28th Sep2010

OHSU CDRC Rooftop Greening

by Jason King

An update on the Oregon Health + Science University (OHSU) project at the Child Development & Rehabilitation Center – as the roofing scope is completed and the ecoroof installation gets closer to happening.  As shown previously, the overall project contains two levels, which incorporate extensive ecoroof areas with paved patio zones for building users.

The overall plan and construction documentation has been completed, resulting in almost 6,000 square feet of vegetated area.  The configuration of rooftop spaces aims as providing exterior spaces to sit, while maximizing green space, aiding in stormwater management.  The graphic also included some images of extensive ecoroof vegetation, showing the color, texture, flower, and variation of even a relatively simple plant palette.

The client also asked for a additional image, showing the character of the roof, to illuminate what level of vegetation building inhabitants could expect.  The goal was to represent the spaces in a way to avoid incorrect expectations – with visions of large trees and shrubs, or significant roof terraces.  Using a simple photo overlay (in this case, the 3rd Level area) gives a simple snapshot of the expected project outcome.

Stay tuned, as the project should be completed by the end of October – and we can compare the vision to reality.  We are excited to be kicking off another ecoroof project up at OHSU as well.

Category : ecoroofs, environmental, graphics, heathcare, images, landscape, planting, portland, projects, roof gardens, sustainability, vegitecture
3 Comm
22nd Sep2010

Vegitecture Visualizations 2

by Jason King

Following up on the work at Washington Medical Center in Oakland – more Vegitectural Visualizations to provide clients with ideas of what green roof installations will look like.  Working again with Tremco Sustainable Solutions, these images depict the simple installation of extensive ecoroof on one of the buildings at the Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.  The views below show the entire building roof with extensive sedum vegetation – taking from a taller adjacent building – in a set of before and after shots.  The difference is dramatic, and would have a huge impact in the heat of southern California, where the green roof would reduce ambient temperatures, reduce reflectivity, and provide additional cooling for the building.

A large factor in this project was views from adjacent patient rooms, so an additional image showed the difference between the existing views down onto the gray roof and the proposed installations.  By utilizing these views of nature, the design taps into deeply rooted connections to nature, the cornerstone of Biophilic Design.  This is vital to medical facilities in urban areas, as views of nature have been proven to reduce stress, lessen recovery times, reduce demand for medication, and improve health outcomes.

Category : biophilic design, ecoroofs, environmental, graphics, heathcare, images, landscape, los angeles, presentations, projects, sustainability, vegitecture
1 Comm
09th Sep2010

WVMC Food Production Garden – Process in Action

by Jason King

In the initial post for this project at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon – we had just kicked off the process and had a relatively blank slate in terms of program and site area to begin to approach this project.  As with any project, the process determines the outcome – especially so with broad of a site – cannot be rushed.  Rather than seek out a design and move forward, the process involved separate iterations to determine the overall scope of site boundary and gather feedback from the collected stakeholders.  Thus a broad area was considered encompassing a possibility of 2 acres:

This became the basis for the first iteration, which developed a central ‘garden’ flanked on both sides with production agriculture.  This ties the site in with existing service zones, as well as connecting to main circulation pathways.

To further explore this concept, we developed a concept plan

This mostly iterative approach is interesting, because it keeps the mind constantly thinking of new permutations of site layouts, be also generated some details – such as a terrace garden that offered therapeutic options for gardening at ground level upwards in increments to a standing vegetable wall.  This recommendation came from one of the occupational therapists who mentioned that raised beds were great, but only addressed one aspect of accessible gardening.

Although the design was quickly evolved to a new composition, many of the elements people liked were kept in, and others that were neutral or were negatively perceived were removed.  A second version of this includes a similar footprint, but more formal arrangement of spaces – and an orientation that pushed most of the elements towards the east portion of the site.

The third iteration is starting to zero in on an approachable scope and location for the garden.  While aimed at generating feedback, the earlier iterations also identified a number of critical issues that were unknown at the beginning of the process.  These included:

  • Identifying that southern portions of site area are actually outside of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) which limits potential uses
  • Focusing site installations for growing food towards the east to maintain the large irrigated lawn area that was utilized by the hospital for gatherings
  • Figuring out which areas to bring irrigation service from to provide watering of food areas
  • Aligning scope of detailed development with available funding and phasing – as well as what could be accomplished with volunteer labor

The result is a concept plan that is our ‘working’ version (below), occupying the areas around the existing storage building.  The 4-quadrant production agriculture can be phased in, and allows for crop rotation through the years and seasons.  Food prep and other working parts of the garden are located around the storage building, and served with water.  A large cistern is capturing water from the adjacent rooftop to irrigate the raised beds – while another are is capturing water in swales and for groundwater recharge for a dry-farming demonstration garden.  The main entries include seating, along with orchard, permaculture, berries, and herbs arranged in a more designed way.   Additional elements include storage, composting, expansion/flex areas, and a chicken coop area.  The entrance includes a kiosk that can draw in potential users and provide information on the status and elements of garden development.

It is inevitable that the design will change, but through a simple, iterative design process we came to consensus on a program, site area, overall scope, materials, and circulation.  This will provide a blueprint for further discussion, as well as to determine phasing, cost estimates, and to begin to attract potential donors of materials, money, and labor.  Stay tuned for next steps as the design begins to take shape and phase one is more clearly articulated – as well as further engagement with community and hospital resources.

Category : agriculture, community, food, graphics, heathcare, installations, landscape, planning, projects, sustainability
0 Comm
27th Aug2010

OHSU CDRC Ecoroof Takes Off

by Jason King

An acronymic mouthful (but less tongue-twisting than the full name) – we’ve been hard at work on the ecoroof for the OHSU CDRC (that is, the Oregon Health Sciences University Child Development & Rehabilitation Center).  The project is associated with new roofing for the entire building, and is being designed by TERRA.fluxus along with Teufel Landscape and Snyder Roofing, continuing the innovative design-build partnership work on Green Above Ground.  The team is also working with OHSU staff under the guidance of Orange Wall Studios for architectural design project management of the project.

Overall scope includes around 6,000 square feet of extensive ecoroof along with layout of ADA egress pathways, small patio areas and roof terraces for adjacent offices.  The re-roofing is well underway, and the vegetated portions of the ecoroof should be completed by mid-September.  Look forward to some progress shots of the installation in coming weeks.

Category : ecoroofs, environmental, heathcare, images, landscape, planting, portland, projects, sustainability, vegitecture
1 Comm
24th Aug2010

Vegitecture Visualizations

by Jason King

A vital aspect of many projects is the ability to quickly visualize the impact of certain design strategies.  TERRA.fluxus recently had the opportunity to pursue some creative visualizations, working with Tremco Roofing on a pair of projects in California.  The first project is for Washington Hospital Healthcare System (WHHS)  in the bay area of Central California.

PATIENT ROOM

BEFORE:  As you can see, the existing roof condition shows a view from a patient room, focused on the myriad rooftop piping and other equipment which steals the impact of the distant vegetation and mountains.

AFTER:  Inclusion of extensive green roof in the foreground, coupled with a vegetated screen panel, offers the opportunity for improved views and to direct the eye towards the distant view.  This implementation of biophilic principles is even more important for medical contexts, where studies have shown improvement in healthcare outcomes due to views of nature.

EXTERIOR WALL

BEFORE: The second visual was for an existing building, containing a blank facade which will front a new building.  Any monolithic wall, with minimal windows or other fenestration, is a great opportunity for an easily improved view.

AFTER: The visual incorporated an image of an existing living wall (in this case, Patrick Blanc’s Tacoma Goodwill Wall) to show what the transformation would be from the relatively sterile view.  While not expressly aimed at showing an actual product or direction, these ‘designs without a design’ are just simple ways of putting strategies within the site context of a clients property.

There are obviously many ways to provide a snapshot of a design to a potential client.  This variety is simple and easy – relying less on photo-realism than on collage to represent possible visions of the site.

Category : biophilic design, ecoroofs, environmental, graphics, heathcare, images, landscape, living walls, planting, presentations, projects, roof gardens, vegitecture
2 Comm
15th Aug2010

NCNM Healing Garden Design

by Jason King

TERRA.fluxus was fortunate to have the opportunity to submit a proposal  for the Minn Zidell Garden at the National College of Natural Medicine a 10,000 s.f. healing and botanical herb garden blending natural and chinese medical plantings along with sculpture, and usable park space.   While the selection panel ultimately chose another firm to provide design services, it was a great opportunity for this young firm to have the chance to be part of this process.  The RFP process was a bit different, as it involved developing a preliminary plan that was part of the determining factor for determining the selected team.  In that regard, our team developed a great plan incorporating both campuswide and site specific ideas – and we wanted to show it off – as seen below in the concept design graphic.

Our team, although unsuccessful in this endeavor, wishes to thank NCNM for the opportunity, and wish them the best on their development of the Minn Zidell Garden.  Look forward to seeing it come to life.

Category : competitions, graphics, heathcare, images, landscape, portland, presentations, projects
0 Comm
20th Jul2010

Fields of Green in McMinnville

by Jason King

Last week marked the kick-off for an exciting new project to create an organic garden at the Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Oregon.  This is an opportunity for Jason King to work with the campus again (now owned by Capella Health) after working on a pair of projects while at another firm*.  This project involves a remnant section of the property to the south, which is envisioned by Becky Prelitz, dietitian at the hospital, as a productive organic garden area.

The team took a look at the site on Friday, showing the context adjacent to the existing track area and the transition zone between the campus and adjacent agricultural lands.   The team includes local master gardeners, urban farmers, staff from WVMC – all working together to create a productive space that will incorporate crops that will be harvested and utilized within the hospital cafeteria.

The initial meeting identified some uses, components, and options for incorporating healing elements, but the focus is squarely on creating a vibrant space for growing a range of veggies for harvest and consumption throughout the year.  The site is truly a tabula rasa, encompassing over 2 acres of land.  Plans are for the garden to be implemented in phases – starting with an initial installation of one-eighth of an acre.

Look forward to more updates as we plan for this field of green – turning grass into a much more robust and diverse use – feeding the community of Willamette Valley Medical Center.

* (Healing Track and Oncology Center completed while at Macdonald Environmental Planning)

Category : agriculture, community, food, heathcare, landscape, planning, planting, projects, sustainability, urban voids
1 Comm
12th Apr2010

In Progress: Van Ness MOB Green Roof

by Jason King

One of the most exciting projects currently on the boards at TERRA.fluxus is the green roof design for the Van Ness Medical Office Building in Downtown San Francisco.   This 10,000 square foot project includes multiple levels of green roof meant for visual access from within the building.  Jason King initiated project (originally through GreenWorks) and has continued with TERRA.fluxus through a collaboration with roofing manufacturer Tremco and contractor Lawson Roofing to facilitate the design consultation with owner and design team including architects at Boulder Associates, who have been the main collaborators on the design to date.

The concept plan below shows the three roof levels, including the 2nd, 6th, and 7th floor roofs, all of which contribute the overall aesthetics as well as to provide stormwater management to meet local stormwater guidelines and contribute to multiple LEED credits.

It was determined that a 10″ deep profile was necessary to provide adequate stormwater management.  Instead of a monolithic section of soil and plans, it made sense to create undulating berms.  These created a number of micro-habitats for different plant species, while also encouraging rooftop fauna in the form of birds, insects, and other desired species whose habitats have been displaced through urbanization.  In addition, these waves improve the overall conceptual idea of waves of vegetation that would move in the breezes and break up large expanses of roof – providing a variety of interesting views from all angles.

Early on, a number of precedent images were presented to outline the concept and develop consensus for the group.  The following shows a particular study in the landform manipulation, which became a significant point of departure for the design concept for roofs on the 2nd and 6th Floor.

The plant palette consists of a combination of California native species, including grasses, perennials, succulants, and other species adapted for low-maintenance and minimal water usage per LEED requirements.   The 7th floor roof included a deeper planter that accommodated larger woody materials including shrubs and small ornamental native trees.

A number of sketchup images also provided design studies and allowed for the design concept to be coordinated with perimeter pavers, rooftop mechanical equipment, drains, and other elements to ensure the interface between building and vegetation was seamless.

The concept of design-build for green roof projects offers many benefits, particularly in green roof projects.  The interrelationship of landscape and building in this case required close coordination between contractors and designers to ensure compatibility with a number of project goals.  Decisions made could impact LEED credits, waterproofing membrane integrity, or constructability – this a close group effort was necessary to make sure myriad issues were resolved.

The project is progressing through Construction Documentation phase, and is slated for construction beginning in 2011, with green roof scheduled to be installed in 2012.  This addition to the skyline of San Francisco, and the growing collection of Bay-area green roofs will be an amenity from adjacent buildings, MOB users, and area wildlife for years to come.

[project credits Jason King, design work completed while working at GreenWorks PC]

Category : ecoroofs, heathcare, images, landscape, planting, projects, roof gardens, san francisco, vegitecture
2 Comm
10th Dec2009

Healing Spaces

by Jason King

Recently published in Landscape Architecture Magazine, December 2009, a book review on ‘Healing Spaces: The Science of Place and Well-Being” by Esther Sternberg [Harvard University Press, 2009].  Checkout the article from LAM online here, or purchase the book here.

LAM_Dec_2009

Read the original review in full @ Landscape+Urbanism.

Category : heathcare, publications, writing
0 Comm
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