Performative Housing

In the left side of the collage is Canal Street, where we studied the syncopation of movement relative to other walkers, each with their respective destinations, formulates a weaving path in which boundaries (ex: street/sidewalk) are crossed. In the center is the Williamsburg Bridge, where the finite and directional qualities of traversing a bridge were noted. Certain household actions require a similar environment of focus and directionality. On the right side of the image is Central Park Ideas of horizon were formulated from focusing on connections between the observer, the sky and determined position relative to tall buildings which pierce the visual horizon created by the tree edges. In our prototype, similar light and view connections to the surrounding context will become the horizon which grounds the inhabitant of the unit. The winding action and continuity of moving through central park is similar to household cleaning. Connections are made in the short video, which help inform floor plan layouts.

Strategy for Wind-Harvesting Facade

Volumetric studies were tested by extruding the optimal site area and trimming the shape to optimize performance of light, wind, and views. The circle enclosed by the buildings (see plans) is a preserved park for which the light and views were optimized.
Wind : the volume is optimized for maximum wind channeling and harvest via surface geometry.
Views : The largest, most direct corridors aligned toward park and river spaces are optimized to preserve views for the existing buildings on site.
Light : The volume is adjusted for maximum southern light penetration, which augments toward the afternoon.

This section illustrates three spaces created by gaps in the aggregation of units, which were directly informed by the previous performative massing studies. Gaps designated as communal spaces occur at the intersections of optimal vectors light and view. Smaller gaps hold wind turbines, which collect wind at points determined by the fluid dynamics studies. The slight S curve of the overall section turns forward and backward across the building, changing the surface geometry to effectively funnel wind at specific points of concentration. This direct response to the shape of the surrounding context shapes the surface of the building while optimizing energy harvesting.

A rhino script drove the aggregation of units which changed shape in section across the mass in response to optimized geometrical conditions. The S shaped section changes from a froward to backwards (twice), with straight vertical I sections in between to provide elevator and stair cores.
When all architectonic issues are synthesized in the aggregation of units, specific moments occur, which we propose to be unique connections to the local context and sky. Outdoor paths expand into communal spaces serving the surrounding units. More green spaces are located across the facade as well as the roof.