RTKL Associates

By Patrick Szczecina

My name is Patrick Szczecina, I went to Southern Illinois University of Carbondale for my undergraduate. Born in Chicago, IL and lived there till high school, I moved to Elmhurst and that is where I took my first architecture class and enjoyed it. My focus in architecture is that towards Urbanism and Pre-Fabricated / New methods of construction or living.

Recently ARC 551 (Graduate Studio) went to Baltimore, Maryland for a site visit and architectural tours. We spent a week looking at our sites, exploring the city and enjoying our time away from Carbondale. Before we left we were all assigned topics of research and in my case I had RTKL Associates, which is a firm. I had to research prior to visiting the firm, once I looked at it I found generic information on RTKL itself and not the branch that is located in Baltimore. The location in Baltimore is the Headquarters of RTKL, we were shown around and spoken to by Ross Smith a designer of the firm. RTKL was founded by Archibald Rogers and Francis Taliaferro in 1946 and later joined by Charles Lamb and George Kostritsky, which then created the name and firm RTKL. 

When first approaching the building the entry isn’t easily found, however following the flow of people that seemed to work in that area we walked through two doors. Upon entering we had to fill out our names and reason for visit, this was a security precaution. The building houses other business and not just RTKL. Once we all signed in we were allowed to enter the elevators and up we went to the second floor. Upon leaving the elevator we enter the lobby and are greeted by Ross Smith. Smith shows us to their break area / free workspace, and in this area we have chairs, high top, fridges, vending machines, tables, and a ping pong table (the ping pong table just came in, but didn’t come with paddles or balls). After a 30 min introduction of the firm and projects, Smith led us back to the lobby and later to the studio space. The space looking friendly and enjoyable to work in. Lots of space for work, gathering spaces and movement. Along each wall that separated spaces there is a dry erase and seating which to me seemed like a great idea to allow for flow of ideas. Each wall that wasn’t separating a space, there was graphics of designs and other places to pin up material. Forgot to mention that this place was remodeled, the person was an in house architect that laid out the new areas and interior aspects. At the end of the Studio tour, it leads out to the elevators and from there we asked questions that we had. Once the questions were over we were on our way to explore whatever else we wanted. 

At the end of this firm tour, I realized that this is a firm I would like to work at, the space looked comfortable, people friendly and it felt right for me. I’ve visited other firms and I didn’t get the same reaction to their workspace as I did to this one, so if at all possible visit RTKL.  

Design of the Design Studio

Megan Crider

Day one of fall design studio left many of us flustered and frustrated.  Thirty-one students were trying to formulate different groups for upcoming semester assignments… Organizing groups was not the issue; the problem in this scenario was that there is no space in our studio for an effective congregation of more than about four or five people at a time, let alone thirty-three people (the two instructors included).  The layout of the studio space is rectangular – the room is very long and narrow, as you can see in the image below (image by author).  I began thinking about the design of studio spaces like this one.  It would be very beneficial to incorporate a large open space used for conferencing and presentations in the studio.  The junior/senior interior design studio across the building has one such space.  During my undergraduate studies in the interior design program, we utilized that conferencing space quite often for lectures, presentations, one-on-one critiques with instructors, and group meetings.  It is an effective space, located in the middle of the classroom between the junior and senior studio sections.

If designed with a conferencing area, the design studio becomes a much more functional space for students and faculty.  Without ever leaving the studio, the class can have project presentations and larger group meetings.  Additionally, it becomes easier for students to check their work and presentations in a digital format before presenting.  This functionality within the studio would free up the separate conference room for others to use. 

Without the frustration of the first day of class, the integration of a conference space within an architectural studio would not have crossed my mind.  Now it seems like a very necessary and beneficial aspect of the space for both students and instructors.

An analysis of Architectural Elements of Architect Richard Meier’s Buildings

By Kristina Shrestha

During our Comprehensive Design Studio, I had researched about the beach houses which is situated in Jesolo, Lido, Italy. The building was designed by famous Architect Richard Meier. Richard Meier was born in October 12. 1934. He won Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1984 [1]. The first thing that came in to my mind when I thought about him was the white color of his buildings. I wanted to know about uniqueness of his design that separates him from hundreds of other architects. Despite using similar elements in buildings like ramps, windows, louvers like other architects do, his designs are still extraordinary.

With the quest to get the answer, I researched further and started analyzing his designs and started browsing through the pictures of his buildings. I found out that he used different elements according to building type, style of the building, and site. His buildings have many characteristics that enhances his design. One of the major elements is use of openings for light. There is also predominant use of mass and void concept. It can be seen in some of his buildings as well as in elevation of some buildings. It creates the effect of lightness in his building. His buildings have large windows in living spaces so that the client can have maximum daylight and beautiful view as well. He uses louvers in the building to protect from sunlight. He used lightweight louvers that are seamless and this element is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing as well. The other striking feature of his designs are the use of ramps. He used ramps that have seamless finishing.

Now, I will give examples of the buildings which has beautiful lighting, louvers and the use of mass and void concept.

Jubilee Church

“Jubilee Church (La Chiesa del Dio Padre Mesericordioso), conceived as part of Pope John Paul II’s millennium initiative to rejuvenate parish life within Italy” [2]. It is located in central Italy. It is white in color with curve walls. There is the use of glass to separate the walls. The interior space has sitting areas. The interior space is bright and has adequate amount of light. There is an interesting pattern of light in interior space. The light changes the interior space in different time of a day.

 

United States Courthouse, San Diego

The United States Courthouse is located in San Diego. The buildings consists of a circular base and one elegant slender 16 storied building. The circular part of building is made up of large glass windows and it is enclosed in a mass like louvers. ‘The tower is clad in wafer like layers of terra cotta and glass composed in response to the program and orientation.’ [3] The louvers gives the feeling on lightness in the building.

The Getty Center

The Getty Center is located at Los Angeles, California.  This center is the part of Getty Museum and Getty Trust. It was completed in Dec 16, 1997 [4]. The concept of mass and void can be seen in this building. The circular building has walls like a mass and has windows which acts like a void. Also, the image shows the circular wall has void. Similarly, the concept of mass and void can be seen in shading device of Getty center too.  The interplay of mass and void has been used throughout the buildings.

Dynamic Façade Research

By Ken Howder

For my research position with Professor McDonald, I have been working with the conceptual idea of dynamic facades that have the potential to adapt to the surrounding environment as well as interior comfort conditions.  From my individual blog, I have decided to share some of the more interesting research that I have come across so far.

RMIT Design Hub / Sean Godsell

This is another example of a facade that adapts to environmental conditions.  In this case, the facade is comprised of thousands of individually mounted translucent discs that are allowed to pivot along their vertical row.  Dependent on the sun’s position and sensors to gather data on the interior of the building regarding humidity and temperature, the discs pivot vertically to allow air to pass through – essentially allowing the facade skin to “breathe.”

The discs are all made of 3/8″ sandblasted glass setting inside a steel frame 3 feet from the building.  The system consists of units of seven discs: The top 3 are fixed and the bottom 4 are operable (they are within the view of the interior).  The dynamic discs are allowed to rotate by actuators from 5 to 80 degrees (gradually, as to not be noticed by people outside).

It should be noted that this building (The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology) is located in Australia – hence the dire need for a building that can breathe.  In different climates, such technology might not be suitable.  However, the

This simple, yet effective, technology should also be able to apply as a shading device and as an energy productive facade.  Photovoltaic may be applied to the glass surfaces to help produce energy for the building.  Also, in much smaller units, shading can be accomplished.

Credits:

http://archrecord.construction.com/tech/techFeatures/2013/1305-dynamic-facades.asp

http://www.archdaily.com/335620/rmit-design-hub-sean-godsell

Homeostatic Facade System / Decker Yeadon

Architects Decker Yeadon created a prototype system for building facades that uses a process similar to bi-layered metals for expansion and contraction of the facade elements.  The concept behind this technology mimics the human muscular system that uses electrical signals to contract muscles when they are in use.  This system uses a dielectric elastomer to change the shape of the metal “maze-like” facade.

This system is intuitive due to the fact that it does not need the inhabitant’s (or a computer’s) intervention to operate.  It mimics the natural state of homeostasis (that which many organisms use to preserve their internal temperature) to regulate its own temperature based on that of internal conditions.

This prototype system has the possible advantage of adapting to the local environment based on shading and ventilating needs.  However, without human intervention, an issue of aesthetic and view potential arises.  This system also requires little energy to operate compared to a user-driven responsive system.  A blend of something similar to this with user controls may be more beneficial to real-world applications.

Credits:  

http://internationalfacade.com/news/general/homeostatic-building-facade/#.VfBwaRFVhHw

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1662975/mighty-building-facade-beats-solar-heat-with-mechanical-muscles

Falling Water.Frank Lloyd Wright

By Josh West

Well here is the boring stuff. My name is Josh West and I am currently a Graduate Student at Southern Illinois pursing my life goal of one day becoming an Architect. I have enjoyed my time here at SIU and have learned a substantial amount of information that has helped me push myself throughout my four years here. That’s enough of me. Let’s get to the good stuff.

During our trip to Baltimore, Maryland last week, my classmates and I were able to visit one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture; Falling Water by  Frank Lloyd Wright. Nestled in the backwoods of Pennsylvania, this hand crafted house was built partly over Bear Run Creek and served as a vacation home for  the Kaufmann family. We first began our journey at the information pavilion. From there we were able to enter and follow the meandering path; leading us to the entrance of falling water. As we were speechless looking at the building, it was really easy to see how all of wrights materials meshed together and his beautiful cantilevers throughout the house. We were first able to understand how wright formed the building with the surrounding landscape; using existing boulders to add support to the structure and become a strong center piece inside the house. As we entered into the house, we could instantly feel the relationship between the inside and outside. Wright used a lot of banded windows inside so no matter where you were inside of the house you could always have a beautiful view of nature. Wright also designed around the waterfall with a purpose. Instead of always looking at the waterfall, the view would become old and would easily be passed up so Wright decided to build above the waterfall so you could always hear the peaceful noise of the waterfall throughout the entire house. Wright also used the hatch, in the middle of the first room, to one give the Kaufmann’s a place to go down to the water and also to give a natural ventilation chimney to cool down the house.

It was amazing, as we have always studied the work of Frank Llyod Wright, to see exactly how he worked as a designer and how he thought through some design issues. It was truly a piece of art and a great learning experience. Below to the left is the signature picture of falling water and to the right is a picture of the first room when entering the house.

Once a Saluki Always a Saluki

By Jeremy Clow

Thanks and gratitude comes to mind as how I would describe my experience at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. I, Jeremy Clow came to the city of Carbondale four years ago from Effingham, Illinois. This city has become my new home as well as the University. I started the Architecture program at SIUC in the accelerated summer of 2012. Since that first summer I have made the best friends and acquaintances any person could ask for. The programs professors and faculty have done nothing more than made, themselves available to develop relationships on a personal and professional level. As an outgoing and driven young person I chose Carbondale to be my new foundation. In early 2014 I took it upon myself to open a new store that would be a utility for the university carrying products that were once carried at the existing 710 bookstore, a wonder establishment if I might add. Digital fabrication, an innovative means to the future, was available to the students but not the community. Putting these two pieces together, Saluki Craft was born. A location providing the essential supplies for artistic desires, large format laser cutting at a scale comparable to none, and most of all accessibility through extended hours and deliveries. I the CEO of the corporation have fellow partners, all being students directly tied to the Architecture program in fact. Students understand the mind set of their fellow consumer for they are one in the same. Being directly tied to the classroom, understanding the financial hardship of a student, and being there for them at crunch time allows the up and coming all the essential tools and resources they need for their creative potential. After graduating in May of 2015 with my Bachelors at SIUC I was undecided on the next step for my future. Owning a store in the local community, an avid member of the Chamber of Commerce, and member of the Downtown Advisory Committee I intended to take a year off of school before completing my Masters. This seemed like a good choice at the time however after talking to many professors and the dean on multiple occasions the break seemed unnecessary. Choosing to start the graduate program immediately after my undergraduate has been the best decision of my higher education. I have the upmost respect and gratitude for the faculty and friends who are one in the same for supporting this decision and making it possible. The first semester was intense and provided a lot of useful techniques for the years to come. The research and understanding of multiple structures from around the world connected by a specific common denominator, mine being recycling. The abundance of waste is prevalent around the world leading to the repurposing of these products in many forms, one being construction. The course project included a museum that housed multiple buildings as a collection based off of their connection. As students we designed the museum and strategic placement of these structures on the site given to us at Little Grassy Lake. The museum I designed combined the ideals of one of the collection pieces as well. Villa Welpeloo, constructed with materials repurposed from a thirty kilometer radius. I used a thirty mile radius from the site to research and locate abandoned buildings that could be recycled. The project gave me a new understanding on the depth of research and the utilization of ideals from around the world. I have always had a passion for recycling and sustainability which fueled my research. Taking these ideals into the next level of my graduate work I hope to include the same features in my thesis work. Though the thesis isn’t based on recycling or sustainability the factors can be adjoined to provide a more environmentally friendly design. 

Baltimore Field Trip

By Hunter Wilson

            I am Hunter Wilson, a student currently studying in the Southern Illinois University Masters of Architecture program.  I began my education at Vincennes University located in my hometown of Vincennes, Indiana.  After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Architectural studies, I transferred to SIU where I earned a Bachelor’s Degree and still study today.

            Recently, the ARC 551 course took a trip to visit Baltimore, MD.  This is the location of our current design project so we were able to physically roam and explore our respective sites.  The site I am currently working with is a rural site located roughly 30 minutes away from Baltimore in a suburb called Glenelg.

            We began our journey to the site by exiting the dense and urban areas of Baltimore only for it to transform into a grassy, countryside landscape with a winding two lane highway which was a sharp contrast to the crowded interstate.  Driving along, the landscape looked evermore like the photographs I had seen of a typical east coast countryside.  Farm land and upscale, colonial style homes populated the landscape.  This was no surprise to see such nice homes after learning of Glenelg’s median household income of $114,000 per year.  The air flowing through the vehicle was a nice change of pace as opposed to the typical sights and scents of dense, urban Baltimore. 

            We arrive at the site to see that it is mainly inhabited by a two-story home, some barns full of farm equipment, and sheep.  The sheep dog on duty gave us a warm welcome of stiff barking.  We travel up a long thin road by foot to explore the site.  It is largely hilly and grassy with a forest to the west and open fields to the right.  Some students begin photographing the site of their future development while some students continue on the path to explore.  As we travel along, we are greeted by a man in a vehicle driving towards us.  He lives at the end of the thin path and encourages us to explore around his home even though it is not a part of our site.  The group continues toward his home only to find it be a miraculous design.  Later he let us know that a student of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture designed his home.  This was no surprise to us knowing the style fit perfectly into the landscape and contained a “Wrightian” aesthetic. 

            Unfortunately, a lot of the rural site was blocked off by fencing and contained tall grass that would have been difficult to navigate through.  So the group was only able to explore the site from certain vantage points.  On the other hand, we live in the 21^st century and have Google Maps at our disposal.  So all is fine with the world and we will continue to develop the site throughout the semester.