Organize

Every school week this semester has ended in a trip to the Perkins Road to better understand the nature of the site and all of its intricacies.  In finalizing design decisions for my final project, I looked back at these site observations to repackage relevant information. 

Before this project, I had developed an appreciation for the overpass neighborhood as it is one with a very unique character.  Home to several mom and pop businesses and locally owned bars featuring live music and cheap drinks, the area has a very distinct charm that makes it an important destination for Baton Rouge residents of all ages.  Even after spending a whole semester eploring problems on the site, I have become very fond of this neighborhood. 

Initial visits to the site revealed issues with circulation.  Throughout most of the site, there are no defined paths for pedestrian movement.  Sidewalks are few and far between, and where they do exist, they are in pretty bad shape.  Vehicular circulation is also complicated, especially beneath the interstate where entrances to parking lots are hard to find.   

The program is also ambiguous.  At times of high traffic, i.e. the lunch hour, happy hour, and weekend nights, the area under the interstate is a parking lot.  Cars fill this space on Friday and Saturday nights to visit local bars and restaurants.  During the day though, the space is underutilized.  One feels out of place walking across the space as there is no program.  As cars fill the space, they begin to assume the grid of the columns which gives the site program, more clearly defines circulation, and provides some order.

The Perkins Road overpass area is a party hub during the Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades.  The space fills with people who line the streets to watch the floats go by and hang out at local bars and restaurants after the parade ends.  Beads and beer bottles litter the ground for weeks after the event as they become buried in puddles of water with nowhere to drain.  Hydrology is another issue…

Planting Planning

My design proposal includes several bioretention cells to clean runoff from the interstate above.  Pipes will bring runoff down to cells that will feature sensors to measure levels of heavy metals in the wtaer.  Fiber optic lighting will portray water quality using variations of color.  Though little data has been collected on the results of bioretention systems, one study suggests that bioretention removes 51-71% of metals in water.   

After doing some research, I have found that pine straw is an effective type of mulch for bioretention purposes.  I will use 3 inches of pine straw atop a layer of planting soil, which will drain into perforated pipes surrounded by gravel to be pumped into the rain wall system.

 

I also have somewhat finalized a plant pallette, which includes colorful, native plants that will be laid out in a natural, wild planting design.

Perennials

Louisiana irises

Goldenrod

Cardinal Flower

Swamp Mallow

Trees/Shrubs

(to be planted around perimiter)

Wax Myrtle

Florida Anise

Virginia Willow

Deciduous Holly

Making the Grade

I manipulated planes using Google SketchUp to determine the slight undulations in the ground plane where I’ll be creating flooded surfaces.  After several iterations, I came up with this one, which is based primarily on desired circulation paths through the area.

The following diagrams demonstrate how these forms fit into the site and how pedestrian circulation works within it.

Mock… Yeah…

Using construction tape and survey flags, I mocked up a portion of my design on the site in order to explore scale and volumes within the space.  The exercise was extremely helpful as it provided a better sense of how people fit and move within the site.  I focused on one of the “rooms” in my design by marking the perimeter with construction tape.  While the room felt much larger than it looked on paper, I decided against further dividing the room with water walls and became interested in the idea of creating more intimate spaces with vegetation and seating within the larger room.   

I did a mockup of one of the rooms, which was not very successful as it did not provide enough context and perspective.  I’ll be doing another mockup from a different angle to give a better idea of how the design works as well as how the space feels.

The area I had planned to flood with a thin sheet of water also turned out to be much larger than I realized, which led to some design tweaking.  I not only decided to make this flooded space smaller but also realized that it will be necessary to provide more paths for circulation through this area of the site so that people can get across without stepping in the water.   

Water World

So, after reading about Fun Palace, I started thinking about how to alow users to design their own spaces.  I modified the artificial rain system to allow social and cultural activity to determine the architecture. 

The system would involve 2 pipe systems.  Runoff from the interstate above would trickle from one set of pipes (dirty water) onto vegetation, where it would filter through the plants and be cleaned through biofiltration.  The clean water would be stored until needed for the other system.  This second system would release sheets of rain depending on how people utilize spaces.  Rain sheets would create small rooms in instances where few people are stationary in a small area, but when many people  pass through several spaces, the rain would form a perimeter around the larger space. 

Runoff from artificial rain system would drain to several channels that would flow to plaza area where they would deposit water to form a large, sort of meandering puddle.

The shallow channels would provide a reflective canvas for the overhead system of pipes.  The idea is to use sensors to detect water quality and color to share that information, with fiber optic sensors along pipes.  This would pay tribute to the neon sign language of Perkins Rd, while lighting the area at night and creating interesting effects on the water’s surface.

I have begun to develop a prototype for a prototype that demonstrates the water flow.  The top level represents water from interstate which flows through pipes and down to plants where it is filtered at the second level  The water is stored and then released from pipes along grid and it drains into larger system…

Promenade Precedent

My project proposal to flood areas of the site with a subtly undulating ground plane recalls Kathryn Gustafson’s Kreielsheimer Promenade in Seattle, Washington.  The open civic space  between McCaw Hall and the Phelps Center features a series of sheets of water which cover sloped stone paving in the center of the pedestrian corridor.  The water features provide a canvas on which children can paint with waves and splashes and visitors can interact with reflections of the metal scrims hanging above, the Northwesten sky, and the light show at night.

Although I have yet to work out the details of the system, my idea is to design a series of channels of a similar depth (roughly 1/4″ deep) through which pedestrians can walk through or hop over. 

I think this feature would be very FUNctional.  The organically shaped channels would counter the orthagonal overhead system of pipeworks from which filtered waste water from the interstate would rain.  They would also provide a theoretical connection between the larger pools proposed to sit on both (east and west) ends of the site.

Each pool would fill up to “balance” the weight of human activity.  Let me explain… As people occupy one end of the site for, say, a farmer’s market, rain would fall from the overhead pipe system where activity is concentrated but an area at a different location would simultaneously flood with water cleaned through filtration and biofiltration.  The rain would provide water to vegetation, human interaction with the site’s hydrology, a peaceful rhythm to blend with the disrupting sound of vehicles overhead, and a source of fluid for the opposite pool.  As the pool formed and then grew it would alter circulation through the space as people would be forced to walk around it.  Ideally the pool would attract interest and people would move to view it, thus shifting the weight and leading to flooding on the opposite side.  At times when people were dispersed somewhat evenly throughout the site, the pools would empty and the channels mentioned earlier would be activated.

Annotate

I observed existing conditions at the location of my robot sketch (the side of ZeeZees) and then annotated the drawing in Adobe Illustrator.  I then spent 3 hours at the same location and recorded time-based changes on the site.  I observed changes at the location on Friday from 2pm to 5pm, while local bars/restaurants prepared for the St. Patty’s Day parade.  The rainy weather and parade buzz provided for a rather interesting site observation… 

Sketch: Robot

My original robot sketch did not prove to be useful for the continuation of the assignment so I had to zoom out and start over.  Originally, I drew a window on the south-facing side of ZeeZee Gardens but had to take another photograph that included more elements for annotation and observation.  

Keep off the Grass

Sense

Camera sensors dispersed evenly across the underside of the west bound lanes of I-10 between Perkins Road and Christian Street will detect pedestrian circulation across this space.  The camera will pick up on instances of contrast that come into view, such as a dark pair of pants or a bright red shirt. 

Process

Using arduino technology, the use of the space will be tracked or the frequency of foot traffic in any given space will be recorded.  The arduino will be programmed to project a set image on the ground until 5 or more people have stepped in a given location.  Once the count reaches 5, the image will be programmed to project a second image in that location.  In those spaces that are predetermined to provide optimal growing conditions for vegetation based on exposure to water and sunlight, 10 people must cross the space in order to trigger the change of the projected image from the first to the second.  At 6am, the system will reset, and the traffic count will return to zero.

Output

An image of a perfectly mown lawn will be projected directly down onto the ground beneath the interstate.  Once the traffic frequency exceeds the set number in a given location, the image will immediately switch from the image of grass to an image of gravel.  Ac companying the projection will be signs reading, “please keep off the grass.” 

Precedent

Arcstream’s ‘Living Image’ uses infra-red sensors and overhead projection to provide an interactive floor that changes in real-time as people interact with it.

Installation

The installation is transformative to the experience of the site, as it illuminates the impact of pedestrian traffic on the site’s vegetation.  After a busy lunch hour or Saturday night, the virtual lawn will be destroyed and dissected by virtual desire lines.  As people begin to understand their transformative impact on the projected image, they might enjoy running beneath the cameras to manipulate patterns that form on the ground.  By requiring a higher frequency to trigger the change in those areas that are exposed to both sunlight and water, the installation favors the growth of vegetation until the inclination of people to walk in an area exceeds the vegetation’s inclination to grow.

Studyin’ Cases

Sense: Optical Radiation

A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument.  A sensor is a transducer, which means it transfers one type of energy into another so they are classified based on the type of energy transfer that they detect.

Photodetector

Photodetectors are light sensors.  Optical detectors are quantum devices in which light photons create discrete effects.

Fiber Optic Sensors

Fiber optic sensors use optical fiber either as the sensing element, in the case of intrinsic fiber optic sensors, or to transmit the signal from a remote sensor to the measurement system in the case of extrinsic sensors.  As sensors, optical fibers measure strain, temperature, and pressure.  The quantity to be measured is determined by intensity, phase, polarization, or wavelength of light in the fiber.  Extrinsic fiber optic sensors are used to measure vibration, rotation, displacement, velocity, acceleration, often in otherwise inaccessible places.

“The Cloud” in Florence, is a sculpture that expresses context awareness using hundreds of sensors and over 15,000 individually addressable optical fibers..  The cloud is capable of detecting presence and engaging with users through its multi-fiber touch interface.

Infra-red Sensors

Infra-red sensors measure infra-red light radiating from objects within its field of view. Often used in the construction of occupancy or motion detectors for use in lighting and environmental controls.  Motion is detected when an infra-red source with one temperature passes in front of an object with another temperature.  In the case of passive infra-red sensors, the sensor does not actually emit an infra-red beam but merely detects incoming infra-red radiation. 

Infra-red sensors can be used in the tranfsformation of spaces to detect human presence or movement.  “Motion Traces” by Golan Levin & Zachary Lieberman with Scott Ritter and Ars Electronica Futurelab uses infra-red sensing to transform a turning point in an open stairwell corridor.  This projection reflects the presence and motion of the visitors, thus incorporating the visitors into the active skin of the architecture.  

Process: Location Based Services 

Location-based service is accessible with mobile devices through mobile networks to make use of the geographical position of the mobile device.  Users do not have to manually specify a zip code or location. 

Applications:
request nearest business or service
turn-by-turn navigation
locate people by map displayed on phone
location-based mobile advertising

The standard method is GPS-based LBS, which provides the exact location but can be expensive to the user as it demands investment in a GPS-equipped handset.  GSM localization finds the position of a mobile device based on its proximity to its cell site.  Near LBS refers to the use of local-range technologies such as Bluetooth, WLAN, infra-red and RFIDs to match devices to nearby services.

LBS component requirements:
Mobile devices: cellular phone, laptop, PDA’s, navigation unit
Communication network: mobile network that transfers data and service request from the user to the service and then the results back to the user.
Positioning component: GPS or mobile communication network necessary to determine position of user.
Service and application provider: Provides information such as yellow pages, directions
Data and content provider: Service providers do not store all data but request information from maintaining authorities. 

LBS is rooted in GIS techonologies, but GIS is a “professional” system, intended for experienced users and requires extensive computing resources.  The GIS is widely functional, while the LBS are developed as limited services for large non-professional user groups  GIS and LBS have some particular similarities. Such common features are the handling of data with positional reference and spatial analysis functions.

Geographic Information Systems capture, store, analyze, manage, and present geographic information.  Applications allow for interactive queries to analyze geographically dependent spatial data.  GIS can be used for scientific investigations, environmental impact assessment, urban planning, cartography, marketing, etc.  The Canada GIS was the world’s first system and provided a huge improvement over traditional mapping because it allowed for overlay, measurement, and digitizing.  Developed by Roger Tomlinson, CGIS was most notable for its overlay capabilities, which allow for the spatial analysis of geographically convergent data.   Processing software transforms raw data into usable forms and analysis software prepares data to be visually represented.  Statistical software analyzes data for decision making.

With mobile devices, GIS information can be captured directly in the field.  Data can be captured through the digitizing of existing paper maps, suvey techniques, such as GPS, and remote sensing.  Most GIS data comes from aerial photographs.  

Google Maps uses GIS data to provide a free web-mapping service.  Google maps offers street maps and aerial images, route planner, and business locations.
 
Google Latitude is a Google feature that uses Google Maps to let users share their physical location with others and likewise view locations of others.  Although concerns have been expressed about privacy issues, friends must agree to share locations and privacy controls allow users to share, set, and hide their location.  Latitude determines location based on GPS information and proximity to wireless networks and mobile phone towers.     

 

Location-based services can be used in conjunction with other technologies to transform the built enviroment by connecting users to remote locations.  Leeser Architecture with media artist Golan Levin, StoSS landscape urbanism, and architect Laura Kurgan developed this interactive installation for Battery Park and other future potential sites in New York City.  The installation uses body movements, users can zoom and pan around a map of New York City.

Output: Projection

A video projector takes a video signal and projects the image onto a corresponding screen using a lens system.  Video projectors are widely used for conference room presentations, classroom training, home theatre, and live events.  Devices vary in resolution, light emission, acoustic noise output, contrast, as well as other characteristics.

Cathode Ray Tubes

The CRT or cathode ray tubes use a red, green, and blue tube to generate an image which is then focused and enlarged.  CRT picture tubes last longer than expensive lamps that must be replaced periodically, but are much bulkier.

Liquid Crystal Display

The LCD or liquid crystal display projection technology sends light from a lamp through a prism that separates light into red, green, and blue components of video signal.  As light passes through the panel, pixels can be opened or closed to allow light to pass through or to block the light. 

DLP

The DLP projector, developed by Texas Instruments, creates an image with microscopic mirrors laid out in a matrix on a semiconductor chip, called a digital micromirror device.  Each mirror represents one or mirror pixels of the projected image.  The light valves uses rotating color wheels to modulate color.  With fewer DMDs and slower operating speeds, a rainbow is visible when people move their eyes.

An important consideration to make when dealing with projection is the relationship between the source of the projection and the screen or surface onto which the imagery is projected.

Virtual Retinal Display

The virtual retinal display is a developing display technology that places a raster image directly onto the retina of the eye.  The user sees the screenless display floating in front of them.    
This technology removes defects of eye’s optical system and problems with the display environment.

This technology is being developed as a display system for military, entertainment (cell phone display screens, video games, cameras), and medical (vision-impaired) purposes. 
VRDs are much smaller than conventional display screens but require some sort of optical instrument like sunglasses or a helmet.

Essentially, it allowsfor screenless projection, which significantly changes the way in which users interact with projection technology.