CHAP

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fou

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DesignIntroduction Literature Review

Design Research and Analysis TAblE of ConTEnTs

ConCEPTuAlizATion 98

neighborhood 98

block 100

Metropolitan Radiography 101

MAsTERPlAnning 102

gis Data 102

Comprehensive site Analysis 104

Proposed modifications 101

interior perspective rendered 126

front perspective rendered 127

side perspective rendered 128

front perspective rendered 129

floor Plans 130

Elevations 132

systems integration 134

Environmental Control systems

and sustainable strategies 134

building Envelope

and structural systems Exploded Axon 136

sCHEMATiC DEsign 108

Corridor Development 109

Massing 110

Preliminary prototypes 112

Contemporary ‘shotgun’ design 114

Vernacular parameters 122

DEsign DEVEloPMEnT 24

Top view of a complete block 124

side views of a complete block 125

side view of a complete block rendered 126

C4 Design 98

ConCEPTuAlizATion

n E i g H b o R H o o D

understanding of the context relies on the accumulation and simultaneity of data that can either coexist in harmonious continuity or collide to eliminate jarring alternatives.

Typology alone does not inform the design; the city has a structural function that organizes and articulates the contemporary urban space.

Vacant lots offer permeability. The neighborhood can be further fragmented based on land value and potential for improvement, which forms the basis of the future grid of public corridors. These will, ultimately, rejoin the urban fabric that they once severed.

To the Park, the new recreational/social center

To Downtown, the constant center

i-10 is the infrastructure barrierTo broad street, the retail and transportation center

s o u t h e r n o a k d a l e i n t e r s t i t i a l space:infills as per block in purple, orange and blue.

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4.2

www.flickr.com/groups/mobilealabama/pool/

C4 Design 98 C4

Design 99

The gis map of oakdale and its vicinity gives evidence to the complexity of land use, environmental determinants, transportation infrastructure, open space, green areas, and regional distinction between neighborhoods.

4.3

single family Residential space

Multi family Residential space Commercial space

industrial space

Vacant space

new urban fabric comes from restructuring interstitial open spaces via new interventions

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C4 Design 100

Interstitial relationships Flood Control Social Space Preservation

Shade-Sun Wind Urbanism Block-Relationships Mature Landscape

b l o C k

Envisioning the manipulation of these interstitial urban spaces, ‘voids’, via the city’s historical record but also the restructuring capacity of new data sets that emerge from more pragmatic processes supported by technology.

These open spaces can also be interpreted as syncopes, intervals or interruptions that have the potential to generate new relationships between the urban build fabric and the human social realm. The consolidation process evokes a dual role for a residential project: occupation and liberation of the urban fabric according to volumetric and social needs.

Hence, the resulting built environment has to maintain open loci for future permutations and present needs for ecological rehabilitation. Moreover, the architecture itself has to be permeable to the sun, light and air, and include open spaces where the social fabric can be mended.

4.6

www.flickr.com/groups/mobilealabama/pool/

finding the VoiDs

Developing the VoiDs

Making new VoiDs

C o u r t y a r d s C o r r i d o r s

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4.8

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C4 Design 100 C4

Design 101

METRoPoliTAn RADiogRAPHy

REfEREnCE Mixed Developments structural networks open spaces

ConCEPT Complex formations

Dynamic guidelines

Manipulated Voids

iDEAs

growth

Communications

landscape

New Park

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4.11

can become manipulated voids.

Open spaces

Mixed Developments

Open Spaces

Infrastructure/Network

New Green Corridor

C4 Design 102

MAjoR RoADs

CulTuRE CHuRCHEs sCHools

TRAil RAils MAss TRAnsiT

gis DATA

M A s T E R P l A n n i n g

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C4 Design 102 C4

Design 103

bikE TRAils

MulTifAMily low inCoME DEVEloPMEnT

DRAinAgE wETlAnDs flooD lEVEls

Hiking TRAils gREEns

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4.24 4.25 4.26

4.19 4.20

C4 Design 104

Government Street

Broa

d St

reet

Tennessee Street Greenway Rail-Trail to the Riverfront

Virginia Street

Baltimore Street

Kentucky Street

Texas Street

Tr a d i t i o n a l School

Proposed Riverfront Park

Was

hing

ton

Stre

et

Ladd Peebles Stadium Mixed-Use / Residential Development

Mognolia Cemitery, Black Heritage Memorial Park and Museum and Civic Services Corridor

High School

Proposed North-South Connector

Elementary School

St. Matthews Catholic Church

Historic Districts

Multi-Family Residential Revitalization Initiative

Light Industrial

Industrial Park

Neighborhood-Wide Parks and Trails System Plan

Broad Street / Virginia Street Commercial / Civic / Mixed-Use Revitalization District

Broad Street / Virginia Street Mass Transit

Martin Luther King Mass Transit

Proposed Pedestrian and Bicycle Paths

Hank Arron Loop

Dauphin / Government Streets Mass Transit

Corridor Improvement and Redistribution of I-10 to Downtown Traffic

Intersection Improvement via Roundabouts (TYP)

Comprehensive site Analysis based on gis Data 4.27

C4 Design 104 C4

Design 105

Proposed modifications

new green corridor to the proposed waterfront park. Accommodates cars, bikes and pedestrians.

new mass transit stops ancillary to the green corridor and supportive of the increased community density.

walking pathways through the redevelopments intended to foster social interaction, deter flooding, and create a riverfront focus.

new senior-living housing to allow older members of the neighborhood to remain in the community.

Convenience shopping (coffee shop, small grocery, etc.)

Day-care to accommodate greater density of young families.

new neighborhood parks and playgrounds.

new businesses along broad street from vacant premises.

Existing retail parking.

LEGEND

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C4 Design 106

CouRTyARDs

CoRRiDoRs

C4 Design 106 C4

Design 107

The most versatile blocks are those that allow for a square courtyard, nestled between four enveloping rows of houses. There are numerous blocks on the upper section of oakdale that could be formatted according to this layout. All of the wind directions are adequate to bring air flow through the block. The interior space is large enough to accommodate a water feature or a community center. Each side of the block can be landscaped differently in order to better offset the effects of flooding. The separation between the rows of buildings allows for more sunlight, hence, there are more opportunities for having two-story back additions. The existing mature landscape can be fully enjoyed by the community.

Landscape berms not only deter flooding but also provide privacy, visual interest, and a more interactive playground. Rows that are parallel to one another could have different height in order to force greater wind circulation: building additions on the leeward side ought to be taller than those on the windward side. The second model explores the possibility of a single addition per row, one that would be inclusive to all the buildings.

A second story in the lower section of oakdale would have a view over the i-10, towards the river and the new Park. Vertical structures also shade the courtyard and can induce wind currents, particularly if the buildings on the windward side are shorten than those on the leeward side. Consequently, it will make more sense in this hot and humid climate to seek passive conditions that create both shade and air flow. The second concept block illustrates such a case scenario, with second story additions exclusively on the leeward side.

The horizontally of the courtyard is further emphasized by having a continuous corridor between blocks. The courtyards are landscaped in an undulating manner to avert flooding. This configuration also creates a wind tunnel that brings solace to the humid summer conditions by channeling river/bay winds.

The need of landscape berms to avert flooding, a functional determinant, had important consequences on the development of the block, in general, and the courtyard, in particular. An unexpected turn of events, though, was the inspiration that i drew from this organic feature and how it came to inform the design. The gulf Coast ‘shotgun’ cottage is a rectilinear building, made of wood layout out horizontally, typically with a rectangular floor plan that is perpendicular to the street, and toped by a relatively sloped roof. Even though many are white, there are a variety of colorings that are appropriate. originally, i envisioned a modern addition, even one that was being conceived more as a contrasting than as a compatible addition, to be essentially streamlined, metal and glass, and very rectilinear.However, the landscape berms, just like the roof façades from afar, have a rather undulating, organic rhythm from which perhaps some architectural inspiration can be drawn. just like each house has a slightly different roof slope, each new addition could also have a non-symmetrical roof line. similarly, just like each house has different decorative/ornamental elements, each addition could have different materialities; as long as the material of choice is congruent with the lighting needs, for each building itself as well as the combined effect on the block.

C4 Design 108

sCHEMATiC DEsign

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C4 Design 108 C4

Design 109

Addition comprehended in between the existing houses:offset ‘camelback.’

Addition as an extension of the existing houses:Regular ‘camelback’

Corridor Development

Materiality expressed by exposed by an exposed steel frame and glazing. Privacy and resistance to water damage present a case for a potential third material: cast-in-place concrete.

Additions are proposed in the in between spaces. A 30 feet corridor is delineated. The third story of the additions is limited to the repeating atrium element; it houses the mechanical systems, holds and controls the solar panels, and collects and processes non-potable water. surplus space can accommodate an office and provides a balcony.Cantilever second story over the back to provide shade and potential area for interaction (barbecue). Courtyard addition to be extensively fenestrated on the yard side but to allow for privacy adjacent to the neighboring property.

C4 Design 110

Massing

C4 Design 110 C4

Design 111

2

14

43

sECTion CuT THRougH THE sPACEs Along THE CoRRiDoR

Vertical circulation tower endorses passive ventilation

outer wall incloses plumbing and is contiguous to all units (its added thickness reinforces support)

kitchen and bathroom located along plumbing wall

balconies face the inner courtyard

Circular stairs make available additional living space

sECTion CuT THRougH THE sPACEs PERPEnDiCulAR To THE CoRRiDoR

living and circulation complete each other

second story incloses private spaces

Cantilevered second story allows shaded social area

Exterior circulation on the second story promotes passive ventilation and daylighting

Courtyard facing fenestration facilitate cooling

PREliMinARy MoDifiCATions bAsED on PHysiCAl MoDEl

Extend walls and eliminate steel beam.

Cantilever floor and walls, which is allowable by the structural system up to 6 feet.

Shutters to be rolled along the lip of the floor plate.

Create more interesting widow openings compatible with vernacular shapes and sizes.

C4 Design 112

Preliminary prototypes

bACk ElEVATion

back entrance with social patio.Third story for mechanical/office/balcony.window placement/size allows for privacy.Circulation atrium promotes passive ventilation.

mechanical/office/balcony

circulation

bedroombedroom bathroom

kitchen living

Articulated steel frame and circular stairs Thin cast-in-place concrete and corrugated floors Corrugated steel roofs and solar panels, and glazing

C4 Design 112 C4

Design 113

fRonT ElEVATion

Courtyard views from all rooms.Exterior circulation on second story.Abundance of shaded openings blur the transition between indoor and outdoor rooms.

mechanical/office/balcony

circulation

circulation

bedroom

bedroom

bathroom

living

Articulated steel frame and circular stairs Thin cast-in-place concrete and corrugated floors Corrugated steel roofs and solar panels, and glazing

C4 Design 114

Contemporary ‘shotgun’ design

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C4 Design 114 C4

Design 115

Building Studio, new orleans, lAscheme intended to have a purpose for the area below the house (flooding deterrent) and conform to the needs of varying family types.lower central space in open to the sky, which allows plants to grow and create shade/permeability.on either side of the lower central space are two distinct spaces for outdoor activities: Private and public gatherings, storage,and parking.Pier foundation minimize site disturbance.open courtyards allow breezes and porches provides overhang to eliminate south-facing heat gain at glazing.Cistern collect rainwater used for landscape and flushing toilets.Several floor plan options, some of which designate an efficiency (ecodensity).operable windows using low-E insulated glass and thermally broken panels are placed on opposite sides of the room for cross ventilation and natural cooling.Exterior metal siding mimics the quilts from gee’s bend in southwest Alabama.

Lang Architects, new orleans, lARestoration of a historic shotgun by connecting the original structure to a new camelback shotgun. The resulting volume has a newly configured 3,000 sq. ft. area. The structures are connected by a grass bridging volume; the materiality is intended to suppress and dematerialize the distinction between the new and the old. The former is scaled in relation to the latter but its architecture is clearly contemporaneous, hence a clear departure from the accepted building practices. The site strategy allows the ‘parabuilding’ to coexist seamlessly among it’s small and low lying neighbors, while enjoying generous spaces both interior and exterior to the building proper.

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C4 Design 116

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C4 Design 116 C4

Design 117

Billes, new orleans, lA

form is a function of climate and culture:natural ventilationControlled daylightingHigh ceilings with fansshading devicesThermal mass

Added a hallwayMaintained stoop and porchElevated 5 ft. above the groundAttic storage and emergency refuge

Shigeru Ban, Tokyo, japan

structural furniture:integrated structural componentConstructed off-site of prefabricated sfuAllows for an open floor plan and walls of glass that open to the outsidestorageinsulationlower construction costGreater quality and flexibilityC-channel shape can withstand lateral forces parallel to the backboard and also those in the perpendicular orthogonal directions (albeit less efficiently)

Engages the community via both front porch and terrace at the center of the house.

bald Cypress tree in the terrace is the only feature providing shading/cooling.

operable walls and windows allow cross ventilation.

Reduced sun exposure.

sustainable material selection.

Pugh and Scarpa, santa Monica, CA

flexible, multifunctional home for a modern family on a limited budget. Private space is de-emphasized in favor of large public living areas.

inspiration from geometric patterned quilts is reinterpreted as wood pallet cladding. Together with decoratively perforated cement board, they provide shade and privacy but allow vistas and breeze.

High ceilings and operable windows allow for cross-ventilation, a process enhanced by fans and the roof’s incline.

Materials

Building materials specified with regard to local sourcing, durability, non-toxicity, recycled content, and environmental responsible manufacturing:

Durable, low maintenanceimpact resistant glasssolar panelswater/Energy conserving systemsPermeable paving to reduce runoff

summer

northsouth

winter

overhang and porch on the south side provide passive solar protection for the building’s interior.

openings along the east and west sides are protected by overhangs, vertical screens and porches.

North side is flat and exposed, allowing daylighting with a minimum of heat gain.

Inclined roof slope induces airflow.

wood pallets and perforated cement boards offer shading and a thermal break.

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C4 Design 118

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C4 Design 118 C4

Design 119

Trahan Architects, new orleans, lA

Connectivity between figure and ground allowed by displaced landscape.

shotgun typology as a function of lot constraints, environmental conditions, and efficient planning (traditional) but with a contemporary take.

Efficient plan with elevated slab, centralized entry/porch and minimal interior corridor.

Program divides living and serving spaces, and public and private spaces.

Kieran Timberland, Philadelphia, PA

flexible and integrated system that allows a wide range of customized options in terms of aesthetics and environmental systems:sun screens, slatted trellis, and area of refuge

floor plan separated based on ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ spaces to maximize efficiency and options:Plumbing systems consolidated into linear clusters

Modularity and prefabrication:safe and healthy working conditions, minimal waste, minimal site impact, better product

Graft, los Angeles, berlin, beijing

Affordable modern sustainable amenities:solar panelswater catchment systemgeothermal system with heat pumpTankless water heaterHigh ceilings for stack ventilationHighly insulated hurricane-resistant, operable windows aid stack ventilation and promote cross ventilationHigh-R-value insulationNon-off-gassing paint and finish materials

Merges metaphorical abstractions of traditional and modern architecture:Exaggerated gable roof and generous front porchAreas to encourage socialization

Private intermediate Public

yellow is on-site stick-built construction

green is off-site panelized assembly

black is off-site modular fabrication

Roof as the main architectural feature:Entry, circulation and interior space organizerHigh performance component (galvanized steel frame and zinc louvers)shading devicesolar energy and rainwater collectorsolar water heater

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C4 Design 120

www.studioedr.com

C4 Design 120 C4

Design 121

Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, new orleans, lA

Transforms local housing traditions to accommodate modern living standards:spatial segregation between private and public spaces.Highly efficient envelope and shutter system:Maximizes natural ventilationProtects against solar radiation and damaging winds.Roof slope:Aids in water collection optimizes solar panel exposure to direct radiation Allows hot interior air to rise and be exhausted to the rear.

Morphosis, santa Monica, CA

Macro-scale vision that synthesizes the unique local social, cultural, economic and ecological conditions.

floating house:foundation enables the house to function independently of the basic infrastructureHouse is integrated in the environment, enriched with sustainable technologies, and respectful of cultural traditions.Foundation of polystyrene foam encased in glass fiber-reinforced concrete.

MVRDV, Rotterdam, netherlands

Adapting vernacular architecture to the constraints of flooding.

bending the structure along a medium axis creates a place at ground level that functions as a cooling buffer and facilitates natural ventilation:Carport in the front and shadow garden in the back.Bedrooms and living spaces are above flood level.

impervious materials (gravel, grass and stone pavers) prevent localized flooding, decrease ambient temperature (vegetation shade and evapotranspiration) and provide outdoor shaded spaces for socialization.

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C4 Design 122

Vernacular parameters ‘Shotgun’ cottage, gulf Coast

one room wide and three or more rooms deep, all of which are organized en suite. A half bay is located near the rear of the sequence for service functions such as a bathroom. Doors and windows are aligned to each other in order to induce cross-ventilation. Double wide floor plans have a central wall and rely on cross ventilation along the long direction.

A ridge beam spans the entire length of the house, resulting in a gable roof that pitches towards the sides; rainwater runs off the sides of the roof rather than the front or the rear. nonetheless, the front of the roof may also be hipped to meet the street and include a dormer window for light and ventilation.

The structure is often a balloon frame comprised of either wood-frame or barge-board construction, both of which raised on a low brick pier foundation and capped by either metal or asphalt roofing materials. Common decorative elements include Victorian spindlework or bargeboard and decorative balustrades.

The houses occupy narrow, rectangular lots with a little frontage. such an alignment results in a row of dwellings with minimum building separation and creates a definite streetscape rhythm.

1600 sq. ft.28 ft. width34 ft. X 100 ft.

880 sq. ft.14 ft. width20 ft. X 100 ft.

880 sq. ft.34 ft. X 100 ft.

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C4 Design 122 C4

Design 123

Distinct Pediments

Colonnade

french doors

stairs

front porch

shutters

Cornices

Paneling

spindles

iron railings

Colors

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C4 Design 124

DEsign DEVEloPMEnT

Top view of a complete block

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C4 Design 124 C4

Design 125

side views of a complete block

north Elevation

south Elevation

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C4 Design 126

side view of a complete block rendered

interior prespective rendered

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C4 Design 126 C4

Design 127

frontal prespective rendered

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C4 Design 128

side prespective rendered

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C4 Design 128 C4

Design 129

front prespective rendered

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C4 Design 130

REF.

18' - 0"18' - 0"

15' -

4"

18' -

0"

12' -

0"

18' - 0"

14' - 4"

22' -

10"

1/16" = 1'-0"1 Crawlspace

UP

REF.1 23

4

5 6

30

31

3233

38

38

38

38

38

38

39 39 39

34

38 38EQ EQ EQ

397 SFLiving

400 SFSleeping

159 SFEating

164 SFCooking

181 SFCooking

484 SFCirculation

567 SFLiving

69 SFWashing

1/16" = 1'-0"2 Level 1

floor Plans

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C4 Design 130 C4

Design 131

DN

UP

12

13

14

15

18 20

2223 24

25

27

29

460 SFSleeping

264 SFWashing

210 SFSleeping297 SF

Circulation

165 SFCirculation

39

1/16" = 1'-0"4 Level 2

DN

43EQ EQ

37 38

4' - 0"6' - 4"4' - 0"

247 SFRoom

1/16" = 1'-0"3 Level 3

floor Plans

4.123

C4 Design 132

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

1/16" = 1'-0"2 North

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

1/16" = 1'-0"1 South

Elevations

4.124

4.125

C4 Design 132 C4

Design 133

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

1/16" = 1'-0"1 East

1/16" = 1'-0"2 West

Elevations

4.126

4.127

C4 Design 134

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

----

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

----

1/4" = 1'-0"1 Elevation 1 - a 1/4" = 1'-0"2 Elevation 2 - a

1/4" = 1'-0"3 Elevation 3 - a

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

A-114

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

Roof32' - 0"

1/4" = 1'-0"4 Section 9 1/4" = 1'-0"5 Section 8

Elevations

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C4 Design 134 C4

Design 135

3" = 1'-0"2 Section 12

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

----

1/4" = 1'-0"4 Section 14

Level 216' - 0"

3/4" = 1'-0"3 Section 13

Crawlspace0' - 0"

Level 14' - 5"

Level 216' - 0"

Level 324' - 0"

1/4" = 1'-0"1 Section 10

Details

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C4 Design 136

1

2

2 3

1

6 5

1

3

4

4.134

sysTEMs inTEgRATion

Environmental Control systems and sustainable strategies

C4 Design 136 C4

Design 137

1. windows align for cross ventilation.

2. shutters provide shade, privacy and protection during storms.

3. fans move the air within the rooms.

4. Delta lighting fluorescent suspended fixtures.

5. Crawl space is a flooding deterrent and diminishes humidity levels.

6. Courtyard decks both in the front and the back.

1. Adsorptive cooling system housed on the third-story. Ancillary solar panels also provide electrical energy benefits.

2. Chimney (@ utility wall) provides an hearth both figuratively and effectively.

3. Tower unit cools the building via stack effect and provide a vantage point for river vistas.

4. Circular steel stairs allow for additional living space.

1. underground cistern collects daily rainfall and provides protection against flooding and graywater for irrigation and sanitary uses.

2. gutter system around the roof divert water to the ground or directly to an above ground cistern that meets the needs of the household (located at back porch).

Plumbing wall at back immediately adjacent to greywater cistern, first floor kitchen and second floor bathroom.

3

1

4

5

2

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C4 Design 138

steel studs sized for the anchoring steel frame structural system

utility punchout

standard gyp board interior

18 gauge expanded lathsteel track

Thermal insulation on the interior

1” concrete on the exterior and interior lath and studs

a. Steel trusses and metal roofing.

b. Metal decking filled with concrete for flooring.

c. outswing casement windows featuring high-performance thermal qualities and hurricane resistance.

d. Aluminum sunshades help reduce energy consumption.

e. Pre manufactured modular wall panels. Cold formed steel and lightweight Concrete), enable speed of design, rapid deployment of structures, and efficient use of eco-friendly and recycled materials. steel manufacturing is an important component of the local economy.

f. steel studs sized for anchoring steel frame structural system. Articulated joints between steel members form a flexible structural frame onto which modular prefabricated panels can be introduced. Columns to be filled with concrete for thermal break.

h. Three-dimensional brick wall along the perimeter of the crawlspace.

i. wood decking and stairs.

building Envelope and structural systems Exploded Axon

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C4 Design 138 C4

Design 139

C4 Design 140

C4 Design 140 C4

Design 141

C4 Design 142