Studio Mega

MegaDams: Fighting Against Global Warming

2006-12-18T00:40:00.000-08:00

GLOBAL WARMING
Over the last 100 years, sea level has risen 10 to 25 cm and will continue to rise 1 meter each century. A serious problem facing global regions around the world, global warming is slowly deteriorating our planet, warming the seas, and causing dangerous increases in the overall sea level. Several regions are already experiencing the dangerous effects. Carbon dioxide pollution is one of the most significant causes leading to an increase in air temperature. A datascape was constructed by mapping the level of carbon dioxide emissions per country and the level of increase in air temperature. Through analyzing the causes contributing to global warming, targeted areas were found to be killing themselves: regions that are facing immediate dangers of lost land to the sea as well as one of the leading producers of carbon dioxide emissions. The regions must combat the process or face extinction. A newly released movie, An Inconvenient Truth, looks at the approaching outcome.

SITE ANALYSIS
Several of the regions face greater risks to the effects of global warming due to their increasingly large population and industrial centers. After the East coast of the United States was identified as one of these regions, the Chesapeake Bay area was found to be one of the largest ports, housing the Virginia Port Authority, and centers of international trade and economics, as well as known to be experiencing twice the normal rise in sea level. With the location of important ports and other coastal regions at a relatively low elevation, Norfolk, Virginia was chosen as the site of further analysis. A number of problems were identified as a direct result of global warming and potential flooding.

PROBLEMS [In addition to flooding]
Infrastructure & Need to maintain Port Access
Displacement of People & Industry
Need to expand Green Space for absorption of CO2

Site Elevation: determines the land lost

Site Analysis: Orange shows the Housing concentrations and the Green shows the current Green Space

PROPOSAL
Based on the research and analysis, a system of dams were developed as a means of creating manmade wetlands to allowing for CO2 absorption and a means of controlling the rising water. The master plan over time through a series of phases, incorporating new construction as well as accommodating for the continued increase in water. The number one problem was water control which led to the development of linear dams. One of the first effects of global warming will be the initial flooding of the ports and infrastructure and presents the challenge to maintain them. The dam system is designed to permanently connect the current ports and channels to mainland at a safe elevation as show in the image below. By incorporating existing highways as shown, the plan maintains of existing infrastructure and minimizes disturbance. An affordable solution for areas at risk of land loss, typically coastal regions, could utilize surplus shipping containers as a prefabricated building material. The phases are described in more detail below.

The video belows shows the rate of water increase over time in relation to the MegaDam system.

Phase I
Water rise to 5m
Construction of Linear Dams: elevate highway, dam construction beneath

Phase I: Plan

Phase I: Sectional Perspective of Dam

Phase II
Water rise to 10m
Construction of Secondary Dams: organic construction to replenish natural areas
Relocation of Ports

Phase II: Plan

Phase II: Location of Secondary Dams

Phase II:Location of New Ports in connection to MegaDam

Phase III
Water rise to 15m
Construction of Program Adjacent to Dams due to population displacement

Phase III: Plan

Phase III: Sectional Perspective of Dam

Phase IV
Water rise to 20m
Additional Adjacent Program grows from Dam
Water begins to permeate secondary dams to continue forming wetlands
System of Dams becomes the ribs and backbone for the community

Phase IV: PlanPhase IV: Sectional Drawing showing water increase in relation to MegaDam

Additional Images

2006-12-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

Current Aerial Photograph

MegaDam insertion including relocated docts, dam linear infrastructure, additional adjacent programming, and secondary organic dams for water control

After flooding of secondary dams

Highlighting Relocated accessible ports

MegaDams: plan to create wetland cities [Final Review]

2006-12-08T01:04:00.000-08:00

GLOBAL WARMING
A serious problem facing society, global warming is slowly deteriorating our planet, warming the seas, and causing dangerous increases in the overall sea level. Carbon dioxide pollution is one of the leading causes. Through extensive research, targeted areas were found to be killing themselves: regions that are facing immediate dangers of lost land to the sea as well as one of the leading producers of carbon dioxide emissions. The regions must combat the process or face extinction.

See previous posts for images

SITE ANALYSIS
Several of the regions face greater risks due to the effects of global warming due to their increasingly large population and industrial centers. After the East coast of the United States was identified as one of these regions, the Chesapeake Bay area was found to be one of the largest ports and centers of international trade and economics, as well as known to be experiencing twice the normal rise in sea level. With the location of important ports and other coastal regions at a relatively low elevation, Norfolk, Virginia was chosen as the site of further analysis. A number of problems were identified as a direct result of global warming and potential flooding.

PROBLEMS [In addition to flooding]
Infrastructure & Need to maintain Port Access
Displacement of People & Industry
Need to expand Green Space for absorption of CO2

Elevation: determines the land lost

Green Space: needs to increase for CO2 reduction

Housing Concentrations: areas of possible future displaced residents

Design Analysis: rectangular boxes show port locations and shaded white regions show area to remain after 250 years

PROPOSAL
Based on the research and analysis, a system of dams were developed as a means of creating wetlands to allowing for CO2 absorption and a means of controlling the rising water. The master plan over time through a series of phases, incorporating new construction as well as accommodating for the continued increase in water. The number one problem was water control which led to the development of linear dams. One of the first effects of global warming will be the initial flooding of the ports and infrastructure and presents the challenge to maintain them. The dam system is designed to permanently connect the current ports and channels to mainland at a safe elevation as show in the image below. By incorporating existing highways as shown, the plan maintains of existing infrastructure and minimizes disturbance. The phases are described in more detail below.

Phase I
Water rise to 5m
Construction of main linear form: road above, dam beneath along major highways
Suggested construction can utilize shipping containers already on site
Phase II
Water rise to 10m
Construction of secondary dams: natural in construction to replenish natural areas
Phase III
Water rise to 15m
Construction of other program: refugee housing, displaced people
Alternative program installed adjacent to linear infrastructure
Phase IV
Water rise to 20m
Additional program grows from linear form to incorporate displaced industry
System of dams becomes the ribs and backbone for the community

Four Vignettes showing the MegaDams: (1) Original Site (2) Installation of Dam & Infrastructure (3) Sea Floods region closet to Sea (4) Installation of Secondary Dams & Green Space

12.06.06- Site Maps

2006-12-06T12:05:00.000-08:00

Studio Crit

2006-12-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2006 with Professor Rael and Nicole Carter

-Issue of time: key to the development of project
- Why the connection to the sea?
- Are they designed to save existing architecture or create new architecture?
- What does the infrastructure serve?
1. Connection from port to land- where are the ports and roads?
2. Begins to serve as replacement housing
- Phasing: primary dam + secondary dam

Site Analysis

2006-12-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

12.01.06 Work in Progress

2006-12-01T11:23:00.000-08:00

Development of Form in Progress:
Sections
Transportation / Infrastructure Network
Repeating modules
Morphing caused by Water

11.29.06 Progress

2006-11-29T10:45:00.000-08:00

The first image begins to explore the juxtaposition of the linear form in 2 directions. It presents interesting opportunities for interaction with the land and water as well as unique conditions for the territory within the interior of the intersecting forms.

The second image takes a closer look at the linear forms: how they would house infrastructure as well as community life. Multiple levels would increase land area, particularly that which would otherwise be lost. The end of the form take on the shape of the contours from the land lost over time. Further exploration is needed to incorporate sunlight within the levels and see how the water interacts within the form as well as around it.

11.29.06

2006-11-28T18:49:00.001-08:00

Diminishing Shoreline in next 3 Images

11.26.06

2006-11-26T20:57:00.000-08:00

The next step was to further define the idea of a wetland city and how it would be sited and developed programmatically based on previous research mappings.

SITE
One of the prominent regions identified was the eastern coast of the United States. Upon further research into the areas most affected by global warming, the Chesapeake Bay region was near the top of the list. The rise in sea level is twice the world average and anticipated to rise 8 inches in the next 25 years. The area is one of the nation's top 5 ports with the Virginia Port Authority being the largest port complex in the United States. While it sits at a dangerously low elevation, the region around the port at Norfolk is thriving with business and links the country to international commerce. A port is a gateway to the economy within a country as well as one of the first regions affected by rising water. The image below shows the relationship of the Virginia ports to the rest of the world.

The overall chosen site lies around the Norfolk area. The map below shows the Norfolk and Virginia Beach regions with the water and green space highlighted. The region exhibits characteristics of a wetland and the juxtaposition of two habitats.
PROGRAM

Replenish green space
Unharmed by flooding
Adaptable to warm climate / cools itself
Accessible by intrastructure
Partially inhabitable by water
Occupiable space to further tourism
Prevents erosion

he Norfolk area is center to finance, trade, tourism, shipbuilding, and food processing as well as an international port. In the event of flooding due to global warming, it will be important to maintain the infrastructure. The map below illustrates significant roads, ports, and train stations in orange.

The purpose of this megastructure is to act as a MegaPort, operational in flood conditions by creating an environment similar to a wetland, but yet creating a flourishing economical center. The structure will be partially submerged with a significant portion constructed of shipping containers. Container cargo is expected to quadruple in the next 20 years to approximately 30 million containers per year.

The next step is to begin to define a form. At the moment, it will begin as a linear form running perpendicular to the main highway, yet connecting the main highway to the sea and port while partially submerged. The red area shows the targeted siting area.

11.20.06

2006-11-19T23:08:00.000-08:00

PROPOSAL
The Proposal considers the concept of a Wetland City. Designed as a hybrid between land and the sea, the city would accomodate flooding and be transformed by the new presence of water.

SITE
Although areas at risk to flooding due to global warming have been identified, the proposal could be set in a number of coastal cities or shores to other bodies of water. A site with a similar topography would be most favorable but with manmade on-site construction, the concept can be carried to almost any location.

The sketch below (My apologies for its distortion due to blogger) illustrates the land continues that dictate the need for a particular topography. A number of sketches and study were done to determine the best topography for flood control. The topography allows for the development of early wetlands and beginner flooding and accomodates the increase in water.
PROGRAM
High Density, Compact
Integrated Green space
Central Transportation & Communication Hub
Redefined yet maintained during flooding
Pedestrian friendly

In the images, orange represents the transportation and yellow represents the housing and mixed use development.

HUMAN SCALE MODELS

PERSONAL THOUGHTS
I am experimentING with several advanced modeling tools but forsee the use of the cloning tool once the project is developed into more specific detail. Right now the use of FormZ is more hindering to the development of my project than it is aiding in the design. Full reliance on technology seems to strip away at the development process, and the continued frustrations kill the momentum of the design. I'm not designing for the project; I'm designing for FormZ. As far as the final critique, I would like to present with display boards to a group of reviewers. Blogger is not always reliable and inhibits our way of presenting.

11.15.06 Sketches

2006-11-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

11.15.06

2006-11-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

The Wetland City:
a hybrid between two life systems

Program
Transportation
Pedestrian Circulation
Greenspace
Housing / Mixed Use

Characteristics of a Wetland City
Importance of Elevation Change
Interaction with Organic Life
Lower Structure adaptable to Water Presence
Emerging Structure Interacting With Water

I am currently working sectional to explore structural options, program for water adaptable areas, and the incorporation of coral either as a roof structure, means of pedestrian circulation, or cladding. The proposal would include the new city prototype with specifics on important details to the design.

11.13.06

2006-11-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

In the previous class I had a clear direction and goal to explore the idea of an architecture style that served as a defense against the effects of global warming. I am currently struggling with the megascale- the problem of going beyond just repeating smaller forms in vast quantities to having an overall cohesive scheme while maintaining a significant level of detail. The megascale presents a challenge to the level of detail developed at project completion.

While I still might maintain developing a segment of the proposal, recent ideas include the idea of a wetland city- a city that functions as an intermediary between land and the sea, to accomodate for both life systems and yet function as an absorbing element.

Proposal 11.10.06

2006-11-09T17:12:00.000-08:00

Through the mapimation process with global warming, it was evident that several at risk regions faced a high population density, further increase due to migration, numerous industries, and a flourishing economy. While many factors led to sustainable design as a solution, I am proposing an architecture that goes beyond sustainability as a defensive against the effects of global warming. Its purpose is to not only to propose architecture that sustains itself but reduces current contributing factors such as the presence of carbon dioxide. The proposal will be based on mass housing to accomodate the existing high population densities, allow for increase due to migration, and enable the region to continue its economic flourishing. Program requirements and strategies are presented below.

PROGRAM
Reduces levels of carbon dioxide
Mass housing accomodations
Modular
Constructed through fabrication
Adaptable to flooding and rising water
Elevated major mechanical systems

STRATEGIES A number of strategies enable the fulfillment of the program.

First explorations focus on absorption as a means of reducing levels of carbon dioxide. With a form like a sponge, the structure can absorb high levels of carbon dioxide within itself. One experiment called crystal sponges propose a means of exterior cladding that incorporates metal-organic framewoks (MDFs). This material acts like a honeycomb with 1 gram equal to the surface of a football field. Architect Terunobu Fujimori has also worked with coral to reduce large quantities of carbon dioxide to oxygen. Wood + coral construction locks the CO2 inside. A similar idea utilizes the construction of manmade wetlands as a means of absorption.

Modular forms seem best suitable for mass housing with a focus on fabrication as a means of construction. In a recent Fortune magazine dated November 13, 2006, fabrication was discussed as one of next trends in architecture. We're moving towards digital imaging and the ability to fabricate a form with the press of a button and a 3D printer. An affordable solution for at risk areas, which are typically coastal regions, could utilize surplus shipping containers as a building material. They are already fabricated and easily transported. The use of shipping containers and its prefabricated uses have been utilized in previous designs yet very little towards sustainable designs. It would be interesting to experiment with their uses when disassemble or it terms of at the mega-scale.

Finally it must be adaptable to flooding and rising water levels. The first approach would include a form of floating architecture. Air compartments or types of foam could be incorporated at the bottom of the structure to enable the form to change when the water rose. In Waterstudio, a Dutch design firm, concrete encased foamcore is used for this purpose. Other cases that have used floating structures include houses built to survive Netherland floods and floating artificial islands by New York based Acconci Studio. The second approach would incorporate a retractable dynamic structure that reacted to water levels. It could take the form of a pleated structure, a series of pipes or tubes, or motion of a sliding panel. Water itself is a powerful force and could be used to empower the movement by traping or collecting stormwater.

It will be important to design an interior structure capable of support, dynamics if necessary, and flexibility for modules. The exterior skin will need to be absorptive and possibility a significant portion being organic. The final component will be to create a mega-structure that interacts with its surroundings and incorporates the community. As emphasized by Calatrava, architecture needs to have social character and serve the community. While the overall design could be suitable for multiple locations, the individual sitings may incorporate additional programmatic requirements.

Endangered Land: risk from the rising seas [Mid-Review]

2006-11-03T12:52:00.001-08:00

Over the last 100 years, sea level has risen 10 to 25 cm and will continue to rise 1 meter each century. Global warming is significantly affecting numerous coastal regions around the globe. In order to better analyze the effects of global warming and the rising sea levels, it is necessary to closely look at the causes. One of the most significant causes of global pollution is carbon dioxide emissions among greenhouse gases followed by an increase in air temperature. This results in the melting of glaciers in the arctic region, increasing the volume of the oceans. A datascape was constructed by mapping the level of carbon dioxide emissions per country and the level of increase in the air temperature. The third image below shows the effect of the increase in temperature by country.

The effect by such causes varies in degree according to the country or region. The illustration belows shows the areas that are more affected by one cause than another. If the sea continues to rise at its current rate, a considerable portion of the earth's land mass will be lost. The images below begin to show the receding coastline as well as the land that will be lost or currently endangered.

These areas face the danger of becoming extinct or lost to the sea. However, they contain valuable economies, products, and cultures. Their loss will result in economic loss internationally as well as directly affecting and displacing their people. Further analysis closely looks at the population density, the GDP as an economic factor, and centers of industry. Certain areas will be vacated naturally due to migration and therefore will not suffer as great of a loss. The mapping of tropical storms show the areas that are at the greatest risk of immediate effects.

The new world presents the result of a continued rise in sea levels if no action is taken. Based on the analysis above, several areas were determined to be at a greater risk than others due to a number of contributing factors. These include the number of people affected, the level at which the economy will be affected, the threat of tropical storms, current migration, and the possible loss of industrial centers. The areas with the most contributing factors include the east coast of the United States, a region in northern Europe, the southeastern coast of China, and the east coast region of India. These list includes only a small number of the areas impacted. The challenge becomes to design constructs, whether it be housing or mixed use, that embrace these atmosphere and work towards preventing the effects of global warming. Among other factors, it will be important to address the presence of greenhouse gases, the effect of heat and radiation, and potential and likely flooding. Can a megastructure include modules that will be moved with the sea? How will it address such issues?

11.1.06

2006-11-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

First Image: Land lost due to sea level rise
Second Image: The world after 100 m sea level rise

Population density in at risk areas

Natural disasters and location of industrial centers: the map shows the areas that are in the most danger yet are highly valuable to our economy

mappings continued take 2

2006-11-01T22:36:00.000-08:00

As the project continues, I have begun to look at parameters of the chosen areas that will determine or affect programming requirements.
Several areas I have looked at include:
- available technology for innovative design
- GDP to analyze economic status
- natural disasters that cause areas to be prone to flooding
- movement due to migration
- population density- where are the most people?

This image shows the risk areas from a previous map combined with a map of natural disasters. The green areas experience a number of tropical storms and winds causing storm surge and floods each year.

The base map for the collage below is the gross domestic product of each country. By highing the risk areas, it is clear where land loss will have the greatest effect on the entire world. The second image highlights these areas.

The map below illustrates areas of economic prosperity that lie within the risk areas. The yellow dots represent centers of industry such as transportation, shipping, electronics, textiles, chemicals, paper, and food processing. The orange squares represent centers of service that include tourism, finance, trade, and government. This data was taken from another map and inserted on the areas at risk.

mappings continued

2006-11-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Based on a current patterns of migration map, this map shows in which at risk areas the population would be likely to migrate away from the area. The orange represents at risk areas that are taking in people rather than losing them due to migration.

The map is more of a work on my part than a collage but I might consider collaging it with the current migration map.

studio 10.30.06

2006-10-29T23:34:00.000-08:00

As a final step in the global warming mapping, I analyzed the overlap of the three conditions: the carbon dioxide emissions, the change in air temperature, and the sea level rise. The series of images below illustrates the new animation frames.

The animation begins with the level of emissions by country.Slowly the data on the change in temperature appears.

The air temperature data rises to stack on top of the emission data revealing the areas experiencing both conditions.

The extruded changing sea level plates have been inserted into the datascape.

The final two images show the result of taking the difference of the sea level plates and the causes datascape. The areas that are left are in the greatest dangers of being lost due to the causes. These areas are adding to their own destruction and in turn killing themselves.

Based on the final mappings, these areas significantly contribute to global warming and are experiencing its effects. How would the conditions in these areas contribute to their design? How can these areas be maintained?

information layers

2006-10-29T13:59:00.000-08:00

I am in the process of clarifying information from the last review. By using the air temperature change mesh, I have created a stratified model of the causes and will use the animation tool to stack the two on top of one another to exaggerate the effect of the causes. I am also using the difference tool to take this current model and pull away the land that will be lost in a 100m sea level rise.

animations

2006-10-23T09:10:00.001-07:00

final review 6.23.06

2006-10-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

mid project update

2006-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

This series of images above is starting to deal with issues of clarity between the layers of information. It will be important to incorporate varying opacities in the final animation. I am very pleased with the potential for still images and plan to resolve the clarity issues by the use of time in the animation. One layer will be highlighted at a time while showing the connections between the three.

emissions + air temp + sea rise

2006-10-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

emission + air temp

2006-10-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

These images show the emissions extrusion combined with the change in air temperature extrusion. While the goal is to get the two to merge between one another, technically that is proving to be extremely difficult.

studio 6.16.06

2006-10-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

The following animation shows a model of the final animation illustrating the appearance of the three different elements: a datascape of the air temperature, a datascape of carbon dioxide emissions, and a datascape of the effects of rising sea levels. I have also begun to manipulate the camera views.

I want to use planes to create a legend and greater clarity but am having trouble with how to do this. Below is an image with translucent planes, yet they cloud the view. I am in the process of determining how this might better be read.

new animation study

2006-10-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

This new animation shows steps towards a datascape mapping of the causes and effects of global warming soon to also include the effects of rising sea levels. The animation will illustrate time.

Image showing a stepped topography

today's screenshots

2006-10-11T12:41:00.000-07:00

After studio crits on Monday and reading comments to my blog, I am concentrated on clarifying my data, seeking a consistent and legible system, and incorporating my own interpretation. I agreed with Nate's suggestion to use the order of animation to show the cause and effect relationship. In addition, I have been working on a consistent means of representation...whether it be to extrude all of the data or to incorporate some data directly into the landscape and then extrude other data. Below are the images generated from these trials.

First generated image attempting new topographic mesh to then incorporate extruded emission data; little success early on manipulating the mesh

Combination of emission data and air temperature in next four images using extrusion for both sets of data: air temperature data was extruded in circular forms while emission data appears in a translucent orange

New Scheme where air temperature data is used to generate new topographic landscape
Extrusion incorporating new topography

This afternoon I was able to figure out how to manipulate the mesh to incorporate my previous data. I think this would be the most effective way of representing this data. I am looking forwards to the results of the mapping and see tremendous potential for construction of this landscape. By creating a layered type of datascape, I am creating a new terrain that can in turn be printed on the 3D printer and lazercut....let's see where else this map can go....

studio comments

2006-10-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Form Z itself taught me the most about the direction of my project: too much information, too confusing, and just an overall need to simplify and clarify. I spent much of studio today talking with other about their projects and taking note of what was working and what was not. The more successful mappings had a hierarchy of information in terms of what was shown and made it clear. The straightforward approach resulted in less overall action in the animation but more flexibility with the actions. My next step is to filter through the highlights of these maps, interpret what's important to my study, and possibility incorporate some other transportation statistics or even information from a recent case study on global erosion. I think a more specific approach would help whereas a general approach is just too much. This process will allow me to concentrate on presenting a smaller amount of information in a more effective way.

Breeze is wonderful to be able to look at someone else's screen but seems more difficult in terms of vocal communication. Its an adjustment to only talk one at a time and I think makes it much more difficult to for the distant party to be a part of the group discussion.

Studio review 6.9.06

2006-10-09T07:44:00.000-07:00

The first animation image shows all three mappings juxtaposed; the second animation image omits the air temperature change.

more maps

2006-10-05T23:31:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of sorting through information and becoming familiar with the capabilities of Form Z. The end goal is to create a layering map composed of carbon emission level, air temperature, and the rising sea levels. I am making first attempts at the three mentioned.

The first two images illustrate the level of carbon emissions by country using an image extraction. The second image looked at the model in elevation.

The second two images illustrate the global air temperature distribution. The mapping still lacks some clarity but I used it to begin experiementing with how the information might become 3D by manipulating the mesh as shown in the elevation below.
The mapping that includes the sea level rise is illustrated in the previous post. I am still working out the best way to portray such information.

I am attempting to analyze these various mapping techniques and additional animation techniques in order to construct the final maptation. It is still unclear to me at this point what that might look like once the layers begin to work with one another. I have also been looking at all 2D information maps- the question now is what elements can be visually shown through animation? How do the various layers work with one another?

in progress

2006-10-04T13:53:00.000-07:00

I'm working on mapping the sea level change and the amount of land difference. The blue map to the right is a standard base map that was found by the class. However, it fails to match up with the map I am creating using images from Flood Map pieced together. I'm working on a better way to get the detail I need without tracing around every inch of land. The red shows the difference in a 15 meter sea level rise.

make it move

2006-10-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

first animation attempts...let's see what formZ can do...

studio culture

2006-10-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

The SUMO is definitely a success! It worked great to give us a means of easily communicating with the professor. The one on one conferences went well using Vyew. I still have a few things to figure out with the program but overall it is extremely easy to use and allowed the professor to easily communicate with me. The downside is the lack of knowing what the rest of the studio is working on. It would be great if we could be a part of the critiques or even see what is being critique. Unlike a regular studio, I have little knowledge of what everyone else is working towards.

I'm still struggling to sort through a vast amount of information for my mapping. I have all kinds of research, maps, and suggestions on what to do but am really struggling with what that means right now. The challenge is for a four dimension map at a global scale but most things that I want to map are in too great of a detail for such a map or present a need to be mapped at a greater detail. It is proving to be extremely difficult to map such a vast amount of information on one file. On top of informational difficulties, I have had a lot of trouble working with Illustrator and FormZ and getting the base files into the programs in order to manipulate them. I need a giant computer screen where I can fit the whole globe on it at one time and work with each piece little by little. There's got to be an easier way than to piece each one together.

mapping: next step

2006-10-01T22:46:00.000-07:00

Transportation is likely to remain the key element of accessibility, despite advances in telecommunications. It is also a major source of global pollutants, and the transport sector contributes three gases of particular concern: carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. It accounts for 21 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Carbon dioxide emissions are forcasted to increase by 92 percent between the years of 1990 and 2020. Excessive vehicle use is one of the leading causes of air pollution from transportation.

This could clearly be mapped by analyzing the emission levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Information would be taken from maps similar to the ones below.

Emission Animation Test on FormZ

megalithic monuments

2006-10-01T20:42:00.000-07:00

Constructed during the Neolithic period, or New Stone Age, megalithic monuments are characterized by huge stone slabs of great size. They were mostly concentrated in Western Europe and built for astronomical and spiritual reasons. There are four common types of megaliths: the menhir, or single standing stone; menhirs set in a circle; a row of menhirs; or a dolmen, or burial chamber or chamber tomb, usually covered with earth mounds.

The Megalithic Portal has a file that can be opened in Google Earth to illustrate the location of all megalithic monuments.

The most famous neolithic monument, Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, was constructed from 2750 BC to 1500 BC. Built in several phases, it is a series of concentric rings, utilizing post and lintel. In addition, it consists of a number of uprights, sacred "blue" stones, and a circle of movable "marker stones" set in pits. There is a landscaped trench on the exterior of the rings. Similar to other megalithic structures, the work was executed through highly accurate engineering and by utilizing techniques for mass transportation from far distances.

Weighing in at 45 tons each, the standing stones are the weight of a semi-trailer truck. They are around 22 feet in height or about the height of two field goal posts stacked atop one another. Looking at the plan below, the layout has a centralized plan with the uprights set on an axis. The form successfully provides an enclosure yet with open space, enabling one to experience the landscape from the interior.

There are over 40,000 megalithic structures around Europe. Theories have been developed that link the placement of megalithic forms with the fear of floods from the gods. It has been used to explain their sudden birth, widespread development, and their relationship to the sea. Such a theory is further discussed on this site.

The knowledge as a whole about the history, development, and forms used in megalithic structures is directly relevant to megastructures today. How might a megalithic structure look in today's world? What characteristics would both the form of the Neolithic Age and the form of today share?

photo day

2006-09-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

The SUMO is finished- here's the group and some pictures taking outside in the courtyard. See the MegaBlog for a more detailed description.

t-shirts!!

2006-09-28T23:23:00.000-07:00

T-shirts are available- Email jhazel@clemson.edu for more information!

mega maptation

2006-09-28T23:10:00.000-07:00

In regards to global warming, I think it would be an interesting to investigate not only the rise in sea levels but also the causes of the harmful effects, the levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions on a global scale. For example, one source includes tables with the breakdown of the percentage of carbon monoxide that comes from cars, the projected emissions from each continent, and the level in which it is a problem in cities around the globe just to name a few. A series of layers could be generate to relate the two to one another. In addition, the location of megalithic structures could be incorporated as an element of the past and how former civilizations built around the rise of the sea.

Megalithic monuments in Western Europe
Draft of emission map to include calculated concentrations of spheres above a given area [Original Illustration]
Rising Sea Level Map of Barcelona showing the original coastline in red and the resultant coastline after a 2 meter rise [Original Illustration]

studio update

2006-09-27T12:43:00.000-07:00

As far as the mapping project, there are numerous directions that I can go with global warming: location of fossil fuel sources, concentrated areas of air pollution, ground transportation densities to include traffic. How would a megastructure or the creation of new land or water be affected by the location of pollutants? For the step I am going to continue to investigate these ideas, look into megalithic structures, and work with some previous mappings of rising sea levels.

The sumo is looking close to completion at last! Shirts are ordered- bring on the patent process! We've gotten quite a few comments on its design.

global pollution

2006-09-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

Global pollution is that which is emitted locally but yet has global effects, such as rising sea levels, climate change, and a significant impact on the coastal environment and communitities. The question stands of who is to blame for such effects? The majority of the problems experienced are due to the greenhouse effect and the release of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the air. Over 25% of CO2 emissions come from transportation and over 25% come from domestic energy use. The primary causes are the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas or through deforestation, which includes wild fires and the aftermath of El Nino.

With resources such as NASA's Visible Earth, countless number of satellites images can be used to analyze the harmful effects and target their points of origins as well as the regions. Some examples of some images are included below. Other studies on their website include:
- A NASA tera satellite was used to track global pollution in a study performed several years ago.
- An animation shows Global Carbon Monoxide and Global Sea Surfact Temperature

connection to megalithic era

2006-09-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

I came across once internet source that linked megalithic structures to the rising ocean levels. Upon further research of the connection between the two, I was thinking it might be an interesting to investigate the locations of the megalithic structures in conjunction with mappings related to global warming. Since the report was posted by a private party, I would need to check into further referencing his findings.

Where is the land going?

2006-09-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Pollution is not only destroying the earth, but reducing the amount of land in which to destroy. The effects of global warming are causing a significant increase in the ocean levels and a rise in land erosion on the coastlines. Due to an increase of carbon in the air, higher temperatures are causing a melting of glaciers and thermal expansion of the sea water, both contributing to the increase in sea levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) monitors such potential impacts of climate change. Over the last 100 years, the sea level has risen by 10 to 25 centimeters and will continue to rise 1 meter each century if no action is taking. In a country such as Bangladesh, the increase would displace more than 13 million people alone, one and a third times the people in New York City. The rate at which the seas are rising continues to increase.

If the sea level were to rise over 4 meters, almost every coastal city in the world would be severely affected, especially in the regions of Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, India, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Egypt to name a few around the world. Several regions are already experiencing the damaging effects. One million people per year have been displaced in Bangladesh because of the loss of land along river; that's almost equivalent to displacing the city of Atlanta twice. In the case of Tuvalu, a nation that producing less carbon pollution than a small town in America, the people are close to facing a critical refugee problem. With their land totaling 10 square miles, the highest point on the mainland is 4.6 meters with an average elevation of one meter. Similar scenarios include Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay, the state of Florida, Cape Hatteras, and Venice.

The country of TuvaluFlood maps have now been generated to predict and forecast the global effects of rising ocean levels. The images below show the flooding after a 4 meter increase in the ocean levels.

Barcelona

Genoa

The effects of a 4 meter rise in the current ocean levels would significantly affect most coastal cities and would generate a need to consider such effects in current designs. How would a design be affected by an assumed future displacement of surrounding land or water?

update from the woodshop

2006-09-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

New material for interior padding couresy of Mandi and Melissa- more details to come from them...
The polycarbonate hollow panel made it from Columbia!
Completed masonite rib!
Sanding down the masonite ribs

Had a little trouble with the CNC router and masonite resulting in the burned edges and time delays but got it fixed this morning :)

fun with foam

2006-09-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Too much fun with the CNC router- check out Melissa's blog for process photos. We're currently 2 sheets away from being finished with the foam ribs- masonite next. Jason and Katy are in route to Columbia. I'm in love with this new material!

sumo secretary

2006-09-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

After today I think I just need to take over the name of the sumo secretary. I spent this morning and this afternoon (and as a continuation from friday) talking to the manufacturer and distributors of polycarbonate hollow panels. It was especially amusing today to play them up against one another and even receive a concerned phone call directly from the manufacturer due to concern about the different distributors. I was able to figure out the most efficient and economic option as to how to locate just one panel of the material. It seems uncommon to just need one panel and be willing to pick up the product yourself.

BUDGET UPDATE
$468 - Foam, Masonite, and Gorilla Glue from Lowes on Sunday, September 17th
$20 - Estimated for additional hardware needed for hinge

Its exciting to see the final structure in production mode!

manmade landscapes in Dubai

2006-09-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Following the megablog posting on the possibilities of manmade canals and the displacement of water, a similar study was done on manmade landscapes and the displacement of land. If water can't extend into the land, extend the land into the water. Can the displacement of land begin to have the same effect as well as directly correlate to the displacement of water?

Located on the Persian Gulf coast, the city of Dubai, part of the United Arab Emigrates, is an area of vast wealth and prosperity. It is home to one of the hottest construction markets, and to some of the most known upcoming architectural projects, including SOM's design for the world's tallest tower. The lifestyle of success experienced by many in this region brings about the desire for utopia type communities. In a similar plan design as the Ocean City by Kikutake, the developer Nakheel Development has proposed a masterplan composed of fourteen developments to expand private and commercial mixed use development, increase the region's coastline, and ultimately integrate the sea with the desert.

The illustration below shows the Nakheel Development Masterplan.

Some of the major developments in the plan include:
1. The Arabian canal, an 80 km long manmade canal
2. Palm Jumeriah, contains the Trump tower and a $1.2 billion dollar hotel
3. Palm Deira, the largest mandmade island in the world
4. The World, a development of 300 islands in the shape of the continents randing from $10-$45 million per island

These two images illustrate the Palm Deira and Palm Jumeriah concepts.These projects are on the Mega scale in terms of cost and size. In the Palm Jumeriah project alone, 94 million cubic meters of sand was used, equivalent to a third of the amount of earth used for the 6700 km span of the Great Wall of China. First originating from the idea to increase beachfront, the land reclamation project and the development of the reclaimed land has doubled the shoreline of Dubai by creating 520 km of new shoreline. The amount of new shoreline is almost the same distance as the North Carolina and South Carolina coast.

The idea of land reclamation project on a large scale is becoming a reality. Other large scale reclamation projects include Holland, Florida, and Osaka, Japan. If money is not an issue, land reclamation could greatly enhance many coastal cities in the United States allowing for growing populations and demand for waterfront property. The wealth and standard of living in the United States is reaching towards this direction. In comparison, the properties on Palm Jumeriah are 4100 sq ft houses that sell for about $1 million. Think of the possibilities with new forms or few limitations on the forms generated by land reclamation. How could this process become a significant part of urban design? Is it currently economical in places other than the Arab world?

The proposal is of a significantly large scale in comparison to other cities, such as Charleston, South Carolina in the United States, and Barcelona, Spain. The illustrations below show the insertion of one of the palm islands to the existing cities.

sheet layouts

2006-09-14T19:46:00.000-07:00

These are four layouts for the ribs on 4'x8' sheets. The first two are two different options for slicing the ribs in half to fit 2 whole ribs on each sheet. The third sheet is the outside rib cut in half, and the last sheet is the rib for the door. It is critical to maximize the use of our materials to decrease cost.

constructability

2006-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

In regards to the construction of the communication, I have calculated a current budget estimate and layouts to best utilize our materials on the CNC router. I will address the budget first. The design is currently based on an approximately 30" wide structure composed of masonite ribs and foam. The masonite ribs would be 1 sheet thick or 1/4" and 3 sheets thick on the exterior ribs. The foam would be layered in increments of 5 between the ribs for a total of 3 3/4" thick. The figures would be slightly different depending on whether foam was inserted inbetween the masonite on the exterior ribs for more support. In additional, costs can be cut in half if joints are created to allow more efficient use of the materials.

Current budget with 3 sheets of masonite on either side and no rib joints:
13 sheets of masonite x $8.99 per sheet = $116.87
35 sheets of foam x $11.34 per sheet = $396.90
Estimate of glue = $50
Clear coating for foam = about $50
Dowel for hinge = $2
Side panels of acrylite acrylic- 2 48" x 48" x 1/4" sheets x $75.60 = $151.20
(best option based on research by Nicole- 1/2" are double the cost of 1/4" sheets)
TOTAL COST for Option 1 = $766.97

Current budget with 3 sheets of masonite on either side and two rib joints to allow two ribs per sheet:
10 sheets of masonite x $8.99 = $89.90
13 sheets of foam x $11.34 per sheet = $147. 42
Estimate of glue = $50
Clear coating for foam = about $50
Dowel for hinge = $2
Side panels of acrylite acrylic- 2 48" x 48" x 1/4" sheets x $75.60 = $151.20
(best option based on research by Nicole- 1/2" are double the cost of 1/4" sheets)
TOTAL COST for Option 2 = $490.52

Assuming we use option 2, $490.52 - $250 from school = $240.52 additional cost

$240.52 / 10 students = about $25 per student left to pay minus additional money from professor

Moving to full scale

2006-09-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

Enjoyable studio today...good to finally see our ideas becoming more tangible and see the group as a whole embracing the design. I think we worked well with different tasks and have a good idea of what needs to get done for Friday. I'm interested to see and experiment with the CNC router and to bring our design to reality.

for the common cause

2006-09-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

While our technological communication is improving, are we loosing the communication amongst ourselves? I'm still having a few minor issues with the blog postings looking completely different once they publish but overall its fairly easy to post up our ideas and process. I think the addition of our own personal scanner in studio could be helpful in regards to quick sketches although the view from the video camera closely resembles that of the eye.

In regards to the studio project, I think the most difficult challenge to us right now is working together as a group of ten. Its been a tough coming off of several semesters of group projects to always stay motivated despite surrender most of your own ideas. Ultimately decisions have to be made and for each person they would be slightly different. The battle become dealing with these different ideas and choosing with which ones to proceed. The advantage is a greater pool of ideas; the disadvantage is the lack of an ultimate leader and the lack of critical design work to contribute around the table. I'm looking forward to be able to explore and develop individual ideas again, aided by the critiques of others but ultimately taking ownership in the design.

communication from elsewhere

2006-09-08T12:54:00.000-07:00

Since I feel like my shoes were switched today, I wanted to comment on the communication with the studio while being away. Since I was not in Clemson this afternoon, I logged in to Skype to be a part of the class chatroom and to be able to interact with the class discussion. I was very sucessful in being able to hear the discussion, people's comments, and be able to communicate via chat when clarification was needed. It is extremely easy to just call in and view what's going on and be able to offer comments and critiques. I had no problem hearing my classmates and only slight difficulties hearing the group. At times the talk seemed rather distant, but once video was used it seemed much more interactive, like I was a part of the class to offer my opinion and understanding in what direction the design was headed. I think overall the communication is going very well. I would agree with several comments today that it has been challenging to work in a group this past week. Its always challenging with multiple strong minds and good ideas are thrown into one mix.

To save the Dead Sea

2006-09-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

The Dead Sea, one of the world's cultural and ecological treasures, is in danger of near extinction as the water level continues to drop and the evaporation levels exceed the water flow into the sea. As the saltiest body of water in the world at 1,371 feet below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth and draws large quantities of tourists to its enriching waters. The mineral industry alone employs 35,000 people yet is responsible for 25% to 30% of the annual drop in water level.

In the past 19 years, the evaporation has resulted in 3/4 mile recession and could recede an additional kilometer in the next 50 years. The water level has dropped by 80 feet in the last 50 years as the sea has shrunk by more than one third of its original size. Not only is this drastic change affecting the way people interact, but it is destroying valuable wildlife and creating hundreds of sinkholes, threatening to collapse the built civilization. The problem lies in the decrease of water coming from the Jordan River due to water being diverted to drinking water and agriculture. The sea does not lie in danger of completely disappearing due to the salt content in the water but it could drop an additional 434 feet.

The governments of Israel and Jordan have begun to work with Norman Foster on a $3 million project to replenish the Dead Sea by creating a series of canals that would draw water from the Red Sea into the Dead Sea from the Gulf of Aqaba. The efforts are to begin by investigating the feasibility of the project. One question remains concerning the mixture of the two types of water. The distance of such canals would be the same distance as part of the state of Florida. This would be a big undertaking on Foster as he is beginning to take the lead on several large scale projects.

This project shows the mega effects of a new system of canals and the impact of the paths of water integrating into the landscape. The land is being displaced in order to encourage water displacement, a positive and negative concept. In similar case studies, such as the cities of Boston and Venice, the water infiltration within the city has wonderous effects and adds to the character and culture of the development. If the use of manmade water canals are saving natural landmarks facing extinction, what are the possibilities for utilizing manmade water canals? How can water integrate with the landscape? How does it affect and in turn be affected by the displacement of the land?

proposal: structure

2006-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

With an emphasis on structure, this proposal begins with two identical wooden ribs with PVC pipes for horizontal support and stability. The ribs would be secured 2'-6" apart from one another, enabling easy clearance through a door frame. Technology such as the CNC router would allow for a unique design in the contours of the ribs to be suit the desired body position. The body would be supported by elastic bands, providing both comfort and flexibility of the space occupant. This is shown in the illustration below.

The design also allows for the placement of other elements such as the A/V equipment to include a monitor screen and computer box and an acoustically sound material on the sides of the station to provide a sense of enclosure and to absorb sound. The proposal includes a translucent, flexible material for easy entry and access to the structure as well as ease of transportation. The base of the design includes a set of wheels behind the seat to allow the structure to be rocked back and rolled to other locations. A breakdown of the structure is shown below.

thoughts on structure

2006-09-03T21:14:00.000-07:00

Vinnie and I began by brainstorming characteristics of mobility in regards to structure. To what extent will our structure be mobile?

Important considerations:
- weight of the material
- strength of connections
- level of assembly / complexity of structure
- is it dynamic?
- allowance for attachments- internal and external

Based on these ideas, we looked at several case studies that incorporated a variety of materials and forms. In the project by Studio 80 Tea Room the materials were permeable in the sense that the walls were not solid. Upon first glance, it resembles elastic stretched across the frame. Although the project was constructed of bamboo, we explored the possibility of using elastic in this type of construction. As a flexible and opaque material, elastic enables the form to remain lightweight but take on various forms. Study models are shown below.
Based upon the same principles as the elastic material, we also explored the possibility of using fabric within the structure after viewing the project Floating Pavillion by Maki & Associates. The material has the ability to act as a skin when applied to a framework and possesses a similar degree of flexibility as elastic.
We are proposing to meet together with the other groups to discuss the interaction between the five elements.

friday friday friday

2006-09-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

The group discussion today was much more effective. It allowed for more interaction and easier communication. The video connection is much more personal and easier to follow. I'm making progress with the blogs as we learn how to use them more effectively. I look forward to exploring the possibilities for our communicative space. We have already thrown out a variety of brainstorming ideas on possible materials based on the weight of the material, the possibilities for connections, and the method of assembly. The act of construction will really promote teamwork and interaction outside of just the computer screen.

Atlantropa = Europe + Africa

2006-08-31T23:31:00.000-07:00

In the 1930s, Herman Sörgel proposed the largest technical utopia of the 20th century. The proposal included a partial dewatering of the Mediterranean and the construction of an embankment to connect Europe and Africa at the Gibraltar Strait. Publication was limited during World War I, especially regarding ideas that encouraged European forces to unite in construction. The basic idea for this project included an enormous dam capable of providing its own power and a 400 ft high tower designed by supporting architect Peter Behrens.

In regards to the specifics of the project, Atlantropa would involve the closure of the Strait of Gibraltar and reduce the Mediterranean Sea by 30 percent. In addition to promoting economic and social integration, the dam would generate hydroelectricity from the 88 cubic meters of water shooting through each second. Through evaporation and the break from the Atlantic Ocean, 3.5 million square kilometers of land would be created as the water level of the Mediterranean drops by 100 meters. It would have a significant effect on the surrounding seaport communities, preventing port operations after a 30 meter decrease. The diagrams below make comparisons based on the new land created and the water displacement.

Water displacement would not only affect surrounding Mediterranean cities, such as Genova, but also cities and communities around the world. The water displaced from the Mediterranean Sea would cause the water to rise 1 meter around the rest of world. Water is a powerful force with the strength to destoy development or completely wipe away land, just as it is being created. The photos below illustrate the possibilities for a port of Genova as well as the effects of water deplacement either to or from region. Who can benefit from reclamation land or even reclamation present structure? To what extent is the displacement of water powerful? How might displacement develop into a Mega Structure?

History of Gibraltar Strait Dam

wednesday thoughts

2006-08-30T13:43:00.000-07:00

I might just be speaking for myself but I feel like I'm still learning how to best communicate and clarify my ideas. The video can be a little intimidating and the chat a little hard to follow but both will improve with time. The chat can be an effective way to talk with the class but tough to maintain conversation over several hours. The video chat feels just like a personal desk crit- maybe if we could just figure out how to enable that to take place in the studio.

As far as the studio project itself, I have really become interested in the Japanese Metabolism after selecting the Ocean City. The ideas are closely related to several projects that I have always admired and am interested in possible connections. I think the idea of Modularism and the temporary, which is something that we explored a lot in the Barcelona studio, is interesting in relation to the megastructure. As evident in my MegaBlog entry, the case study left me with a lot of questions. I am finding it more motivating to further explore individual ideas of interest with the additional freedom this year.

Development of Ocean City

2006-08-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Developed by Japanese architect Kiyonori Kikutake, the project Ocean City centers on the idea of a marine city composed of high towers with interchangable units. While this particular proposal sited the towers on floating circular pads, other models also explored the idea of partially submerging the towers. Instead of bridges, the city is linked together with small capsults with the flexibility of being plugged into the towers or replaced as needed. The design deals with the permanent and flexibility for change and growth with the towers and capsules respectively.

The city houses around 5000 inhabitants, the same size as the city of Charlotte, North Carolina,seen in the image below to the right, with each tower being around 25 meters in diameter and 140 meters in height.

Kikutake was one of five architects and designers that were a part of the Metabolist movement. In their book Metabolism 1960, these architects published a new set of concepts based largely on the ideas of Kenzo Tange's Plan of Tokyo. The goal was to provide structure for the rapid growth of Japan's cities by exploring solutions to the megastructure and changing urban environmental elements. Ocean City is categorized as an "open system" comprised of separately fabricated systems. The idea of modularism is introduced as an attempt to lend structures as a whole more permanence with less permanent substructures. Adaptability to change is an important Metabolic ingredient.

These ideas open discussion as to what are these elements that prompt more rapid change. Which aspects of the environment require frequent change and which ones are long lasting? Kikutake was significantly influenced by architects such as Le Corbusier, Ando, and the latest technology. How can today's new building technology impact modularism? Can newer styles such as organic architecture, the idea of reuse, and technological ideas by Rogers and Piano add to a style for design of prefabricated elements? The sketches below isolated elements from relative projects that could possibility extend to new prefabricated elements.

Here goes

2006-08-24T06:21:00.000-07:00

Back at Clemson now and it looks to be a year of many decisions. It’s finally time to determine what I want to take from my six semesters of studio and time in Europe and what is the next step. I am looking forward to having the chance to define my personal style. I have been exposed to many different perspectives and types of design and want to utilize what I have taken from those experiences. In previous studios, I was not allowing myself the freedom of design, the freedom to explore creativity apart from others’ expectations.

This semester I want to embrace that freedom and my personal interests in sustainability and functionality. The concept of the Mega consumes our lives; between communication, design teams, networking, the internet, and the demand for often larger yet more efficient structures, society is becoming more connected. I am looking forward to exploring how the required infrastructure can become an integral part of the design with the goal to produce efficient and functional Mega structures.

2006-08-23T13:37:00.000-07:00

my goal...in a while