| Spring 2004 Program |
| You have been commissioned to design an Environmental Learning Center along San Francisco's waterfront in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Environmental Learning Center is a non-profit organization whose mission is to stimulate environmental awareness and to educate the public regarding energy conservation and sustainable use of natual resources. In particular, the Center will serve as a resource for the design community, with an information center and library focused on recycled, sustainable, and energy efficient materials and building approaches. Seminars, demonstrations, and classes focused on enviromental issues will be held at the Center. Exhibits will illustrate issues and benefits related to recycling, energy efficiency, and environmentally sensitive construction/manufacturing techniques. Office area is needed for three staff memberes. In addition, public restrooms must be provided for use by visitors and staff. |
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| The Site |
| The site is located at the corner of Mason Street and Halleck Street, directly across from Crissy Field Visitor's Center. The site offers spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay and great exposure to tourists and visitors that may be passing through the Golden Gate Recreation Area. An elevated freeway structure borders the south edge of the property. Buildings within the Presidio have a distinct architectural style, ranging from a warehouse aesthetic to those having a "Mission Revival" influence. Although it is not a requirement, the building's design may reflect aspects of other structures in the surrounding environment. Parking will be available on an adjacent parcel of land directly south of the site and will not be part of the development for this project. However, attention should be given to how deliveries and trach pick-up can be handled in an unobtrusive manner. When orienting the building, particular attention should be given to views, sun angles, predominant wind direction, visibility of entry points, and circulation for pedestrians and vehicles. |
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| The Building |
| The client has requested that the design be unique and easily identifiable along the waterfront, yet respectful to nearby buildings. The building should serve as an example of environmentally sensitive contruction, taking advantage of "passive" systems such as wind or solar energy, effective shading, good exposure to natural light and effective air circulation. For instance, the size, location, and shading of windows can have a significant impact on energy efficiency due to potential heat gain or loss. Environmentally sensitive building materials may also be considered. The building should be arranged in a manner that is architectually dynamic yet maintain an inviting character for visitors. the floor plan should also provide and efficient arrangement of spaces for staff. The client has encouraged arranging interior volumes and architectural elements (windows, overhands, roof lines, decks) in a manner that creates interest. The building maybe either a single or a two story structure. However, in no case may the tallest portion of the structure exceed 30 feet in height. If the building has a second story, access to the second floor must be provided both by a stair and an elevator. If the second floor has more then 30 occupants (meeting room) a second stair must be provided. Stairs can be located withing the building or may be external (i.e. from a deck or exterior walkway). All areas of the facility should be accessible to the disabled. |
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| Building Area |
| Entry Area | 50 sq. ft. |
| Cashier/Display Area | 100 sq. ft. |
| Bike Sales Floor Area | 200 sq. ft. |
| Bike Rental Floor Area | 500 sq. ft. |
| Bike Return Area | 100 sq. ft. |
| Maintenance Area | 500 sq. ft. |
| Storage/Supply Room | 100 sq. ft. |
| Office | 100 sq. ft. |
| Staff Break Room | 100 sq. ft. |
| Lockers and Shower Room | 100 sq. ft. |
| Community Room | 250 sq. ft. |
| Restrooms | 100 sq. ft. |
| Vending Area | 100 sq. ft. |
| Vending/Chair Storage | 100 sq. ft. |
| Bike Lockers | 80 sq. ft. |
| Trash Area | 50 sq. ft. |
| Circulation Space | 220 sq. ft. |
| Outdoor Seating |
| Outdoor Bike Racks |
| Total Building Area 2750 sq. ft. |
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| Additional Requirements |
| Write a brief paragraph (150 words) describing how the building responds to the surrounding environment. Does the design compliment or contrast with the nearby architecture? Why? |
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