kate d lengacher:creative portfolio

architecture | design | photography

manifesto

Architecture is inescapable. It defines the space for every entity in our world. This institution is imposed on the entire world by a select few individuals: architects. As an architect we must create places for human dwelling. These spaces are to be places: pleasant, unique, experiential, comfortable, and accommodating. Architecture should address the natural and built environments as well as the culture it is to exist within. Architecture should give back to society and set an example. It should not inflict harm upon anything or anyone; it should be enjoyed, not avoided.

Architecture is inescapable. As a professional architect, we are accountable for shaping the environment everyone experiences. This environment must be responsible, fair, adaptive, and innovative. It must attempt to solve problems rather than create them. We must find a compromise in providing society with what it demands without contradicting what we professionally, morally, and ethically know to be right. We should use our knowledge to lead society to better ways in which to inhabit the environment; we should be role models and become living examples of our beliefs. Architecture should be our living lesson for society to explore.

architecture is: moral

contents

architecture is: practice

Creative Master’s Project: Weaving Interaction + Discovering Architecture

Leading Edge Design Competition: 0 Net Energy Envirofilter

High Performance Buildings Elective: Project Green Line

Key Largo Wellness Resort: La Casa del Bienestar

Daylectric Studio: Muncie Contemporary Library

Photography: The World in Frames

Weaving Interaction | Discovering ArchitectureFort Wayne, Indiana | Creative Master’s Project

architecture is: interactive

As humans it is natural to seek interaction between one another; we crave relationships. Though we seek this interaction, many times we go to extremes to segregate ourselves from people who are different. This practice often creates a group of outcasts that are unwelcome in the places where people choose to segregate themselves. Architecture is often what people use to enclose themselves. Often this is architecture that does not inspire interaction with others or the actual form; it allows segregation to continue and enables architecture to become a luxury. As an architect should we allow this disconnect to happen? For whom should we be designing? The idea is to create an architecture that accepts everyone; an architecture that is interesting to interact with and actually allows for interaction to occur between the people who use it. A successful connecting project is born out of the architect’s knowledge of that which the community needs and desires. These things can be realized through interaction with the community, in this case volunteering and research served as the interaction. Through these experiences and research it became apparent the community was disconnected and in need of various types of services. This led to different implementations that have become woven into the existing neighborhood that inspire connections to happen at four scales: 1) the neighborhood with various sites that have different services that all work together to serve the entire community 2) the site with different programmatic elements and connections made to opportunities beyond the site to serve the majority of the community 3) the reading building with connections to the street and other buildings on the site to encourage flow through the building and to serve struggling children 4) the individual with realization of how a person would use the space created in relationship to other people. By creating these informed implementations that weave into the community the neighborhood is inspired to come together; an interaction and solution are achieved simultaneously.

1

23

4

The Neighborhood

community kitchen1

urban garden + market2

learning center3

laundry + shelter4Weaving Interaction | Discovering Architecture

Creative Master’s Project

The Site

12

3

4 5

24 hour day care1

2

3

garden plots4Creative Master’s Project

Weaving Interaction | Discovering Architecture

cafe plus

creative gallery

12

3

4

The Building

reading platform1

open floor plan2

circulation axis3

patio4Creative Master’s Project

Weaving Interaction | Discovering Architecture

The Person

1

3

2 4

interior seating1

patio2

urban door3

atrium view4Creative Master’s Project

Weaving Interaction | Discovering Architecture

This 0 Net Energy Envirofilter takes into consideration many sustainable design features to achieve the net-zero energy balance as well as create an aesthetically pleasing experience. The design intent is to engage the community and create not only a memorable experience but an educational one as well. In addition, the project integrates passive sustainable systems, practices and techniques. The building program is organized around a public atrium space. From this space an occupant has ground-floor access to public functions such as the lecture hall and library. The second floor houses classrooms and offices for the daily users that require more privacy. The basement houses the shop classrooms, some of which spill out onto the adjacent site area for additional space, and management of the noise that may arise in their use. The main atrium space also acts as the lungs of the building in that it is the central part of the passive ventilation scheme. This plays a major role in the ability to reach a significant level of energy conservation. By using a passive stack ventilation strategy, active, energy-consuming mechanical systems in the building are able to be scaled down in size and cost and are not needed most of the year. Additional calculations were performed to make certain there would be adequate ventilation; the calculations informed the final organization and details of the design of the building section.

0 Net Energy EnvirofilterLong Beach, California | Leading Edge Design Competition:

architecture is: responsible

front elevation

rear elevation

The Bus Stop is design by sustracting a portion of the screen of the building.

It is a full size bus stop and has elements as: A Trash can integrated to the system and the possibility of using solar pannels on the south-facing roof

bus stop elevation

green pv panel

pv panel

shading panel

vegetation panel

site plan

0 Net Energy EnvirofilterLeading Edge Design Competition:

The final design solution went through multiple iterations to meet the design intent. Ultimately, this final scheme handles all identified issues. Extensive cycling of calculations, research, and modeling allowed the designers to discover and intimately understand the emerging language of the screen wall envirofilter system by which the building developed an environmental fit. This made it easier for the designers to make adjustments by “listening” to the building to find the appropriate refinements. For example, the building screen evolved to its final version by listening to the sawtooth form and the need for photovoltaics. The screen became an expression of the angles found in the roof and was then an appropriate armature on which to place the photovoltaics panels. The screen envirofilter then is the major design move that not only contributes to the sustainability and health of the building but acts overall to tie the building together and inform every piece of the building, both sustainably and experientially.

first floor plan

second floor plan basement plan wall section

0 Net Energy EnvirofilterLeading Edge Design Competition:

1 Screen

3 Green roof system4 Operable windows, hot air exhaust5 Metal insulated board plate6 Operable skylights, hot air exhaust7 Structural insulated panel8 Green roof terrace9 Two story atrium10 Movable partitions11 Grass ramp to basement12 Terrace

Solar control/ penetrationsummer 3pm48.4 Alt - 268.1 Az

1 Screen2 Raised �oor system3 Green roof system4 Operable windows, hot air exhaust5 Metal insulated board plate6 Operable skylights, hot air exhaust7 Structural insulated panel

cross section

longitudinal section

0 Net Energy EnvirofilterLeading Edge Design Competition:

Solar control/ penetrationWinter 3pm22 Alt - 224.8 Az

classroom section

classroom plan

Vegetation panels can be placed in the screen outside of air intake points to cool and humidify the air prior to it entering the building. The screen also can act as a shading device to reduce direct heat gains; shading panels to the west and south still allow light to filter through and for photovoltaic panels to collect solar energy while maintaining views out from the interior of the building. The screen filters the environment to sustain the building. The sawtooth roof form allows additional surfaces for photovoltaic panels as well as the admittance of daylight into the second floor classrooms. The sawtooth form also enhances the passive ventilation because the windows are operable to allow an additional point for the heated air to flow out of the building. The technical calculations performed allowed an understanding of how heat flows in and out of the building unintentionally.

33%

67%

green energy use : +34%

site use

Calculations confirm that there is enough PV production of energy to power the building and, at times, produce excess energy for export to the city grid. The sawtooth form also enhances the passive ventilation because the windows are operable to allow an additional point for the heated air to flow out of the building. The technical calculations performed allowed an understanding of how heat flows in and out of the building unintentionally. With this data, the building was able to be fine tuned as far as where to place certain elements like shading devices and ventilation features. The information also allowed for selection of appropriate building materials to provide adequate insulation and improve the building’s thermal performance.

0 Net Energy EnvirofilterLeading Edge Design Competition:

The lack of rainfall also was taken into consideration. Plantings were chosen to fit the Californian climate and almost all are native to the area which follows the principles of xeriscaping. Site materials were chosen to responsibly handle the rainfall that does happen on site. Building materials were not only selected based on their energy performance but also for their sustainability features. Recycled, reclaimed, and renewable materials are primarily used to ensure that the building has a lessened impact on the environment in the global sense as well as the local sense.

Project Green LineChicago, Illinois | High Performance Buildings Elective:

architecture is: technical

Project Green Line was developed in a neighborhood outside of downtown Chicago along the green elevated public transit line. The specific site at the corner of Damen and Lake Avenues was chosen due to its proximity to the line and because the lot is vacant. The addition of this design office provides to opportunity to create a new El stop on the green line and allows for the people who work to utilize a greener mode of transportation.

The concept behind the building was to not only create a net zero energy building but also to form an icon for green design. By placing the building in the chosen neighborhood, the hope is that it can act as a beacon to draw in the curious public to enhance the street life and act as a catalyst to draw in other businesses to recreate the streetscape. The green wall and roof box is really the piece of the design that makes this building memorable. From the train people will be able to see it and hopefully it will spark their curiosity either about the place or why the wall is green. This curiosity is really what will make the project a success in becoming an icon for green design; if no one has an interest in the building, it will be very difficult to communicate an icon of green design.

site plan

circulation structure

daylighting ventilation

Project Green LineHigh Performance Buildings Elective:

front elevation

In addition to making the building a green icon, the net zero energy factor was addressed. Eliminating as much of the energy need from the building was the easiest place to start. By utilizing daylighting and passive systems, a lot of energy need can be quickly eliminated. This played to the building form in the creation of the atrium that acts as a large light well that brings daylight to the heart of the building. It also allows for visual connection between floors so that any one department does not feel isolated. An open floor plan not only allows for maximum daylight penetration but also allows for the creation of a studio environment which yields maximum communication between employees. In addition to the elimination of every need, energy efficient equipment can then be implemented so that when energy is needed, it can be used wisely.

Energy generation is implemented in the form of photovoltaic panels and micro-scale wind machines. These elements are visible to lend in the concept of creating an iconic green design. Visibility allows the public’s curiosity to be sparked again and creates the opportunity for them to learn about green buildings and technology.

Project Green LineHigh Performance Buildings Elective:

starting energy use

final energy use

cooling 20,000 btu

heating 20,000 btu

lighting 20,000 btu

plug load 20,000 btu

energy saved60,000 btu

cooling 5,000 btu heating 4,000 btulighting 3,000 btu

plug load 8,000 btu

La Casa del BienestarKey Largo Florida | Wellness Resort:

architecture is: protective

In Key Largo, Florida, the local culture reflects a very laid back way of life that embraces the environment in which life happens. La Case Del Bienestar reflects the kick off your shoes culture in an open-air, relaxed environment with a focus on healing. Guests embark on their journey to wellness as soon as they step out of their car and walk into the main lobby. From here they walk the boardwalk to the main plaza where the guest rooms, fitness, spa, pool, and restaurants are located. Beyond the plaza guests are provided with a series of trails through the native mangrove forest. Interaction platforms allow guests to experience the site and view the water beyond. A portion of the boardwalk extends over the water to provide a wonderful place for both active and relaxing water activities for every guest. Incorporated into the site are many green strategies to ensure the beloved Keys environment remains protected. The use of photovoltaic panels provides energy for the resort and roofs are designed to direct rainwater into key places where it can be used on site instead of wasted. Buildings are designed to allow prevailing winds to ventilate them which greatly enhances that open-air feel and cuts energy loads. Local materials like mahogany and limestone are used to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in which guests can easily and comfortably relax.

site plan

circulation

formal vs informal

public vs private

tourist use

adaptability

ventilation

daylighting

rainwater collection

La Casa del BienestarWellness Resort:

courtyard room shading configurations

La Casa del BienestarWellness Resort:

guest room building sections

guest room building

ground plan

first floor plan

second floor plan

The Contemporary Library of downtown Muncie invites a coalescence of information and social gathering in the heart of the Muncie community. As a social and even architectural structure represented as "pillars of knowledge", the library addresses visions of a recognizable civic identity, human comfort, and adaptability.

First and foremost, the library should be recognizable as a civic institution, demonstrated through the architectural form. To do so, the design will subtlety reinterpret classical design features of the civic institution - elements including the repetitive stoic colonnade, the upward motion of stairs announcing an important transition from the public realm into an institutional body of society, and an interior procession from smaller auxiliary spaces into the larger central court. Along with the reinterpretation of such features, site elements should reach out into the existing cityscape to encourage community participation and use. The site should, thus, demonstrate an "open arms" design approach.

The new library should also take into consideration human comfort, particularly in terms of phenomenological design. The building will incorporate natural elements - heavy stones, rich woods, aging metals, and layers of natural light - to provide more personal and sensual spaces for a community of readers. The architecture should be highly comprehendible in terms of tectonic logic and a sense of materiality, and should have an ability to age with the community over time.

Muncie Contemporary LibraryMuncie, Indiana | Daylectric Lighting Studio

architecture is: experiential

Hig

h S

treet

Jackson Street

Main Street

Fran

klin

Stre

et

Wal

nut S

treet

Libe

rty S

treet

Washington Street

Adams Street

Reading

Stacks

Office

Circulation

Service

Mech.

Multi-Purpose

Cafe

Entry/Exhibit

OutdoorReading

Terraced Gardens

Civic Plaza

Reading

Roof Terrace

OpenTo Below

OfficeLounge

ComputerLab Area

Reading

site

first floor

second floor

To go along with the building’s expression of time, the new library should also be highly adaptable for future conditions. Should technologies in reading and extracting information evolve in the future - which they inevitably will - the library should be easily retrofitted to accommodate new data systems. Likewise, the quality of interior spaces should be adjustable for individual environmental preferences. Flexible lighting scenarios and architectural components will help readers modify spaces to their liking. Likewise, a multitude of reading area scenarios should be available to provide for a variety of personal preferences.

Muncie Contemporary LibraryDaylectric Lighting Studio

June 21, Noon Daylighting

54.3

104 136 159 134 197 294

67.0 114 140 153 147 125 103

71.2 121 136 157 167 135 85.8

39.2 2.5 54.1 9.7

17.1 13.5 47.6 79.6

52.0 55.9 49.7 10.7 33.9 73.9

66.0 69.4 63.1 17.9 36.3 69.4

12 106 96.5 15.4 31.8 74.8

661758

624744

630769

570412

414384

425474

129174

124153

147193

55.659.4

56.654.9

55.655.7

53.848.3

55.156.7

50.552.6

31.140.1

42.843.7

43.544.3

39.434.9

36.733.7

33.935.4

11.621.0

23.326.2

25.825.8

24.021.7

15.817.4

23.535.3

13.215.8

22.824.9

25.122.8

22.420.5

19.017.7

20.5

12.817.4

32.336.0

32.330.8

29.828.2

26.421.8

18.5

69.780.1

67.064.8

62.653.7

52.642.8

27.0

119131

120118

113111

104101

54.7

2271.8

2272.1

2181.6

187188

1

0.0

0.0

0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0

0.0 0.00.

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.00.0

0.00.

0.00.0

0

0.0 0.0

0.0 0.0

electric lighting sectioncooling section

electric lighting sectionheating section

Muncie Contemporary LibraryDaylectric Lighting Studio

fixture and loopingplans

The World in FramesThe World | Photography Studies

architecture is: visual

The World in FramesPhotography

architecture is: moralpracticeinteractiveresponsibletechnicalprotectiveexperientialvisual

kate d lengacherarchitecture | design | photography