My design is called called Greenhouse Square. The main concept derives from my original house like form in my collage. I took that form and focused on the triangular top, translated the the push and pull of the shapes and made a miniature version of the 3 dimensional model that uses the same language with more purpose in the spaces joined together. I also put a great deal of focus on being environmentally friendly so each unit includes 2 miniature indoor greenhouse spaces that are formed by the double pane grand windows on only 2 sides of the unit which correspond to the 2 sides of the triangular shape and the suns directions and which sole purpose is for houseplants, but the space is still habitable. Also included are 2 small rooftop gardens for tiny plant life such as moss that collects rainwater and promotes animal life. It’s formed by the push and pull language in the form of the unit, and several added special features are included such as a conversation pit to reinforce the same push and pull language of the form on the inside of the units, a personal backyard space to promote gardening, 1 parking space, 1 rainwater catcher, and double story high ceilings for hanging big murals, artwork, or pictures. I also made sure to do research on an environmentally friendly landscapes so the main material designed on the site is cobblestone which helps guide, collect, and preserve rainwater, and the small green spaces are not actually grass but clover with planted desert plants such as fox tail agave and aloe vera which are perfect rainwater collectors. When aggregating my units together on the site I made sure the windows and greenhouses correlated to the suns directions and since one of the requirements said to have the units touch I designed courtyard spaces in front of the entrances to the units to have a “townhouse square” feel while also using the same push and pull language by staggering some of the units. The structure of each unit is mostly post and beam. The main materials used are wood I joists, steel beams, double pane glass and the flooring is a concrete slab. To conclude, the material used on the facade of the units are reclaimed/ recycled wood planks, and there are a few special stone walls that’ll give a nice waterfall effect when it rains.
Hathaway Section - Spring 2020 