technology

The technology requirements of the studio will include artfully developed details in five areas: sustainability—specific concerns regarding the control of natural light and water, structural systems—specific concerns regarding the space defining qualities of the integrated system, mechanical systems—specific concerns regarding energy efficiency, envelope systems—specific concerns regarding figuration and detail, and interior systems—specific concerns regarding the celebration and meter of finish materials. We will present a series of technical assignments that are to be completed as the design assignments are addressed. In many cases the technical assignments will have a limited immediate application to the larger design issues addressed at the same time; but, as we enter the next phase of design we will see that adjacent issues will become fundamental.

1

During the first phase of design we want to explore the way in which light can be controlled from two cardinal positions using a light box to explore the filtering and directing of natural light from each direction.

We also want to build a ‘library’ of contemporary precedents that use a steel structural system to define space and support the building. We need to understand how the system resists lateral load, how it connects to the wall envelope system and how it can be used to define architectural space.

The fresh air requirements of a school are substantial. This means that the mechanical system must take in, filter, treat, circulate and filter an enormous amount of air. We will begin our thought process with a conceptual axon that shows the vital steps in this sequence. What equipment will be required; where should it be placed; and how much of it is visible?

Envelope systems represent the most important advances in architectural technology of this decade. Precedent studies that include a partial elevation, a projected wall section and a plan detail of the corner will help us chose appropriate envelope systems for our building. The first phase presentation will require a ‘proposed’ exploded axon that shows how the envelope and its glazing system interact.

Setting goals for interior systems is essential from the beginning. How would you characterize the most important public spaces of your building? What kind of materials will help you realize these goals? Can you find examples of buildings that have spaces that are good precedents for your space? You will be asked to present how the materials that define the space are detailed. If it helps, consider the following: floor, ceiling, cabinets, doors and stairs. Find examples of each and describe them in words.

2

In the second phase we will ask that sustainability be addressed at first with specific diagrams that are followed up with details, which specifically address how the sustainability concepts are achieved technically.

The structural system will be modeled at the bay level, physically, in a manner that requires each piece to be fabricated by hand. For the review of the second phase a digital axon of the structural system will be required.

After the bay model has been completed it will be necessary to install the relevant piece of the mechanical system. For the review of the second phase a digital axon of the HVAC system will be required.

The envelope system determines how the building looks—its character and composition. The envelope will be added to the physical bay model and the digital model of the building. The specific details of the envelope system will be investigated at a larger scale both digitally and physically.

The interior systems of two public spaces will have to be carefully developed. Schematic details of the cabinets, doors, stairs and lighting will be required for the second presentation.

3

Final, third phase technical requirements will be determined after the second phase presentation.