150 Year Site Plan

The primordial road outlines the basics for the pathway which connects each urbanistic extrusion. In 150 years, the research lab is proposed to expand North, claiming the old road as a residential area. Each extrusion is carefully shaped respecting the current accommodations of the landscape, such as water flow, trees, silos, and ruins. It will create a campus of community as it supports the universal buildings of a town. Each dwelling along the old road will be self-sustainable with 8 solar panels and a water tank. The green spaces resemble land designated for agriculture. In the initial years of construction and inhabitation, the water level will reach the same height as the structure allowing for a floating docking system to aid transportation and accessibility to the community. With this design concept in mind of a carefully curved pathway, the Douglas Research Facility will continue the theme by following the formation of the pathway as its void claims the primitive walkways excursion. The facility will stretch towards the silo as it emphasizes and honors the site's history. Ultimately, the walkway follows the old road while also mimicking the natural formation of currents from the river. It honors the past and present form of the landscape.

Exterior Rendering

Over 100 solar panels cover the saw toothed roof of the Douglas Research Facility. The roof is pitched 36 degrees facing south for optimal solar gain. Skylights were implemented on the north facing side of the saw toothed roof to allow natural light into the lab areas and the office spaces where natural light has been historically lacking. The facility follows the natural curve of the walkway allowing the kitchen/ mess area to feel connected to the labs through the conceptually shared space of the sights. The Research Facility was designed with the intent to house a water lab with the anticipation of natural disaster. The vast communal space will transform into a climate haven community. The greenery offers a recreational area as well as a communal garden for the research workers and visitors.

Interior Rendering

The pathway is level to the old road to extend its existence into the landscape of the Tennessee River Valley. The water level rises to the height of the platform at high water. The glass railing will reflect the water onto the pathway as it conjoins to the void.

Research Facility Perspective

The first floor of the Douglas Research Facility was designed to encourage cooperation and community. The entryway acts as a sharing library and reading area as the bookcases act as walls and as a guide to the stairwell and the elevator. The laboratories are located at the southernmost part of the building to create a designated area for experimentation and exploration. The wet chemistry lab can be excessed from the entryway and contains a large storage area and a dish washing station. A break room can also be accessed through the wet chemistry lab. The organic laboratory is entered through a breeze way through the wet chemistry area. The organic chemistry lab contains a secure server and digital archive and temperature/humidity controlled chambers. At the East side of the building is a kitchen and mess areas for the Laboratory workers that is separated by the fire stairs. A separate building East of the facility is a lecture hall or a classroom. On the second level of the Douglas Research Facility is additional mess space for the workers and another kitchen area for alternative food options. A cubical area is the entryway to the conference room and the two individual office spaces.

Cabin Section Perspective

16 cabins reside along the old road. Each of the dwellings have been strategically oriented and placed to face south for optimal solar gain. An area designated for a work space contains a desk with storage and a chair placed against a window facing directly towards the water and the mountains of the Tennessee landscape. The 16 cabins will house four permanent residents for the Facility and the rest will be for the other researchers and visitors. Each cabin is 202 square feet containing all of the necessary appliances for a self sufficient lifestyle. A private bathroom of 48 square feet is at the north most area of the cabin allowing the primary living areas of the cabin to absorb the most natural light. The bathroom's water is sourced by a water tank that is located adjacent to the bathroom. A sloped roof is angled to catch and guide water into the tank. Each dwelling is identical to aid fast manufacturing. Extra storage for the cabins are created through raising the bed and creating storage containers and drawers. There are two clerestory windows in the cabin, one in the bathroom and another above the foot of the bed. The façade of the building is made of timber painted dark green to help blend into its environment. The flooring and the roof material are both concrete relating to the Research Facility.