By:
Jeremy Clow
The
ARC elective 502 course continued, we have now completed our preliminary
schematic designs both individually and as a group. The designs are coming
together and display a variety of options for site manipulation, orientation,
and seating arrangements. Some key factors of the location have led to very
similar design responses. The strong sun from the south hits the hill side
providing warmth during the winter, the heavy forestation will provide shade
during the summer making a comfortable environment. During the winter however
winds from the south come across the lake, with no coniferous forestation
between the lake and site the wind is almost unbearable. This has led to a
variety of site properties, portions of the site being blocked to the south to
create a wind break. The food preparation area included, gusts of wind could
make preparation burdensome. The seating and orientation is a prominent feature
in the design. Should the seating face the view, the lake to the south? This
orientation would be the most obvious in terms of aesthetics however the wind
biting at the users face, the sun bearing blinding them, and the smoke from the
fire engulfing them are just a few of the reasons why this would be
problematic. Seats facing the north put the users back to the wind and sun and
with the fire in front of them the smoke would be pushed away. The seats can
also be constructed without backs; this will allow persons to face either
direction during different times of use. The spectators in the seat will also
be facing a guide or lecturer, teaching them about the site, surroundings, and
environment. To limit the amount of construction the spectator platform can
double as a food preparation area. Space in this particular construction can
also provide the wood and food storage requested in the program. Limiting the
amount of construction not only helps in time of hours spent constructing but
it also helps us stay within the budget as well as minimize our impact on the
natural environment. With the leveling of the earth a series of retaining walls
will be constructed, one at the north side for holding the higher earth back as
well as one at the south to hold earth up. A trench dug to implement these
walls will also provide a series of drainage solutions including drain tile to
ensure the walls as well as the earth aren’t harmed over time. With erosion
already being an issue on the site due to human traffic, a thoughtful and
careful design can help aid in the conservation of the natural environment. The
walls being a necessary element for the sites success can also be a dual
purpose construction element. The tops can provide a perimeter of seating, the
north wall being seats level for the site and the south wall for users facing
the lake. The additional seating located on the site would sit directly north
of the southern wall, providing a stadium style seating for multiple users
facing the lake. This would be a great opportunity for larger groups who are
taking in the sunrise, sunset, or the wonderful view. The main goal for the
finalized project is to limit our manipulation of the earth as well as the
amount of construction and keep the natural beauty intact as well as the focal
point. With a limited budget and only five graduate students doing the physical
labor the project has many constraints both in time and finance.
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