portfolio
adam castelli
greenpoint research library
and community centerbrooklyn, nythesis studio project - spring 2014
The aim for the design of this library and community center was to provide a hub for bringing together the local community with researchers and activists concerned with the environmental remediation of Newtown Creek and the surrounding environs of Greenpoint while simultaneously acting as exemplar of sustainable architectural design. Located at the confl uence of the East River and Newtown Creek, the project seeks to take advantage of the opportunities provided by this unique site, such as its relation to the waterfront and dramatic views to the skyline of Manhattan, by providing a valuable public resource in an area recently rezoned to facilitate large scale private developments.
The primary design move was to cluster related program elements into distinct volumes which were then separated by atrium spaces acting as both circulation spine and means to provide for daylighting of interior spaces. Outdoors, a series of terraces provide gathering spaces overlooking the waterfront. These are defi ned by a series of constructed wetland cells which act to provide for the treatment of building wastewater and recycling as grey water, a strategic counterpoint to that of the large-scale wastewater treatment plant which defi nes the eastern area of Greenpoint, as this system frequently results in contamination of waterways as a result of combined-sewer overfl ow during storm events.
The design utilizes a number of other sustainable design features, and a major aspect of the thesis research has been investigating optimization strategies utilizing parametric design tools with environmental simulation software. A number of studies looked at how geometric variations of the building massing aff ected daylighting, solar heat gain and views to the waterfront. Additionally, similar parametric studies informed the design of exterior shading devices at the atria facade and skylight. Overall, the project aimed at an integrated approach to design development where data-driven analyses would inform conceptual design approaches, and vice-versa, in order to provide for an architecturally-compelling, yet high performance, building.
advisors: kathleen lugosch, ajla aksamija
ProjectSite
NewtownCreek
EastRiver
Hunter’s Point, Queens
N
Library
CommonStaff , OrganizationsMech.
Community
Building form skewed to improve view from southeast facade and bring indirect light from north facade
Building programmatically split into three primary elements:library, community, organization and staff
Program elements spatially separated into distinct zones
Library
Community
Staff , OrganizationSpace
Common, ConnectiveAtria
In-between space forms connective common space, circulation, and atrium areas to facilitate daylighting and natural ventilation
Building oriented along street front
view from northwest
site location axonometric program diagram
constructed wetland treatment cells
outdoorterrace spaces
view from northeast
view north from west atrium corridor
parametric daylighting simulation study - sample of iterations
parametric massing study
environmental performance design strategies
constructedtreatment wetlands
wastewater recycling
radiant heating & cooling
ground sourceheat pump
greenroofs
natural lighting
natural ventilation
solarshading
obstructed view vectors
daylighting simulation results visualization
irradiation simulation results visualization
unobstructed view vectors
4th fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
3rd fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
1st fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
2nd fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
main book stacks
main book stacksbrowse stacksstaff meeting room
researchers’meeting room
researchers’workspace
researchers’workspace
researcher offi ces
researcher offi ces
mech.
researcher offi ces
mech.
mech.
staff break room
mediaroom
mediaroom
mediaroom
meetingroom
educationclassroom
studyspacecomputer
stations
temp. bookstorage
info desk
exhibitiongallery
common
northeastentry research
lab
auditorium
conference/community meeting room
teens’ study area
children’ s learning area
mech.penthouse
rooftopterrace
educationclassroom
quick look-up computers
browse stacks
cafeatrium
group studyspaces
group studyspaces
studyspace
open tobelow
open tobelow
open tobelow
open tobelow
open tobelow
open tobelow
auditoriumbelow
project model photos
view from dupont street
view north from third fl oor of east atrium
view west along commercial street
section e-w1/32” = 1’-0”
section n-s1/32” = 1’-0”
south street seaport towersmanhattan, nygraduate design studio V - fall 2013
The design for the South Street Seaport Towers accommodates a mixed-use program at an important location along Manhattan’s waterfront, adjacent to the historic South Street Seaport District. Seeking to enhance this neighborhood by providing a hub for living, working, staying, and shopping, the project compresses these functions within a single city block. The complex is conceived as an assemblage of discrete yet connected programmatic volumes, each with its distinct function, but contributing to the composition of the aggregated whole.
The primary programmatic elements are organized vertically rather stacked, with “connective” elements acting as bridges between the residential and offi ce towers. The presence of a historic structure on site is accomodated by incorporating this building as a podium for the offi ce tower which stretches skyward above it. The parking garage is elevated above the residential building lobby to act as a buff er to the noise of adjacent elevated highway. The design approach aims to respond to present conditions while meeting the needs of a new multi-use development in a specifi c context by means of the strategic organization of program and site-based sustainable design features.
The towers are literally multi-faceted, employing a computational method to tectonically minimize solar irradiation on the towers’ southern facades. This logic of optimizing the envelopes for the specifi c solar conditions of each elevation is carried through to the design of the building cladding. The residential tower utilizes an innovative system of glass fi ber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels which are three-dimensionally articulated to provide self-shading of the facade. The panels were parametrically defi ned to geometrically vary in depth and aperture width according to the specifi c gradient of summer solar irradiation on each face of the facades. The offi ce tower envelope responds to environmental conditions through a strategic use of a dynamic double-skin facade system along the long, exposed northeast facade. Vertical shade fi ns at ventilation apertures in the outer skin are able to rotate and close-off this aperture during the winter. Thus, the facade allows for natural ventilation of the air-space during summer, with the fi ns also providing shading of the facade, while acting as a closed thermal buff er during the winter.
brooklyn bridge
fdr drive
wall st. [2.3]
pier 11 ferry terminal
east river
east river ferry
south street seaport
wall st. [4, 5]
broad st. [j]
fulton st. [2.3]
fulton st. [4,5]
projectsite
view northwest from east river
site context site plan1” = 400’
reta
il
reta
il
reta
il
offi c
e
offi c
e
offi c
e
resi
dent
ial
resi
dent
ial
res.
exis
ting
exis
ting
- Vertical distribution of program elements provides daylighting and view access, with low-rise retail mall off ering buff er zone between residential and offi ce towers
- Offi ce tower shifted above existing historic commercial building
- Sky bridge hotel and recreation zones connect offi ce and residential towers
- Parking garage elevated above residential lobby, acting as noise buff er to adjacent elevated highway
hotel
recreation
park
instructor: ajla aksamija
N
view north from street level
view southwest from fdr drive
view northwest from fdr drive
- Program is divided into vertical strips: residential, retail, and offi ce blocks
- Shape is refi ned to reduce summer solar heat gain through strategic faceting of facade surfaces
- Offi ce block is elevated to preserve historic structure
- Space between main towers maintains waterfront views from adjacent structure
- Connector spaces establish hotel and recreation zones at near the top of the business block and above the retail block
- Massing provides shading to southwest facades of offi ce block
Selected Facade Tectonics -10.88 kWh/m2 per typical summer week average insolation
Insolation Analysis - sample of 1,300 iterations
Insolation Results -sample of data table
Solar Irradiation Mapping
Panel TypeDistribution
Articulated Facade System
Optimized TectonicsBase Surface
33rd fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
2nd fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
11th fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
1st fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
building section1/128” = 1’-0”
conference rooms
ramp to parking above
west residentiallobby
east residentiallobby
retail
retail space
existing commercial space
entry atrium
residential units
conference rooms
retail
parking existing commercial space
hotel lobby
residential units
offi ce space
restaurant hotel units
residential units
offi ce space
fi tness center
swimmingpool
project model photo
33rd fl oor
11th fl oor
2nd fl oor 1st fl oor
Hotel
Residential
Recreational
Retail
Parking
aluminum-faced panel
interior partition
fi xed glazing
rigid insulation
gypsum wall board
steel stud wall
cladding support backing gfrc cladding
operableawning window
gwb suspended ceiling
woodfi nish fl ooring
underfl oorplenum
supplyregisters
return ducts
cladding support backup structure
rigid insulation, a/v barrier
steel stud wall structural framing, gwb
perimeterheating duct
operableawning window
raised fl oorsupports
D D
E
E
southwest residential facade rendering
offi ce facade rendering
gfrc panel axonometric
E-E detail section 1/16” = 1’-0” residential tower facade detail elevation
1/16” = 1’-0”
offi ce tower facade detail elevation1/16” = 1’-0”
C-C detail section1/16” = 1’-0”
southwest elevation1/128” = 1’-0”
southeast elevation1/128” = 1’-0” D-D detail section
1/16” = 1’-0”
A A horizontal terracotta shade/protective screen
operable casement window
aerogel insulated panel with fritted interior glazing
B
B
C
C
horizontal terracotta shade/protective screen
operable casement window (as conditions
aerogel insulated panel with fritted interior glazing
fi xed low-e double-pane glazing
sement conditions
Offi ce
Hotel
Residential
Recreational
Retail
Parking
Existing
B-B detail section1/16” = 1’-0”
panel detail perspective1/16” = 1’-0”
A-A detail plan1/16” = 1’-0”
northwest elevation1/128” = 1’-0”
Offi ce
Hotel
Residential
Recreational
Retail
Existing
Parking
Conference
Offi ce
Hotel
Residential
Recreational
Retail
ExistingConference
northeast elevation1/128” = 1’-0”
offi ce tower double-facade detail elevation
1/16” = 1’-0”
HVAC diagram - offi ce tower HVAC diagram - residential tower
F-F detail plan1/16” = 1’-0”
G-G detail section1/16” = 1’-0”
facade perspective detail
offi ce double-facade perspective rendering
F F
G
G
exterior skin glazing
automated vertical shade fi n/ventilation opening(seasonally activated)
operable casement window (as conditions allow)
fi xed interior skin glazing
G
G
active chilled beam
led lighting fi xture
suspeded ceiling
ventilation duct
continuous ventilation space
automated vertical shade fi n/ventilation opening(seasonally activated)
maintenance access grating
exterior curtain wall glazing
interior curain wallglazing
F F F
Air Handling Unit Air Handling UnitChiller ChillerBoiler Boiler
Roof
top
Mec
hani
cal
Pent
hous
e
Roof
top
Mec
hani
cal
Pent
hous
e
Typi
cal F
loor
Typi
cal F
loor
Typi
cal F
loor
Typi
cal F
loor
Typi
cal F
loor
Typi
cal F
loor
Chilled BeamsHeated/Cooled Air
Heated/Cooled Air
Heated/Cooled Air
Return Air
Heat Recovery Unit
Return Air
Return Air
Fan
Fan
Fan
Exha
ust A
ir
Exha
ust A
ir
Supply Air Supply Air
Chill
ed/H
eate
dW
ater Ch
illed
/Hea
ted
Wat
er
Chilled Beams
Chilled Beams
interior view of hotel lobby
interior view of retail mall
timber in the city design competition entryred hook, brooklyn, nygraduate design studio IV - spring 2013
The design for this project in Red Hook, which consists of aff ordable housing units and wood product manufacturing facilities, seeks to reimagine the potential for a multi-use development sensitive to both the social and commercial needs of this diverse neighborhood.
The use of timber throughout the building is not only structurally innovative, but also ecologically responsible. Glue-laminated timber columns and cross-laminated timber panels serve as the building’s primary structural system. These engineered wood materials are exceptionally strong, produce less waste during production and construction processes, and are composed of wood harvested from responsibly-managed forests. The building’s wood rainscreen cladding system, meanwhile, provides a dynamically patterned facade as a counterpoint to the more monotonous character of typical low-cost housing.
The project’s design also considers the relationship between design and ecological and human health. Incorporating a green wall and other native plantings into the site landscape serves to allow for pleasant outdoor spaces for occupants. Increasing on-site access and storage of bicycles simultaneously encourages clean modes of transportation and active, healthy lifestyles. Likewise, the neighboring Red Hook Community Farm serves as an additional asset to the community.
The residential units have been carefully designed to frame views of the surrounding neighborhood and Hudson River, while directing views away from the large, commercial structure to the south. Conversely, exhibit spaces and the bike-share program are sited adjacent to the developing commercial corridor along Beard Street. Ultimately, the design for this site serves as a “hook”: collecting residents, visitors, artists, workers, and shoppers together while celebrating a rapidly-evolving area of the city.
view southwest from beard street
ststruructctururalal ssysystetemm ststruructctururalal aassssememblblyy dedetatailil raraininscscrereenen ppananelel ddetetaiaill
collaborators: luke beck, samantha greenberginstructor: carey clouse
cross-laaminated timber panels
cross-laminated timber panel shear walls
glulam girder
sprinkleer space
plumbing & wiring sspace
glulam column
glulam column
glulam beam
esignplanning + de
ctionproduc
ntationpresen
cyclingrec
ssroomsclas
wood fabrication spacep
perspective section
intersection of dwight and van dyke streets
recreation space
ypical fl oor plany
d fl oor plan2n2n
t fl oor plan1st
circulation fl owfl
bike residential
woodshop studio
digital fabrication 1 bedroom
classrooms/offi ces
2 bedroom
3 bedroom
courtyard view
views diagram
site plan
yty
school of the built environmentamherst, magraduate design studio III - fall 2012
The program for this 100,000 sqf project consisted of a new academic building for the UMass Amherst campus which would house the departments of architecture, landscape architecture, and building construction technology. The design aims for an integration of the these related departments through a design which allows for fl exibility, interaction with exterior spaces, and an adaptability to future program needs.
The building is conceptualized as a continuous volume containing studio space supported on a heavier mass which contains faculty offi ces, classrooms, computer labs, and other spaces. The design strategy focuses on the need to maximize natural daylight into the studio spaces while minimizing glare and solar heat gain. Insulated channel glass would be backlit at night, revealing gradients of varying translucency resulting from patterns of fritting, etching or coatings on the glass. Clear glass channels are sporadically utilized throughout in proportion to the potential for glare and heat gain on a particular face of the façade. The end faces of the upper volume are fully glazed with clear glass to provide views towards the campus pond to the northwest and Pleasant Street to the south. In order to mitigate unwanted heat gain at the south end, the space is double glazed with the space between acting as a common lounge area. During the summer, heat from this space may be ventilated from the roof, while during the winter the space would act as a buff er zone able to retain heat for passive heating purposes. Overall, the design aims at a balance of visual eff ect and thermal effi ciency while satisfying the diverse programmatic requirements of an innovative academic initiative.
1st fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
3rd fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
2nd fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
4th fl oor plan1/64” = 1’-0”
northheast perspectiveno trthhwestt perspe tctiive
site context
southeast perspective
instructor: kathleen lugosch
offi ces
classroom
classrooms
lobby
researchcenter
meeting presentationspace
presentationspace
presentationspace
presentationspace
presentationspace
studiospace
studiospace
studiospace
greenroof
greenroof
studiospace
offi ces
lab
lounge/common
auditorium
computer labs
offi ceswood-shop
exhibitionspace
studiospace
studiospace
lounge
east elevation1/32” = 1’-0”
north elevation1/32” = 1’-0”
south elevation1/32” = 1’-0”
west elevation1/32” = 1’-0”
interior perspective southwest perspective
restaurant/bar lighting design projectbuilding physics II - fall 2012
The goal for this project was to create an eff ective lighting design strategy which would serve to enhance a small existing restaurant. A cool ambiance is provide by means of an overhead installation of layered translucent sheets backlit by linear fl uorescent fi xtures, while the perimeter of the space is defi ned by a perforated metal screen whose patterning of apertures, based on a nested fi bonacci sequence, and base-mounted linear fi xtures are suggestive of a twilight condition. Pendent lamps positioned over lounge and dining tables off er a warmer focal glow which contrasts with the cooler tones. Downlights at the smaller perimeter tables ensure adequate lighting, while the backlit bar and liquor shelf create an attractive focus for casual gatherings. During the day, a moderate level of daylighting is provided by letting in light through a clerestory positioned above and behind the perimeter screen wall.
section3/32” = 1’-0”
refl ected ceiling plan1/16” = 1’-0”
interior perspective - lounge
interior perspective - bar and lounge interior perspective - dining
instructor: ray mann
north lane residential unithadley, magraduate design studio III - fall 2012
This project for a residential unit which would form part of a cluster of minimally sized dwellings located on the site of a river bend investigates ways in which environmental forces might begin to shape and inform the design of a building. The design for the facade employed a generative strategy in which surface deformations and perforations derive from the frequency of wind from the directions of each of the house’s four elevations. The street-side courtyard is envisioned as an outdoor extension of the necessarily compact interior living space. Folding glass doors on the north and south sides of the house allow the interior to fully open to the exterior and blur the boundaries between inside and out. A terraced common space on the north side of the house links the residence to the adjacent cluster units.
wind-frequency formed surfaces
southeast perspectivesouthwest perspective
northeast perspective
resultingsurface
loft sections within boundaries
remapdomain
loosen loft
adjust amplitude
smooth in v-direction
set threshold
horizontal banded cast
time (weeks)
frequency (%)
Spee
d (k
n)
2nd fl oor plan1/16” = 1’-0”
section1/16” = 1’-0”
south elevation1/16” = 1’-0”
1st fl oor plan1/16” = 1’-0”
project fabrication and model
instructor: kathleen lugosch
northampton multi-modal centrenorthampton, magraduate design studio II - spring 2012
The intent for this project was to design a multi-modal centre which would act as a place of transfer between rail and bus services while also acting as a kind of gateway into the citycenter. At the front of the site, a commercial building accommodates retail on the ground fl oor and offi ce space above, while the transportation building at the rear of the site provides waiting space, a café, and other services to travelers transferring between travel modes. A sense of fl uid spatial connectivity is evoked while providing for a logical system of movement through and around the site.
The canopy structure provides a screening enclosure for the building, acting as a shading device to reduce solar heat gain, while also shielding commuters on the rail platform from inclement weather. An existing bikeway parallel to the railway is maintained by dropping it below a pair of pedestrian bridges to the rail platform. The more angular form of the commercial building’s roof off ers a counterpoint to the continuous surface of the canopy and serves the dual function of channeling rainwater for building use and interior air upward for effi cient natural ventilation through the stack eff ect. Thus the project aims at an integration of form and systems thinking while accommodating the various needs of a mixed-use program.
bike pathparking
multi-modal
building
commercial
building
bus stop
rail platform
northwest perspective from king st
aerial perspective
north perspective from rail platformsouthwest perspective from king st
instructor: caryn brause
staff
public
transit:waiting, tickets, info
community:community room, café
officesmeeting space
collective individual
multi-modal building - 2nd fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
programmatic concept - 1st fl oor
southeast perspective from platform
southwest perspective from parking lot
multi-modal building - 1st fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
support
common
communitybus -related
services
rail -relatedservices
programmatic division - sectional
offi ce space
jan.
storage
mechanical
bus waiting areainfo
south lobby
north lobby
rail waiting area
stor.
café space
tickets jan.
community room
stor.
offi ces
stor.meeting room
rentableoffi cespace
open to below
open to below
commercial building - 3rd fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
commercial building - 2nd fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
commercial building - 1st fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
facade from king st
programmatic division - sectional
systems concept- sectional
commercial building north lobby perspective
private
public
retailcafé
offices
water
ventilation
air
reuse
meetingroom
meetingrooms
stor.
stor.
mech.
mech.
atriumretail spacenorth lobby
south lobby
offi ces
offi ces
offi ce space
café space
stor.
east-west section1/32” = 1’-0”
north-south section1/32” = 1’-0”
axonometric
center for research in the visual artsamherst, magraduate design studio I - fall 2011
The design for this academic research building aims at an integration of art, landscape, and architecture while establishing a resource for community and scholars to learn and connect. Primary design strategies for the project include: taking advantage of the beauty of the site by maximizing opportunities for views; providing spaces for introspection and study, as well as collective areas for gathering and exchange of knowledge, information, and ideas; and respecting the context of the neighboring residential zone by minimizing the height and apparent scale of the building.
The upper terrace, at street level, allows visitors access to a scenic overlook, while the lower exterior space carves a social/event space out of the site’s sloping terrain, while an interior courtyard for the display of sculptural installations is formed at the core of the building, between the gallery “bridge” and academic research spaces.
southwest perspective
northwest perspective
lower hall view
lower terrace view
instructor: joseph krupcynszki
upper level fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
lower level fl oor plan1/32” = 1’-0”
gallery viewupper terrace viewentry hall view
library lower terrace
gallery
entry
upper terrace
sculpturecourtyard
scholarstudies
loungestor. lecture/meeting space
multiunit residential projectworcester, mat.i.a. architects internship - summer 2012
The design for this small apartment building, which consists of two four-bedroom units, was largely dictated by the constraints of a small lot and the aim to maximize rentable income for the client. The narrow lot precluded the use of a driveway, so a scheme was developed to allow for the required two parking spaces per unit beneath the main living space. The roof is accessable with the intention of establishing a rooftop green space to increase insulation while providing an outdoor area to compensate for a small backyard. The design aims for a functional and modern aesthetic while maximizing the potential value of the constrained property.
UP UP UP
DN DN
1st fl oor plan3/32” = 1’-0”
section3/32” = 1’-0” southeast perspective
2nd fl oor plan3/32” = 1’-0”
3rd fl oor plan3/32” = 1’-0”
hitchcock center for the environmentsouth amherst, mat.i.a. architects internship - summer 2012
For this project, a preliminary concept for a new education center was developed which would provide new classrooms, offi ces, and meeting spaces for an organization dedicated to providing the community with a greater awareness and understanding of the natural world. Accordingly, the center decided to pursue options for a more sustainable building complex.
Our design pursued the strategy of breaking the program down into a series of smaller, related buildings with the intent of providing a more integrated fi t into the environment of the site, while creating a more “kid-friendly” scale.
The buildings cluster around a central space which could be utilized as an outdoor classroom space. In terms of sustainable features, the buildings would utilize passive solar orientation, wood for the building structure, high insulation values, and rooftop solar panels.
south perspective
southeast perspective