After Nature
Although wood is a renewable resource, deforestation is happening and this mass consumption of wood is due to development. Studying the after life scenarios of wood, it is clear that as architects we need to be more precious about our materials. What happens when something is out-dated? When something is ready to take its place? Is that existing structure demolished and are those materials taken straight to the landfill?
Designing for disassembly can be a new frontier in architecture to solve this issue and answer these questions.
This circular community intends to adopt the idea of designing for disassembly. Reusing and assembling materials so that they can be taken down and used again,
The demolition of the Apex building in Pawtucket, Rhode Island provides many materials for the projects. Metal structural members for the primary structure of the project, concrete aggregated and reused for slabs and foundations, asphalt aggregated and used for landscaping, and breeze blocks reused as paving. Additionally, all trees that are cleared on the site will be processed on site to be used in the structure.
The existing site has a view of the Seekonk River as well as the existing Taft Street Community Garden. This garden will be expanded onto the site as the primary community garden. This project is heavily based on connecting children and adults to nature and agriculture. Teaching the community how to grow and harvest their own food. The program consists of two parts: educational facilities and community spaces.
Pathways made out of reused breeze blocks from the Apex Building connect each of the spaces, and allow for a permeable surface for storm water runoff. Two platforms allow for lookout views to the river during the Winter months and in the Summer, classrooms will be moved onto those platforms to create a courtyard between the 4 classrooms. This allows for outdoor open learning, and a central space for events such as farmers markets, fairs or play space.
Pathways made out of reused breeze blocks from the Apex Building connect each of the spaces, and allow for a permeable surface for storm water runoff. Two platforms allow for lookout views to the river during the Winter months and in the Summer, classrooms will be moved onto those platforms to create a courtyard between the 4 classrooms. This allows for outdoor open learning, and a central space for events such as farmers markets, fairs or play space.
The structure has a natural appearance to display to the community the materials that will be used to construct the structures. Children can physically see real wood and understand how it connects with the metal structure since everything is exposed.
This hybrid construction between metal framing and wood infill, allows the structure to be easily disassembled, moved, and the materials can provide a material bank for future use. This move-ability allows for various types of programs between the classrooms. Students can understand how structures are constructed in this way by physically observing their movement. The structure begins with steel columns and beams, steel trusses, then wooden infill, and lastly corrugated metal roofing. Large transparent windows and doors increase the opportunity for children to interact and experience nature.
Open classrooms allow children to explore freely and grow a better sense of independence and confidence. Montessori education respects the independence of children and creates an environment for them to explore and feel the world through their own senses. This free movement is also adopted in the community spaces. Allowing for interaction with nature. The community spaces are connected and framed around a courtyard space for open dining and recreational community activities.
Classroom orientation in the summer
Classroom orientation in the winter