Book Ideas

I have been trying to think of creative ways to produce the thesis book, working with the ideas of old and new and materials. A couple of ideas I had was to buy an old book in a flea market, whose cover is clearly aged and marked with time, and then inserting new context within it. Etching into the cover of the old book a relieve that can reveal the title below on the interior pages.

My other idea was to take get two sketchbooks and subject them the weather for the next couple of days and try to break them down so they appear weathered. If this is the tactic I take, the two books will be "planted" now and come may, I will have a matured and degraded book to insert my work into. The other book to be used more recently will not have been allowed as much weathering, and even within the production of these books I will exemplifying the progression of time and material degradation my thesis touches upon.

Precis, Abstract, Hypothesis 12/2/2011

PRECIS

           

            “Collocated Architecture” is a strategy for approaching abandoned buildings that aims to balance factors of existing material degradation, historical characteristics, site ruins and scale with contemporary materials, tectonic connections and site awareness by means of juxtaposition. The author uses compare and contrast methods to distinguish between precedents that use the ideas of adaptive re-use and precedents that promote the ideas of “Collocated Architecture” to support the proposal of an alternative approach to old buildings. This approach to abandoned architecture is important as an alternative to adaptive re-use, which masks the new interventions behind ideas of historic shells and depletes the visual dynamics of time. The text is directed to an audience that has an interest in architecture specifically the revitalization of an older building, materiality and tectonic joinery.

ABSTRACT

           

            Abandoned structures are scattered throughout the northeast. They are a part of the urban fabric, the landscape and hold importance to a community through memory and history. Fused Architecture is the engagement and cohesion of abandoned structures in contrast with modern architecture. It aims to respect the traditional techniques and material degradation that existing structures posses, but focuses on the integration of new material and the tectonic joinery that will juxtapose the ruins. The contrast in the process of Fused Architecture will produce a visual representation of the progression of time.  History and memory become apparent when challenged by something new. Honoring the abandoned structure through Fused Architecture, will promote nostalgia within the community and a revitalization of accomplishment and pride.

             Fused Architecture, unlike adaptive re-use exploits the honesties of history through juxtaposing ruins with modern architecture to achieve the revitalization of a building. The theories of adaptive re-use are to restore a space no longer functioning. The product of this theory is a sustainable approach to land conservation and to reduce urban sprawl. While, this is commendable and still vital in today’s world, the execution of this method is banal and belittling to history. It is in adaptive re-use projects the façades are restored to match their historical origins and the spaces behind them are filled with new program and new technology. The transformation and progress of time is masked behind façades representing a static moment. Architecture dealing with the re-use of an existing context/structure/building needs to not hide behind the history and preservation, but needs to embrace the dynamics of time and progress of technology. These are aims that Fused Architecture addresses.

            The study of adaptive re-use projects will help to build an argument of an alternative process. Having examples of projects that preserve more then they integrate will support the adaptive re-uses flaws as a process. In studying these projects I will also look at what can be gained. Looking at the multiple ways materials and buildings can be re-used will be helpful as a foundation to stem new ideas of integration from. In addition, studying the tactile and the sensory responses of materials can prove to be beneficial to suggest the right use and typology. Precedents of projects that have a focus on landscape, a strong connection to the site and the natural environment will also be useful, as they tend to focus on interconnectedness and cohesion. I will look at the progression of time with weathering materials. By and gathering commonly found materials I will gain knowledge on the decay process and what textural capabilities can arise. These can be methods of connecting new materials back to and existing fabric. Looking at architects like Peter Zumthor and David Chipperfield will be vital, because they both have projects that deal with modern architecture engaging ruins. Studying the different connections and construction techniques used by the existing building that is the site will be a guide to the kind of contrast that is needed for complimenting the old.

HYPOTHESIS

           

            The methods of dealing with abandoned buildings have been to mask the new interventions behind ideas of historic shells, which then depletes the visual dynamics of time, as done in current adaptive re-use projects; however this thesis wishes to develop the approaches to abandoned buildings by proposing the alternative strategy “Collocated Architecture” that aims to balance factors of existing material degradation, historical characteristics, site ruins and scale with contemporary materials, tectonic connections and site awareness by means of juxtaposition.

Approach To Site 2

SITE CRITERIA

           

-        Old vs. New (Integrating, Fused, Engaging)

-        Strong historic resonance in the area

-        Smaller in scale, so as to focus is on the tectonics, materials and how they connect

-        Contains an abandoned building or ruins.

-                    The building/ruins will be rich with material degradation; either constructed of wood, brick or steel (these strongly show weathering visually)

-        In a public area

-        Not surrounded by too many other buildings where the juxtaposition could be lost among distractions.

-        Stronger if it is the only building on the site, with little to no immediate context

-        Accessible primarily by foot

-        Vehicular traffic can be set back, because the material degradation has tactile qualities that need to be experience at a slower pace, like that of a pedestrian

-        Allows space for additions and expansion

-        Urban site

Fisher Hill Reservoir, Brookline, MA

Fisher Hill is part of the historic district in Brookline, a village that prides itself as being independent from that of Boston even though it is encompassed by the city. Fisher hill is just that hilly terrain that houses residential complexes as well as historic single-family homes. The site itself was one of two reservoirs, on across Fisher Hill Road that was covered and the other behind the abandoned pump house. Architect Arthur Vianl built the pump house in 1887 according to Richardsonian Romanesque styles popular at the time in public buildings.

Approach To Program

PROGRAM

           

            The building ruins on the site are that of an old pump house for what used to be the Fisher Hill Reservoir. The abandoned structure is small in size while the overgrown landscape surrounding it is rectangular in plan and much larger with a clear visual slope running inward upon itself, this being the remnants of the reservoir. Fisher Hill is part of the historic district in Brookline and has a strong architecture presence through residential buildings. Buildings in the area are picturesque with tree-lined streets. Frederick Law Olmsted was hired to develop a plan for laying out the roads and establishing minimum lot sizes. Few public buildings exist adjacent to this area. This thesis purposes just that. Amongst the historic and more current residential properties, a public retreat is gifted to the community. Farther down Fisher Hill road sits Newbury College, with this noted the thesis proposes a program that can support a scholastic factor, where students studying at the college can be comfortable traveling to the site to expand their knowledge. The pump house being smaller in scale the balance of the intervention should be modest too, so as not to disrespect the community and the historic scale preserved. Parks nearby within them hold specific functions such as playgrounds and athletic fields. These functions attract the younger members of the community, and the green spaces that address all ages are less frequent. The Brookline Reservoir has a park wrapping around its perimeter for walkers and bicycles. A connection could be proposed between the two reservoirs and the landscape adjoining them.

Program Criteria:

*This thesis is about the discovery of the new materials juxtaposed with the old to create a balance. Through the program tactile exploration will unveil the material degradation and how the intervention has supported the materials but has also defined its own presence.

*Landscape will be stimulated through the interior of the program and draw visitors outdoors into the site granting them with clearer understandings of the contrast within by use of procession that flows through spaces of new and existing.

* The tectonics of the new intervention creates open spaces for gathering and allowing for feelings of enlightenment contrasted by the compressions characterized by the solids and groundedness applied by the technologies in the abandoned building.

Proposal:

Brookline’s Science/Nature Center at Fisher Hill

The nature center in Brookline is a welcoming building for people of all ages. Whether you have an interest in the local wildlife or just wish to talk about the park the center promotes discovery and growth. The building houses multiple exhibits ranging from water conservation awareness, to gardening “ how–to” The center features camps and programs for children and adults. The goals of the nature center are to encourage the community about how to protect and respect our surroundings, but to also teach and apply a visitor’s curiosity.  The Nature center in Brookline houses a small aquarium containing fish and vegetation found within the nearby lakes and ponds. The center also has been equipped with a few classrooms/labs for college and school visits to attend lectures and participate in clinics. There is a close relationship between Newbury College and the Nature Center where students can use the on site library and labs to help answer questions and explore new areas of research. The Brookline Nature center invites visitors to stroll through on trials in the park for chances to reconnect with nature in the urban fabric or to catch a glimpse of the regional bird species.  

Lobby-Reception- Coat check, Ticket sales, Information

            250 sq. ft.

Gift Shop

            100 sq. ft.

Staff Offices- Kitchen-Conference Room

            1,300 sq. ft.

Classrooms- Labs (2): Larger spaces to assemble 8-10 people

            1,000 sq. ft.

Multi-Purpose Room (1): dynamic- can be two smaller spaces with operable wall.

            600 sq. ft.

Library           

            500 sq. ft.

Aquariums/Animals–Touch Tank, Petting Area

            5,000 sq. ft.

Exhibition Spaces –Water conservation- History of the Brookline’s Reservoir, (Open)

            6,000 sq. ft.

Restrooms

            200 sq. ft.

Mechanical + Storage

            1,200 sq. ft.

Circulation

Outdoor Park/ Trials/Public gardens

Building Total Sq. ft. =18,000 Sq. Ft.

Site Documents: The Hoffman Building on Lovejoy Pl near the TD Garden

Through analysis of this site in relation to my thesis I have realized that the scale of the project is to large and would hinder the ideas of fusion between new and old. A smaller scale project will promote detailing in materials and in joinery. I am continuing to look at other sites and re-working my site criteria. 

Visual Abstract2, Mind Map2 & Image Bank2

Abstract Revised

The application of materials is often considered the detail work of design. These details create the visual and sometimes tactile connections needed to create harmony with the building and its surroundings. Using materials already in the progression of decay it allows for the building to look as it has always been there and belongs to its site. To find materials in a worn and weathered state the best hosts are abandoned buildings. It is here the weathering of the materials gives a more organic texture to create boundless manmade earthworks. They create boundless visual connections to the site. How can natural progression of material decay in abandoned buildings be repurposed and become a source in the design process.

           

The reuse of a building can evoke meaning and a sense of place, and with this, an attachment to the community. The reuse of an abandoned building forces us to think of how we must be respectful of the existing environments and structures. If we can reuse the abandoned building then we are doing the environment a favor of kindness. Not only can we slow the pace of urban sprawl, but also with the reuse of materials from these structures there is less need for the harvesting of trees or the production of materials. With resources being limited it is the responsibility of the architect to think more local and existing.

Precedents of projects that are adaptive reuse can help to comprehend the multiple ways materials can be re-used, and the strategies with which the project was executed. In addition, studying the tactile and the sensory responses of materials can prove to be beneficial to suggest the right use and typology. Researching the ways nature co-exists with its surroundings will be necessary for preserving the already decaying and weathering materials. Case studies looking at the progression of time with weathering materials can be done, gathering commonly found materials and subjecting them to elements of nature for equal durations of time will provide knowledge on the decay process and potential desired textural qualities.