proposal

Mission Statement

PROPOSEDEXISTING

PROPOSEDEXISTING

Through the study of existing program and Philadelphia University’s strategic plan for growth of the University of the next 10-15 years 45k building seeks to address these issues and propose solutions to space and programatic requirements. This building also looks to address issues raised by the NAAB team one their inspection of the program during the spring of 2012. With the main concern being the spread out nature of the C_ABE college and out of date technology and safety systems the new 45k building condenses the C_ABE college on main campus and from a series of 6 buildings down to only 3.

In addition to looking at programatic requirements and site logicistics for this project it was also helpful to look at outside images to get a better understanding of issues and ideas that the team wished to explore in the planning and form generating stages of the project. Ideas of circulation and movement as well as layering and compact packaging and effiecent design were a few of the many topics that were explored through these images and studies.

CORE I MOVEMENT I LAYERING I WEAVING I CONNECTION I THIN SPACE I PUSH/PULL I LOCKING

site40.022934 N -75.193512site 40.022934 N -75.19351240.022934 N -75.193512site

Philadelphia University is spread across over 100 acres in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. The University owns more than fifty buildings, housing the College of Design Engineering + Commerce, the College of Health Sciences + Liberal Arts, and the College of Architecture + the Built Environment. Buildings within the campus range from historic Victorian mansions to contemporary classrooms, research and experimental design spaces, and studio facilities.

C+AB

E Co

llege

35

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ftC+HSL

A Coll

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900,0

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K+DEC Colle

ge 445,000 sq

ft

Program Campus AreaThis diagThis diagram focuses on the aea of each college created by the various locations of the colleges buildings on campus. While all colleges overlap within the central portion of campus it is interesting to notice that their is a correlation between level of focus of each program and amount of area. For C+ABE which is a extremely focused and limited collecollege the area is the least while the largest col-lege relates to the college of Health Science + Lib-eral Arts by far the most diverse college on campus.

C+ABE:ArchitectureLandscape ArchitectureInterior DesignConstruction ManagmentHistorical Preservation

C+HSLAC+HSLABiochemistyBiologyBiopsychologyChemistryEnvironmental BiologyEnvironmental SustainablityHealth SciencesHealth SciencesLaw + SocietyPre-Medical StudiesProfessional CommunicationPsychologyPhyscian AssitantOccupational Therapy

K+DEC K+DEC AnimationFashion DesignGraphic DesignIndustrial DesignInteractive DesignTextile DesignEngineeringEngineeringMechanical EngineeringBusinessFashion Merchandising+ Managment

C_ABE SITEThe current College of Architecture + the Built Environment is spread out across a series of buildings and across both Raven-hill and Main Campus. With a total square footage for the col-lege around 350,000 square feet is is easy to see why a new building is needed to consolidate and condense the College into a more productive and manageable size. Current buildings in use by the college include: 1. SEED Center 2. Architecture + Design Center 3. Smith House 4. Ravenhill Design Center 5. Weber Design Center = Fabrication Shop

1

2

3

45

Other important elements with the siting of the building included the zoning structure of the site which required 25’ set-backs on the front of any existing buildings and 15’ set-backs on the sides. This zoning study helped to determine the current zoning regulations as well help evolve the building footprint and shape which can be seen later in this section. These pages also look at the issue of parking around the building site and determine where parking issues occur and where there could potentially be areas for additional parking to be added.

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PARKING AVAILABILITYThis graph illustrates This graph illustrates

the quantity of parking spaces available in lots with close proximity to our selected site. The blue shows accessible spots for both faculty

and students, while the and students, while the orange lots are close

but would not be used as frequently. The

width and height demonstrated in the

graph show the overall lot footprint that currently exists.20

% 8

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faculty parking_student parking

100%

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all

galla

gher

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PARKING AVAILABILITYThis graph illustrates This graph illustrates

the quantity of parking spaces available in lots with close proximity to our selected site. The blue shows accessible spots for both faculty

and students, while the and students, while the orange lots are close

but would not be used as frequently. The

width and height demonstrated in the

graph show the overall lot footprint that currently exists.20

% 8

0%

faculty parking_student parking

100%

100% 10

0%

100%

50%

50%

scho

ller h

all

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CAMPUS DENSITY

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udios

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38

17

BORDER DENSITYBuilding Density Per Side of Campus Building Density Along Major Roads

BORDER DENSITY

SEED CenterSITE

A+D Center

C_ABE Buildingscentralized facilities

MAIN CAMPUS

This diagram looks at the correlation between the new 45k C_ABE building and the remaining buildings with the College: the Architecture and Design Center (A+D) and the SEED Center.

With the siting of the 45k building on such a dense and tight site it was necessary to look to the programs and sizes of the surrounding buildings to get a better understanding of spacial cues and existing conditions. From this study it was possible to determine how the 45k building would fit within this area and help realize the potential for collaboration between other buildings on campus. Since the 45k C_ABE building will house program that will have students in studio until late in the evening an conscious design strategy was to site the new building near the Kanbar Campus Center one of the late night dinning facilites as well as near to other program like the athletic facilities and the other buildings within the college.

geothermal field

GALLAGHER CENTER

HENRY AVE.

SITE

SCHOLLER HALL

REICHLIN HOUSE

HAYWARD HALL

A+D CENTER

KANBAR CENTER

REICHLIN ADDITION45k

geothermal field

GALLAGHER CENTER

HENRY AVE.

SCHOLLER HALL

REICHLIN HOUSE

HAYWARD HALL

A+D CENTER

KANBAR CENTER

REICHLIN ADDITION45k

CONTEXT

Based on the close proximity generated by this building to existing buildings exterior treatments of the building in relationship to the surrounding buildings was a necessary study in itself. By looking at various sources of inspiration including urban pocket parks the goal was to create meaningful outdoor spaces that could be utilized by both the students and faculty within the 45k building as well as those faculty and staff members in the surrounding buildings including Reichlin House, and Scholler Hall.

PANAROMAS

PANAROMASPANAROMAS

Solar studies for both the winter and summer months helped to realize the placement of studios and orientation of building program within the 45k project. By placing the studio program on the norther portion of the building it was possible to maximize the amount of diffused northern light that could permate into the studios and provide the best possible lighting conditions for students working in the building.

NORTH

6%

3%

9%

12%

15%

Wind Studies

A unique feature of the Philadelphia University campus is its location which throughout the seasons is caplable of producing average to above average wind speeds that could be used as a sustainable system within the building. By studying the directions and speeds that these winds are traveling it was possible to determine which sides of the building would benefit the most from having passive systems like operable windows in order to maximize the wind potential. This study also including look at the direction and speeds of winds at different times of year which would prove helpful in futher determing the success of sustainable strategies by season.

Wind also played a large role in the design of the project from another perspective. Since an increase in building denisty in this area would increase wind speeds and cause distrubances to other campus program it was necessary to look landscaping strategies to minimize the effect of this wind on unbeneficial areas.

southwestern summer windsnorthwestern winter winds

PREV

AIL

ING

WIN

DS

Prev

ailin

g Win

ds

While touched on earlier in this project site analysis the issue of zoning and set-backs was a large design challenge and oppurtunity with the siting of the 45k building at its current location. With set-backs of 25’ on the front and back and 15’ on the sides the fitment of a 45 thousand square foot building would need to focus on maximizing space and program both on the interior and exterior of the building. Through looking at various precedents in tight building desing mainly from an urban perspective it was possible to realize new ways to approach the buildign and its form. The following page showcases the possible building form on the site pushed up to the allowable zoning setback and was a crucial element in the design process and exploration of this site.

FOOTPRINT

REICHLIN HOUSEstairwell storage room boiler room ceiling

existing conditions

Reichlin Stairway Reichlin Storage Exposed wiring and pipes in boiler room

Existing Program

Circulation

Reichlin Renovation Addition

Conference Room

Bathroom

One of the major controversial design choices made within the project was the teardown of the rear wing of Reichlin House and the following addtion and renovation to the building to occur simultnaeously with the construction of the new 45k building. Through careful documentation and research of the building which can be seen in photographs on the previous page the rear wing was deemed ineffiecent and hazardous to employees and staff. Issues within the Reichlin wing including problems with accessibility, fire safety, and overall building degredation. Another critical issue was the ineffiecent design of the wing to its new program as offices for public affairs and the provosts office where access to rear offices could only be achieved by walking through the presidential conference room or through an underground boiler room if a meeting was occuring in the conference room.

The solution for this major issue within the building was a 90 degree turn of the wing. In doing this the program requirements were able to stay virtually unchanged in regards to space requirements, but additional safety and accessiblity issues were able to be addressed including: an elevator to move disabled staff and visitors from the first to second floor, a to code fire stair in the case of emergency, and increased office and conference space to allow for better daily useage and occupancy of the building. As the Reichlin House is listed as a Historic building through the city of Philadelphia various permits would need to be attained to secure the addition as a viable option. With the various safety and building issues raised throughout this piece the team felt that this addition and renovation was still necessary and a major design goal.

A+D Center

A+D Center

In addition to the renovation to Reichlin House a proposed addtion/renovation of the Architecture + Design Center was investigated. As A+D currently houses the third through fifth year architecture and the third to fourth year interior design students as well as being an iconic and well known building on campus the team decided to keep this building within C_ABE. In the updated program of the C_ABE college A+D will be utilized for first and second year studios for all majors within C_ABE as well as serving as a location for the fabrication lab and classroom spaces for various addtional program requirements like building technologies and visual communication classes. This infused program will allow for upper level student from all majors within the college to have access to this building and be able to share insight and ideals with under classmen.

SCREEN FORMoriginal

SCREEN FORMoriginal

form

Conceptual Plan SketchesThrough a combination of mixed media techniques from exploration was to occur through a process that relied heavily on detailed sketches to study ideas of program, space, + densities. By being able to design through the process of sketching before moving into the use of computers the project was able to evolve more quickly and with better communication between group members and professors.

Conceptual Plan SketchesThrough a combination of mixed media techniques from exploration was to occur through a process that relied heavily on detailed sketches to study ideas of program, space, + densities. By being able to design through the process of sketching before moving into the use of computers the project was able to evolve more quickly and with better communication between group members and professors.

Conceptual Plan Sketches

Conceptual Section SketchesThrough the use of conceptural Section sketches the group was able to quickly move between computer and hand drawing allowing for more efficient time managment useage. By working heavily in section similar to plan the group was able to explore idea of space and program with special regard to the human scale. These studies allowed for a better understanding and realization of project goals and strategies that would prove impactful in the nal design renderings and iterations.

Conceptual Section SketchesThrough the use of conceptural Section sketches the group was able to quickly move between computer and hand drawing allowing for more efficient time managment useage. By working heavily in section similar to plan the group was able to explore idea of space and program with special regard to the human scale. These studies allowed for a better understanding and realization of project goals and strategies that would prove impactful in the nal design renderings and iterations.

Conceptual Section Sketches

In this series of exploratory studies models hand built models of the sketches were built and then photographed. Once brought into the computer the images were adjusted and once again printed out to be sketched over top of to explore ideas of enclosure, skin systems, and ultimately the perforations that would become a pivotal element within the project and its iconic nature on campus.

Initial Renderings

midreview perspectives

Henry Ave. Entry Kanbar Path

Similar to other portions of the project the design team looked at various programatic pieces of the project through mixed media approaches to site entry and experience of the site. These studies also helped to shape the experiential qualities of these spaces and help give a better idea of what these spaces would be like to inhabit and move through. These drawings also begin to help show the evolution of the building form and tectonics as it progressed from more conceptual shapes into a realistic and clear perspecitve as to what the building would look like and how it would function.

3/4 review

Kanbar Path A+D Addition

concept models

concept models

detail

1 M

2 3

STRUCTURE

the structure of 45k is based on a 32’-0” grid. Though the grid is not a square32’x32’ design, the structure in the opposite direction does follow the segmented layout of the building form.

GROUND FLOORFIRST FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

WET SPRINKLER SYSTEM LAYOUT

GROUND FLOORFIRST FLOOR

THIRD FLOOR

WET SPRINKLER SYSTEM LAYOUT

GEOTHERMAL

GEOTHERMALenergy field supply 45k.kanbar.reichlin house. scholler

GEOTHERMAL WELLSMECHANICAL ROOM

GEOTHERMAL

In the process of looking at sustainable systems the MBE project team chose to revist the useage of a geothermal field as an integral part of the heating and cooling system of the building. Through the use of a geothermal field of rougly 60 wells this would not only allow for the heating of a radiant floor system within the building, but would also act as a pivot point that could help engage the other surrounding buildings and provide them with a heated water to help reduce their energy loads.

GEOTHERMAL WELLS

GEOTHERMAL FIELD

MECHANICAL ROOM

MECHANICAL ROOM

GREEN LAWNstructure.skin.green roof

pedestrian lawn detail

plant layering detail

GREEN LAWNlayering structure.skin.green roof

Another key element within the program of the 45k building was the accessible roof top gardens that in the case demonstrated above and on the left highlight one of the upper level entrances to the building. Through the use of a variety of native grasses and native plantings the 45k building is able to blend in better with the surrounding green space as well as helping to soak up additional rainwater as to not add to the already over taxed Wissahickon Watershed in which the campus resides. With additional elements of small shade trees this space also can be utilized by the community and students and faculty fromother programs to create a meaningful and dynamic outdoor space centered in the heart of campus.

STUDIO STORAGE

In order to engage not only the other studios, but also the casual passerby of the studios large glass display walls will be installed in one wall of each studio. These walls not only allow for students to have necessary storage spaces for models and drawings, but also provide an oppurtunity to showcase the work during open houses, informatino sessions and to prospective donors and alumni. In this fashion it is possible to get a better feeling and understanding of the work that these students do without having to interupt the class itself.

originalSTUDIO LAYOUT

original

BUILDING CIRCULATION

HVAC AIR HANDLING UNIT

CIRCULATION + MECHANICAL HVAC SYSTEM

CIRCULATION

ZONE B HVAC RETURN DUCT

ZONE A HVAC RETURN DUCT

ZONE A HVAC SUPPLY DUCT

ZONE B HVAC SUPPLY DUCT

hvac+sprinkler systemsBUILDING SYSTEMS

ZONE A HVAC SUPPLY DUCT

MECHANICAL HVAC SYSTEM DIAGRAMATIC LAYOUT

AIR HANDLING UNITS ZONES B + A

B A

ZONE B HVAC RETURN DUCT

ZONE B HVAC SUPPLY DUCT

ZONE A HVAC RETURN DUCT

A large portion of the the 45k exterior cladding system is a series of perforated aluminum powdercoated panels that help to shade the bulding along the southwest facade as well as act as a privacy barrier along the north and eastern facades. These panels powdercoated to a variety of different colors allow for a lighter and more interactive facade that is able to hightlight the iconic nature of this buidling and helps to signal the a new entrance to the Philadelphia Unviersity campus. Details on these pages showcase the various connections where this panel system will attach to the main steel structural system through a series of spider connections and aluminum outriggers that span out from the main steel system.

Through the design of perforated panels the design team was able to create a hierarchy of different panel types to respond to different siting issues and different programatic responses. Will from a distance it will appear that each 1’6” x 8’ panel is a mere duplicate of the one next to it from up close each panel is custom placed to fit the unique parameters of the facade. On the left are three different iterations of the panel system with options for a traditional window, a floor/ceiling window, and a clerestory window. Each on of these panels while serving a different and unique function can work together to resolve the various different issues in terms of lighting and shading as well as privacy and reveal.

PERFORATIONS

PERFORATIONS

connection detail

rubber 1/2” spacer

insulated glass panel

steel access grate

powder coated aluminum perforated panel

mullion linessteel point fixed casting spider connection

PERFORATIONSconnection detail

DETAIL

In this rendering detail on the right it is possible to get a better feeling as to the materiality and structure of the 45k project as well as see how the panels will look in relationship to the site from the upstairs Kanbar dining area.

DETAIL

reichlin house

RAIN WATER COLLECTION6500sqft roof surface for water collection.4x42”x6,500sqft=109,000 gl/yr=9,000 gl/month

SECTIONnorth/south section through building and reichlin house

reichlin house

RAIN WATER COLLECTION6500sqft roof surface for water collection.4x42”x6,500sqft=109,000 gl/yr=9,000 gl/month

SECTIONnorth/south section through building and reichlin house

SECTIONnorth/south section through lecture hallsouthwest elevation

geothermal wells

lecture hall

SECTIONeast/west section through studios

lecture hall

SECTIONnorth/south section through lecture hallsouthwest elevation

geothermal wells

lecture hall

henry ave. entry

henry ave. entry

experience

north facadeNIGHT PERSPECTIVE

STUDIO CIRCULATION

STUDIO CIRCULATION