What sort of complexities are introduced when you construct a building complex in phases?
- What happens at the interfaces between the buildings as the phases advance?
- How can you plan and prepare for these complexities as your create your initial building model?
Building in phases makes construction more complicated because the new and old parts need to connect smoothly. As the phases move forward, interfaces like walls, doors, and utilities must align so everything works properly. If not planned well, there could be gaps, misalignments, or other problems. I tried my best to plan/visualize in my mind each option and their ramifications: making sure the connections between buildings were clear in the design and thinking about how materials and structures would come together.
In your project, which features of the proposed design did you choose to model as design alternatives?
- Why did you choose these building features? And what were the biggest challenges in modeling them as the design alternatives?
I modeled two sets of design alternatives. The first is the façade, with one option matching the existing building for a traditional look and the other using a modern glass curtain wall to bring in more natural light and create an open feel. The second is the connection between buildings, with one option being an open-air skybridge, which is simple and cost-effective, and the other a fully enclosed glass link, which provides weather protection but is more expensive. One challenge was balancing simplicity and detail—making sure both options were clear while keeping the model manageable. Another challenge was ensuring that each option worked well with the rest of the building, especially in terms of structure and circulation.