price 9/18/5
showroom equip final price 9/18/5
graphics equip final price 9/18/5
plants, art branding final price 9/18/5
video-conf final price 9/18/5
estimate & bidding 9/88/12
review & approve GMP 9/159/2
CONSTRUCTION
temp parking 9/168/19
crane mods complete 9/168/26
relocate bandwidth complete work 9/168/26
haz mat 10/69/2
building permit 11/179/16
mobilization 10/209/16
utilities 10/209/16
skin demolition 12/1310/21
groundbreaking 12/110/21
footings & foundation 1/3112/2
slab 1/3112/2
steel 3/712/27
roof & skin 4/412/27
mech & elect rough-ins 5/22/14
elevators & stairs 5/113/3
walls & doors 6/153/17
client systems 11/96/2
finishes 9/286/2
site work 9/286/9
staff tours 9/237/18
mech & electrical final 9/289/15
computer rm equip complete work 10/59/22
ribbon cutting 10/178/23
phone system complete work 10/49/6
workstn PCs complete work 10/49/13
office equip complete work 10/49/13
lab equip complete work 10/119/13
showroom equip complete work 10/119/13
graphics equip complete work 10/49/13
plants, art, branding complete work 10/119/13
video-conf complete work 10/119/13
move 11/2110/18
commissioning 10/259/28
17 24 31 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27February 2010 March 2010 April 2010 May 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 October 2010 November 2010 December 2010 January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011 July 2011 August 2011 September 2011 October 2011 November 2011 De
Elliott Project Schedule Document by KSBA Architects May 10, 2010
Working in Microsoft Excel and Proj-ect, I created programming docu-ments and a project schedule that guided the project team through meetings.
I was greatly involved in the project from initial project-chasing meetings through early construction docu-ments. With my understanding of department counts, workstyles, ad-jacencies and filing needs, I was in charge of laying out the workspace.
Workspace flexibility is key. Above, demountable partitions are colored red.
StrykerFrom the back of the venue, this stand welcomed you with open arms. In contrast to the other stand designs in which I handled the entire process from design to project man-agement, this one-time use and high budget stand was designed overseas in Australia. I was responsible for the construction drawings and proj-ect management.
A few small diameter metal posts and acrylic spacers were used to create the slats on the wing walls. The graphic discs were mounted us-ing split battens and lit from behind with LEDs. Holes were pre-drilled into the floor to bring power to the various electrical equipment on the stand. This project involved detailed coordination and management of construction, lighting, power and AV equipment.
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Artlantis, wood, MDF, aluminum, paint, digital prints, lightingProfessional: Peek Exhibition, 2011
Kobyl WineryWhile studying for a semester at the Czech Technical University, a German partner and I developed a factory, visitor center, guest accom-modation and owner residence for a winery in Kobyl, Czech Republic.
The winery is largely attuned to the sites rolling topography and the de-sire to have people in strong visual connection and close contact with it. Each person (overnight guest, visi-tor, factory worker, caretaker of the accommodation, family member/owner, and restaurant worker) is able to move up and down by way of the main stem; an indoor incline is the primary means within this stem and secondary means include stair-ways, ramps, and outdoor terraced grounds.
An exposed axonometric view shows the floor beneath ground level which maintains the natural hill slope (shows factory area and guest entrance at bottom, main stem, and visitors quarters off of the main stem).
Created w/ ArchiCAD, Rhino, PhotoshopAcademic: 2006 - 4th Year, 2nd Semester
Floor 0Split Level
Owner Residence for 3 generations
Guest Accommodation Unit
Restaurant
Storage,Stairway,
Guest Wine Cellar
OfficesMain StemFactory (inc. Parking)
Section lines on Plan pertain to Sections at far right
2nd_floor M 1 : 200
3rd_floor M 1 : 200
section_2 M 1 : 200
section_3 M 1 : 200
section_4 M 1 : 200
The winery has been formed by inspira-tion given from the sites topography and the desire to have people in strong visual connection and close contact with it. Each person (overnight guest, visitor, factory worker, caretaker of the acco-modation, family member/owner, and res-taurant worker) is able to move up and down by means of a main stem (indoor in-cline, stairways and ramps, and outdoor terraced grounds), and across the site through the use of perpendicular axes. Key design decisions include that the factory is logically located at the base for efficiency, guests wake up to south-eastern sunlight and are encouraged to navigate the great hall and landscape by day, all people are intended to join for meals and a wine-tasting trail in the restaurant, and the family has an all-encompassing view of the site from their adaptable (for a changing family struc-ture) house atop the restaurant. Each person has ones own hub yet is not con-fined to it. We see the design as one that allows for privacy through specified zones, but is driven by close connection between people and between people and the landscape at the tongue of a hill in K o b y l .
Key design decisions include that the factory is logically located at the base of the hill for efficiency, guests wake up to SE sunlight and are encouraged to navigate the great hall and landscape by day, and all people are intended to join for meals and a wine-tasting trail (pictured on the left page) in the restaurant. Each person has ones own personal space, yet is not confined to it.
Entrance at hill base
The owners have an all-encom-passing view of the site from their adaptable house (for a changing family structure) atop the restau-rant. Pictured on the left page, the restaurant opens up directly onto the vineyard with the majority of the program located underground. On the right page, the typical guest accommodation unit is pictured at top. Below that is a floor plan in-cluding the top level of the owner residence, a restaurant floor plan, and sun studies of the above-ground portion of the building.
The design is one that allows for pri-vacy and security through specified zones, but is driven by close connec-tions between people and between people and the landscape.
Clockwise from Upper Left:
Summer, 7amnatural lighting in dining area of restaurant and living room of owner residence
Summer, 1pmnatural lighting in perimeter spaces only
Winter, 12pmnatural lighting in large portion of the building
Summer, 8pmnatural lighting on the wine-tasting trail area
The natural slope of the hill is maintained throughout the un-derground portion of the building. Food, barrels, and people are able to navigate this area through the use of an indoor incline and stairways. Light wells bring sunlight into this grand space and the vineyard itself is directly overhead.
The slope is naturally ideal for wine production. Thus, by placing a majority of the large program underground, my partner and I are able to maximize the amount of land given to growing the grapes.
Created w/ AutoCAD, Illustrator, chipboardAcademic: 2007 - 5th Year, 2nd Semester
A Sense of Empowerment on a Flat, Low-lying Site Not much. The Point is currently an anticlimactic space. What has happened to this once indispensable space? Flat topography barely exceeding water level does not lend itself to a space where one can gain a sense of empowerment. Yet settlers did in the mid-18th Century. Deforestation and building upwards allowed them to obtain incredible sight lines, allowing for a sense of empowerment over the 3 Rivers. This sense of empowerment ultimately led to expanded settlement patterns throughout the city.
Losing a Sense of Empowerment & Consequent UnderuseHow many people are connected to that sense today? Not many based on the fact that the site is rarely visited in less-than-perfect weather conditions or without the aid of fireworks and other spectacles.
Direct river access is an asset few U.S. cities have claim too, but it is not enough to revive this sense of empowerment. Simply put, sightlines are cut short; gazing eastward, one stares into the less penetrable woven concrete that supports I-279 and secondary highway routes. The underpass beneath this obstruction speaks volumes about the importance of vehicular transportation over that of historical connections and pedestrian travel; its low-lying arch makes one feel insignificant while passing under the vibrations of heavy traffic, and one is unable to see the very tip of the Point even though he is on axis with it.
Reviving a Sense of Empowerment at the PointThe proposed theater design seeks to revive that lost sense of empowerment. Firstly, it does this through elevating people above vehicular travel. Visitors will gain a 360 degree view of their surroundings from this one move. There are few solely pedestrian bridges in this city, and none as commanding as this one will be rising over the highways, on axis with the Convergence. Second, varied spaces are needed on the site in order to activate it. As it sits, the site is stale and understood before its even experienced; signs are located downtown leading people westward to the Point, people walk across flat green space, feel insignificant as they travel under the obstruction, come out again on flat green space, and ultimately look out on a landscape that hasnt changed very much since the mid-18th Century. They stand cut off (via the obstruction) from the full spectrum of what has little changed westward to what has greatly changed eastward.
Overall, this idea of varied spaces means shaking up the Point so that its not a one-liner, so that one is not always conscious of how much longer he has to travel in order to reach the End. The creation of a microcosm that connects both to the east and west adds drama to Point State Park. Two new theater buildings are erected; one connects back to downtown visually and physically via the pedestrian bridge, while the smaller one connects to the existing Fort Pitt Museum with an outdoor performance niche, and both buildings open to the west (to the Convergence). A plaza space is created between the two theater buildings, the outdoor performance space, the elevated roadways, and the existing Fort Pitt Museum. Through this, a place is created that slows one down and creates new drama, but it still allows for fluid move-ment to the Point. A system of opacity to translucency to transparency to mergence with the outdoors activates this space by filling it with variations.
Performances, whether within a theater or out in the open, draw people to a space where the surroundings are meant to melt away, leaving the story literally and figuratively center stage. To counter that, the Point has a story, and yet it is intrinsically linked to its surroundings. Both stories can be in focus through this proposed design. The multiple transitions between the stage and the outside are calculated and orchestrated, yet the unlimited narratives that can take place are unaccounted for. Ultimately, a sense of empowerment with the addition of drama is brought back to this indispensable site.
1 : 200
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket Booth
ParkingGarage
Pre-1754 pre-Fort Duquesne view by Laurent 1754-1758 Stotz rendering, note wide beaches and erosional bluffs
1930s bridges at front later demolished 21st C. fountain landmark in Point State Park
The Convergence TheaterI received a studio commendation for my design of a theater complex next to the three rivers convergence in Pittsburgh.
The New York Times has stated that Pittsburgh is the only city in Amer-ica with an entrance. Out-of-town-ers and commuters shoot out of the Fort Pitt Tunnel to get a breath-tak-ing view of the city, but those look-ing out from the city have their sight lines cut short by rising highways. My proposal entails a pedestrian route that travels over the highways, affording theatergoers and sight-seers a 360 degree view of the city and rivers.
A Sense of Empowerment on a Flat, Low-lying Site Not much. The Point is currently an anticlimactic space. What has happened to this once indispensable space? Flat topography barely exceeding water level does not lend itself to a space where one can gain a sense of empowerment. Yet settlers did in the mid-18th Century. Deforestation and building upwards allowed them to obtain incredible sight lines, allowing for a sense of empowerment over the 3 Rivers. This sense of empowerment ultimately led to expanded settlement patterns throughout the city.
Losing a Sense of Empowerment & Consequent UnderuseHow many people are connected to that sense today? Not many based on the fact that the site is rarely visited in less-than-perfect weather conditions or without the aid of fireworks and other spectacles.
Direct river access is an asset few U.S. cities have claim too, but it is not enough to revive this sense of empowerment. Simply put, sightlines are cut short; gazing eastward, one stares into the less penetrable woven concrete that supports I-279 and secondary highway routes. The underpass beneath this obstruction speaks volumes about the importance of vehicular transportation over that of historical connections and pedestrian travel; its low-lying arch makes one feel insignificant while passing under the vibrations of heavy traffic, and one is unable to see the very tip of the Point even though he is on axis with it.
Reviving a Sense of Empowerment at the PointThe proposed theater design seeks to revive that lost sense of empowerment. Firstly, it does this through elevating people above vehicular travel. Visitors will gain a 360 degree view of their surroundings from this one move. There are few solely pedestrian bridges in this city, and none as commanding as this one will be rising over the highways, on axis with the Convergence. Second, varied spaces are needed on the site in order to activate it. As it sits, the site is stale and understood before its even experienced; signs are located downtown leading people westward to the Point, people walk across flat green space, feel insignificant as they travel under the obstruction, come out again on flat green space, and ultimately look out on a landscape that hasnt changed very much since the mid-18th Century. They stand cut off (via the obstruction) from the full spectrum of what has little changed westward to what has greatly changed eastward.
Overall, this idea of varied spaces means shaking up the Point so that its not a one-liner, so that one is not always conscious of how much longer he has to travel in order to reach the End. The creation of a microcosm that connects both to the east and west adds drama to Point State Park. Two new theater buildings are erected; one connects back to downtown visually and physically via the pedestrian bridge, while the smaller one connects to the existing Fort Pitt Museum with an outdoor performance niche, and both buildings open to the west (to the Convergence). A plaza space is created between the two theater buildings, the outdoor performance space, the elevated roadways, and the existing Fort Pitt Museum. Through this, a place is created that slows one down and creates new drama, but it still allows for fluid move-ment to the Point. A system of opacity to translucency to transparency to mergence with the outdoors activates this space by filling it with variations.
Performances, whether within a theater or out in the open, draw people to a space where the surroundings are meant to melt away, leaving the story literally and figuratively center stage. To counter that, the Point has a story, and yet it is intrinsically linked to its surroundings. Both stories can be in focus through this proposed design. The multiple transitions between the stage and the outside are calculated and orchestrated, yet the unlimited narratives that can take place are unaccounted for. Ultimately, a sense of empowerment with the addition of drama is brought back to this indispensable site.
1 : 200
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket Booth
ParkingGarage
Pre-1754 pre-Fort Duquesne view by Laurent 1754-1758 Stotz rendering, note wide beaches and erosional bluffs
1930s bridges at front later demolished 21st C. fountain landmark in Point State Park
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
Shop
Storage
Orch Pit
Trap RoomPlenum
Offices
Offices
Fly Loft
Bar + Seating
Lobby
FollowSpot
S/L Booths
Walkway &Storage
Storage
Lights & Netted Platform
Sound Control
Gallery
Gallery
Overpass/look
CostumeDisplay
Center Circulation
Circulation contd.
from PED overpass
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I I I I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Robotic CleanersLeipzig Glass Hall
I
Multipurpose Theater BuildingSection1-0 = 1/8
Section: Multi-purpose Theater(view is looking east-ward toward Pittsburghs Downtown)
Two new theater buildings are erected; one connects back to downtown visually and physically via the pedestrian bridge, while the smaller one connects to the existing Fort Pitt Museum with an outdoor performance niche. A plaza space is created between the two theater buildings, the outdoor performance space, the elevated roadways, and the existing Fort Pitt Museum. The plaza serves as a meeting and peo-ple watching area, as well as a path to the rivers convergence. The ex-perience of walking through the site from the downtown entrance is a climactic sequence of opacity to translucency to transparency to a final mergence with the outdoors, and a spectacular view looking out from the city.
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Trap Room
Orch. Pit & Thrust
fly loftstairway
Stage & Wings
Storage
Break Room &Storage
Central Passage
coat
check
storage
M Restroom
F Restroom
Storage
bar
Lookout Area
Cafe Seating
Lobby
Lookout/Drinks
L/S Lock
L/S Lock
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Trap Room
Orch. Pit & Thrust
fly loftstairway
Stage & Wings
Storage
Break Room &Storage
Central Passage
coat
check
storage
M Restroom
F Restroom
Storage
bar
Lookout Area
Cafe Seating
Lobby
Lookout/Drinks
L/S Lock
L/S Lock
DiagramLevels of Occupancy, Visual Barriers, Thermal Comfort are Directly Related
Multipurpose Theater BuildingGround Plan1-0 = 1/16
Multipurpose Theater BuildingOverlook Plan at 421-0 = 1/16
Occupants - Actors - Highest SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Most Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Solid Wall w/ Stone Veneer - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Technicians - High SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Exterior & Interior Solid Walls - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Costume Designers - Medium SecurityVisual Barriers - Layered Transparency - Little Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S & W-Facing Glass - Less Thermal Mass
Occupants - General Public - Least SecurityVisual Barriers - Transparency - Negligable Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S-Facing Glass - Less Mass & Least Buffering
DiagramNatural & Mechanically Assisted Ventilation Zones
Completely Assisted Ventilation
Mostly Assisted Ventilation, but receives spill-over from other spaces
Mostly Assisted Ventilation,Naturally Ventilated during Ideal Weather Conditions
Naturally Ventilated via Mechanical Louvers & Doors
A Sense of Empowerment on a Flat, Low-lying Site Not much. The Point is currently an anticlimactic space. What has happened to this once indispensable space? Flat topography barely exceeding water level does not lend itself to a space where one can gain a sense of empowerment. Yet settlers did in the mid-18th Century. Deforestation and building upwards allowed them to obtain incredible sight lines, allowing for a sense of empowerment over the 3 Rivers. This sense of empowerment ultimately led to expanded settlement patterns throughout the city.
Losing a Sense of Empowerment & Consequent UnderuseHow many people are connected to that sense today? Not many based on the fact that the site is rarely visited in less-than-perfect weather conditions or without the aid of fireworks and other spectacles.
Direct river access is an asset few U.S. cities have claim too, but it is not enough to revive this sense of empowerment. Simply put, sightlines are cut short; gazing eastward, one stares into the less penetrable woven concrete that supports I-279 and secondary highway routes. The underpass beneath this obstruction speaks volumes about the importance of vehicular transportation over that of historical connections and pedestrian travel; its low-lying arch makes one feel insignificant while passing under the vibrations of heavy traffic, and one is unable to see the very tip of the Point even though he is on axis with it.
Reviving a Sense of Empowerment at the PointThe proposed theater design seeks to revive that lost sense of empowerment. Firstly, it does this through elevating people above vehicular travel. Visitors will gain a 360 degree view of their surroundings from this one move. There are few solely pedestrian bridges in this city, and none as commanding as this one will be rising over the highways, on axis with the Convergence. Second, varied spaces are needed on the site in order to activate it. As it sits, the site is stale and understood before its even experienced; signs are located downtown leading people westward to the Point, people walk across flat green space, feel insignificant as they travel under the obstruction, come out again on flat green space, and ultimately look out on a landscape that hasnt changed very much since the mid-18th Century. They stand cut off (via the obstruction) from the full spectrum of what has little changed westward to what has greatly changed eastward.
Overall, this idea of varied spaces means shaking up the Point so that its not a one-liner, so that one is not always conscious of how much longer he has to travel in order to reach the End. The creation of a microcosm that connects both to the east and west adds drama to Point State Park. Two new theater buildings are erected; one connects back to downtown visually and physically via the pedestrian bridge, while the smaller one connects to the existing Fort Pitt Museum with an outdoor performance niche, and both buildings open to the west (to the Convergence). A plaza space is created between the two theater buildings, the outdoor performance space, the elevated roadways, and the existing Fort Pitt Museum. Through this, a place is created that slows one down and creates new drama, but it still allows for fluid move-ment to the Point. A system of opacity to translucency to transparency to mergence with the outdoors activates this space by filling it with variations.
Performances, whether within a theater or out in the open, draw people to a space where the surroundings are meant to melt away, leaving the story literally and figuratively center stage. To counter that, the Point has a story, and yet it is intrinsically linked to its surroundings. Both stories can be in focus through this proposed design. The multiple transitions between the stage and the outside are calculated and orchestrated, yet the unlimited narratives that can take place are unaccounted for. Ultimately, a sense of empowerment with the addition of drama is brought back to this indispensable site.
1 : 200
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket Booth
ParkingGarage
Pre-1754 pre-Fort Duquesne view by Laurent 1754-1758 Stotz rendering, note wide beaches and erosional bluffs
1930s bridges at front later demolished 21st C. fountain landmark in Point State Park
Process Models
Plaza
Solar Hotspots are Highlightedin Yellow
Deciduous Shade Trees areplanted South and West of theMulti-Purpose Theater,while Evergreens are plantedNorth of the building
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater
Positve Orientation: areas that benefitfrom natural light (i.e. circulation corridor, lobby, part of restaurant & gallery) receive it, while other spacesare artificially lit with mainly LEDs & fluorescent lighting
Predominant SW winds drawvehicle pollution away fromtheaters and courtyard
The South-facing double glass en-closure allows for direct solar gain into the perimeter circulation and lobby spaces. The light is then able to descend into the center circula-tion space where it is enhanced via a series of automated reflectors track-ing and responding to the sun angle. (shown in section)
A zinc-coated glass envelope pro-vides shading and creates a canvas for projection on the exterior. Precedent: Blizard Building, London
The buildings are raised and gabion wall systems are used for greater percolation in times of flooding on the low-lying site. And a geothermal heat pump system serves the build-ings.
Building Orientation, Natural Lighting, and Artificial Lighting Integration Sunlight penetrates the South-facing lobby space, and descends into the center circulation space. This natural light is then enhanced via a series of automated reflectors tracking & responding to the sun angle. These reflectors have a dual prupose in that they can both reflect natural light and also be used as bounce boards for fluorescent lighting, especially in the evening.
Building Orientation, Building Envelop, and Mechanical Systems Integration The South-facing double glass enclosure allows for direct solar gain into perimeter circulation space (coming from the parking lot & over the highway) and lobby space. This double enclosure allows for perimeter circulation to become an interstitial space that has more natural ventilation, while other spaces are more mechanically assisted. The perimeter space uses mechanical louvers, zinc-coated glass, and radiant heating for tempering. The zinc-coated glass is used to diffuse light and can be used as an exterior canvas for projections.
The Convergence TheaterLIANA ZIMMERMAN
Overall, this idea of varied spaces means shaking up the Point so that its not a one-liner, so thatone is not always conscious of how much longer he has to travel in order to reach the End. The creation of a mi-crocosm that connects both to the east and west adds drama to Point State Park. Two new theater buildings are erected; one connects back to downtown visu-ally and physically via the pedestrian bridge, while the smaller one connects to the existing Fort Pitt Museum with an outdoor perform-ance niche, and both build-ings open to the west (to the Convergence). A plaza space is created between the two theater buildings, the outdoor performance space, the elevated road-ways, and the existing Fort Pitt Museum. Through this, a place is created that slows one down and cre-ates new drama, but it still allows for fluid movement to the Point. A system of opacity to translucency to transparency to mergencewith the outdoors activates this space by filling it with variations.
Performances, whether within a theater or out in the open, draw perople to a space where the surround-ings are meant to melt away, leaving the story liter-ally and figuratively center stage. To counter that, the
4th yr SYSTEMS studio 48 405BARTOS -coordinator | CARLOUGH | MCNUTT | BARTOSschool of ARCHITECTURE CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY
DETAIL | 6
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
Shop
Storage
Orch Pit
Trap RoomPlenum
Offices
Offices
Fly Loft
Bar + Seating
Lobby
FollowSpot
S/L Booths
Walkway &Storage
Storage
Lights & Netted Platform
Sound Control
Gallery
Gallery
Overpass/look
CostumeDisplay
Center Circulation
Circulationcontd.
from PEDoverpass
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
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Robotic CleanersLeipzig Glass Hall
I
Multipurpose Theater BuildingSection1-0 = 1/16
Solar Hotspots are Highlightedin Yellow
Deciduous Shade Trees areplanted South and West of theMulti-Purpose Theater,while Evergreens are plantedNorth of the building
Building Orienta-tion, Natural Lighting, and Ar-tifical Lighting IntegrationSunlight penetrates the South-facing lobby space, and decends into the center circula-tion space. This natu-ral light is then en-hanced via a series of automatedreflectors tracking & responding to the sun angle. These reflec-tors have a dual pur-pose in that they can both reflect natural light and also be used as bounce boards for fluorescent lighting, especially in the eve-ning. (diagram at right & full implimentation in section below)
Building Orienta-tion, Building En-velope, and Me-chanical SystemsIntegrationThe South-facing double glass enclosure allows for direct solar gain into the perimeter circulation space (coming from the park-ing lot & over the high-way) and lobby space. This double enclosure allows for the perim-eter circulation to become an interstitial space that has more natural ventilation, while other spaces are more mechanically assisted. The perim-eter space uses me-chanical louvers, zinc-coated glass, and radi-ant heating for temper-ing.(Further discussion about zinc-coating is below, above section)
Zinc-coated Glass Envelope: provides shading provides a canvas for projectionThe outter curtain wall of the multipurpose theater has its exterior pane coated with the zinc patterning shown above. This zinc coating is also used on the small theater facade, the outdoor theater wind block, and on the enclosed PED overpass.
DOUBLE (curtain wall) ENVELOPE allows for perimeter spaces (i.e. overlookarea) to be less conditioned and more naturally ventilated, while the inner spaces are more conditioned. It provides greater insulation to these inner spaces (i.e. lobby).
Precedent: Blizard Building, London, where a zinc-facade was used for projections
no projection, up close projection, view from courtyardprojection, up close
Ground Source ComesUp at Core Of Building,But is behind this SectionCut
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Trap Room
Orch. Pit & Thrust
fly loftstairway
Stage & Wings
Storage
Break Room &Storage
Central Passage
coat
check
storage
M Restroom
F Restroom
Storage
bar
Lookout Area
Cafe Seating
Lobby
Lookout/Drinks
L/S Lock
L/S Lock
Multipurpose Theater BuildingOverlook Plan at 421-0 = 1/32Natural & Mechanically Assisted Ventilation Zones
Completely Assisted Ventilation
Mostly Assisted Ventilation, but receives spill-over from other spaces
Mostly Assisted Ventilation,Naturally Ventilated during Ideal Weather Conditions
Naturally Ventilated via Mechanical Louvers & Doors
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Multipurpose Theater BuildingGround Plan1-0 = 1/32Levels of Occupancy, Visual Barriers, Thermal Comfort are Directly Related
Occupants - Actors - Highest SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Most Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Solid Wall w/ Stone Veneer - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Technicians - High SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Exterior & Interior Solid Walls - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Costume Designers - Medium SecurityVisual Barriers - Layered Transparency - Little Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S & W-Facing Glass - Less Thermal Mass
Occupants - General Public - Least SecurityVisual Barriers - Transparency - Negligable Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S-Facing Glass - Less Mass & Least Buffering
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater
Positve Orientation: areas that benefitfrom natural light (i.e. circulation corridor, lobby, part of restaurant & gallery) receive it, while other spacesare artificially lit with mainly LEDs & fluorescent lighting
Predominant SW winds drawvehicle pollution away fromtheaters and courtyard
Gabion Wall System (dotted grey)allows for greater percolation & aidsflooding issues on the site
Gabion Wall System (dotted grey)allows for greater percolation & aidsflooding issues on the site
mechanized glass louver system with zinc coating will be located where acrylic is shown in model belowthis system blocks predominant SW winds & doubles as a projection screen for outdoor theater
The site, located so near to a groundwater source, makes agood match with geothermalheating.
The design will have a reversereturn geothermal heat pump system.Both buildings will be heated withthis system.
1 : 800
The Convergence Theater - Liana Zimmerman - Bartos Studio - Spring 2007
mechanized louversallow for greater aircirculation
zinc-coated exteriorcurtain wall:provides shadingprovides canvas for projections
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
Shop
Storage
Orch Pit
Trap RoomPlenum
Offices
Offices
Fly Loft
Bar + Seating
Lobby
FollowSpot
S/L Booths
Walkway &Storage
Storage
Lights & Netted Platform
Sound Control
Gallery
Gallery
Overpass/look
CostumeDisplay
Center Circulation
Circulationcontd.
from PEDoverpass
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I I I I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Robotic CleanersLeipzig Glass Hall
I
Multipurpose Theater BuildingSection1-0 = 1/16
Solar Hotspots are Highlightedin Yellow
Deciduous Shade Trees areplanted South and West of theMulti-Purpose Theater,while Evergreens are plantedNorth of the building
Building Orienta-tion, Natural Lighting, and Ar-tifical Lighting IntegrationSunlight penetrates the South-facing lobby space, and decends into the center circula-tion space. This natu-ral light is then en-hanced via a series of automatedreflectors tracking & responding to the sun angle. These reflec-tors have a dual pur-pose in that they can both reflect natural light and also be used as bounce boards for fluorescent lighting, especially in the eve-ning. (diagram at right & full implimentation in section below)
Building Orienta-tion, Building En-velope, and Me-chanical SystemsIntegrationThe South-facing double glass enclosure allows for direct solar gain into the perimeter circulation space (coming from the park-ing lot & over the high-way) and lobby space. This double enclosure allows for the perim-eter circulation to become an interstitial space that has more natural ventilation, while other spaces are more mechanically assisted. The perim-eter space uses me-chanical louvers, zinc-coated glass, and radi-ant heating for temper-ing.(Further discussion about zinc-coating is below, above section)
Zinc-coated Glass Envelope: provides shading provides a canvas for projectionThe outter curtain wall of the multipurpose theater has its exterior pane coated with the zinc patterning shown above. This zinc coating is also used on the small theater facade, the outdoor theater wind block, and on the enclosed PED overpass.
DOUBLE (curtain wall) ENVELOPE allows for perimeter spaces (i.e. overlookarea) to be less conditioned and more naturally ventilated, while the inner spaces are more conditioned. It provides greater insulation to these inner spaces (i.e. lobby).
Precedent: Blizard Building, London, where a zinc-facade was used for projections
no projection, up close projection, view from courtyardprojection, up close
Ground Source ComesUp at Core Of Building,But is behind this SectionCut
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Trap Room
Orch. Pit & Thrust
fly loftstairway
Stage & Wings
Storage
Break Room &Storage
Central Passage
coat
check
storage
M Restroom
F Restroom
Storage
bar
Lookout Area
Cafe Seating
Lobby
Lookout/Drinks
L/S Lock
L/S Lock
Multipurpose Theater BuildingOverlook Plan at 421-0 = 1/32Natural & Mechanically Assisted Ventilation Zones
Completely Assisted Ventilation
Mostly Assisted Ventilation, but receives spill-over from other spaces
Mostly Assisted Ventilation,Naturally Ventilated during Ideal Weather Conditions
Naturally Ventilated via Mechanical Louvers & Doors
Shop Machinery & StorageShop Paint & Assembly
Laundry
BackGreen Rm
RoadCo
CostumeShop
Costume Storage& Display
GalleryGallery
Core Circulation & Gallery Contd
First Aid
GroupDress
GroupDress
Usher
A/V St
Electro
BR
BR
Fly LoftStairway
EmergencyExit
Manager
Crew Lounge
Altered Path fromPedestrian bridge
*existing topolines shown -alterations dotted
Warm-Up Warm-
Up
StageManager
TechDirector
BR
Multipurpose Theater BuildingGround Plan1-0 = 1/32Levels of Occupancy, Visual Barriers, Thermal Comfort are Directly Related
Occupants - Actors - Highest SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Most Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Solid Wall w/ Stone Veneer - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Technicians - High SecurityVisual Barriers - Opacity - Obstruction from Courtyard SpaceThermal Comfort - Exterior & Interior Solid Walls - Great Thermal Mass
Occupants - Costume Designers - Medium SecurityVisual Barriers - Layered Transparency - Little Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S & W-Facing Glass - Less Thermal Mass
Occupants - General Public - Least SecurityVisual Barriers - Transparency - Negligable Obstruction Thermal Comfort - S-Facing Glass - Less Mass & Least Buffering
Multi-purpose Theater
ParkingGarage
SmallTheater
ExistingMuseum
Pedestrian Overpass (enclosed)
Elevator/Electronic Ticket BoothOutdoorTheater
Positve Orientation: areas that benefitfrom natural light (i.e. circulation corridor, lobby, part of restaurant & gallery) receive it, while other spacesare artificially lit with mainly LEDs & fluorescent lighting
Predominant SW winds drawvehicle pollution away fromtheaters and courtyard
Gabion Wall System (dotted grey)allows for greater percolation & aidsflooding issues on the site
Gabion Wall System (dotted grey)allows for greater percolation & aidsflooding issues on the site
mechanized glass louver system with zinc coating will be located where acrylic is shown in model belowthis system blocks predominant SW winds & doubles as a projection screen for outdoor theater
The site, located so near to a groundwater source, makes agood match with geothermalheating.
The design will have a reversereturn geothermal heat pump system.Both buildings will be heated withthis system.
1 : 800
The Convergence Theater - Liana Zimmerman - Bartos Studio - Spring 2007
mechanized louversallow for greater aircirculation
zinc-coated exteriorcurtain wall:provides shadingprovides canvas for projections
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
Shop
Storage
Orch Pit
Trap RoomPlenum
Offices
Offices
Fly Loft
Bar + Seating
Lobby
FollowSpot
S/L Booths
Walkway &Storage
Storage
Lights & Netted Platform
Sound Control
Gallery
Gallery
Overpass/look
CostumeDisplay
Center Circulation
Circulationcontd.
from PEDoverpass
Floor/Ceiling Plenum
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I I I I I I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Robotic CleanersLeipzig Glass Hall
I
Multipurpose Theater BuildingSection1-0 = 1/16
Solar Hotspots are Highlightedin Yellow
Deciduous Shade Trees areplanted South and West of theMulti-Purpose Theater,while Evergreens are plantedNorth of the building
Building Orienta-tion, Natural Lighting, and Ar-tifical Lighting IntegrationSunlight penetrates the South-facing lobby space, and decends into the center circula-tion space. This natu-ral light is then en-hanced via a series of automatedreflectors tracking & responding to the sun angle. These reflec-tors have a dual pur-pose in that they can both reflect natural light and also be used as bounce boards for fluorescent lighting, especially in the eve-ning. (diagram at right & full implimentation in section below)
Building Orienta-tion, Building En-velope, and Me-chanical SystemsIntegrationThe South-facing double glass enclosure al
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