Friday, February 3, 2012

Natural Systems Studio

Student: Matt Gilman
Natural Systems Studio: BLA Segment II; MLA Segment I
Instructors: Shaun O’Rourke, Kevin Benham and Juli Reimensscheinder
Date: Fall 2011


This advanced architecture and landscape architecture vertical studio looked at the hydrological, cultural, ecological, and historical systems of the Malden River and the surrounding degraded urban context in an effort to look specifically at ways in which the edge of the river has been formed by a variety of commercial endeavors throughout history.

The charge of the studio was to develop a hybrid form of architecture and landscape that ameliorates existing environmental conditions while simultaneously resolving issues of accessibility on the site and the surrounding urban fabric. There were a range of innovative design ideas generated that all work to engage the public and the river with the ultimate goal of increasing the water quality within the highly urbanized river.

Concept:

The project creates new and enhanced avian habitat by increasing the size and connectivity of habitat patches along the Malden River. The result will be to attract existing species in greater number, attract new species, and make them a draw to the public.

The paths along the habitats proposed will not impede the bird habitats, by carefully controlling the level of human access, determined by each habitat type. The habitat typologies will also govern the placement and style of bird blinds to increase the public’s enjoyment of the site and the viewing of wildlife.






Natural Systems Studio

Student: Edward Adams
Natural Systems Studio: BLA Segment II; MLA Segment I

Instructors: Shaun O’Rourke, Kevin Benham and Juli Reimensscheinder
Date: Fall 2011


This advanced architecture and landscape architecture vertical studio looked at the hydrological, cultural, ecological, and historical systems of the Malden River and the surrounding degraded urban context in an effort to look specifically at ways in which the edge of the river has been formed by a variety of commercial endeavors throughout history.

The charge of the studio was to develop a hybrid form of architecture and landscape that ameliorates existing environmental conditions while simultaneously resolving issues of accessibility on the site and the surrounding urban fabric. There were a range of innovative design ideas generated that all work to engage the public and the river with the ultimate goal of increasing the water quality within the highly urbanized river.

Concept:
Remediating the Malden: Planting based on Phytoremediation

Phytoremediation will act as a catalyst for change by cleaning up the site and renewing accessibility. According to the historical layout of industrial companies that once lined the shores and known contaminants, different types of plants will remediate specific areas depending on the toxins.

A network of trails, roads, and bridges will connect the river to surrounding communities, and a public research/visitor center and maintenance facility will be opened. People will be able to walk, run, bike, play, and learn as they witness the rejuvenation of the Malden River. 

Axonometric

Perspective


Phytoremediation

Plant Palette

Section

Lyceum Competition Studio

Student: Reed Harmon
Lyceum Competition Studio
Instructors: Maria Bellalta, Head of School of Landscape Architecture and Blas Betancourt
Date: Fall 2011

Human beings have a history of landscape alteration: pyramids, aqueducts, and deforestation.  Modern lifestyles are made possible by industries throughout the world, but we take them for granted. The natural world is transformed by industry, particularly those that extract raw materials and resources from the land.

The charge was to design a building complex for an institution devoted primarily for visual, literary, landscape and performing artists.  The design concepts were to engage the site in a significant way, commensurate with the size, scale and emotional impact of the quarry.  The project program was comprised of four program elements:  an Educational Pavilion, Artists Studios, Artists Residences, and a Public Memorial.

Concept:
The project is designed as a series of moments that frame the sublime character of the site. Before entering the welcoming pavilion, visitors encounter a concrete block shed, the overturned base of a wooden derrick and an existing granite wall. The pavilion is hung from the side of a cliff. As they proceed through the the building, the opposing glass walls offer a view of the quarry on one side and a close-up of the granite cliff on the other. They gradually descend into the quarry that leads to the studios.

The studios are placed on a rock outcropping about 30 feet above the water level of the quarry. From the studios, a visitor may scramble over boulders to reach the water, take in some art in the outdoor exhibition space, or continue on the path toward the memorial.








Lyceum Competition Studio

Student: Cory Mills
Lyceum Competition Studio
Instructors: Maria Bellalta, Head of School of Landscape Architecture and Blas Betancourt
Date: Fall 2011

Human beings have a history of landscape alteration: pyramids, aqueducts, and deforestation.  Modern lifestyles are made possible by industries throughout the world, but we take them for granted. The natural world is transformed by industry, particularly those that extract raw materials and resources from the land.

The charge was to design a building complex for an institution devoted primarily for visual, literary, landscape and performing artists.  The design concepts were to engage the site in a significant way, commensurate with the size, scale and emotional impact of the quarry.  The project program was comprised of four program elements:  an Educational Pavilion, Artists Studios, Artists Residences, and a Public Memorial.

Concept: 
The project deals with the contrast between the natural landscape and industry's stain on nature. This is expressed through a processional approach to the site by using key, framed views during a visitor's approach to, and throughout the rest of the site - providing brief glimpses of the site then ultimately, letting the site reveal itself.

Approach Perspective

Destination Perspective

Site Circulation

Site Map

Lyceum Competition Studio

Student: Angie Sarno
Lyceum Competition Studio
Instructors: Maria Bellalta, Head of School of Landscape Architecture and Blas Betancourt
Date: Fall 2011

Human beings have a history of landscape alteration: pyramids, aqueducts, and deforestation.  Modern lifestyles are made possible by industries throughout the world, but we take them for granted. The natural world is transformed by industry, particularly those that extract raw materials and resources from the land.

The charge was to design a building complex for an institution devoted primarily for visual, literary, landscape and performing artists.  The design concepts were to engage the site in a significant way, commensurate with the size, scale and emotional impact of the quarry.  The project program was comprised of four program elements:  an Educational Pavilion, Artists Studios, Artists Residences, and a Public Memorial.

Concept:
"Humanity has made great and terrible decisions, and our choices have left scars on the earth, scars that will survive us all. It is what we do moving forward that defines us, as a race, a species, as something that exists so small in something much more vast then what we are.

Joy comes from knowing the temporary is what makes life worth living for."







Click here to see the rest of Angie Sarno's work.