The vast site is defined by the immense ore walls, the narrow boat slip and Lake Michigan as well as by the continuously changing, unobstructed sun and winds. The ore walls’ dominant horizontal forces dictate the emotions exemplified by the wall. They imply a sense of impermeability, motion and sometimes, rejection. Lake Michigan’s dominance over the site is only visual as it remains physically inaccessible.
The buildings and their appurtenances on the site are designed to embrace and accentuate the dynamic qualities of the site and its quintessential elements. They exploit the walls rigidity and try to add to it, a human scale and a sense of acceptance. The qualities of the site and the walls are accentuated by opposing yet complimentary design, while providing constantly changing experiences.
The buildings and their appurtenances on the site are designed to embrace and accentuate the dynamic qualities of the site and its quintessential elements. They exploit the walls rigidity and try to add to it, a human scale and a sense of acceptance. The qualities of the site and the walls are accentuated by opposing yet complimentary design, while providing constantly changing experiences.
Form Evolution
The Site
The spaces are evenly spread along the wall’s length, acknowledging its linearity
The units are turned to maximize views and capitalize on the solar gain for heating needs
The units are extended beyond the wall, and pinned down on the other side, hence bridging the two sides
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The programs are stacked
The spaces are attached to the wall physically
The units are pressed down so as to form a continuous terrace that climbs over the wall
The residential units are arranged along the slope to form open terraces that overlook the lake
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Climate Analysis
A 3X3 cube was used, to simulate (with Ecotect) and understand the energy consumption of each constituent cube individually. assuming that the cube is placed on site the individual cubes were thermally affected differently, depending on their exposure to the sun, prevailing winds and the site’s micro-climate. Hence each cube at a particular level had different thermal conditions and were accordingly allotted functions.,