A Model for Modularity at University Square - Heavy Timber Research Studio | Spring 2021
This final project was the accumulation of research conducted in the Heavy Timber Research Studio. My initial research throughout the summer was focused on mass timber modular construction methods. For this final project, I teamed up with Kelsie Donovan whose research was focused on designing for deconstruction and material reuse and Malina Pickard who focused on material life cycles. Our goal was to apply all of our research into a singular project which utilized modular construction techniques which would be designed to be deconstructed and reused in order to extend the lifespan of the heavy timber and allow for maximum carbon sequestration.
The site was located at University Square in Uptown New Orleans, LA. The site is located in close proximity to two green parks. Therefore, one goal of the site is to create a “green connection” pedestrian path through the site which connects people to and from these green spaces. This diagonal path creates a central cut through the site while the buildings then frame the perimeter and orient towards the central green gathering spaces. The program is dedicated to graduate student and faculty housing for Tulane University affiliates.
Our final scheme consists of three different building typologies designed for three different user groups: families, single students, and faculty members. These different typologies each explore different module and corridor configurations. The goal is to be able to seamlessly add and subtract modules to these buildings to be able to adapt to changing needs. Those modules which are subtracted are designed to be deconstructed and reused for different uses.
