MADELINE NERO I PORTFOLIO

Madeline Nero Portfolio

Pratt Institute GAUD ++

CONTENTS

01 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Visitors Center, El Yunque RainforestAlexandra Barker | Spring 2011

02 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Lumina:City Elderly HousingCraig Konyk | Fall 2010

03 � � � � � � � � � � �POPS Space (Privately +Owned +Public +Space)Alexandra Barker | Fall 2009

04 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Port Authority of Cagliari, SardegnaLudovica Tramontin l Fall 2011

05 � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �FAX NY: Farming Extreme in NYSulan Kolatan I Spring 2012

Site � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � El Yunque, Puerto Rico

Professor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Alexandra Barker

Team � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jeffrey Autore, Christian Strom

Consultants:

Structural � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Matthew Clark

Facade � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Sameer Kumar

Landscape � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Elliott Maltby

Environment � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mattew Flannery

Course � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ARCH704: Design Studio IV: CAP

Semester � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Spring 2011

Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12 Weeks

VISITOR’S CENTEREL YUNQUE NATIONAL RAINFOREST, PUERTO RICO

El Yunque’s new visitor’s center is a place of exhibition and educa-tion, featuring a gallery space, a small auditorium, administrative of-fices and a café� Visitors enter the site at ground level� As the building progresses along its horizontal trajectory, due to the site’s sloping ter-rain, the visitor experiences the changing elevation of the forest� An extended ramp leads the guest up to the mezzanine café, where the building pierces the thick canopy, revealing the extensive view of the lower elevations of the rainforest and the distant harbor�

Dwarf ForestElevation: +3000�

Palo Colorado ForestElevation: +2000�

Sierra Palm ForestElevation: +1500�

Tabonuco ForestElevation: < 2000�

70.071.072.5

75.0

77.5

80.0

82.5

Jan-Feb

67.5

67.0Mar-Apr

May-Jun

Jul-Aug

Sep-Oct

Nov-Dec

Tem

pera

ture

. F

El Yunque Average Temperatures

Site Average Temperature: 710 F

Months

NORTH15°

30°

45°

60°

75°

EAST

105°

120°

135°

150°

165°SOUTH

195°

210°

225°

240°

255°

WEST

285°

300°

315°

330°

345°

10 km/h

20 km/h

30 km/h

40 km/h

50 km/h hrs

698+

628

558

488

418

349

279

209

139

<69

Prevailing WindsWind Frequency (Hrs)Location: San Juan L M Marin Intl Ap, PRI (18.4°, -66.0°)Date: 1st January - 31st DecemberTime: 00:00 - 24:00

EL YUNQUE NATIONAL FORRESTPUERTO RICO

The proposed site for the new visitor’s center for Puerto Ri-co’s expansive rainforest lies in the heart of the vibrant Palo Colorado section� At +2000 feet above sea level, this area of the forest contains three distinct strata of flora and fauna cre-ated by the canopy of trees, the understory, and the emergent growth above� The site maintains a comfortable temperature and humidity throughout the year with steady cooling breezes from the trade winds out of the east� Rainfall averages 130-170 inches per year�

Average Annual Wind Direction, El Yunque National Forest

Puerto Rico Mean Annual Precipitation, 1971-2000

El Yunque National Forest: 130-170 in/year

El Yunque Average Annual Temperatures

Visitor’s Center SiteElevation: +2000ft

130”-170”90”-130”

50”-90”30”-50”

Conceptual Sketches of Column Structure

Digital Model of Column Structure

Study Model of Column Structure

Mezzanine Level+11’-0”

Entry Level0-0”

Lower Level- 13-0”

Longitudinal Section

North Facade Rendering

Mezzanine Level+11’-0”

Entry Level0-0”

Lower Level- 13-0”

Understory Boundary

Canopy Boundary

Transverse Section

Longitudinal Section

Footing Section

10” Steel Column

P.O.S. Concrete Footing Cap

Steel Column Base

Concrete Pile Cap

Steel Plate

Steel and Concrete Piles

1

Footing Plan

Longitudinal Section

Footing Section

10” Steel Column

P.O.S. Concrete Footing Cap

Steel Column Base

Concrete Pile Cap

Steel Plate

Steel and Concrete Piles

1

Footing Plan

Fixed louver panel set behind perforated galvanized aluminum sheet.

Aluminum sill plate, typ.

W24, typ.

Suspended wood plank ceiling

Recessed LED downlightMax. slab cantilever of 2’-0”

2-1/2” rigid insulation typ.

Spray-applied fireproofing (typ. all beams)

Steel angle welded to primary mullion framework. Angle to be bolted to W section below slab & decking.

McNichols galvanized aluminum press-locked grating. Panels suspended from 1/2” S.S. anchored through aluminum panel into rigid insulation above.

ETFE pillow, typ.

Line of 5x5 steel tube beyond, typ.

5x5 steel tube, typ.

ETFE Air hose connection, typ.

Welded connection between roof and primary mullion members

FACADE DESIGN

The site’s unique temperate climate, averaging about 71° at this elevation of the forest with steady prevailing winds from the east, provides an opportunity to use passive systems of cooling� Cool air is drawn in from operable windows along the east side while warmer air in the double height space rises and escapes through assisted vents in the roof system� Fritted ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluo-roethylene) panels provide a lightweight roof with an insulating shield from solar heat gain� A gradient of frit density increases as the building moves out from the protective tree canopy�

STRUCTURAL SYSTEM

The inspiration for the building’s structural system is derived from a biomimicry study of the Puerto Rican Parrot and the unique composition of a feather� Both strong and lightweight, feather structure is light enough for flight but also strong enough to with-stand high winds� The goal is to create a maximum structural sup-port with a minimum impact on the land, thus helping to preserve the delicate balance of life at the forest floor� The interconnected column system mimics the woven nature of a feather, supporting three levels with eleven small column footings at the ground�

Restroom 1Restroom 2

CisternRain WaterPolisher

Cafe Kitchen

WaterHeater

Flue

Hot Water

Cold Water

Water DetentionTank

(Overflow released to ground)

Rainwater Collection

Self ContainedAir Unit

12 ton capacity

AirIntake

Exhaust

Return Air

Resource CenterAdministrativeAuditorium

ZONE 1 ZONE 2

Finished Floor

Finished Ceiling

Supply Air

HVAC System

Water collection and distribution

Interior view at mezzanine ramp

Sectional model interior view

Interior view at mezzanine café

Interior view at entry level

Entry Level Reflected Ceiling Plan

Lower Level Floor Plan

Foundation Plan

Project � � � �Elderly Housing, Artists with Early Onset Alzheimer’s

Concept � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � “Remembering Before I Forget”

Site � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY

Program � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 84 Living Units, Retail, Exhibition Space

Professor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Craig Konyk

Course � � � � � � � � � �ARCH662: Design Studio III, Urban Mixed Use

Semester � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Fall 2011

Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Weeks

LUMINA: CITYELDERLY HOUSING FOR ARTISTS WITH EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER’S

Light and memory are transitory and fleeting in nature� They func-tion as traces on our existence, snapshots and impressions left upon our minds� This connection of light and memory is the driving con-cept behind my structure�

This center will bring together a community of artists with early stage Alzheimer’s� The artists’ work must be related to light, which may include light sculpture, light graffiti, light drawing, interactive light in-stallations, performance light art, or any creative endeavor of their choosing related to light� Practicing light artists in residence will assist them in creating this work� The program includes living and studio spaces for the artists as well as a public corridor for exhibition and retail�

CONEY ISLAND BROOKLYN, NY

Coney Island has long been a venue for spectacular, innovative arti-ficial light� The site was used as an experimental testing ground for electric lighting, where the Luna Park and Dreamland amusement parks sparkled from miles away in surreal spectacle� The tradition continues today with the lighting of the Parachute Jump and the new Luna Park�

MTA’s Arts for Transit program sets up a precedent for Urban Art at the site with the renovation of the two train stations flanking the site� Vito Acconci’s “Wavewall” of 2005 adorns the West 8th street station, while Robert Wilson’s “Coney Island Baby” glass-silkscreen block wall (2004) forms the rear wall of the Stillwell Avenue station�

Photo by Madeline Nero

Conceptual Sketch of Light Corridor

Study Model

Trace of Luna Park Towers

Aerial View Showing Towers of Luna Park, 1921 Mapping of Tower Locations, Old Luna Park

LIGHT AS TRACE, LIGHT AS MEMORY

The building’s structure will function as a blank canvas for the artists as the building itself be-comes part of the resident’s art� The exhibition will occur primarily in the elongated, open pub-lic circulation corridor, with additional spaces for testing among the living quarters� Interactive in-stallations and workshops held by the artists will function to tie into the community� A throwback to Luna Park and Dreamland, the building will be-come a spectacle at night, viewable both from the street and by trains passing through the light zone�

Detail at Exterior Wall Detail at Parapet Window Head Detail Window Sill Detail

Detail at Exterior Wall Detail at Parapet Window Head Detail Window Sill Detail

Project � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �POPS (Privately Owned Public Space)

Site � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �53rd & 6th Ave� NYC

Program � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Pavilion for Commerce, Subway Access

Professor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Alexandra Barker

Course � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �ARCH620: Design Studio 1, Fundamentals

Semester � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Fall 2009

Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Weeks

POPS Space (Privately + Owned + Public + Space)53RD & 6TH AVENUE, NYCNew York’s Calyon building is host to one of the city’s many POPS spaces, or privately owned public spaces� A 1961 zoning regulation allows relief from height and setback restrictions to tall buildings by providing indoor or out-door spaces for the public on their property� Few of these spaces are very successful, 53rd and 6th a good example as it seem to provide little to the public� Our challenge for this studio was to build a structure within an existing less successful POPS space for public and commercial use�

This studio began as a material study, where I analyzed the properties of wire screen mesh� I was particularly attracted to the flexible nature of the screen and its ability to mold into organic forms� I created three distinct variations which transition into one another across the field, shown in the image below�

53rd & 6th Ave, NYCThe tall buildings along 6th avenue soar to impres-sive heights, and in their wake cast long shadows at the ground level� I became aware of this effect of light while visiting the site, in which the building and its cast shadow appear as a peeling away of two layers�

The slowly rising form of the new pavilion mimics this behavior of the cast shadows, as the two layers of the street and roof line peel away from one another� Light filters to the ground from the dancing forms above, transforming monotonous shadows into a playful and inviting user experience�

Shadow Play at Stubway Level

Shadow Play at Street Level

Wire Mesh Morph Studies

Layered Design Sketch

3D Print Study Model

Plan View

Rendered Section at Subway Mezzanine Level

Rendered Section at Street Level

Morphing Plan Studies

Digital Morphing Studies

Project � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Port Authority of Cagliari

Site � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Cagliari, Sargedgna, Italy

Program � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Office space, retail, transportation hub

Professor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Ludovica Tramontin

Course � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ARCH 624: Design Studio 5, Vertical 1

Semester � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Fall 2011

Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �15 Weeks

PORT AUTHORITY OF CAGLIARISARDINIA, ITALYOver the course of this studio, we investigated how to create ‘breathable spaces�’ My interpretation of how a space ‘breathes’ is how it behaves with respect to light transmittance and the circulation of air and water�

I studied the material tyvek to investigate how it ‘breathes’ with respect to light, air and water� Tyvek is a material made from the irregular layering of fibers and is used for air and water resistance in buildings, safety suits, and mailing envelopes� Through a series of experiments, I found that tyvek mail-ing envelopes change their porosity when exposed to heat� As heat is added, dense areas shrink and pull apart, leaving a network of translucent branches between these dense areas� This process creates a gradient of enclosure and transparency in the material�

I hope to achieve this gradient of enclosure and transparency within the in-terior of the structure� The building houses many programs under one roof, including office, auditorium, virtual meeting room, retail and public areas� These varying programs require different levels of lighting and conditioning� Using my research as inspiration, I created a gradient of interior spaces by varying the density of exterior facade treatment and creating small pods of conditioned enclosure within� This treatment reduces the cooling load on the building and takes advantage of the temperate climate and persistent breezes on the island of Cagliari�

55.0

62.060.0

65.0

70.0

75.0

80.0

Jan-Feb

50.0

45.0Mar-Apr

May-Jun

Jul-Aug

Sep-Oct

Nov-Dec

Tem

pera

ture

. F

Cagliari Average TemperaturesSite Average Temperature: 620 F

Months

CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALYThe predominately temperate climate of Cagliari allows for a design that creates a variety of enclosure conditions. Temperatures average around 62o at the site, with highs in the upper 70s in the summer and lows in the upper 40s in the heart of winter. Steady winds across the island create a cool and comfortable atmosphere even on the warmest days. Due to these conditions, we were given freedom to create spaces with degrees of enclosure, from fully exposed outdoor space to semi-enclosed and fully conditioned indoor space.

Conceptual Diagram

Schematic Site Plan

Preliminary Study Models

View From Dock

Level 2 Floor Plan

Interior View of 3D Print Model

Exterior View Looking South

Aerial View Views of 3D Print Model

FAX NY: Farming Extreme in NYCThis project explores the integration of residential and vertical farming units into a cohesive structure that fosters a symbiotic relationship between the building’s inhabitants, visitors, plants and their pollinators� An open structural condition emerges from the ground plane, forming a semi-enclosed market space� Residential and farming units grow towards one another, morphing into a homogeneous center where the two programs intertwine� The two towers then split once again into separate spaces for residents and farmers�

Project � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � FAX NY: Farming Extreme in NYC

Site � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �18th St� & 10th Ave�

Program � � � � � � �Vertical farming, green market, bee research & honey harvesting

Professor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Sulan Kolatan

Course � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � ARCH805: Design Studio 5, Vertical Option

Semester � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Spring 2012

Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Weeks

40.0

55.050.0

60.0

70.0

80.0

90.0

Jan-Feb

30.0

20.0Mar-Apr

May-Jun

Jul-Aug

Sep-Oct

Nov-Dec

Tem

pera

ture

. F

New York Average TemperaturesSite Average Temperature: 620 F

Months

Average Annual Wind Direction

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

New York City Annual Temperatures

FAX NYWithin the farm units, a variety of enclosure and light conditions ac-commodate the needs of a variety of plant species. Carefully controlled colonies of honeybees are used for plant pollination, and honey and other bee products are harvested and sold in the open market below. Exterior terraces and semi-enclosed interior courtyards permeate the residential units, allowing inhabitants to have their own garden oasis within the living unit, as well as aiding in the circulation of air and light throughout the building. The result is a building language and lifestyle that is meant to give relief from the congestion and regularity of the surrounding city.

Shadow Study at Equinox and Solstice Dates

Tetrahedron Cell Typology

Cell Aggregation Studies

Flowers and annual crop plants - Summer

Common name Latin name Blooming months

Pollen Color

Hemp Cannabis sativa Aug

White Clover Trifolium repens Jun - Jul

Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Jul - Aug

Aster Aster spp. Sep-Frost

Land-in-blue, Bushy Aster Aster x dumosus Aug - Sep

Marigold Calendula o cinalis Jun - Sep

Heather sp. Calluna vulgaris Jul - Aug

Cucumber Cucumis spp. Jul-Aug

Melons Cucumis melo Jun-Frost

Pumpkin Cucurbita pepo Jun-Frost

Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium Jul - Aug

Sunflower Helianthus annuus Jun - Sep

Alfalfa Medicago sativa July - Aug

Poppy Papaver orientale May - Jul

Poppy Papaver somniverum May - Jun

Phacelia Phacelia tanacetifolia Jun - Sep

Sweet Corn Zea mays Jun - Jul

Flowers and annual crop plants - Spring

Common name Latin name Blooming months

Asparagus Asparagus o cinalis May - Jun

Canola Brassica napus May - Jun

Yellow Crocus Crocus vernus April

Sainfoin Onobrychis viciifolia May - Jul

Dandelion Taraxacum o cinale Apr - May

Trees and shrubs - Spring

Common name Latin name Blooming months

Apple Malus domestica, Malus sylvestris Apr - May

Plum Prunus spp. Apr - May

Almond Prunus amygdalus Feb

Wild Cherry Prunus avium Apr - May

Cherry Plum Prunus cerasifera Apr - May

Sour Cherry Prunus cerasus Apr - May

Peach Prunus persica Apr - May

Pear Pyrus communis Apr - May

Blackberry Rubus spp. May - Jun

Raspberry Rubus idaeus May - Jun

Residential Tower

Typical Residential Units

Residential Terraces

View From Ground Level

Section Through Elevator Core

133 W 82nd� St� #3NEW YORK, NY 10024(+1) 757-714-5427MADELINENERO@GMAIL�COM