The dualist relationship between the inhabited spaces and the farm drives the scheme These two forces, man and nature, rely on their intricate interconnections and interdependence to exist. This is accomplished by separating the program by its relation to man or nature, and creating two distinct forms, which are dependent on and connected by circulation and mechanical spaces. Commercial and retail spaces occupy the first seven floors of the building, while the residential units are located on the north side of the building, with views of the Seattle skyline. The vertical farm extends along the south side of the building to capture maximum sun exposure.
This design responds to the proposed site by encouraging organic, free-flowing movement between each building cluster, while drawing focus to the inner courtyards. Ten classrooms are organized radially around a raised walkway to form an open, but protected “learning pod.” The central courtyard utilizes steps as seating for large gatherings, as well as, becoming a drainage pool during the wet season. Rammed earth is the central building material, allowing for a reduction in the amount of water required to build the classrooms and surrounding site work. The material is locally sourced, abundant, environmentally responsible, and durable with the use of integrated sealants. The open-air design of the structure allows air to move through the building allowing the heat of the day to dissipate and rise away from the building. The sloped roof design allows efficient drainage while incorporating a locally sourced, lightweight and recyclable material. Kente cloth is used to provide acoustic installation in the ceiling, as well as classroom window coverings. The use of distinctive patterns provides traditional symbolic meaning to the spaces and allows for differentiation between the classrooms.
The program is driven by three pillars of Judaism: Torah (study), Avodah (worship), and Tzedakah Gemlet Chasadim (random acts of kindness/community). These pillars are are manifested in the program as a school, a synagogue, and a public library, respectively. The form is derived from the star of David, a symbol in the Jewish faith which can hold any number of meanings. The triangles represent opposing forces: physical and spiritual, good and evil, and heaven and earth. These forces impose themselves on the design. The library and school comprise the first level, which is embedded into the site while the synagogue is located on the second level reaching towards the heavens. The orientation of worship is exaggerated by the use of diagonal members to create a focal point for the Torah.
The project for a community center sits in downtown Springfield, Missouri, a hub for commercial and social activities. The design serves as a meeting place for local organizations as well as an open venue for community use. The program include’s administrative offices, an accessible lobby, storage, and indoor and outdoor meeting spaces. The administrative offices are placed on the first floor easily accessible to the public, both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces are placed on the upper level, communicating a hierarchy of spaces where the organizations are more important than the individuals who lead them. The two floors are connected by a staircase running parallel to the facade. The metal structure’s facade uses large intersecting line to mimic the interactions and connections that take place within the building.
