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COLLABORATIVE AVENUE
Synergistic Environmental Complex in Hell’s Kitchen, NY
3rd Year Semester 2 Project
OVERVIEW
This project represents an academic initiative located in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City. Designed as a hub for interdisciplinary education and research, this Synergistic Environments Center strategically integrates environmental engineering, plant ecology, architecture, and landscape architecture. This collaboration fosters an innovative educational environment that encourages forward-thinking approaches to both sustainable urban living and transformative educational practices. The center’s design and operational strategies are poised to redefine how academic disciplines interact within an urban context, making it a cornerstone for future developments in educational architecture. Designed to set a new benchmark in eco-conscious design by merging modern architectural aesthetics with functional sustainability.
STRATEGY
The strategy for this academic facility emphasizes interaction through a strategic circulation system. This layout directly connects various academic spaces, promoting exchanges and collaboration. Circulation paths are designed not just for movement but also as active zones for idea exchange, aligning with the goals of the academic programs. Integrating these routes with communal and research areas helps dissolve traditional disciplinary barriers, fostering a dynamic educational environment where disciplines can learn from one another. This approach creates a learning space that aligns with the urban context and supports the objective of merging practical innovation with education. The design invites continuous and constant interaction, enhancing the educational experience through physical and visual connectivity.
48th Street
49th Street
10th Ave Elevation
CONTEXT.
This area, rich in historical significance and a mix of old and new structures, is ideal for an academic facility. The neighborhood’s walkability, accessible transportation, and proximity to educational and cultural institutions provide a perfect backdrop for engaging with the local community and interdisciplinary academic pursuits.
INTEGRATION.
Harmonizing with urban fabric by blending modern elements with traditional materials and forms. This honors the neighborhood’s heritage while contributing to its contemporary evolution, enhancing local aesthetics and functionality. This ensures the facility integrates into the community, fostering a sense of continuity and respect.
INNOVATION.
Incorporating sustainable technologies like dynamic shading systems to optimize natural light and minimize heat gain, photovoltaic panels to generate renewable energy, and high-performance insulation for thermal comfort and efficiency improves building performance, and reduces environmental impact.
GREENHOUSE.
The greenhouse, positioned on the sunniest corner, ensures maximum natural light. It supports a variety of plants selected for educational and ecological research. This design reduces the need for artificial lighting, promotes sustainability, and provides a hands-on learning space, integrating nature and architecture effectively.
FACADE STRATEGY.
Main facade features terracotta modules, enhancing aesthetics and functionality. The multilayer envelope includes an exterior wall, metal mesh screen, steel supports, and terracotta bricks. This screen absorbs solar radiation, cooling the exterior, and offers views from within, blending modern sustainability with historical context.
SYSTEMS CORE.
The systems core centralizes all major building systems, including egress routes, elevators, restrooms, and mechanical rooms, for streamlined operations and maintenance. This design maximizes operational efficiency and accessibility, supports sustainability, and significantly improves the overall functionality of the building.
CHANGE / RESOURCES.
This facility uses adaptable open spaces defined by movable furniture, allowing for reconfiguration to meet future needs. This strategy minimizes resource consumption and waste during renovations, promoting long-term adaptability and sustainability. Additionally, leftover construction materials are repurposed; staircases highlighting main circulation paths made from surplus materials, while large CLT remnants are transformed into worktables for the model shop and work zones. This approach emphasizes reduced environmental impact, innovative reuse of materials, and sustainable design practices. By incorporating flexibility and resourcefulness into its design, the facility not only supports dynamic learning environments but also demonstrates a commitment to the environment and responsible resource management, enhancing its overall sustainability footprint.
ENERGY.
Utilization of an atrium and strategically placed operable windows for natural ventilation across all floors, reducing the need for mechanical cooling and lowering energy consumption. Each floor is over 50% daylight autonomous, allowing natural sunlight to illuminate most of the building and reducing reliance on electrical lighting. Complementing this passive strategy, a “solar canopy” spans the roof, equipped with photovoltaic panels to generate substantial portions of the building’s electrical needs, decreasing reliance on external energy sources. This not only mitigates the building’s environmental impact but also emphasizes the use of renewable energy over traditional non-renewable sources. Natural ventilation, abundant daylight, and solar power effectively reduces energy consumption and promotes sustainable energy solutions.
WATER.
It incorporates a water reuse system that captures rainwater from roof catchments. This water is channeled via a trough system to the rear of the building, where it enters a bioswale for initial filtration. After natural filtration, the water is stored in underground tanks. From there, it undergoes a multi-stage filtration process, including additional filtering and final sanitation, before being recirculated as greywater for non-potable uses within the building. This system significantly reduces water demand and enhances sustainability. Additionally, micro-hydro turbines installed in the downspouts harness the gravitational energy of flowing water, contributing to the building’s energy needs. This integrated approach promotes resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and innovative use of renewable energy and water management strategies.
WELL - BEING.
The design of the building prioritizes well-being through thoughtful spatial organization and user-centric features. Central to this is a wide, open pathway that serves as the main circulation route, fostering movement, interaction, and spontaneous exchanges among occupants. This dynamic artery creates a sense of community and connectivity, enhancing social engagement and overall well-being. Adjacent to this central corridor are two distinct zones: one dedicated to focus-oriented activities, such as study areas and research labs, which provide quiet spaces for concentration and deep work. The other zone is structured for system-controlled environments, such as classrooms, supporting organized learning and instruction. This balances dynamic and controlled environments, catering to diverse needs and promoting both productivity and relaxation. By integrating these elements, the design creates a stimulating, supportive environment that contributes to the mental and emotional well-being of all users, fostering a healthy and engaging atmosphere.
DISCOVERY.
The building is designed to inspire discovery through strategic use of light and social interaction. Natural light serves as an incentive, guiding occupants through the main circulation spaces and encouraging them to explore the building. From the entry, almost all areas of interaction and learning are visible, including classrooms on the façade, labs at the rear, the Greenway, and other learning zones. This visibility entices occupants to traverse these spaces, engaging their curiosity and motivating them to discover more with each step. The design ensures that the path to discovery is both inviting and stimulating, leveraging light to highlight key areas and create a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, hosting learning sessions and seminars in public spaces fosters engagement with the local community, making them feel comfortable and encouraging further exploration. This integration of light, visibility, and social interaction creates a dynamic environment that promotes continuous learning and discovery, enhancing the educational experience and community involvement.
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