Design Assignment

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project explores the architectural implications of a new industrial revolution dedicated to clean energy. The main objective is to propose a design for reappropriate a closed automobile manufacturing plant, incorporating a program dedicated to research and production of renewable energy. Investigating the physical manifestation of 20^th century industrialization will be a critical for both precedent studies as well as providing the built framework for the site(s). Clean energy will be critical to our future, and this project takes the opportunity to examine potential ways in which architecture can abet the inception of innovation within this emerging industry.

U.S. Energy Sources

U.S. Renewable Energy Sources

MAJOR DESIGN ISSUES

The primary questions being addressed are:

- How should the physical structure and layout of this new field be organized and designed?

- With what parameters do we evaluate the form and parti for emerging companies in an industry with so many unknowns?

- What business strategy and proposal is most viable for this developing market, and what are the design implications of these decisions?

- Who should be responsible for this initiative – who is the client, and who is the user?

- What aspects of the site are retainable, and which features must be demolished?

- How does the proposed design lend itself to the future?

SITE

The location is one of the two following GM manufacturing plants:

1. Moraine, Ohio

Moraine, Ohio had a population of 6,897 people in 2000, with a density of 760 people per square mile. Located in the southwestern portion of the state, Moraine is very close to the Cincinnati metropolitan area. The estimated median household income in 2007 was $37,576. The median for the state of Ohio was $46,597, and the national average was $48,201. The General Motors factory in Moraine employed 4,165 factory workers at one point, and was down to 1,080 when it closed in December 2008. The plant was an assembly facility for mid-size SUV’s such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer, and had been in operation for 27 years. “Stress on the workers at the Moraine plant has been mounting since June, when GM announced it would closer the plant because high gasoline prices were driving consumers away from the SUV’s made there” – “Moraine GM Plant Closing”

2. Wyoming, Michigan

Wyoming, Michigan had a population of 69,368 people in 2000, with a density of 2,840 people per square mile. It is the 20^th largest city in Wyoming, and located near Grand Rapids. The estimated mean household income was $43,164 in 2007, compared to the state’s average of $47,950 and the national average of $48,201. The General Motors factory in Wyoming was a stamping plant, which will close by December 2009 after a 14 month phase-out; it was employing 1,500 workers. GM shut the plant down in order to mainstream manufacturing and help save transportation costs. "GM and other U.S. automakers are mired in a sales slump because of the economic downturn, tight or non-existent credit, and lack of consumer confidence. So far this year, GM alone has announced 11,000 U.S. layoffs" – Moraine GM Plant Closing

PROGRAM

Clean energy will require significant innovation from a variety of sources and producers. An emphasis on distributed research and development facilities, integrated with a strong educational component, should be taken into consideration. The program is open to significant interpretation and development of viable business strategies, but should include some of the following elements:

- Research facilities

- Product development sites, of various scales and capacities

- Public education and open community spaces

- Market research and feedback capabilities

- Testing and prototyping areas

- Manufacturing and production facilities

- Private education and training for specialized jobs

- Commercial office space

- Ground floor retail and commercial

PROCESS/METHODOLOGY

1. Site Analysis
- A. Study of Existing Conditions
- B. Figure Ground Studies and Proposals
- C. Massing Exercise

2. Program
- A. Defining Client/Users
- B. Proposing Business Strategy
- C. Research

3. Design Development
- A. Network Analysis
- B. Formal Studies
- C. Project Synthesis