Overview
Figure1: The main facade of the building
Figure2: The guest lobby
Figure3: The courtyard
Design Features
Location: The Dish Hill is located within the grounds of Stanford University and bears educational significance. Moreover, the hilltop offers a picturesque panoramic vista that is visually striking. My objective is to offer users a site that is commensurate with the magnificence of this scenic view.
Courtyard: The patio's central positioning within the building enables visitors to traverse it and immerse themselves in nature for a serene experience. To reduce the energy consumption of the lighting system, curtain walls are installed around the courtyard that utilize daylight.
Sunshade fins: To afford visitors a panoramic vista of the sloping hill, a curtain wall is placed on the east side. Additionally, vertical sunshade fins are incorporated on this side to regulate the amount of sunlight entering the space.
Mass Timber structure frame: I opted for a timber framing system to enhance the sustainability of the building. Additionally, I strategically placed large columns facing the main entrance to create a more impressive aesthetic. By situating timber beams beneath the floor, they remain visible to users, fostering a sophisticated atmosphere within the building. Moreover, I prioritized structural walls over columns, affording the rooms greater space.
Greywater system: For the flashing water of restrooms, greywater is utilized in this building. The fountain placed in the courtyard is planned to utilize rainwater.
My Big Successes
One of my significant accomplishments is successfully implementing the strategy of designing a sustainable building and executing a passive design based on a simplified building shape. The use of simple shapes facilitated the identification of the key factors that impacted the outcome, as well as allowed for easy modification of the design. In contrast, overly complex designs can result in ambiguous design objectives, hindering the correlation between analytical results and their underlying causes.
My Big Challenges
Incorporating topographic features into the design concept of sustainability presented a significant challenge for me. Initially, I sought to leverage natural topography to create a building design that harmonized with the surrounding environment and expressed sustainable principles. However, the logistical difficulties of constructing a building on a natural slope proved formidable, and the project's timeline became a major concern. Ultimately, I had to abandon the original strategy midway through the process. Furthermore, this project marked my inaugural experience in developing an architectural design from inception to completion. As such, acquainting myself with material design and architectural terminology posed a formidable challenge. Inadequate familiarity with these concepts prolonged the completion of each stage of the design process, underscoring the need for a more extensive timeline to produce a more intricate and refined final product.
Lessons Learned
My experience in following the design process from site selection to MEP system integration highlighted the difficulties of revising a design that has already been established, compared to making changes in the current phase. Consequently, it is crucial to incorporate as much information as possible during the initial design phase to minimize rework. Multiple iterations of coordinating various design plans are necessary to achieve a precise model. Moreover, given the involvement of numerous stakeholders throughout the design process, it is essential to engage them in design meetings as early as possible to ensure effective collaboration. Ultimately, to optimize the design process, it is imperative to think proactively and maintain a comprehensive vision of the ultimate objective from the outset.
Video Presentation / Tour of Your Project Features
Presentation slides
Zoom link
Design Journal Entries
