Water shortages will be a global problem by the year 2025. With the Great Lakes Basin accounting for 95% of the fresh water in the United... Show moreWater shortages will be a global problem by the year 2025. With the Great Lakes Basin accounting for 95% of the fresh water in the United States it will soon become our most valuable natural resource. In re-defining urban relationships to the Great Lakes a healthy, ecologically stable, and regenerative water system can become our greatest national asset. Providing a prototype solution for one of these urban areas (Traverse City, MI) may set a precedent for long term protection of the Great Lakes. Show less
By refashioning the design and programmatic use of an offshore oil rig into a luxury hotel for ecotourists, a new age of responsible travel... Show moreBy refashioning the design and programmatic use of an offshore oil rig into a luxury hotel for ecotourists, a new age of responsible travel may emerge. By twisting the symbol of oil dependency into an ecologically preserved, environmentally accountable and revenue-producing prototype, the ideals of reuse, energy and environment can be viewed through a new lens. This design creates interesting and innovative living spaces and environments aided by sustainable integrations to create a “living machine” that establishes connections between all building systems as well as inhabitant inputs and outputs resulting in an energy independent habitat. Show less
The aim of this project is to develop a cluster of hybrid houses in Evanston designed to produce energy and reduce resources consumption in... Show moreThe aim of this project is to develop a cluster of hybrid houses in Evanston designed to produce energy and reduce resources consumption in comparison to the houses surrounding it. The project goals are to demonstrate performance improvement. Maximize sun exposure and the interaction between the houses and its gardens. To raise awareness that it is possible to live in a more environmentally friendly unit without hardship is another purpose of the project. Sponsorship: Denison, Dirk Show less
A prefabricated home with componentry optimized for simple fabrication and human-scale labor. This project explores the benefits of linking... Show moreA prefabricated home with componentry optimized for simple fabrication and human-scale labor. This project explores the benefits of linking digital design and prefabrication to maximize construction efficiency and minimize on-site delays. Its physically remote location also necessitates a highly light and mobile solution that is simple in construction. Show less
Howell Mountain is a distinct and unique location in the heart of Napa Valley California. The 45 acres site rests on the mountain’s south west... Show moreHowell Mountain is a distinct and unique location in the heart of Napa Valley California. The 45 acres site rests on the mountain’s south west slopes and is planted with high quality grapes used in the production of red wine. When the fog rolls off the ocean and into the Napa Valley, the weather on Howell Mountain is generally sunny and cool. The appellation owes its distinctive climate to the fact that it is positioned high above the valley floor. The program includes both the wine production facilities and the hospitality facilities for visitors. The driving concept of the project is to merge those two, often opposing, programmatic elements. From west to east, the site has a 43% grade change. By designing a gravity flow winery, this facility can take advantage of that significant slope. Show less
Demolishing a concrete building that is structurally sound is ecologically wasteful and irresponsible. With the many advantages concrete... Show moreDemolishing a concrete building that is structurally sound is ecologically wasteful and irresponsible. With the many advantages concrete offers and rising energy costs, there needs to be a way that existing and structurally sound, concrete buildings can be reused. This explored method for concrete reuse depends heavily on technological advances in the foreseeable future that allow for the process to be accomplished efficiently and for the material to be preserved for a longer period of time. Show less
Widespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span... Show moreWidespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span grater spans using virtual depth concepts with slender lightweight design. Show less
Widespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span... Show moreWidespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span grater spans using virtual depth concepts with slender lightweight design. Show less
Widespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span... Show moreWidespan design.Investigating the integration of windmills into longspan structure and investigating the axial forces of tension to span grater spans using virtual depth concepts with slender lightweight design. Show less
The proposed master’s project is the exploration of how architectural planning and design can improve and increase efficiency in transitional... Show moreThe proposed master’s project is the exploration of how architectural planning and design can improve and increase efficiency in transitional housing during emergency relief and/or conflict related situations. The project proposal developed through design exploration of several prototypes that would not only be minimal but will also be culturally and climatically adaptive among other things. After a thorough select ion process, concentration was given to arid/dry climate and the area select ed for study was Darfur, Sudan. Show less
PHOTONASTIC is a concept addressing the invention, design, production and potential implementation of a building integrated system. The system... Show morePHOTONASTIC is a concept addressing the invention, design, production and potential implementation of a building integrated system. The system attempts to address the relationship between energy conservation and architectural facade innovation. The skin affects both the appearance and performance in such a way that these features promote new design concepts and stimulate technical developments for the architecture of the future. Show less
Howell Mountain is a distinct and unique location in the heart of Napa Valley California. The 45 acres site rests on the mountain’s south west... Show moreHowell Mountain is a distinct and unique location in the heart of Napa Valley California. The 45 acres site rests on the mountain’s south west slopes and is planted with high quality grapes used in the production of red wine. When the fog rolls off the ocean and into the Napa Valley, the weather on Howell Mountain is generally sunny and cool. The appellation owes its distinctive climate to the fact that it is positioned high above the valley floor. The program includes both the wine production facilities and the hospitality facilities for visitors. The driving concept of the project is to merge those two, often opposing, programmatic elements. From west to east, the site has a 43% grade change. By designing a gravity flow winery, this facility can take advantage of that significant slope. Show less