Category Archives: Final 1500w

Assignment Posts, Final 1500w

Adaptive Reuse of the Cincinnati Subway System

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Periodical: ArchDaily

Thesis:

Rather than leaving the subway system to go into disrepair, the city of Cincinnati should restore and renovate the abandoned system to create a hub for community activity and interaction through adaptive reuse.

Summary:

In the early twentieth century, the city of Cincinnati began an upgrade of their electric streetcar system by developing a series of tunnels for a subway transit system beneath the streets of the city. At the time, Cincinnati was one of the seven most populous cities in the US with an economic growth that rivaled New York and Chicago. The new subway system was to be the solution to the growing transit nightmare of the slow and outdated streetcar in a rapidly developing city. Construction was postponed in 1917 when the US entered World War I, which resulted in a temporary abandonment of the project. After the war ended in 1918, costs nearly doubled due to post war inflation, but construction began January 28, 1920. Over the course of seven years, funding ran out for the project with only seven miles of the tunnels dug and none of the tracks laid out. Plans to raise more funding for the project were struck down with the crash of the stock market in 1929. The project underwent a revival in 1939 by the Engineer’s Club of Cincinnati but was ultimately abandoned again due to World War II. TIMG_6447_boday, the subway system is recognized as the largest abandoned transit tunnel in the United States. Former Cincinnati mayor Mark Mallory has said, “Now more than forty percent of Cincinnatians do not know there is a subway system existing underneath Central Parkway Boulevard.” Rather than leaving the subway system to fall into further disrepair, the city of Cincinnati should restore and renovate the abandoned system to create a hub for community activity and interaction through adaptive reuse.

One of the greatest benefits of adaptive reuse is cost reduction. The reuse of the subway system would save the city millions of dollars in costs of demolition and re-grading the land that was dug into. In recent years, there have been proposals from city planners to demolish the tunnel system in order to create more residential and retail space in the city, however the city has struck down plans of demolition due to the high cost and time it will take. The structural work is already completed in the tunnels; all that would remain is updating the lighting and ventilation systems to be more sustainable and efficient for a public space of that size. Another benefit of reuse is it creates more sustainable buildings and spaces. Much of the architecture we have today has a finite longevity to its lifetime, only to be demolished and replaced by another building when the previous one could probably have served the new purposes. Transforming the abandoned subway into a hub for community activity would create a new framework for interaction and an opportunity to connect the surrounding neighborhoods that would otherwise remain separated from each other. This is important for the city because it can reduce the crime rate and territorial conflict by creating a more woven integrated community. This hub would also be an ideal space for small local businesses and farmer’s markets to set up and create local economic growth. An additional advantage to the tunnel system being reused is it is such a large space that it can be used for a wide range of temporary venues and activities.

Although there are a number of benefits of the adaptive reuse of older buildings, there are also some setbacks and people who advocate against its practice. One of the most common setbacks include updating the existing systems in the building to comply with present day codes. This particular issue is typically the main reason that many developers decide against adaptive reuse when deciding on a location for their project. They assess the original systems and structural elements installed in the building and determine the cost and time it will take for the updates they will need to make. In the case of the Cincinnati Subway System, the ventilation and lighting systems that were installed in the 1920’s are completely outdated and would need serious updating in order to meet todays standards. The cost of this alone in the several miles of tunnel is enough to turn away any developer from the idea of adaptive reuse.

This issue also segues into the matter of energy efficiency. It is one thing to put new systems into the building, but then comes the question of will they work efficiently with the structure? This becomes a difficult set of criteria to satisfy when it comes to an underground structure like the tunnel system. Lighting would be extremely intensive because of the nonexistence of natural light. However, this can be worked around with the incorporation of skylights or solar panels that would power the lighting. In addition to lighting comes ventilation, due to the intersecting paths of the tunnels, natural cross ventilation cannot be relied on.

One final opposition to practice of adaptive reuse is the client’s desire for something new. Human nature tells us that new is always better. As today’s technology advances, so does the way we look at architecture, and as a result so does the client’s. However, a major point that can be made in defense of adaptive reuse of older buildings is many states and private entities offer grants and federal tax credits that help cover up to twenty percent of the cost of development when it comes to reconditioning older, historic buildings. Most people would rather see something new and modern looking, than the restored beauty of an older building. In regards to historical buildings, Martin Johnson, CEO of Isles, a non profit community development and environmental organization said, “These buildings were designed to last. They were built in such a way that you know they are going to be there tomorrow.” There is something to be appreciated from the resilience of older buildings that use brick and masonry amidst the rapidly growing cityscapes of steel and glass.

The topic of abandoned transit tunnels is not unique to the city of Cincinnati, or even the United States for that matter. There are numerous subway tunnels all over the world that are abandoned and falling into disrepair that are perfect candidate sites for adaptive reuse projects. These massive underground structures provide a unique and dynamic space that can be utilized for all different kinds of programmatic use. For example, the London Underground, perhaps the most famous abandoned subway tunnel system in the world, is undergoing renov5167334156_dfc6219e6fation projects in several of the tunnels. The most recent project was converting the space into a hydroponics center. This is an example of something that could easily be done in the Cincinnati tunnel system as well. Another example is the forsaken Paris Metro. These tunnels are currently in the planning stage and awaiting approval from the city. Current proposals for the tunnels include a restaurant, night club, performance center and theatre, a lap pool and installation spaces for art exhibits. All of these wide variety of programs are great examples of how flexible the spaces in the tunnels are for any possible idea of how they can be reused for new programmatic elements.

ArsenalStationPrimary.jpg.560x0_q80_crop-smart ArsenalStation3

Proposals for Forsaken Paris Metro

Renderings: OXO Architecture + Laisné Architect

 

In conclusion, although adaptive reuse can have its negative aspects for some projects like cost and the hassle of updating the existing building systems, the benefits greatly outweigh them. When you choose to do adaptive reuse for a project such as the Cincinnati subway system, you create the opportunity to introduce sustainability into an older, historic structure by recycling the old building materials rather than importing new ones and alleviate the pressure on the carbon footprint of the building. Which in turn can create a healthy and positive effect on the community and leave it in a better state than it was in before. You also get the chance to restore a piece of the city’s history, and in this particular case, introduce a new space to the public that was never opened to them and allow them to discover a different side of their city that they never knew was there before.

 

Sources:

Boschmann, E. E. and Gabriel, J. N. (2013), “Urban sustainability and the LEED rating system: case studies on the role of regional characteristics and adaptive reuse in green building in Denver and Boulder, Colorado.” The Geographical Journal, 179: 221–233.

Bullen, Peter A., and Peter E.D. Love. “The Rhetoric of Adaptive Reuse or Reality of Demolition: Views from the Field.” The Rhetoric of Adaptive Reuse or Reality of Demolition: Views from the Field. Elsevier Publishing Co., 9 Apr. 2010. Web. 06 Sept. 2015.

Corral, Andrea. “Repurposing Old Buildings More Satisfying than Knocking them Down.” Las Vegas Business Press 31.29 (2014) ProQuest. Web. 6 Sep. 2015.

Carroon, Jean. “P.7-42; 47-55.” Sustainable Preservation: Greening Existing Buildings. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. N. page. Print.

Kaewket, Dachamont, “Power shift: a catalyst for architectural transformation: rapid transit, Cincinnati” (2015). Masters Theses. Paper 8.
http://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/8

Karen, H. M. (2007). Adaptive reuse: A balancing act. Mercer Business, 83(10), 24-28. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/docview/211664011?accountid=13158

Kersting, Jessica. “Integrating Past and Present: The Story of a Building Through Adaptive Reuse.” Electronic Thesis or Dissertation. University of Cincinnati, 2006. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. 06 Sep 2015.

Rabun, J. Stanely. “Structural Analysis of Historic Buildings.” Google Books. John C. Wiley & Sons, Inc., n.d. Web. 06 Sept. 2015.

Assignment Posts, Final 1500w

Software in Architectural Education

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Periodical: Architectural Research Quarterly

Society continuously evolves technology and embraces new trends and ideas. These advancements also bring the ability to expand the design process through the use of software. Unfortunately, the successful integration of 3D modeling software into architectural education programs has yet to occur. Continue reading Software in Architectural Education →

Assignment Posts, Final 1500w

Office Space Designed by the Senses

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Architectural Periodical: Arcade

Thesis: Designing an environment that engages and stimulates employees through the five senses leads to a more productive work environment.

Since the invention of the cubicle, mundane office life has plagued the workplace. Employers have made efforts in trying to make the office a more comfortable and productive working environment but most see it as an extra expense. Big corporations like Google have built office spaces essentially comprised of adult playgrounds so that their employees feel appreciated and enjoy their working environment.

Google Dublin, Dublin, Ireland Architects: HLW and Reddy Architecture + Urbanism

While this seems great, what about the small businesses that cannot afford to build outlandish spaces? Designing an environment that engages and stimulates employees through the five senses leads to a more productive work environment. Studies have shown that designs that respond to a greater number of senses are more successful than those that only engage one or two. Jinsop Lee, an industrial designer, gave a TED talk in 2013 about design that engages the five senses. He explained using his own sensory chart that designs that included all five senses resulted in better experiences than those that just responded to one or two. The example Lee used was a project he had in college. The professor asked the class to design a clock that used the sun. While Lee thought he was clever in using a sunflower, his classmate was more successful because he used cups of scented oils to tell the time. By appealing to more than one sense, his classmate made a more desirable and ultimately more successful product. It is important for the senses to be considered in design, especially in an office, and many of the strategies for doing so can be done on a budget. The ability to appeal to the senses in architecture, specifically in small business offices, creates more engaging spaces that people want to inhabit.

For a small business just starting out, office design may be the last thing on the list to fit into the budget.  As long as there is a place to work the work will get done and for a short term this may be suitable, but for a business looking to be successful and productive long term it is necessary to create an environment that employees feel comfortable in.  On the other hand, spaces can become too engaging and result in distractions.  Placing a ping-pong table in the middle of a work space for example, may promote a fun and active atmosphere, but it can also be a temptation to play rather than work.  There needs to a balance so that workers enjoy the space they spend a large portion of their day in, but can also do the job they are employed to do.

Designing a space to be visually pleasing is one of the most common ways to create an interesting space. People like to be visually engaged with their environment and one of the simplest and cost effective ways of doing this is by incorporating color. Offices are now painting their walls with bright colors both to “reflect employee tastes and personalities, plus company mission and culture” (Mokop). According to Heather Holz, bright colors have been proven to improve focus and energy. It has also been noted that different colors evoke different emotions and therefore their evocative nature should coordinate with the space in which it is used. For example, blue reflects a quality of calmness so it should be used in spaces like reading rooms or personal offices. Colors such as orange and yellow are more stimulating so they should be used in spaces such as conference rooms that generate a lot of discussion and collaboration (Holz). Another very important aspect to a healthy and productive office environment is natural light. Sabret Flocos, former founding principle of FOX architects, said, “being able to see the outside world has restorative influences” (Holz). Stephen Kellert, a professor at Yale University who focuses on the interaction of humans and nature, also argues that people enjoy spaces that utilize the natural environment and by using translucent materials such as glass to provide an abundance of natural light, the work environment will be enhanced. A well-lit working environment is not the only benefit from the use of natural light; it also can contribute to solar gain, which in turn lowers heating costs and creates a sustainable environment. By making these simple changes, small businesses can save money and provide an enjoyable work environment.

Superheroes, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Architects: Simon Bush-King Architecture + Urbanism
Superheroes, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Architects: Simon Bush-King Architecture + Urbanism

One downfall is that most startup companies are not able to build brand new buildings; therefore, renovating their existing space is the only option. Because the advertising agency Superheroes in Amsterdam, Netherlands, had a short-term lease they did not have a large sum of money in the budget dedicated to office space. Due to the expense of glass and other construction costs, the firm Simon Bush-King Architecture & Urban took this challenge and used OSB with CNC cutouts to break up direct views and let light into the office space of Superheroes. The material not only provides economical benefits but also provides an interesting backdrop for the office.

After sight, sound is one of the most important factors to consider in an office. The open plan concept is popular because it allows flexibility and promotes collaboration; however, workers tend to get distracted or annoyed by phone calls and surrounding conversations when they are trying to work. One way of avoiding this would be to organize the space into zones. By placing activities requiring collaboration together in one space and work that requires more individual concentration in a more private setting, employees are able to focus on the tasks at hand. Because space can be tight in small offices, dividing the workplace into zones may not be feasible. Using materials that absorb sound such as plants, cork, or felt can also separate spaces in an open plan. For example the use of plants to divide spaces will help damper the conversation in an area instead of reverberating throughout the office while also promoting a healthy environment through natural air filtration. Because plants require constant maintenance and do not absorb a majority of the sound, another option is to use felt.

Livefyre engineering department, San Francisco, California, Architects: Studio O+A
Livefyre engineering department, San Francisco, California, Architects: Studio O+A

Felt absorbs sound thus creating a quieter environment. Studio O+A used a felt installation on the ceiling in the startup company Livefyre’s engineering workspace. The engineering department wanted the best of both worlds, collaborative and individual spaces in one. To create the individual spaces, they designed soundproof booths in the walls that are both silent and comfortable. Limiting spaces divided by hard walls will help to lower sound reverberation, thus creating a less noisy and more productive environment.

Episodic memory is the memory of autobiographical events that can be associated with places or emotions. When people taste or smell things it usually prompts an episodic memory. Out of the five senses taste is the most difficult to design for. If taste is not taken literally, but rather the sensation of taste, people will associate this sensation with specific instances, or episodic memories. Certain textures and colors can remind workers of food or the feeling of food. Although this is a visual sensation it creates an oral stimulation through memory. The rich color and flowing pattern of marble can bring out thoughts of cream in coffee, producing a warm and comforting sensation. As Junhani Pallasmaa, a Finish architect and expert on designing for the senses, explains, “vision becomes transferred to taste as well; certain colours and delicate details evoke oral sensations.”

 

University of Toronto Multi-Faith Center Toronto, Canada Architects: Mariyama and Teshima
University of Toronto Multi-Faith Center
Toronto, Canada
Architects: Mariyama and Teshima

Another sense that tends to employ difficulties is smell mainly because people are sensitive to changes in scents. However, the sense of smell is extremely powerful in triggering memory. “The most persistent memory of any space is often its smell” (Pallasmaa). One way to stimulate the sense of smell in the office is by lighting candles or by having certain potted plants that give off a pleasant aroma. The use of plants also doubles as a sound barrier therefore the senses of sound and smells are appealed to creating a more dynamic space. By placing different scents throughout the office it will provide awareness of the different spaces and serve as a marker to employees and visitors alike. For example, the Toronto University the Multi-Faith Center uses a green wall with plants that give off a pleasant aroma. Behind the wall runs an HVAC duct that blows the scent into the meditation room providing a calm and relaxing space. Although this is not an office space, this system could be employed in the working environment.

Livefyre, San Francisco, California, Architects: Studio O+A

People are fascinated by the sense of touch hence the creation of the Please Touch Museum. Texture can really set the mood for a space. Carpet and wood create a homey feeling whereas, steel, glass, and hard stone have a sterile feeling. Livefyre’s office creates a homey feeling for its employees by using materials typically found in their employees’ homes such as wood and area carpets. Designing for touch is important because people are in constant contact with the world around them, so creating a space that is comfortable to the touch reflects people’s mood.

Creating an enjoyable and comfortable workspace for employees is the most important thing a company can do to increase worker satisfaction and ultimately result in a more productive work environment. As designers we have the ability to put this thought into action. Designing spaces that focus on all of the senses could lead to innovative office strategies that are not only engaging, but economical as well. Large companies such as Google have the capital to convert all of their workplaces into lavish, colorful, and playful spaces, but enjoyable working environments should be experienced by all businesses. Small companies such as startups do not have the extra money to use on office design; many are just getting started and need to invest in more immediate expenses. However, “…workplace design should be considered a driver of employee output…” (Boucher). Employee comfort should be part of the initial business expenses because the health and wellbeing of a company’s employees is the backbone of a company’s productivity.

 

Featured Image: Frankly SF

Interior Designers: Homepolish Inc.

Sources:

Moskop, Susan. More buisnesses wear their personalities on their walls. Chicago Tribune, 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 2015. http://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/originals/ct-workplace-colors-bsi-20150923-story.html

Fedele, Angela. Four Ways to Reduce Office Noise. Sourceable, 26 June 2015. Web. 22 Oct. 22015. https://sourceable.net/four-ways-to-reduce-office-noise/#

Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. London: Academy Editions, 1996.

Holz, Heather. Sensory Architecture: Redefining How One Interprets Space. Fargo: North Dakota State U, 2011. “Engage the 5 Senses to Inspire Workplace Productivity.” Convene.N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Sept. 2015.

Kellert, Stephen R. Building for Life: Designing and Understanding the Human-Nature Connection. Washington: Island, 2005. Print.

Boucher, Bernice. “Measuring the Economics of Engaged Workplaces.” Work Design

Magazine 8 Feb. 2014: n. pag. Web. 11 Dec. 2015.

<http://workdesign.com/2014/02/measuring-economics-engaged-workplaces/>.

Final 1500w

Reforming Formal Architecture Education

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Reforming Formal Architectural Education

Periodical: Arch Daily or Design Intelligence

       There currently exists a disconnect between the design driven aspect of school and the true workings of an architectural office. This is corrected by incorporating internships and office experiences into formal architecture education. In addition, we should consider the way schools are reviewed and accredited to be changed or overhauled. By changing the formal education that architecture students currently receive, students will have a better understanding of the professional worlds and be better prepared to intelligently solve design problems.

The current formal model of architecture education works to “expose students to various situations and train them to cultivate and appreciate values” (Chakraborty). The current education given in the studio environment does this well. But when you stop and focus on other areas of study such as construction, one can see that these books and writings haven’t been updated recently (Chakraborty). In addition, studio has become rigid and product oriented, rather than focusing on a student development. This skill of developing a project more completely would allow students to adapt to the ever-changing design world that we are now involved in (“The Future of Architectural Education”). This would allow students to work as true design thinkers and problem solvers enabling students to work towards solving local, community, and world problems.

From speaking to several students about their experiences, the formal education that they have received thus far has effectively taught them how to be an efficient designer and to think creatively. For students that had an internship this summer, students learned many things that they had never heard of in school. Learnings rangers from the ever-changing state and national codes that define how we design, building spaces, and the buildings themselves including their systems and build ups. The education changes that are proposed and based on these experiences “shouldn’t merely be just like being in practice; it should offer the opportunity to experiment, to push and test ideas” as a problem solver would in the design world (Hunter).

One program that could be used as a precedent is the architecture program at Drexel University. At Drexel they have the option to do a 2+4 program. This program starts out the first two years with a formal education of the design process and other fundamentals. The other four years are spent taking night classes and working full-time as an intern at local firm in Philadelphia (Drexel University). This type of education allows students to receive a meaningful formal education as well as gain real world experience over four years. In addition to the experience, this model allows students to start working or potentially completing their IDP hours so that upon graduation they are eligible for completion of their ARE exams.

A second program that is a great example is that of the Master of Architecture at University of Cincinnati. Designed for students without an undergraduate degree in architecture, this program is unique in that it has a co-operative education program as well as research concentrations. The co-operative education program offers a connection between the academic and commercial worlds (Cincinnati), allowing students to gain irreplaceable knowledge in the field, as well as continuing their formal education. The research concentration option provides mentorship with a faculty member and potentially an architect in the community for student-led research (Cincinnati).

These schools both serve as excellent examples of internship experience in a firm and how it can be integrated into formal architecture education. It is important to remember that students learn a great amount during our education. The studio culture that we thrive in is very important to the way students learn and practice once they graduate. The interactions that occur in studio are often similar to those that one would experience in the field when speaking to a client. When reforming formal architecture education by adding the previously listed items, reformers must remember that studio culture is an integral part of education. These mentioned reforms do not eliminate studio culture, but rather help to make it more healthy and beneficial to students.

In addition to implementing internships and outside learning experiences, the accreditation requirements for our programs should be changed. The process required to complete an accredited degree is an extremely daunting challenge: 150 credits in college (five years or more), internships (usually five years), and a seven part registration exam (two to four years). According to the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), this takes an aspiring architect on average 14.5 years after the completion of high school (Mruk). When compared to other professions such as law who attend three years of graduate school, most students are able to sit for their bar exams within three months (Mruk). Considering that both of these are professional degrees, shouldn’t the time to pass architecture education be shortened to match other degrees similar to it? One solution to this problem is to allow specialization and a tiered education system. This would allow students to have different requirements based on what they plan on doing with their degrees. This is not to say that education the way it is now would cease to exist. The ‘generalist’ education we receive now is not to be completely discredited, but should be split to allow for other skills.

licensure-1

Design Intelligence article “A Better Path to Practicing” by Renee Cheng

       Reforming architectural education as a whole is another solution that bridges the gap between school and the professional environment. Accreditation is a tricky process and streamlines architecture education across the country. By changing the accreditation values, education could be a forced reform for all schools, and not optional for those that can fit internships into their programs. Schools are able to define their curriculum but NAAB has the power to define what is required of faculty and information that must be provided to students.

There are all of these ideas on how to change the education students are currently receiving, but how should one go about implementing all of these changes? As mentioned in an article by Robert Ivy for the AIA NAAB accrediting team, we are asking for new design intelligence and real world business practice at the same time. While asking for all of these changes, school budgets are being pulled in all directions, a factor that is often forgotten. Many in the industry believe that universities, students, and professionals want to better the education that architecture students receive, but working together is required in order to implement solutions that are worth while and make a difference.

Some professional say that the current education system is okay how it is and that an overhaul in the education system would be more disruptive than beneficial. There are no longer many that oppose the change in education. Faculty and practicing architects are now looking for creative minds to solve new design problems as well as graduates that are face-paced with technology and able to work across several disciplines (Ivy). Many folks in the industry are promoting and asking for a change in our formal education so that graduates are ready for the work force and can bring the skills needed to solve our worlds ever changing problems.

By changing educational values as a whole, we would be able to bridge the gap between formal architectural education and the professional work field. The main strategy suggested that would help to bridge this gap is to incorporate internships and firm experience info the formal education students currently receive. Programs such as Drexel and Cincinnati are great examples of ways to incorporate this learning into the education we already receive. Another way to incorporate firm experience into education would be similar to study abroad, but instead a study away where a student would move to a city and have an internship for a semester that would quantify for some credits as well. In order to implement this, students must take control of their education and call upon NAAB and NCARB to make an official change to the education requirements. NCARB has the ability to change the requirements for IDP and ARE exams that would pressure NAAB to change education requirements. NAAB has the most power in this situation by being able to change what is required for students learn and in part how they gain the information and experience. Changing formal architecture education is no small task and will not be a short process, but this should not deter anyone from causing change for the better.

 

 

Work Cited:

-Chakraborty, Manjari. “Designing Better Architecture Education: Global Realities and Local Reform” Copal Publishing Group. Copyright 2015. Print. Pages 120-200.

-Cramer, James P. “A Proposal to Improve Architectural Education” Design Intelligence. November 1, 2012. <http://www.di.net/articles/a-proposal-to-improve-architectural-education/>

-Drexel University. Architecture home page. Copyright 2015. <http://drexel.edu/westphal/undergraduate/ARCH/>

-Hunter, Will. “Alternative Routes for Architecture” The Architectural Review. September 28, 2012. <http://www.architectural-review.com/education/alternative-routes-for-architecture/8636207.article>

-Ivy, Robert. “Practicing Architecture: Take Five: Should Architecture Education Change?” AIA. September 14, 2012. <http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB095950>

-Mruk, Frank J. “Architect Licensing Needs a Gut Rehab” The Wall Street Journal. September 29, 2015. <http://www.wsj.com/articles/architect-licensing-needs-a-gut-rehab-1443569103>

-University of Cincinnati. Masters of Architecture home page. Copyright 2015. <http://daap.uc.edu/academics/said/m_arch.html>

-No Author. “The Future of Architectural Education” Designing Buildings. July 21, 2014. <http://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/The_future_of_architectural_education>

 

 

Featured Image: Photo and Work By- Kai Hian Ong. Diploma 13. “Geometric Plate VI-X Chaos vs Order”

Final 1500w

DESIGNING FOR HUMAN AND WILDLIFE USERS

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To be published in LA+ Journal.

In thirty to forty years, seven out of ten people will be living in a city, making interaction with urban wildlife a daily possibility for seventy percent of the population (qtd. in Binay, “Coexist”). As urban populations rise and development takes over wilderness environments, the wildlife that inhabited those environments gets displaced or absorbed into the urban wildlife population. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a study in 1978 commenting on historical practices of urbanization pointing out how wildlife has been given little to no consideration (Leedy, 7). Since then, U.S. urbanization has only increased. Because of the disturbance in the natural ecosystem, so-called nuisance species – rats, raccoons, and pigeons – have increased in urban environments while other species’ populations have plummeted. According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, by the year 2050, the continued expansion of U.S. cities will consume land the size of Pennsylvania (ASLA para. 1). The article goes on to say, even with the existing wilderness areas, many habitats are already too small to sustain wildlife populations. Interaction and necessity for accommodation of urban wildlife is an undeniably growing reality.

As the practice currently stands, architecture is designed with the human user in mind. In the hierarchy of design, human needs should remain primary, however, wildlife accommodations should be a serious consideration. Humans and wildlife can coexist in an urban setting. We are reliant on them as pollinators, reliant on the plants they pollinate for clean air, and reliant on clean air to breathe. Beyond physical survival needs, interaction with urban wildlife adds a dimension of comfort and inner peace to an urban resident’s quality of life. A shift in the mindset of the urban population is critical in order to enact real change. Urban renters and owners must develop an appreciation for coexisting with local wildlife, politicians need to recognize the value of enacting government funded parks and public spaces that encourage interaction with urban wildlife, and current and future business people need to see the importance of putting money and time towards designing for urban wildlife. Urban wildlife in New York City is not a nuisance to exterminate; it is an opportunity for responsive architecture and landscape design.

 

greenroof in Switzerland

“Cantonal Hospital of Basel, built in accordance with the city’s new guidelines on green roofs and urban biodiversity.” -Brenneisen

Image by Diane Cook & Len Jenshel

 

There is a clear need to raise community awareness regarding interaction between human beings and wildlife. This interaction has been unappreciated by many New York City residents, but has become a recognized need by others. Awareness of the necessity to help sustain and appreciate urban wildlife should be fostered among urban renters and owners. To create an environment of coexistence between urban residents and urban wildlife, there must be wildlife accomodation put into the design of residential buildings in New York City. The focus in the urban residential sector should be providing interaction between wildlife and residents through creating sustainable local wildlife habitats. Switzerland has recently been at the forefront in plans to include wildlife in residential buildings. This has been implemented mainly in the city of Basel and is one of the only cities in the country that is implementing this guideline as law. The inhabitants of New York City, both humans and wildlife, would benefit from adopting a similar mindset. The plan in Basel includes designing green roofs as habitats and includes welcoming wildlife in these spaces. The guidelines provide research about varying substrate depth necessary in maintaining diverse species of local wildlife. There are limitations in green roof design given the harsher sun, wind, and weather at higher elevations, but incorporation of varying substrate depths and constructed enclosures provide a more suitable habitat than shallow, uniform green roofs. They are implementing this law, with provided guidelines, which states that every flat roof in the city is required to be “green” (Brenneisen, para. 1). By doing this, designers and developers will be forced to include this important aspect in the building design and accommodate wildlife while fostering public interaction. The general idea is to create these “green” roofs in order to recreate the habitats of the animals that would be living in the area taken over by development. By creating these habitats, the animals will live in spaces that are known to them and the interaction between the urban wildlife and the urban dwellers will have a natural platform. Guidance is provided to the creation of different plants and animals’ habitats on theses “green” roofs through stipulations in the law. It is clear that there is a need for the creation of different spaces that accommodate wildlife into residential buildings; it brings the opportunity to coexist directly to the urban dweller’s home.

 

Trace

TRACE Installation at McCarren Park

Image from Binay Master Thesis

 

Government owned public spaces and parks should be sites for continued interaction and education for the public. There is a need to create habitats for wildlife in public lots and parks to increase awareness of nature’s plea to coexist. Turkish born and raised NYU design student, Rona Binay, did her master thesis on the interaction between wildlife users and human beings in public spaces. She talks about the idea of making small changes to shift the general point of view regarding the accommodation of wildlife users in the design of public spaces that are primarily intended for human use.Wildspotting is a phone application created for the main purpose of documenting interaction between urban dwellers and urban wildlife. In this app “users snap pictures of an urban animal they encounter, and upload them to the platform along with quantity and specific location” (Binay, 17). Then people can enter the app and see what species are near by them and what animals they have to opportunity to interact with. This phone app is mainly design for the New York City area and the urban wildlife that exist in there. This is a great example of how there is project that focuses on the wildlife living next to humans and how the interaction happens. Another Binay design that is already being implemented in New York City is TRACE in McCarren park. The mission behind TRACE is offering the public a platform for conscious interaction with urban wildlife. Installed in public parks, the urban dweller can approach a clear board and quite literally trace the nature and wildlife they see. It is a simple, kinesthetic action that increases awareness of the wildlife around.

 

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Google Headquarters in Mountain View, California

Image from BIG gallery

 

Lastly, commercial buildings in New York City should also incorporate wildlife planning into their design. Designing for both humans and wildlife users in often overlooked. Architects and landscape designers should maintain the idea of designing for human beings as the main purpose of an architectural proposition, but wildlife accommodation should also come into play when designing a building. For instance there is a proposal by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) to design a new Google Headquarters located in Mountain View, California that incorporates sustainable habitats and wildlife interaction through restored wetlands. They intend to design flexible workspaces that meshes outdoor with indoor instead of having a permanent structure with a single purpose (Alternative Energy, 5). There will be an interaction between outside spaces and users in the ground floor. Parking lots will be consolidated and there will be a revitalization of native ecosystems including wetlands and wildlife. This building clearly shows an example of how to commercially design for wildlife and human users to interact. BIG included wildlife habitats specific to the Mountain View animal population, but firms designing for New York City should research the ramifications of their design and consider how to accommodate the local wildlife they are displacing.

The other side of this issue will argue that the possible benefits of integrating wildlife into the world of architecture is not worth the financial sacrifice. Paying for the design and construction of a landscape that supports multiple local species is inevitably going to be more expensive than throwing in bulk discount trees every 50 feet. The market order of value would only focus on the design of the building in response to human needs. Everything else, including wildlife accommodation, would be viewed as an extra expense and not easily financially justified. Responding to this argument, part of what makes standard practice so much more affordable is that it is incorporated in bulk manufacturing. The only way for manufacturing norms to change is for demand to change, and for that to happen, designing for wildlife needs to become standard. On a broader scale of morality, civic duty to preserve habitats should undoubtedly outweigh any financial gain.  

Interaction and necessity to accommodate wildlife in residential, government subsidized public, and commercial buildings is a growing reality and there are some projects in which they take into account this issue. The examples mentioned above enrich the environment cohabited by humans and animals. Residents and the general public in New York City need to develop their appreciation of urban wildlife. A change in public mindset is necessary for architects and landscape designers to be presented with the opportunity to design new and innovative spaces for multiple kinds of users. Designing for urban wildlife must be considered in New York City in order to take advantage of what this new interaction might bring to urban society.

Sources:

Alternative Energy. “Google Biodome: New Headquarters to Blend with Environment.” Alternative Energy. Ed. Alex Ramon. N.p., 2 Mar. 2015. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. <http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/google-biodome-headquarters/>.

American Society of Landscape Architects. “Designing Neighborhoods for People and Wildlife.” Designing Our Future: Sustainable Landscapes. National Endowment for the Arts, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. <http://www.asla.org/sustainablelandscapes/Vid_Wildlife.html>.

Binay, Rona. Masters Thesis: COEXIST: Mixing with Urban Wildlife.Products of Design. SVA NYC, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. <http://productsofdesign.sva.edu/blog/rona-binay-thesis>.

Brenneisen, Stephan, and University of Applied Sciences Wadenswil. “Space for Urban Wildlife: Designing Green Roofs as Habitats in Switzerland.” Urban Habitats: n. pag. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. <http://www.urbanhabitats.org/v04n01/wildlife_full.html>.

Larry, Beth, and U.S. Forest Service. “Urban Research Monitoring Wildlife in Urban and Urbanizing Areas.” Feb. 2013. Adobe Acrobat PDF file.

Leedy, Daniel L., et al. Planning for Wildlife in Cities and Suburbs. Ellicott City: Urban Wildlife Research Center, 1978. HathiTrust Digital Library. Web. 23 Oct. 2015. <http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015086433680;view=1up;seq=3>.

 

Featured Image of Central Park towards 5th Ave by Ed Yourdon.