STEVEN GLASSMANB. ARCH Candidate, June 2012Business / History Minor

Professor: Nancy ChengDepartment of ArchitectureUniversity of Oregon

sglassma@uoregon.edu

How Can Spiders Inspire Solutions?

Taking inspiration from spider webs to design solutions for Portland’s South Waterfront district.

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

As one of the Portland Sustainability Institute’s pilot EcoDistricts, the Portland South Waterfront area could be developed into a model for livable and sustainable high-density development. Before 1990, the South Waterfront’s landscape was dominated by the effects of industrial buildings, which included facilities devoted to ship dismantling and salvation, wire reclamation, concrete supplies, secondary aluminum smelting, agricultural chemical manufactoring and other industrial operations. The effect of these industries was profound. Their waste, which was dumped into the riverbank, left the district severely contaminated. However, on November 13, 2002 the Portland Bureau of Planning adopted the South Waterfront Plan which outlined various goals to transform the South Waterfront into an EcoDistrict. Portland’s EcoDistrict Initiative creates an enabling strategy to accelerate neighborhood-scale sustainability. The South Waterfront Plan represented the first stage of this EcoDistrict process.

The South Waterfront Plan outlined a vision of the South Waterfront district as an energetic community where the Willamette River and greenway would be the focus of the district. It would support a variety of activities and uses with a diverse range of experiences throughout the district. This high-density neighborhood would be serviced by an efficient transportation network that would serve “an eclectic and well designed mix of buildings and open space” (South Waterfront Plan). Likewise, this neighborhood would take special care “to enhance and integrate natural resource values, views and a contemplative character within the greenway, and to accommodate adjacent uses, allow opportunities to access the river and support river health” (South Waterfront Plan). This Plan was adopted almost a decade ago. So now one must ask: have these goals been met?

The simple answer is “no.” Portland has been incredibly successful in promoting high density residential development in the area that supports view corridors to the river as well as an efficient transportation infrastructure in the neighborhood, but has failed to promote a connection between the river and the users or inhabitants of the neighborhood. Instead, the greenway acts as a green border zone that separates the river from the neighborhood. It currently lacks many facilities that would promote a diverse range of experiences or support river health. By addressing these failures in a residential structure that also meets the expectations of the EcoDistrict Initiative, one could successfully accomplish the goals of the South Waterfront Plan. The area could serve as a profound example for cities around the world.

Thesis Statement

Thesis Primary Goals

1) Develop connection to the riverfront through a recreational and educational focal point.

2) Strengthen the health of the Willamette River.

3) Diversify the South Waterfront’s demographics.

4) Expand Understanding of EcoDistrict Ideals.

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Dream State”

1

ThesisStatement

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Wildfox76”

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “John Dalkin”

How can Spider Silk inspire solutions?

Spiders are amazing buildings. The evolution of the spider has allowed it to become one of the greatest biological engineers of all time. One might even describe them as one of Earth’s “original architects.” These astounding organisms can produce up to seven different types of silk. These silks can be utilized for operations ranging from the creation of a stable yet complex web structure to the fabrication of an elaborate cocoon and even can be used for dynamic kiting, which allows them to be carried on the wind for miles. Spider silk has also evolved to incorporate incredible mechanical properties. It has a combination of high tensile strength and ductility, which essentially allows it to be, weight per weight, stronger than steel and tougher than Kevlar. Such facts make spider silk a powerful resource for design.

Spider silk represents one of the most proficient structural materials in the world and by incorporating its characteristics in the design process, both formally and metaphorically, spiderwebs can inspire compelling architecture. Not only can spider silk literally influence the structure of the building but the concepts behind it can inspire design. For instance, when one looks at the inherent properties of spider silk: high tensile strength and ductility, one can utilize these same concepts in the design of a powerful building on the South Waterfront. This building should have an incredibly enduring and iconic connection to the Willamette river that links the educational and residential portions of the structure.

This connection to the river allied with the Portland Parks & Recreation’s park will create a focal point of activity in the district. This node of activity will promote enduring connections with the rest of the South Waterfront neighborhood as well as throughout Portland’s greater metropolitan area. Like the center point of a spider web this node will utilize threads to connect its anchor points in the Northwest community. On the neighborhood scale, these threads will come in the form of tangible elements, like wayfinding art pieces. On the city scale, they will come in the form of conceptual elements, such as information networks empowered by Portland’s efficient transportation: TriMet. TrimMet’s massive transit system acts a powerful social network, which allows for the rapid dessimination of information throughout Portland’s greater metropolitan area. This process could educate people about the ideals of Portland’s EcoDistrict Initiative. Therefore the vocabulary used to describe spider silk and spider webs could be the same vocabulary one uses to describe the building’s relationship to the riverfront.

Consequently, by adapting spider structures to urban and architectural design, one could develop an intellectually and artistically unique yet highly efficient and sustainable building for the South Waterfront neighborhood.

The Incredible Strength of Spider Silk

Incorporating BioSynergy in DesignWhy use BioSynergy in design? As Nancy Cheng describes it, BioSynergy focuses

on “applying critical thinking about how natural processes and biological mechanisms can inspire design solutions from the scale of city and neighborhood down to the building, room and architectural details” (BioSynergy Course Description). This project examines how one can utilize biological forms and characteristics found in one type of nature’s architecture to solve the problems associated with the South Waterfront.

2

BioSynergy

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of Google Maps

Portland

South Waterfront

Portland Demographics- Total Population: 583,776- Median Age: 35.2- Per Capita Income: $50,203

(Info from City-Data.com “2012 Census”)

- 73.5% White- 9.0% Hispanic- 6.4% Asian- 6.1% Black- 3.7% Two or More Races

Portland Context

Population DemographicsCourtesy of Google Maps

Willamette River

Site

Ross Island

South Waterfront

I-5 F

reew

ay

Ross Island Bridge

- Total Population: 891- 78.4% White- Median Age: 46.1-Total Employees: 1,125-Per Capita Income: $57,962

(Info from South Waterfront EcoDistrict: Pilot Report-June 2011)

- Total Area of Buildings: 934,630 SF- 26% Residential- 31% Commercial- 4% Industrial- Number of LEED Certified Buildings: 9

(Info from South Waterfront EcoDistrict: Pilot Report-June 2012)

Built Environment

South Waterfront Context

3

SiteInformation

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Sanguinity”

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Steven Vance”

South Waterfront Context

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Brian Brewer”

- Keep character of District as “Science and Technology Quarter.”

- Building forms must support the relationship to the River through physical and visual connections.

- Integrate natural resource values related to the river into building program and design.

- Utilize a mix of housing types, retail, open space, recreational and institutional facilities to attract a diverse community and generate more periods of activity.

Site Goals

4

SiteInformation

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of South Waterfront Green Way Design Plan “Perspective of Vision for end of SW Gibbs St.”

Perspective of Portland Parks & Recreation’s expectation for the South Waterfront’s North activity node.

Courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec: “South Waterfront Plan”

In order to promote the site as a focal point in South Waterfront’s Web of Recreational Activity one must build off the Portland Parks & Recreation’s South Waterfront Plan. In the plan they outline goals for creating two major nodes of activity in the South Waterfront. My project is located in teh North node, characterized by built environments such as courtyard spaces and docks. The South node is characterized by a natural environment with fish nurseries and other biological rehabilitation efforts.

This Northern Recreational node should be a hub of activity filled with all ages. It needs to not only represent the character of the District but also differentiate itself from the other neighborhoods of the greater Portland metropolitan area. Its iconic architecture and wide array of activities should bring visitors from all over the Northwest.

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Bob Nikkel”

Center for Recreational ActivitySummary

5

Recreation

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

WillametteRiver

I-5 F

reew

ay

WillametteRiver

I-5 F

reew

ay

Ross Island Bridge

The site promotes a connection to the rest of Portland through a vibrant web matrix that helps to promote the South Waterfront’s EcoDistrict Ideals.

Web Diagram

South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS

Ross Island Bridge

The North Node is an area of man-made environment while the South Node represents an area of natural environment.

Nodes of Activity Diagram

Transportation Web Matrix Diagram

South Waterfront

Courtesy of TriMet.org

South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS

6

Recreation

12

35

89

10

11

14

15 Images Courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec: “South Waterfront Plan”

Th e Portland Parks & Recreation Department’s South Waterfront Plan is a general design that the City has outlined for the South Waterfront’s greenway and urban layout. The plan outlines major views, locations for future parks, pedestrian paths, water activity sites, water taxi sites, and various other elements that will shape the character of the South Waterfront (Diagrams on pages 13-14 illustrate the Design).

To ensure the greatest level of plausibility in my design, I will be using their basic plan for the area as the underlay for my urban design. The only major difference will be in the transformation of the “Floating Barge” currently located on the north side of the SW Gibbs St. Bargeway to a floating dock that will now be located on the South side of the bargeway. This change will create a stronger connection to my site and also promote a stronger connection to the Barge Courtyard space.

Summary

South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS

Images Courtesy of Portland Parks & Rec: “South Waterfront Plan”

South Waterfront Site DIAGRAMS

7

Recreation

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

In order to strengthen the connection to the Willamette River, my program has two main goals: supporting the activities that utilize the river and educating visitors on the river’s ecosystem and its health.

Spaces that support recreational activities such as bicycling, kayaking, canoeing, river taxi tours and various other river related activities will promote the use of the river and activate the South Waterfront shoreline. This activation will further strengthen the community’s connection to the water ecosystem.

A large Community Eco Education Center (CEEC) will allow the residents to learn about the biological organisms of the river and the water filtration system of the residential building. By utilizing various child-friendly learning activities, this ecological center can educate children and thus future generations on the importance of the river’s health for the sustainability of the entire Northwest Region. These educational activities can come in the form of engaging water filtration systems and hands-on interactive displays about the local and regional riparian ecosystems that educate visitors about the complex ecosystems that depend on the Willamette River for survival.

Summary

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “John Montague”

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Rojer” Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Bob Long Jr”Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Ross Barclay”

Strengthening Connections to Willamette River

SummaryTo further expand on the

proposed Community Eco Education Center’s connection to the Willametter River, one can integrate existing features and organizations into the design of the structure. For instance, within a ¼th of a mile, the less developed Ross Island could be a recreational extension of the South Waterfront. Although currently owned mostly by Ross Island Sand and Gravel (RISG), 45 acres of natural area were donated to the city of Portland in 2007. This part of the island is a florishing habitat for local wildlife including over 50 species of birds (Wild in the City: A Guide to Portland’s Natural Areas).

Connecting to Ross Island’s natural areas would strengthen how my project incorporates the Willamette River ecosystem. The island is already being utilized by various recreational organizations such as kayak and canoe tour groups and events organized by the Portland Parks & Recreation Department. Encouraging these activities and organizations that utilize Ross Island’s natural environment in the design of the Community Eco Education Center can strengthen the South Waterfront District’s overall connection to the river.

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jon Miller” Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Bandita”

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Northwest River Guides”

Connecting to Ross Island

8

RiverConnection

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Currently the average age of residents living in the South Waterfront is 46.1 years, while Portland’s average age is 35.2. Thus, the South Waterfront is characterized by a small group of young singles and a large group of elderly. In order to empower this district with vitality and livability the statistics must change.

The Portland Bureau of Planning has started an effort to diversify this demographic by promoting medium to large family units for future residential buildings in the district. This effort comes linked with the effort to create a focal point of recreational activity.

My design goals will incorporate this demographic diversification. The hope is that by creating nodes of family oriented recreational nodes like Jameson Park in Portland’s Pearl District (image on left) and promoting the construction of residential units for medium to large families, I will be able to promote South Waterfront as the new fun district to live in for young couples hoping to start a family.

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “VJ Beauchamp”

Summary

Demographic Diversification

Based on my goals for diversifying the demographic of the South Waterfront, my primary target market for the residential units will be young couples with one or two children or young couples hoping to start a family. These sustainability minded families hope to teach their children about the merits of recycling and keeping their environment clean. These couples range in age from 21 to 35 and have an average household income of $85,000. They desire reduced monthly expenses so that they can save more for their children’s future. These couples have a bachelor or masters level of education; thus, the education of their children is of utmost importance. Knowledge about the importance of green-living is a priority. These groups are highly influenced by Portland’s efforts at creating a sustainable city and are open minded to living in large residential complexes as long as these complexes promote walkability, green-living, and provide plenty of outdoor recreational zones for their children to play. These couples enjoy working out and eating healthy. Because these couples are goal oriented professionals their lives are characterized by long hours of work during the weekdays, and during the weekends they want to capitalize on their proximity to the river by going kayaking, canoeing, hiking, or just relaxing on a bench watching their children play. Due to their long hours of work these couples require daycare centers in their residential complexes that support the health and education of their children. These couples fund their recreational activities by further cutting down on costs by maximizing their use of Portland’s transit system and the walkability of the South Waterfront District .

Equity has always been a primary goal of Portland’s Central Plan. Therefore, in order to further diversify the residents of the housing complex one secondary target market will be families in a lower income bracket. These couples are still incredibly sustainability minded and very conscientious of their monthly costs as they have an average household income of $55,000.

Another secondary target market will be single-parent households whose needs and characteristics also mirror the primary target market. These families have an average household income of $42,500.

Primary Housing Target Market

Target Markets

Secondary Housing Target Markets

9

Diversification

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “K Ali” Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jill Bliss”Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Rory Hyde”

Courtesy of Flickr.com - “Jason Van Orden”

The best way to expand the effectiveness of Portland’s EcoDistricts is to educate people on its ideals. People need to see how EcoDistrict concepts like water filtration, urban agriculture, passive solar, and shared heating and energy systems affect their daily lives. As a result, I will be incorporating this goal into my building’s program. Basically, these sustainable systems should be seen, whether it be through the entire framework of the building or on its exterior or outdoor recreational zones. Bioswales and district energy pipelines should interlink and connect back to my site, creating a web of sustainability. Linked with the recreational node, this will establish the site as a hub of information. Elements such as green walls, green roofs, water filtration systems, and sustainable power producing machinery should be seen throughout the site. These elements should help to educate visitors on the benefits of EcoDistricts, whether it be in a literal or subconscious way.

This sustainable education should not only resonate through the residential complex but also have a strong presence in the Community Eco Education Center. Children should be educated about water filtration processes in fun and interactive ways that promote understanding. Incoporating these eco features into my design will encourage civic ecology by establishing architecture as a primary source of education. Architecture that requires repetitive interaction from vistors and residents, whether it be on conscious or subconscious level, indoctrinates them with a greater knowlodge and understanding about those sustainable ideals. By accomplishing this, the South Waterfront can become a model for how to effectively educate future generations in sustainable design.

Summary

Expanding Understanding of EcoDistricts

10

Understanding

Green

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Mixed-useHousingComplex

ResidentialUnits

RetailSpace

SupportFacilities Outdoor

SpacePlayground

UrbanAgriculture

PublicPlaza

CommunityMeetingRooms

Daycare

LaundryRooms

Gym

Heating& A/C

Rec.Storage

Area

BuildingLobby

Restaurants

SmallUnit Medium

Unit

LargeUnit

Parking

Program: Mixed-use Housing ComplexResidential Units

Retail & Commercial Spaces

Community Amenities

Outdoor Spaces

The wide range in residential unit sizes promotes home-owner demographic diversity. Through the use of various forms of space maximization such as innovative kitchen and storage casework, these units are incredibly efficient and livable.

Restaurants encourage an active street-scape along SE Gibbs St. These restaurants support the use of the recreational park area just North of the thoroughfare.

Amenities such as a gym, childcare, community meeting rooms, and storage for recreational activities help make the South Waterfront a more livable neighborhood. The on-site exersive facilities of the gym supports the healthy living of residents, while the recreational storage areas promote the use of the river. This not only helps to create a more developed workout routine but also strengthens the connection to the River for residents. Meeting rooms open for public use also encourage strong community awareness and identity in the neighborhood.

Outdoor spaces focus on encouraging livability, sustainability, and education in the neighborhood. Items such as a playgrounds and a public plaza support the activation of a recreational node along Northeast edge of the site, working off the Portland Parks & Recreation’s plan for a powerfully exciting South Waterfront neighborhood. The urban agriculture on the site educates residents and visitors about sustainable practices.

SmallUnits

Medium Units

LargeUnits

Restaurants

Lobby

Childcare

Gym

Laundry

Heating& A/C

Rec.Storage

CommunityMeetingRooms

Playgrounds

Urban Agriculture

Plaza

Parking

ResidentialTotal

RetailTotal

AmenityTotal

OutdoorTotal

15,000 sf

88,000 sf

15,000 sf

20,000 sf

500 sf

1,000 sf

7,900 sf

2,000 sf

5,000 sf

5,600 sf

4,400 sf

2,000 sf

28,000 sf

10,000 sf

35,000 sf

20,000 sf

26,400 sf

75,000 sf

118,000 sf

Program Numbers

Playgrounds Urban Agriculture - Estimated Total Space @ 2,000 sf. - Estimated Total Space @ 28,000 sf.

Public Plaza Parking - Estimated Total Space @ 10,000 sf. - Underground Parking @ 35,000 sf. - Male Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Female Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Storage Space @ 300 sf.

Outdoor Spaces @75,000 sf

Residential Units 118,000 sf.Retail & Commercial Spaces 20,000 sf.Community Amenities 26,400 sf.Outdoor Spaces 75,000 sf.

Total 239,400 sf.

Estimated Total Square Footages

Building Lobby Childcare Facilities - 1 Lobby @ 500 sf. - 1 Daycare Unit @ 1,000 sf.

Gym Facilities Laundry Facilities - Gym Lobby @ 80 sf. - Laundry Space @ 2,000 sf. - Exercise Space @ 4,500 sf. - Male Locker Rooms @ 1,500 sf. - Female Locker Rooms @ 1.500 sf. - Support Spaces @ 320 sf.

Recreational Storage Areas Community Meeting Rooms - Bike Storage @ 2,000 sf. - 4 Units @ 800 sf. - Kayak/Canoe Storage @ 3,600 sf. - 1 Unit @ 1,200 sf.

Community Amenities @26,400 sf

Heating & A/C Spaces - Estimated Total Space @ 5,000 sf.

Small Units Medium Units Large Units - 30 Units @ 500 sf. - 80 Units @ 800-1,300 sf. - 10 Units @ 1,500 sf. - 1 Bedrooms - 2-3 Bedrooms - 4 Bedrooms - Kitchen - Kitchen - Kitchen - Living Room - Living Room - Living Room - 1 Bathroom - 2 Bathroom - 2 Bathroom - Dining Room - Dining Room

Residential Units @118,000 sf

Restaurants - 4 Units @ 5,000 sf. - Dining Area @ 2,300 sf. - Kitchen @ 1,200 sf. - Support Facilities @1,200 sf. - Male Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Female Bathrooms @ 150 sf.

Retail & Commercial Spaces @20,000 sf

11

ProgramNumbers

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

CommunityEco Education

Center

SupportFacilities

EducationalAreas

ServiceAreas

StaffAreas Classrooms

MeetingRoom

DisplayAreas

ReceptionArea

ResearchLab

Program: Community Eco Education CenterEducational Areas

The Community Eco Education Center teaches visitors about the river’s ecosystem and the importance of sustainable practices. An iconic pier pulls visitors out onto the water and allows them to have a hands-on connection and educational experience with the river. The pier, which can be accessed throughout the day, houses various user-friendly educational activities that excite the senses of all ages. The pier acts as a symbol of the South Waterfront’s dedication to sustainable living.

On the shore the pier is connected to the rest of the education center, which acts a school for children. Classrooms, research labs, and display areas are heightened places of energy and excitement where children can expand their understanding of the ecosystem.

Support FacilitiesSupport facilities insure that the Community

Eco Education Center’s operations run smoothly and successfully. Staff and service areas provide places of refuge for workers.

Program Numbers

Education Areas 14,200Support Facilities 2,500

Total 16,700

Estimated Total Square Footages

Classrooms Meeting Room- 2 Units @ 1,100 sf. - 1 Unit @ 1,500 sf.

Research Lab Display Areas - 4 Labs @ 500 sf. - Estimated Total Space @ 8,000 sf. - Storage Space @ 500 sf.

Educational Areas @14,200 sf

Service Areas Staff Areas - Laundry Room @ 100 sf. - Director’s Office @ 150 sf.

- Heat & A/C @ 500 sf. - Sick Bay @ 80 sf.

- Janitor’s Closet @ 80 sf. - 3 Office Units @ 100 sf.

- 2 Male Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Lounge & Storage @ 350 sf.

- 2 Female Bathrooms @ 150 sf. - Staff Bathrooms @ 60 sf.

Reception Area - Estimated Total Space @ 220 sf.

Support Facilities @2,500 sf

Classrooms

MeetingRoom

Labs

DisplayAreas

ServiceAreas

StaffAreas

ReceptionArea

EducationAreas

SupportFacilities

1,280 sf

14,200 sf

220 sf

2,200 sf

1,500 sf

8,000 sf

1,000 sf

2,500 sf

12

ProgramNumbers

2,500 sf

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Mixed-use Housing Complex

Dining Area

2,300 sf.

Kitchen1,200 sf.

SupportAreas

1,200 sf.

Bathrooms

300

sf.

UrbanAgriculture

28,000 sf.

Parking35,000 sf.

PublicPlaza

10,000 sf.Playground

2,0

00

sf.

Bathrooms

30

0 s

f.

Storage

30

0 s

f.

LockerRooms3,000 sf.

ExerciseSpace

4,500 sf.

Childcare1,000 sf.

Laundry2,000 sf.

Kayak/CanoeStorage3,600 sf.

BikeStorage2,000 sf.

Heating & A/C5,000 sf.

CommunityRoom

800 sf.

CommunityRoom

800 sf.

CommunityRoom

800 sf.

CommunityRoom

800 sf.

CommunityRoom

1,200 sf.

Support320 sf.

Gym Lobby80 sf.

BuildingLobby

500 sf.

30

Small

Unit

s5

00

sf.

80 Medium Units

800 - 1,300 sf.

10 LargeUnits

1,500 sf.

Residential

Retail & Commercial

Community

Outdoor

Community Eco Education Center

13

ProgramNumbers

Display Areas8,000 sf.

Classroom1,100 sf.

Classroom1,100 sf.

MeetingRoom

1,500 sf.

Lab500 sf.

Lab500 sf.

Lab500 sf.

Lab500 sf.

Heat & A/C500 sf.

Laundry100 sf.

W.C

.1

50

sf.

W.C

.1

50

sf.

W.C

.1

50

sf.

W.C

.1

50

sf.

Director’sOffice150 sf.

Janitor80 sf.

Sick Bay80 sf.

Office Unit x 3100 sf.

Lounge/Storage

350 sf.

Lobby

220 sf. StaffW.C.

60 sf.

Support

Education

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

Courtesy of wsu.eduCourtesy of thedailygreen.com

IslandWood is a unique outdoor learning center on Bainbridge Island near Seattle, Washington, that integrates science, technology, and the arts to help 4th and 5th grade students from all over Seattle develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between biological and cultural diversity through a unique hands-on learning experience. At the heart of IslandWood is a mix of sustainably-designed campus buildings that “serve as a model for conservation and community stewardship, where children can operate building controls and electronically montior their own energy and water use as ‘conservation apprentices.” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”). Th e center was designed by Mithun Architects to actively educate children about the importance of sustainable thinking in a unique and memorable manner.

“When we began the project, one of the ideas was to use architecture as education, so that the buildings did more than contain programs or hold people - they were an opportunity to help teach about sustainbility, about the natural world.” - Debbi Brainerd

Founder and Chairperson of IslandWood

Th e 70,000 sf. education center opened in September 2002. Th e center includes the Main Center building, Learning Studios, Dining Hall, Art Studio and maintenance building. Th ree lodges and a guest house provide accomodations for vistors. Th roughout the site there are also shelters, bird blinds, walkways and lookouts, all connected by a system of trails.

“I had a great time... I like the cabins a lot because it had bunkbeds and a couch. Th e cabins were warm and the place felt like home. In my study group, we learned about plants and we did art projects. I will always remember the fun time I had here.” - Carmen, Kitsap County 5th Grader

Quotes Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”

Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”

Precedent: IslandWood

Courtesy of thedailygreen.com

To ensure that IslandWood would be a “magical place for kids,” Mithun Architects with the help of University of Washington landscape architecture students worked with over two hundred-fi ft y 4th, 5th, and 6th grade children on ideas about learning in the natural world.Th e children’s ideas “focused on adventure-based learning such as a fl oating classroom, a suspension bridge, a forest canopy structure, and several tree houses.” From this research, Mithun Architects designed the building structures and systems to “operate as ‘active’ participants in the education process by arousing children’s keen instincts for sight, touch, smell, and sound. [Such teaching tools were] designed to tell the stories behind the site’s green features such as passive solar design and use of natural daylight, as well as natural ventilation photovoltaic paneles, solar hot water, radiant heating, recycled materials, rainwater collection, constructed wetlands, and native and edible plants across the campus” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”).

One of IslandWood’s greatest learning features is the Living MachineTM process, which teaches students through direct observation about nature’s own fi ltration capacity. “Located in a greenhouse, the system treates an average daily fl ow of 3,000 gallons through oxygenation, aquatic plants, snails, fi sh, and anaerobic and aerobic bacteria” (KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”). Th e process clearly illustrates how waste is fully recycled and reused in the main facility’s subsurface irrigation and toilets.

“Th e buildings are a textbook. Th e buildings are things that [the children] can operate. Th ey can learn which direction is north, which direction is south, they can learn how the wind moves, learn how the sun moves, and learn about how to be better stewards of the environment.” - David

Goldberg, AIA, Mithun

Th e Living MachineTM serves as a natural wastewater treatment system and interactive aquatic science classroom. It treats and recycles all greywater and blackwater on the site, which results in a 70 to 80% water savings for the facility. Students can also monitor their water and energy usage in various buildings through an integrated computer data network, which allows them to quantify and track their own improvements during their stays and learn conservation strategies.

Courtesy of DJC.com - “Celebrating Sustainable Water Systems”

Quotes Courtesy of KEEN Engineering: “IslandWood”

Courtesy of Mithun.com

Unserstanding IslandWood

14

Precedent:IslandWood

12

35

89

10

11

14

15

My Conceptual Model Detailing how my dock will link back to the South Waterfront District and to the greater Portland area.

My Conceptual Model Detailing how my dock will link back to the South Waterfront District and to the greater Portland area.

For my project I will be incorporating the conceptual attributes of spider webs into my design process while also utilizing the architectural forms of spider webs as a design feature, when appropriate, to create a truly iconic building. This biomimicry process combined with sustainable design principles will promote the formulation of a green building that utilizes active onsite energy production and water filtration, along with green walls and green roofs that consciously or subconsciously educate residents and visitors of the area about the merits of Portland’s EcoDistrict ideals.

Images Courtesy of FastCompany.com “Spider in the Sky: Ryohei Koike and Jarod Poenisch’s Web-Tastic Skyscraper Proposal”

Images Courtesy of http://www.textile-blog.com/textile-blog-trends-innova-tion/2009/10/8/rosa-parks-transit-center-fabric-tension-structure.html

biomimicry in Sustainable DesignSummary

15

DesignIdeas