Site Concept Model

The composition is formed to express the dynamism and playful in nature. Elements and components that represent learning, making, decisions, etc.converge at a core,  yet hiding and reveling certain messages. the movement is induced by a cycle of discovering text and images. All of which rest on economic and ecological setting.

Assignment 3+ Haiku

Essence of the project.

mind of a child PLAYS,

odd combination BORN,

discoveries MADE.

Through my research I realize that there are a few different types of labs mainly life sciences and physical sciences. I plan on visiting Oregon Health and Science University to understand life sciences, and Portland State University engineering labs for physical science labs.

Interviews:

I’ve interviewed Carlos Alvarez, Material Science Graduate student, Eugene Kim, Process Engineer, Mark Kushman, a Lab Technician. I plan on interviewing the folks I am touring with as well. Also interested in interviewing some one from Oregon BEST (Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies). 

The site that I’m looking at is approximately 9 acres. So there will be an urban design element to it.

The Campus will likely developed in phases and will include:  a transportation node (pedestrian, public/private and parking), research building, additional museum space, waterfront public space, possible housing component, co-generation power plant and the existing facilities.

After an Urban design configuration is planned then, I’ll be focusing on the Research Building and its relationship to other facilities in the campus.

Major activities:

Research Units: Consists of laboratory (working bench, sinks, Fume hoods, and glove boxes), support, conference rooms and offices. Square footage and arrangement varies between what sciences are being researched.  5000-7500 sq. ft. each

Break spaces: Research can be intensive and a place to rest, socialize, take a break is crucial to being productive. These will probably be incorporated in the research units as well as larger areas such as a cafeteria, lounge, etc. small 150 sq. ft. each, large 2000 sq. ft.  

Lobby area: security is a major concern. 1000 sq. ft.

Business Administration: Help researcher apply for grants and market their research and implement their designs.  Includes offices workstations and conference rooms. 2000 sq. ft.

Exhibit space: place to show case research to attract investors. 2000 sq. ft.

Auditorium: To host lectures and events includes support.  2300 sq. ft.

Support: Loading, Maintenance, Mechanical.  10000 sq. ft.

Draft Thesis

To achieve a sustainable economy and environment demands greater cross pollination of resources and ideas. An innovation center at OMSI would connect people to opportunities to generation new ideas in a green economy. The center could play an integral role between educational institutions and manufacturing districts. This project investigates the form, function and environmental needs that will accommodate synergies between education and practice. The new facility will deploy effective green technologies to give local builders the needed experience and showcase developing technologies.  

            The museum attracts 1 million visitors annually and is a highly visibility institution in the region. Its educational mission, which currently focuses on students has inspired entire generations with the marvels of science and engineering.

My most memorable exhibit as a child was the earthquake simulation where you build up blocks and the come crashing down. It planted the seed of being an architect before I even knew there was such an occupation. This project is my way of giving back. The main design goal is to continue the legacy of inspiration in older generations by creating a living laboratory.

A city should be a place where a little boy walking through its streets can sense what he someday would like to be. – Louis I. Kahn December 1973

Design Goals: A living laboratory designed for scientist and inspires scientist to be.

-          Expresses OMSI’s educational mission and values

-          Meets Cascadia Living Building Challenge

-          Be the petri dish for “green” ideas to be tested and grown

Further Investigation: (not limited to)

What kind of environment fosters innovation in technology and attracts sustained investment in scientific endeavors?

How does nature test design?

How does the OMSI Campus (urban design scale), a research facility (building scale), and the laboratories (room scale) express a cohesiveness in it expression?  

What will be the new relationship between the research facility and the museum?

Method: Approaching Program

• Meetings with Paul Carlson from OMSI
• Readings of Laboratory Design handbooks
• Interviews with researchers
• Precedents

Questions (not limited to)

What do researchers need to do their job?

Are there opportunities for non-human habit?

How can spaces connect people to science? 

How can the facility attract the attention from businesses and investors?

Site Analysis

The site is currently under construction and there is minimal access therefore, the site will be analyzed as if it is 2015 after the construction of the Eastside CSO tunnel project, streetcar loop and Tri-met light rail stations are built and operating.

Questions (not limited to)

How can the site maximize natural forces that flow to and through the site?

How will people arrive to OMSI?

What role can the river play?

How will City codes effects the design of a campus?

What will the effects of development be on its neighbors and community?

How does the Big Pipe and other infrastructural projects on site impact design?

Materials (not limited to)

What materials are available in the local region that complies with Living Building Challenge?

Are there new materials emerging that could be implemented and be effective in this climate?

How will the waste streams of construction and operation affect the building?

Contextual Problem

            This section will explains the relevant issues and opportunities in our global, regional, and neighborhood context that support significance and potential impact innovation center. I hope to further develop these arguments and graphically represent them similar to MVRDV's Metacity Datatown. I am continuing to gather information.

From here I'd like to develop some more key question to ask Paul in our next meeting.

I'll  interview some friends that are researchers about their needs and read articles to identify the  needs of a laboratory  facility. 

 

Assignment 1

I have decided to move forward with investigating the OMSI site and creating a research facility for the next generation of technology.
What do I want to discover?
I'd like to discover how the built environment can foster and inspire innovation. It seems to me that the stars are aligned for that OMSI site to host a facility that connects past, present and future, proximity to multiple educational institutions, public-private investment, land to water, etc. I'm really excited about the potential of the site and all the facets to explore.
Goals and objectives? My long term goal is learn about the various economic, ecological and social forces at work and develop a design that builds upon the character of the area. a pie in the sky idea is to develop fund raising material and deliver a vision/option with the people of OMSI so they can use it to garner support in the future. I'd like to start and build a relationship with OMSI through out this process and gather information and fuse my intentions and their intentions to help formulate a program and better define the site.
Timeline: Its tough to make one now, I'd like to establish a contact with OMSI in the following weeks. Until then I'd probably research laboratory setups and Tri-Met, and Metro intentions for the area. I'd like by the end of the term complete a programming packet, and site analysis document of diagrams of potentials and constraints.