Overall Strategy & Features
The grid layout for the structure was chosen based on a goal of having even spacing throughout the building space, and adjustments were made based on locations for some of the columns. For example, grid lines were moved to have columns placed around the triple floor height lobby space. Openings for the staircases, as well as openings in the floor for the double height exhibit were also considered during the structural framing. Columns were placed to avoid cluttering in open spaces, such as the cafe, lobby, and atrium. A maximum beam/girder span of approximately 30 ft was used, since the material choice for the structural members was wood. This material was chosen to blend in with the environment of the space as well as to help achieve sustainability goals for the structure. Structural walls were distributed among the four sides of the building as an attempt for symmetry in the lateral structural system (may still have issues with torsion).
Material & Framing System
The framing system selected was a grid pattern, with columns spaced at approximately 30 ft apart, and intermediate beams in the beam system spaced at 6 ft. Adjustments were made for openings/doors as well as open space considerations.
- columns: timber-column, 12x24
- girders: structural framing (girders) - timber, 10x14
- beams: structural framing (joists) - timber, 8x8
- floors: 3” LW concrete on 2” metal deck
- may consider changing to CLT panels to align more with the wood framing of the rest of the structure; may be more sustainable
- columns/beams/girders may be changed to glulam sizes - could help with dimensions, cost, and sustainability
Structural Column & Framing Element Locations
Structural Challenges
There are some longer spans (such as the one in the lobby opening, and the two in the exhibit space) that may require larger girders or a truss system in order to work. A truss system may also need to be considered for the roof structure under the sloped glass roof above the central atrium space that runs between the two buildings. Additionally, the extra load from the roof garden on the two-story structure might require larger structural elements than currently modeled.