Thesis Draft 2

Lots of updates, looking more like a thesis. I have some images to update but the text is very close.

Download link: http://rapidshare.com/files/166480229/Final_Document11-22.pdf

Thesis Draft Comments

Comments on thesis draft:
1. Table of Contents: Move numbers to right edge of page, possible color code
Graphic to represent the green invasion

2. 11x17 fold out sheets (as numbered in draft): map only from page 66, 70, 71, and an additional sheet similar to the previous 2, 73, (1) new page with elevations following page 75, (2) more new pages following page 83 (plans of the north site invasion)

3. Updates to all rendered images will be made, including the inclusion of shadows, and more entourage. Descriptions of these images will also be made

4. Remove portions of summary proposal to logical sections of the thesis (such as case studies)??? Comments welcome

5. Updates to citations per Turabian Chicago Style, throughout the document.

6. Move page numbers??? To right edge???

7. Add graphic for cover

8. Include graphic sidebars for schematic review (update but as shown on pg 30 and 31)

9. Add more sketches from sketchbook

10. Spruce up the continuity and clarity of the masterplan portion of the thesis, organizationally and descriptively

11. Provide a comprehensive technology statement, fix page graphics

12. Provide detailed description of the community center site, etc. Including renderings of natural recovery interaction areas for public.

13. Add specific agencies to key players diagram. Provide site value data, tax data, and description of public to private involvement.

Thesis Draft Document

http://rapidshare.com/files/154463473/Final_Document-DraftAM.pdf.html

click here to see my draft document.
Comments are to follow.

Test for draft post

http://rapidshare.com/files/153764567/Final_Document.pdf.html

Thesis Final Presentation!

Hello,

For all who have been interested in my thesis, or just curious, I made a final presentation yesterday, August 15, 2008, here in Boston at the Boston Architectural College. The reviews went well, and there were some suggestions. To be posted later. Enjoy the presentation.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=F.4a34bf1c-0798-407b-8527-4beeded36080&hl=en

Urban Tower Farming

Nature, agriculture, with people- what a novel idea!
This is great.

http://urbanpalimpsest.blogspot.com/2008/07/farming-skies.html

Small Scale Design- Parti Embodiment

Below is a phased conversion of one retail space from vacant to pedestrian and vehicular passage, public and private green space, and visual representation of the disassembly of one of these buildings, while allowing and aiding the invasion of nature.

Thesis Early Design Development

http://docs.google.com/Presentation?id=dscn5hk_9cbp

Community Garden Locator

If you are looking for a community garden, or would like to add one to this online database, see the American Community Gardening Association.
http://www.communitygarden.org/index.php

I found that all community gardens near the site for this thesis are Senior gardens. These aren't any closer than a mile, and they aren't open to everyone. Nearby apartment and condominium residents would enjoy the chance to take care of and grow something, which can't be grown on a second floor balcony.

Site Data Research Mapping

Check out this resource for data mapping in Franklin County.

http://216.158.51.84/DataSource/default.asp

Progress 5.19

Plan features:
1.1 mile walking path, w/ addn'l .34 mile path.
65 Residences
Acres of Forest

Progress Plan

The site contains a dense center forest, which is the focus of the site experience. The center forest is on a slightly raised topography, using berms removed on site to create site lines. Five types of trees have been chose because they once composed the majority of native forest that was once here, or because of their value to land reclamation or wildlife. Some buildings will be demolished, others adapted. The movie theater will remain.

Berms

The berms on this site hide some of the parking, but the expanse is visible in the distance. The average berm size on the site is 5' in height, and they surround the entire site.

When the site becomes more natural, the need for berms to hide what is behind will be gone. I propose to remove some of the berms surrounding the site to allow better views into the site and better accessibility for walkers.

Curbing, a major design hurdle?

Thousands of linear feet of concrete curbing break up the asphalt jungle that is the site for this thesis. Reforestation of large amounts of space, or even the conversion to a meadow, will require large quantities of concrete curbing on islands to be removed.

Though we rarely think about it, Concrete curbing is an expectation of many urban and suburban dwellers. To carefully contain nature inside its limits, to keep soil from the roadways, to provide drainage, and keep cars off of sidewalks, concrete curbing does the job. Yet vehicles, snow plows, salt, and other factors contribute to its inevitable demise- often within 20 years of installation. So what can be done with the curbing? Reuse? Not likely, much of it breaks apart during removal, and it often contains reinforcing. Recycling? It is possible. More on that as I learn about it.

Here is an interesting article about what could be used instead of concrete curbing:
http://www.ncgranite.com/LifecycleCostComparison.pdf

But for so many applications beyond high traffic roads, this country girl doesn't understand curbing. It feels like a fence, keeping us from what's inside. A sterile means of protecting us from....dirt?

Existing Site Geometry

Effects of Climate on Site Planning

What effects do the elements of Climate Analysis have on site planning?

This is an important question, please add your own comments so that I can expand my understanding of the process.

1. Vegetation that can be used for site reforestation or landscaping is limited to what can thrive in the Climate of the site.
2. Incorporation of certain "green" planning strategies are limited to certain Climates, for example:

• Rainwater collection for irrigation may not be practical in an arid climate
• Harnessing wind power would not be effective on sites with low wind levels

3. Adaptation to existing buildings on site can consider how the buildings can best utilize climate for the comfort and the new use of the building, in aspects such as heat gain, sun shading, natural ventilation, etc.

4. The angle of the sun should affect the placement of the reforestation and landscaping in relation to existing buildings.

5. Temperature and humidity can affect the comfort of people on the site and the uses should be appropriate for the climate, for example:

• Planning for certain recreational activities like swimming or ice skating must consider climate feasibility.
• Climates with high amounts of rain, may consider providing shelters for those who may be caught in inclement weather.

Some specifics about the site chosen for this thesis.

The site is located in the "Humid Continental- Hot Summer" Climate Region, according to the Encarta map available at: http://encarta.msn.com/media_461544522/united_states_climate_regions.html

Columbus, Ohio Site Climate Analysis

Parti's

Vehicular Patterns Currently on and into the Site

Preliminary Program

Hi all, any comments on this preliminary program are appreciated. The percentages are of the site, which has not been determined in size or location. A few options are included above.

Schematic Program

Re-forested area: 60% of available site area (not covered by existing building)

Community or residential vegetable or flower gardens: 10%

Vegetation artwork or landform artwork: 5%

One or more of the following: 10%
Baseball field, Bike path, skateboard park, children’s play area, tennis or basketball court, soccer field

Building or structure: 0-5%
Learning center for asphalt removal, gardening, and reforestation
Youth or community gathering space, amphitheater or shelter house
Restrooms/ small kitchen

Remaining Parking: 10% or less

Existing Buildings: Existing

Demolition for passageway
Suggested residential locations
Parking requirements for suggested residential locations
Suggested building modifications for residential

Community Gardening in Columbus, Ohio

Reasons to Community garden
1. Builds connections between people in the community
2. Improves the appearance of vacant lots
3. Reduces Urban Heat Island effect
4. Provides fresh food and beautiful flowers
5. Creates an appreciation for nature and hard work
6. Reduces stress and improves mood
7. And many more...

How to community garden in Columbus
http://getgreencolumbus.com/PDFs/CGR%20Guide.pdf

De-Paving

5 Steps to Depaving
(from this article about depaving. http://depave.org/index.php/how-to-depave/)

1. Plan of attack
2. Select the right tools
3. Break up the asphalt
4. Remove the asphalt
5. Restore the soil

Removing asphalt can improve the quality of a space from as big as a retail parking lot, to as small as your back yard.

Nature, Asphalt, and Art in Boston

Think there is no nature in a parking lot in Boston?

What do you hear? What do you see? How can the temporary, and what was natural be unnatural and yet be art here in this space? Isn't the wind pleasant (now that we don't have to feel its effects)?

I used cut flowers and packed snow to "plant" flowers in asphalt, in Boston, in January. I watched and heard the flowers be affected by nature. Then I saw how people reacted with confused looks, and how they got run over by the owner of the parking space behind. Nature is ever-changing and dynamic. So are people. Maybe that's why we like nature.

Summary Thesis Proposal