BREADTH TOPICS

 

Architectural

 

The architectural breadth for this project will encompass all aspects of redesigning the roof garden.  The roof is currently used only as a mechanical penthouse.  My proposed changes would take advantage of great views of the campus and downtown urban environment in which the building is located.  I plan to condense the mechanical equipment on the roof to use half of the square footage.  In doing so, I will look at building sections to ensure that current mechanical shaft placements will still be applicable for use with the new roof layout, and redesigning these sections if this is not possible. 

 

The second half of the roof will be proposed as terraced steps and a photovoltaic panel array.  All necessary architectural drawings for the proposed changes will be produced.  This includes schematic and design development of the floor plan, and creating new construction documents for the new design including, but not limited to: floor plans, elevations, building sections, section details. 

New materials will also be specified in consideration with other materials throughout the building.  Sections of the terrace may possibly be green roof, which will add another level of study to the redesign.  Whether or not green roof sections would be beneficial and practical will be analyzed when creating the new design.

 

In addition, an angle study will be performed to ensure that any proposed changes to the roof will not impact the appearance of the façade as viewed from the street level.

 

 

Structural

 

The structural breadth performed will be to check that all proposed changes to the roof design are capable of being supported by the roof system.  If calculations show that the current beam and deck sizes are not sufficient to support the terrace/green roof, relocation of mechanical equipment, and addition of photovoltaic panels, these elements will be redesigned to meet load requirements. 

Note: Other load considerations, such as the roof live load, and snow load for the area will be evaluated during calculations.  This is important considering that the building is located in the northeastern United States. 

 

*The complete version of my proposal (including Lighting and Electrical Depths) can be downloaded above in PDF format.