Architecture

Hinged Forms | Concept

Not all College campuses look alike as they are all developed and expanded over time in an effort to confront the inherent flexibility of conventional architectural design and construction. Over the past decade, the Architectural Landscape of LSU has changed drastically with Renovated Buildings, New Buildings and the Removal of Buildings. While a Master Plan for the Campus has long been established, there will always be a desire to change the space again in the future, wasting materials. Today, in new construction many buildings feature flexible spaces so that they can take on more than one intended focus. Noting this, this proposal aims to shift the paradigm remove and replace; thus to create a space that can be reshaped over and over; one that can evolve with the campus. Thus, constructing a flexible design, that is recyclable, that can be both easily transported and removed, eliminating the need for a permanent building that takes months, sometimes years to design and build. With this design it’s ready and waiting for several functions on growing, active campus. This design is constructed of walls that can transform, built of recycled paper, the walls are pieced together with hinges, creating a 950 sq. ft. space. This gives the building’s shape the ability to possess a whole new form. The walls have attached built-in brackets that are able to support removable beams that can be placed at multiple locations as the structure takes on a new shape. Inside, the foundation is layered with custom, roll-up wood decking that will be placed once the intended shape is chosen for the structure. With the flexibility of being one or two stories. Attached by twist locks on the exterior of the structure, this is a quick change option; if an upper floor is required. The ceiling panels will have integral solar panels so that the space will have a standalone energy source; allowing it to be placed anywhere on campus. This structure has no limitations with the option of expansion. The design is able to be expanded in multiples by a suspended balconies and awnings to join the buildings and expand the space and experience for the users and functions as the campus necessitates.

Buildings, when constructed, usually have a particular purpose and are utilized until their functions are not needed, leaving the structure abandoned, accumulating dust, cobwebs, and graffiti, decaying before our eyes. The average life span of a conventionally built building (masonry and wood) is about 120 years and for modernist buildings (reinforced concrete and glass curtain wall) is half that: 60 years. After campuses expand, more buildings are being proposed to be developed to supply spaces for schools. But as these buildings are being built, even more are torn down to make room for the new development, wasting materials in the process. Hinged Forms will begin to eliminate this issue by becoming a flexible design that can be both easily transported and moved to other locations, eliminating the need for a permanent building that takes months, sometimes years to design and build. With this design it’s ready to provide for any campus’ needs and only occupying 475-square-feet of their property. Each panel is measured at 6-inch deep, 8-feet tall, 18-feet wide and are pieced together with hinges. The wall panels are constructed of recycled paper, Richlite, being 100 percent recyclable. Unlike stone or a solid surface, Richlite works similar to a dense hardwood and can be easily milled, sanded, routed, and joined. Richlite is water-resistant, sanitary, has low moisture absorption, heat and fire resistant, extraordinarily dense and durable, and has a natural appeal due to its paper construction. Richlite is highly impact resistance, having deflective and flexural strength being capable for any structure, overall an extremely durable material. The panels of this material gives a very distinctive look and makes a unique tactile experience with its textural feel. Hinged Form is displayed in Richlite’s color Natural but can be available in nine other different colors. The walls are constructed with built-in brackets to support removable beams that are created to fit within the form that it takes at the time. Layered over the beam is a custom, rolled-up wood decking that is cute and placed for it intended shape of the structure. To have the flexibility to have one or two stories, twist locks are placed onto the exterior walls and retractable stairs are placed in between each level. The space is built for a multi-use facility, so it can be available for the public needs. If it is a restaurant, diner, or café, event space, electricity will be provided with removable solar panels that are fitted on the roof. Solar power systems derive clean, pure energy from the sun and does not emit greenhouse gases into the environment, while reducing our collective dependence on fossil fuel, ultimately improving the public’s health. The structure has the opportunity to be placed in any orientation, allowing the building to utilize the sun, upon its adjustment. Sunny days will produce more solar energy, solar panels and continue to draw more energy even when the weather is cloudy. Indirect, or diffused, sunlight will still help to power your home. Cloudy days usually produce around 10 to 20 percent of the power generated on sunny days. To allow natural light and ventilation into the space, there are multiple suspended balconies and awnings that open up to also function as pathways to enter other neighboring Hinged Forms. This also provides multiple views onto the campus which it sits allowing for an illuminating environment for the users. No water is being wasted within the building because there is not a water system, but a small water tank can be transported within the space, if the function is needed. The building with also eliminate cost, because it is a re-usable space that can be transported to other locations when the function is not needed in the area. After construction, transportation expenses will need to be available so the building can be moved to another location. The space is adaptable for any location because it can be wedged into any space that is over 475-square-feet and be flexible to take any form that is suiting for its site.