The primary piece of the building’s system is the structural wall. While new construction could be built with a grid of columns, most early twentieth century mixed use buildings in this neighborhood are supported by two parallel load-bearing walls with perpendicular beams to support the loads from above. One may manipulate these side structural walls by lengthening or shortening them (in correspondence with the threshold walls, see below), puncturing them with small windows and doors, or adding bay conditions. However, load-bearing walls may not be moved outside of their designated slots on the grid. Structural walls are also associated with wet zones, i.e. walls where the major plumbing pipes are laid. Plumbing fixtures should be located near the building’s existing wet zones for a more cost-effective renovation.
The kit of parts (below right) allows participants to mix and match solid, punctured, and bayed structural wall conditions to create new designs that accommodate any given need. The example below is comprised of a solid structural wall with one bay window and three additional window punctures.
The kit of parts (below right) allows participants to mix and match solid, punctured, and bayed structural wall conditions to create new designs that accommodate any given need. The example below is comprised of a solid structural wall with one bay window and three additional window punctures.
Threshold walls separate the interior from the exterior. They communicate a building’s function to passersby and welcome guests into the building. When activated, with transparent storefronts, lively balconies, or large inviting doorways, thresholds have the ability to engage the sidewalk and transform the public way. Many of the public thresholds in Washington Park and Martin Drive Neighborhood have been boarded up; glass facades have been removed in an attempt to deter vandalism and theft. Research shows, however, that the more active a street becomes, with more people seen both inside and outside of these public spaces, the safer residents feel. Jane Jacobs calls this concept “eyes on the street.”
In order to activate these threshold walls, one can move them forward and back, perpendicular to the structural walls, but cannot turn or relocate these pieces. A balcony condition is created by pushing the lower level threshold forward and the upper level back. Doing the opposite results in an overhang, to shelter occupants from weather or to provide a shaded spot for outdoor seating.
Like the load-bearing walls, thresholds can also be punctured and folded into bays. Unlike these structural walls, though, threshold walls do not carry vertical loads. This allows the punctures to be significantly larger, strengthening the connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The threshold’s kit of parts includes a storefront system, an aluminum and glass facade that provides maximum transparency for both doors and windows.
The example below has incorporated an opening for stair access, a bay condition, and a storefront system on the lower level. The second level has been pushed back on the right side to create a balcony condition, with a punctured window and door for light and access.
In order to activate these threshold walls, one can move them forward and back, perpendicular to the structural walls, but cannot turn or relocate these pieces. A balcony condition is created by pushing the lower level threshold forward and the upper level back. Doing the opposite results in an overhang, to shelter occupants from weather or to provide a shaded spot for outdoor seating.
Like the load-bearing walls, thresholds can also be punctured and folded into bays. Unlike these structural walls, though, threshold walls do not carry vertical loads. This allows the punctures to be significantly larger, strengthening the connection between the interior and exterior spaces. The threshold’s kit of parts includes a storefront system, an aluminum and glass facade that provides maximum transparency for both doors and windows.
The example below has incorporated an opening for stair access, a bay condition, and a storefront system on the lower level. The second level has been pushed back on the right side to create a balcony condition, with a punctured window and door for light and access.
Circulation includes vertical elements, such as fixed staircases, elevators, or ramps, as well as available paths of movement through the space. Given the cost to move these elements, it is most efficient to plan new designs around existing staircases.
The center row of diagrams, below, shows the potential to affect circulation routes without changing the staircase locations. A. With an entrance through the center of each threshold, and programming elements on either side, movement flows directly through the center of the space. B. Shifting the threshold access points to one side allows for programming of various sizes and directs circulation in a straight line, but through a different grid line of the building. C. Creating entrance points on the side of the building, as well as moving or resizing spatial zones, can create interesting non-linear circulation paths. Typically, the third level of a multi-use duplex in Wisconsin is shaped by a heavily pitched roof. While the ceiling is too low on the sides of the floor plate, the center (notated in the bottom diagrams) can be occupied, just like the lower two levels of the building. |
The role of spatial zones is to organize interior space and programs, or functions. These zones also divide space into public, semi-public, and private uses.
Interior spatial walls are free to move within the boundaries of the established structure, thresholds, and existing circulation pieces. They can be punctured, half-height, or include built-in storage elements. Spatial zones are not always established by walls - furniture configurations, material changes (a floor or ceiling transition, for example), a shift in height, or the use of light and shadow can also establish the boundaries of space. Compared to the other elements in the system, spatial changes are easiest the most economical to carry out at this level. |