Sandborne Map, 1902

Tripartite Scheme

(Below) Dugout (1903) andKickapoo Wickiup Structure

AIA Central States 2014 Student Design Charrette, Third PlaceTaylor Maine Ashley Weber Stephen Howell Savannah Greenlee Faculty Advisor: Joe Collistra

During my final semester, a team of myself and three other students represented the University of Kansas at the AIA Central States Conference for the student design competition. The challenge given to us for the 16 hour charrette was to design a urban infill “makerspace” and FEMA storm shelter for the our host city, Springfield, Missouri.

We earned third place.

The logic for our concept revolved around historical connections within the city. In a place where the cultivation of the land and harvest are soimportant, we looked to cultural precedents of inhabiting a region prone to extreme weather events. We investigated both the craft and shelter typologies of vernacular structures in order to build a complex of Maker Spaces that can inspire creativity while inhabiting the landscape in a way that speaks of shelter and security.

The vernacular Dugout, or earthen shelter, uses the earth for protection against high winds. Images from more than a century ago show families standing in front of these bunker-like structures with pride and confidence. We used this technique in lowering programmatic space partially below ground. Buildings at both the East and West sites contain multi-use FEMA-compliant safe rooms below grade.

The historic fabric of downtown Springfield was also studied to understand development patterns. As illustrated by the 1902 Sandborne Map, the blocks that comprise our sites have had a “maker” culture for more than a century. This graphic presents a snapshot of a rich and vibrant mixed-use manufacturing and retail district. Its increasing density can be tracked from the 1880’s and shows a consistent zero-lot-line setback. This facade wall was effective in creating a cohesive pedestrian experience along South Street that terminates at Park Central Square, a featured public space of downtown and representative of the town’s optimism and respect for the public realm.

We tried to capitalize on this pedestrian experience by widening the sidewalk on the west side of South Street in order to accommodate cafe seating and street trees. The west side of the street will receive the sun’s warmth early in the day melting snow and warming the streetscape for much of the year. This was accomplished by removing parallel parking on the west side and reconfiguring 60 degree angled parking on the east side only. This reconfiguration of the streetscape is a strong urban gesture that reinforces the pedestrian connection to the square along South Street.

Fall 2014

The historic building stock of Springfield is typical of the region with facades consistently organized in a tripartite scheme. We designed our facades to blend sensitively with the form, mass, and scale of the surrounding blocks while being constructed to be of our time and to represent contemporary building techniques and values. Glass storefront provides a perforated edge and allows visitors to activate the street. Included is an image of a wind-break constructed by the Osage people. The evidence of a tripartite geometry indicates inspiration not only from Europe but also vernacular understandings of how buildings meet the ground and meet the sky.

The East and West complexes are similar in articulation. A space-frame that recalls the lamella lattice work of the Wickiup provides the primary spanning capacity with the ability to resist both gravity loads and significant wind uplift generated by large cantilevered canopies. The overhanging roof maximizes the potential for solar panels and provides a protected outdoor sculpture garden for receptions and gatherings.

Tunnel ConceptExploded Axonometric View

Section, Looking North

A

B

C

D

1 2 3 4 5 6

NWEST SITE PLAN

AUDITORIUM / FEMA SHELTER

OUTDOOR SCULPTURE GARDEN

BATHROOMOFFICE OFFICE

BATHROOM

WALNUT ST

S PA

TTON

ST

PEDESTRIAN UNDERPASS

1 2 3 4 5 6

A

B

C

D

ROBB

ERSO

N AV

E

W Olive Street E Olive Street

Park Central WPark Central E

Park Central Square

Park

Cen

tral S

quare

W McDaniel StE McDaniel St

W Walnut StE Walnut St

W Pershing StE Pershing St

South

Ave

evA htuoSPa

rk Ce

ntral

N

N Ro

bber

son A

veN

Robb

erso

n Ave

S Ro

bber

son A

ve

S Pa

tton A

veS

Patto

n Ave

N Pa

tton A

ve

N 500

25

100

Fall 2014

The judges applauded the research we illustrated, as well as the clear and concise logic we used when building our concept. They also appreciated the fact that we chose to add an auditorium to the program. We needed a sizable space that could house a large number of people in a weather event.

Since an auditorium is empty most of the time, the galleries could be free to display the makers’ products in the best way possible, since they would not have to be moved several times per week during tornado season. Furthermore, since tornado sirens often give only a few minutes’ warning, a space that requires even a minute to convert into a safe environment could be considered irresponsible.

Plan for West Site:Auditorium/FEMA Shelter

Plan for East Site:Makerspaces with FEMA Shelter Core

Site Plan