Amer Sassila_Portfolio (IIT Works)

Amer Sassila
Architectural Portfolio

Table of Contents
Entrepreneurship Academy
- Building Information
- Site Inﬂuence on Building Design
- Priorities
- Plans and Building Geometry
- Sections and Elevations
- Sustainability Strategies:
-Double Envelope and Cross Ventilation
-Double Envelope, Stack Effect, Thermal Lag
-Glare Mitigation with Wood Slat Pattern on Facade
- Material Selection for Thermal Resistance
- Calculations
- Heating
- Cooling, Electrical, and Plumbing Fixtures Count
- Systems Path Throughout the Building
- Process Work and Final Physical Model
P-Chord Market
- Building Information
- Site Information
- Orthographic Drawings
- Detailed Section
- Extensive Roof Filtration System
- Aquaponic and Indoor Garden Diagrams
- Climate Analysis
- Passive Heating Strategies
- Passive Cooling Strategies
- Process Work and Final Physical Model
Pompidou Centre Structural Analysis Model
- Summary
- Stress Gradient (East Side)
- Stress Gradient (North Side)
- Theoretical Calculation of the Vertical Loads, Reactions, Shear and Moment
on the Structure
- Theoretical Calculation of the Vertical Loads, Reactions, Shear and Moment
on the Structure
- Reference Plan
- The Physical Model

Entrepreneurship Academy
Statement of Intent
The main objective of this design is to create an Entrepreneurship Acad-
emy that encourages its pupilsto interact with each other, with the insti-
tution’s neighboring Maker’s Institution, and with Uptown. The purpose
of this objective is to provide spaces that encourages its occupants to
become proactive,engaging and successful in their endeavors. To do so,
we provide the ofﬁce sector as the mainprogram that works like a womb
for ideas. The education sector is the source of growth of the ideas,like a
booster or catalyst. Additional supporting program including lobby space
to welcome people of all backgrounds in open arms, commercial space,
recreational space for multipurpose use, residential space, and the new-
ly designed Clifton Avenue Plaza that serves to encourage entrepreneur-
ship and unite the surrounding institutions while simultaneously providing
an iconic identity to the Uptown neighborhood.
Floor Area
Work/Education Space - Level 1
- Commercial Space (1 unit) = 1620 ft2
- Lobby Space (Institution) = 6044 ft2
- Lobby Space (Residential) = 840 ft2
Total Area = 6,884 ft2
- Open Ofﬁce Space = 11,688 ft2
- Education Space (classrooms included) = 7844 ft2
Auditorium (per 1 quantity) = 2400 ft2
Residential Recreation Floor (Level 5) = 9350 ft2
Residential Unit East = 807 ft2
Residential Unit West = 711 ft2
Residential Unit SW/SE = 625 ft2
Residential Unit NE = 945 ft2
Residential Unit NW = 810 ft2
Wall Area (Transparent = T , Opaque = O)
- Commercial Space = 3240 ft2
(T), 3240 ft2
(O)
- Education Space = 15,530 ft2
(T), 2678 ft2
(O)
- Work Space = 14,616 ft2
(T), 1080 ft2
(O)
- Residential Lobby = 1065 ft2
(T), 213 ft2
(O)
- Education Space = 14,616 ft2
(T), 1080 ft2
(O)
- Residential Unit East = 240 ft2
(T), 830 ft2
(O)
- Residential Unit West = 240 ft2
(T), 750 ft2
(O)
- Residential Unit SW/SE = 500 ft2
(T), 500 ft2
(O)
- Residential Unit NE = 620 ft2
(T), 620 ft2
(O)
- Residential Unit NW = 570 ft2
(T), 570 ft2
(O)
Building Information

Site Plan and Project Information
The overall site plan consists of newly planted trees that lead the way down Clifton Avenue with gathering spaces that sink into the
ground. These gathering spaces are designed to allow for the users to evade the extremely loud L-trains that pass through the cen-
ter of Uptown. In addition, the trees also serve as a means of blocking off some of the sound while simultaneously adding aesthetic
quality to the site. This site is shared with the Maker’s Incubator , which is one of the four campus sites that were assigned in our
studio (the others being the Music and Kinesthetic Institution). Therefore, numerous activities may take place on the plaza such as
advertising products, business ideas, community grill outs, and additional creative ideas the locals may have for entertainment. The
site design does not eliminate Clifton Avenue completely as there is enough space for emergency vehicles and trucks for loading
goods into either building. The curbs and physical street itself though are replaced with new pavement patterns that run along all
four institutions. This is used to allow the site to relate to other sites while allowing the buildings to have their unique identity in Up-
town. The overall site is renamed to “Clifton Plaza”.
N

Site Inﬂuence on Building Design
Site Information
The site is located in Uptown on the north side of the city of Chicago. The surrounding
sites outside the overall Uptown context consist of Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Sheridan
Park, and Little Vietnam. The region used to be the home of theatre production before
Hollywood. Remnants of the theatre remain when experiencing Uptown through series
of facades that are shaped with well crafted classical ornaments. Key markers in the
area are the Aragon Ballroom, the Uptown Theatre, the Riviera Theatre, Green Mill
Cocktail Lounge, the Arcadia Ballroom and numerous types of restaurants on Broad-
way. All these theatres and restaurants indicate a lively nightlife of the area, producing
a lot of noise in the area. In addition to the loud and lively music is the CTA Redline
L-train path that cuts right through Uptown.
Overlap of Major Program
Sunlight Exposure
Sound Level
Public vs. Private

Inspiring and Toasty Spaces - to provide comfort to the users and visitors
Gathering and Overlapping Spaces - one space is for all
Welcoming Entrance - greeting people with the design
Priorities
1.) Inspiring and Toasty Spaces
2.) Gathering and Overlapping Spaces
3.) Welcoming Entrances
4.) Relating to the Other Institutions on Campus
5.) Enterprising

Relating to Other Institutions on Campus - Clifton Plaza with the Maker’s Incubator
Enterprising - using the Residential as a means of affordable Housing and Real Estate for the neighborhood.
Priorities
1.) Inspiring and Toasty Spaces
2.) Gathering and Overlapping Spaces
3.) Welcoming Entrances
4.) Relating to the Other Institutions on Campus
5.) Enterprising

Building Plans and Geometry
N
B1
Parking Ramp 1
Parking Spaces 2
Auditorium 3
Convention Space 4
Bookstore 5
Telecommunication 6
Fire Control Room 7
Restrooms 8
Residential Elevator 9
Institution Elevator 10
MEP Room 11
L1
Institution Entrance 1
Residential Entrance 2
Grand Staircase 3
Coffee Shop 4
Leisure/Study Space 5
Commercial Units 6
Security Room 7
Fire Exits 10
L2
Classrooms 1
Offices 2
Conference Rooms 3
Administration Offices 4
Library Commons 5
Grand Staircase 6
Restrooms 9
Fire Exits 10
MEP Room 11
L6 - L13
Typical Unit East 1
Typical Unit West 2
Southeast Unit 3
Southwest Unit 4
Northeast Unit 5
Northwest Unit 6
Fire Exits 8
L3 - L4
Classrooms 1
Offices 2
Conference Rooms 3
Administration Offices 4
Grand Staircase 5
Restrooms 8
Fire Exits 9
MEP Room 10
L5
Recreation Garden 1
Fire Exits 3
Outdoor Terrace 4
B1
L1
L2
L3
L4
L5
L6 - L13
1
2
3
4
3
5
6 7
8 8
11
10 9
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
10
9
66666
10
10
1
2
4
3
5
6 78
10
9
10
10
33
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 1
1
2
4
3
5 67
8
9
33
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 11
1
9
99
8
1
2
4
3
5 67
8
9
33
2 2 2 2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
1 11
1
99
8
1
11
10
10
1
2
3
3
4
1 1 1 1
2 2 2 2
3
4
5
6
78
8

Sections and Elevations
NS
NS
EW
SN
WE

Sustainability Strategy: Double Envelope and Cross-Ventilation
Double Glass Envelope
The purpose of the double glass facade is to
allow for cross ventilation during any season
of work. In addition, because the air traveling
through will be closer to room temperature due to
being barricading the wind chill, the double glass
envelope will enable the building to use less
energy to heat the space. This will be because
the change in temperature from facade to space
will be less.

Sustainability Strategy: Double Envelope, Stack Effect, Thermal Lag
Stack Effect
Enabling the stack effect in the
institution will allow for further
energy reduction especially during
the winter hours. Although glass
has an extremely low R-value, the
radiant heat generated from the
sunlight will allow opaque material
inside to absorb the radiant ener-
gy. Through thermal lag, the heat
rises to the top, resulting to the
stack effect in which the windows
in the atriums of the institution will
open to exhaust the air. When
the forecast indicates no sunlight,
at the very least the double glass
facade can still keep the tempera-
ture change less.

Sustainability Strategy: Glare Mitigation with Wood Slat Pattern on Facade
Wood Slats
The slats not only allow for beautiful
aesthetic covering of the building, but also
function to mitigate glare for the residents
when the sun is on the east and west.
Wooden slats were selected to indicate
architectural innovation as a theme for the
institution. This is because there is the
typical brick, steel, concrete and glass fa-
cades that exist all around Chicago. The
wood gives the space a unique identity to
Uptown as well as to the city. These slats
are not structural and are bolted to the
concrete facade.

Commercial Walls
- Double Pane Glazing w/ Thermal Break Aluminum Frame w/ Low -e coat = 0.51 U
- Aluminum Metal Panel = 1 R
- CMU Wall = 2 R
- Cellular Polyisocyanurate (CFC) Insulation Board = 7.04 R/inch
- Film = 0.1 R
Education Walls
- Single Pane 1/4” thick Acrylic Aluminum Frame (2nd Layer of Double Skin) = 0.96 U
- Aluminum Metal covering of Base = 1 R
Ofﬁce Walls
- Single Pane 1/4” thick Acrylic Aluminum Frame (2nd Layer of Double Skin) = 0.96 U
- Aluminum Metal covering of Base = 1 R
Residential Walls
- Single Pane 1/4” thick Acrylic Aluminum Frame (operable window) = 0.96 U
- Hem Fir Wood Slats = 1.35 R/inch
- Cement Fiber Board Panels (Shredded Wood w/ Portland Cement = 2 R
- Vapor Barrier = 0.1 R
Roof
- 8” thick Concrete Slab = (0.1 R/inch)
- Vapor Barrier = 0.1 R
Auditorium
- 12” thick Concrete Slab = (0.1 R/inch)
- Gypsum Fiber Concrete = 0.6 R
Material Selection for Thermal Resistance
Exterior Facade Material

Heating Calculations
Design Conditions for Chicago = -10 °F
Indoor Heat Condition = 72 °F
ΔT = 72 °F - -10 °F = 82 °F
Walls, Floors, Roof Heat Flow: Q = U*A* ΔT
Ventilation and Infiltration: Q = m*C* ΔT where C = CFM
Walls
Commercial Space (1 unit)
- Opaque Surface
Total R-Value = 17.2 R
U-Value = 0.06
Heat Flow = 2659 BTU/Hr
- Transparent Surface
U-Value = 0.52
Heat Flow = 33,583 BTU/Hr
Education Space
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value (Double Skin Facade) = 0.96 - 0.51 = 0.45
Office Space
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value (Double Skin Facade) = 0.96 - 0.51 = 0.45
Residential Lobby (Add to the Level 1 Total)
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 0.51
Total Heat Flow from Walls
Level 1 = 192,144 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit East
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 1.47
Auditorium
- Total R-Value = 30 R (U-value = 0.03)
- Heat Flow = 6,560 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit West
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 1.47
Residential Unit SE/SW
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 1.47
Residential Unit NE
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 1.47
Residential Unit NW
- Opaque Surface
U-Value = 0.06
U-Value = 1.47
Total Heat Flow from Residential Walls
Residential Unit East = 33,014 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit West = 32,620 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit SW/SE = 62,730 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit NE = 77,785 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit NW = 71,512 BTU/Hr
Roof
- Level 5 Roof (0.8 R for extensive green roof soil assuming
20 percent moisture)
U-Value = 0.02
- Residential Roof
U-Value = 0.03
Infiltration (0.4 CFM/Wall Area and Air Mass = 1.08)
Commercial
- Total Wall Area = 6480 ft2
- Total CFM = 2592
- Heat Flow = 13,772,880 BTU/Hr
Education
- Total Wall Area = 18,208 ft2
- Total CFM = 7283
Office
- Total Wall Area = 15,696 ft2
- Total CFM = 6278
Residential Lobby (Add to Level 1)
- Total CFM = 511
Total Infiltration
Level 1 = 12,391,320 BTU/Hr
Level 2 = 20,795,300 BTU/Hr
Level 3 = 20,795,300 BTU/Hr
Level 4 = 20,795,300 BTU/Hr
Residential Unit East
- Total CFM = 428
Residential Unit West
- Total CFM = 396
Residential Unit SW/SE
- Total CFM = 400
Residential Unit NE
- Total CFM = 496
Residential Unit NW
- Total CFM = 416
Ventilation (Values from ASHRAE minimum Ventilation Rates per 62-
2001 Table 6.1)
Commercial
- ASHRAE Rates (20 ft2
/Person), (0.06 CFM/ ft2
), (7.5 CFM/Person)
- Floor Area = 1620 ft2
- CFM = 705
Education
), (7.5 CFM/Person),
(Computer Lab = 7.5 CFM/Person)
Comp. Lab, 720 ft2
classrooms
- CFM = 1853 for Comp. Lab and 313 for classrooms = 2166
- Heat Flow = 9,846,100 BTU/Hr Comp. Lab, 1,633,140 classrooms
Office
), (5 CFM/Person)
- Floor Area = 11,688 ft2
- CFM = 3621
Auditorium
), (7.5 CFM/Person)
- CFM = 1944
Auditorium
), (7.5 CFM/Person)
- CFM = 1944
Residential Units (Values from ASHRAE 62-2001 App. E for Kitchen,
Living Room, Bathroom)
- Total CFM = 210
- Heat Flow = 66,600 BTU/Hr
Remainder of Floors (Treat as Lobby Space Value of 5 CFM/person)
Level 1 Heat Flow = 15,903,605 BTU/Hr
TOTAL HEAT FLOW
- Commercial = 17,545,302 BTU/Hr
- Level 1 = 28,487,069 BTU/Hr
- Level 2 = 58,161,062 BTU/Hr
- Level 3 = 49,482,370 BTU/Hr
- Level 4 (plus Roof)= 45,015,081 BTU/Hr
- Auditorium = 10,336,198 BTU/Hr
- Res. Typ. East Unit = 8,205,350 BTU/Hr
- Res. Typ. West Unit= 8,034,916 BTU/Hr
- Res. SE/SW Unit = 8,086,266 BTU/Hr
- Res. NE Unit = 8,611,441 BTU/Hr
- Res. NW Unit = 8,180,068 BTU/Hr

Electrical Calculations Plumbing Fixture CalculationsCooling Calculations
Design Conditions for Chicago = 95 °F
Indoor Heat Condition = 68 °F
ΔT = 95 °F - 68 °F = 27 °F
Indoor Gains Values (From Table F.3)
Indoor Heat Gain = Heat Gain Values * Floor Area
- Commercial = 13.9 (People + Equipment), 0.6 (Electrical Light)
- Education = 3.4 (People + Equipment), 0.6 (Electrical Light)
- Apartments = 2 (People + Equipment), 0.7 (Electrical Light)
Outdoor Gains (T = Transparent, O = Opaque)
Window Gains = [TOTAL (T) / TOTAL Floor Area] x 21
Opaque Gains = [TOTAL (O) / TOTAL Floor Area] x 25
Infiltration = [TOTAL(T + O) / TOTAL Floor Area] x 1.9
Ventilation = [TOTAL CFM / TOTAL Floor Area] x 27
TOTAL Indoor Heat Gain (TOTAL Indoor + TOTAL Outdoor)
- Commercial = 23,518 BTU/Hr
- Level 1 = 26, 037 BTU/Hr
- Level 2 = 75,409 BTU/Hr
- Res. Typ. East Unit = 2200 BTU/Hr
- Res. Typ. West Unit= 1964 BTU/Hr
- Res. SE/SW Unit = 1736 BTU/Hr
- Res. NE Unit = 2590 BTU/Hr
- Res. NW Unit = 2229 BTU/Hr
Electrical Power = (Watts/Area) * Area
Voltage = 277 V
Total Current = Power/Voltage
Commercial (1.7 W/ ft2
Lighting, 1.7 W/ ft2
Equip., 8 W/ ft2
HVAC)
Total Power = 18,144 W
Total Current = 66 A
Education (1.3 W/ ft2
Equip., 8 W/ ft2
HVAC)
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
- Level 4
Machine Room-less Elevator Power = ([Force x distance] / time)
Elevator mass = 1400 lb, acceleration = 32.2 ft/s2
D1
(Institution) = 62 ft, D2
(Residential) = 158 ft
T1
(Institution) = *[200 ft/s] / 62 ft = 3 s = 0.75 s per floor
T2
(Residential) = *[500 ft/s] / 158 ft = 3 s = 0.38 s per floor
Elevator 1 Power = 15,027 W (3757 W per floor)
Elevator 2 Power = 15,027 W (9392 W per floor)
Elevator 1 Current = 54 A (13.5 A per floor)
Elevator 2 Current = 54 (34 A per floor)
Residential (3 W/ ft2
Equip., 5 W/ ft2
HVAC)
- Typical East Unit
Total Power = 7667 W
- Typical West Unit
- SE/SW Unit
- NE Unit
- NW Unit
Auditorium
* = standard speed of elevator per floor number
Per Section 890.810 & Section 890 Appendix A Table B
Total People = Total Floor Area / Floor Area/Person
Assume 50 percent men and 50 women of Total People
Commercial (per unit)
Value from Code = 100 ft2
/Person
Total People = 16 (8 men and 8 women)
Office (per Floor from Level 2 - Level 4)
/Person
Education
- Level 1
/Person
- Level 2
/Person
- Level 3
/Person
- Level 4
/Person
Auditorium (Add to Level 1)
/Person
* Residential = 1 WC, 1 LAV, 1 Sink, 1 Shower per unit
TOTAL Plumbing Fixtures per Floor/Program
- Commercial = 1 WC, 1 LAV, 1 Sink
- Level 1 = 8 WC, 2 UR, 8 LAV, 1 SS, 2 DF
- Residential (8 levels x 12 units/level = 96 units total
= 1 WC, 1 LAV, 1 Sink, 1 Shower per unit
TOTAL Count = 125 WC, 11 UR, 128 LAV, 100 SS, 8 DF

Systems Path Throughout the Building
Legend
Air Handling Unit
Air Supply
Air Return
Water Supply
Stormwater Runoff
Fire System Control Room
Utility Line from Transformer
Telecommunications Room
Power Panel
Conduit Path
Chilled Water
Hot Water
Fire Sprinklers
B1
L1
L2 (L3 and L4 same with additional classrooms)
NS

Process Work and Final Physical Model

P-Chord Market
Initial Building Area: 120,000 sq. ft. (60 ft x 500 ft x 4 levels)
Proposed Design Square Footage: 50,175 sq. ft including indoor
garden (23,775 excluding roof top)
Spacing between the bays: 15 bays
Program Area Summary: Indoor farming facility with an indoor
and outdoor market place. The spine element is functioning as
an indoor agricultural production and fish domestication.
Site & Context Description: The region around downtown Detroit
consists of numerous farm lands as agriculture contributes $91.4
billion dollars to the state economy according to most recent data
from USDA.
Budget & Constraints: Exterior shell is the set limit.
Activity Space Description: Restaurants (4500 sq. ft. which 40%
is kitchen, storage, cooking, preparation; 60% is dining room)on
each end of the building; bathrooms (120 sq. ft each) are located
just underneath the restaurant; loading dock (3600 sq. ft) con-
sists of mechanical, electrical, and market storage space. The
indoor farm representing the spine (~20 ft x 400 ft = ~8475 sq.
ft.) is held above the market where it is accessible to the pub-
lic during the seasonal market operating hours. The north end
contains three 7,500 cubic ft aquaponic tanks (6.5” thick acryllic
glass) for Tilapia on the first level while the three 3,750 cubic ft
(3” thick acryllic glass) on the third level are for the rainbow trout
and chinook salmon. Roof top is a green roof which also serves
as a natural water filtering mechanism streaming towards the fish
tank. The market area is 22,800 sq.ft of space. The 5th level
(office space), 4th level (authorized garden space), and 2nd level
(gallery space) are all 3600 sq. ft. each. The extensive green
roof system serves as a filter for the aquaponic tanks as water
pumps out from tanks through green roof. The roof also has a
retractable glass cover for the winter seasons in order to shield
roof top from freezing temperatures while still operating as a
filter.
Client and User Description: The users of the space will be
farmers, USDA researchers, zoologists, and of course the gener-
al public during the seasonal market operation.
Project Goals and Priorities: Keeping the existing exterior struc-
ture to retain the Packard Identity while re-designing the interior
to successfully establish a seasonal market place and full-time
farm.
Estimated Air Quantity for space: 75 degrees nearly all day;
approximately 9,030,042.518 cfm of air needed for space
Building Information

The Packard Automotive Plant is a former automobile-manufac-
turing factory in Detroit, Michigan where luxury Packard cars were
made by the Packard Motor Car Company and later by the Stude-
baker-Packard Corporation.
The 3,500,000-square-foot, plant was designed by Albert Kahn
Associates using Trussed Concrete Steel Company products. It is
located on 40 acres of land on East Grand Boulevard on the city’s
east side. It included the first use of reinforced concrete in the Unit-
ed States for industrial construction in the automobile industry.
Packard Plant’s building number 10 during expansion circa 1911
The Packard plant was opened in 1903 and at the time was consid-
ered the most modern automobile manufacturing facility in the world
with skilled craftsmen involved in over eighty trades. The factory
complex closed in 1958, though other businesses operated on the
premises or used it for storage until the late 1990s.
A number of the outer buildings were in use by businesses up
through the early 2000s. In 2010, the last remaining tenant, Chemi-
cal Processing, announced its intention to vacate the premises after
52 years. As of March 2012, however, Chemical Processing remains
on the premises.
Since its abandonment, the plant has been a haven for graffiti van-
dals, urban explorers, paintballers and auto scrappers, and much
of the wiring and other building material has been scavenged. In
one incident, vandals pushed a dump truck from the fourth floor.
Karen Nagher, the executive director of the nonprofit organization
Preservation Wayne, stated that she was irked to see people come
from “all over the world” to poke around Detroit. “Piece by piece,
they’re disassembling those buildings, making it harder and harder
to restore them”.
Despite many years of neglect and abuse, the reinforced concrete
structures remain mostly intact and structurally sound. Portions of
the upper floors of several small sections in various buildings have
collapsed or been partly demolished and lay in ruins in the wake of
several aborted attempts at demolition over the years.
The City of Detroit has pledged legal action to have the property
demolished or secured. Dominic Cristini, whose claim of ownership
is disputed, was said to be conducting construction surveys in ad-
vance of full-scale demolition as of early 2012.
On February 5, 2013 it was reported that aluminum letter placards
spelling the Nazi Slogan “Arbeit macht frei” (work makes free) were
placed in the windows of the E. Grand Boulevard bridge. Communi-
ty volunteers promptly removed the letters.
In April 2013, it was announced that AMC’s Low Winter Sun would
be filming around the location.
Sources:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Packard_Automotive_Plant
- Olsen 2002, p. 38 “In 1905 Kahn and Julius designed the Packard Plant number 10 using
steel-reinforced concrete, the first such application for an industrial plant”.
- Smith 1994, p. 59 “Together they built ten works buildings for Packard, Plant No. 10 (1905) be-
ing the first reinforced concrete structure in the automobile industry, notable for its lengths of open
space between columns and the good lighting from near-floor-to-ceiling windows”.
- Darley 2003, p. 82 “The example of flexibility that he chose to illustrate was Albert Kahn’s build-
ing of 1905 for Packard in Detroit, building No. 10, the first to use the Kahn reinforced concrete
system successfully, which has been effortlessly extended by an additional two stories in 1911”.
Site Information
N

New Buildings
Old Buildings
Demolished Buildings
Market/Restaurant
Community Center
Residences
Hostel
Tram Station/Information Center
Inspiration Center
Co-Op Work/Display Space
Music Forum
Spine
N

Building plans and geometry
P-Chord Market
The P-Chord market in Detroit is a
rehabilitation of an old car factory.
The existing structure is kept and
the new building is inserted in the
old skeleton. The grid of 15x15’ is
maintained, and the structural frame
of columns and slabs, 2’ by 2’ is also
kept.
The market consists of an
immense open space, with several
accompanying programs on both
ends, and a connection between
them.
The accompanying programs are
a restaurant, but also an exhibition
The roof of the market building
is treated as a green roof, with
cultures on it. A small section of the
end section is also a garden, but a
closed, more private one this time.
The building is well oriented, with a
prominent north-south direction.
The south facing wall is more open
and allows for sun to illuminate the
space, while the northern wall is
much less permeable, all the while
480’
60’
Building Plans and Geometry
P-Chord Market
Level 1
Market
Bathrooms
Surveillance Ofﬁce
Mechanical/Electrical
Loading Dock
Elevator
Level 2
Workshop Showroom
Elevator
Level 3
P-Chord Garden
Restaurant
Staff Access Strip
Elevator
Level 4
Indoor Farm (Spine)
Staff Access Area
Elevator
Level 5
Fridge Space
Work Space
Extensive Green
Roof Filter
Elevator

Detailed Section
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
SN

Detailed Section (Continued)
Section 1 - Building Base Anchor
Section 2 - Garage Door Pulley Section 3 - Garage Door Anchor Section 4 - Roof Parapet
Triple Pane Glass
Alumninum Mullion
with Thermal Break
Vapor Barrier
2” Polystyrene Board Insulation
4” x 8” Low Density Brick w/ 3/8” Concave Finish Mortar, Rein-
forced by #4 Rebar
1-1/2” Air Space
Existing Concrete Wall
Stone Finish Sill Cover
Anchor Bolt
Existing Concrete Footing
Garage Door
Garage Pin Connection
Garage Pulley
Order of Materials of Opaque Wall from Outside to Inside
4” x 8” Low Density Brick w/ 3/8” Concave Finish Mortar, Rein-
forced by #4 Rebar
Existing Concrete Column
Outside
Inside Inside
Outside
Inside
Outside
For roof top details, see next page
(Extensive Green Roof Filtration
System)
Soil Soil

Extensive Green Roof Filtration System

General Growing Tips
All of these plants require well-draining soil, which means you will either need to use a pot with holes in the bottom or pile up some stones in the bottom of your pot before
adding soil (so that the water can drain through the stones). If you choose to use a pot with holes in the bottom, be sure to put a shallow drainage container under the pot so
the water doesn’t drain onto your floor, shelf, or windowsill.
For each of these plants, feel free to purchase potting mix at a garden center or make your own (You can also choose whether or not you want to stick with organic soils).
Each plant grows best in a slightly different soil environment, but this general potting mix recipe will help get you started.
Many of these plants grow best in areas that receive lots of sunlight and remain fairly warm throughout the day. Sunny WINDOWS are extremely helpful for growing plants
indoors. However, if you don’t have sunny windows (or if the area is a low temperature), grow lights will be your new best friend — they help maintain optimal light and tem-
perature conditions for plants regardless of outside weather or indoor conditions.
http://greatist.com/health/best-plants-to-grow-indoors
Avocado
Carrot
Garlic Green
Lemon
Mandarin Orange
Microgreen
Mushroom
Salad Green
Scallion
Tomato
Basil Leaves
Chives
Cilantro
Ginger
Mint Leaves
Rosemary
Interior DH exterior fan
location
Carbon Filter FANS: Pull Air
Vent
Exhaust fan: controls
humidity
CO2 Controlled Sealed Environment
Cool air goes through the hood w/ out contacting the
air in the space, keeping CO2 locked in for maximum
yields. It is necessary to have a dehumidifier or an
exhaust fan.
Proper air flow for a space brings cool air and exhausts hot air out. The
carbon filter eliminates odor before leaving the growing space.
Indoor Garden DiagramsHow an Aquaponic Works
Fish Tank
Grow Bed
Water
Water pumped through the grow bed (roof top) and filtered by plants
and then returned to the fish tank.
Plants
Plants absorb the nitrates as
nutrients. Plants are usually
suspended on floating raft
platforms. In the case of the
market place, they are on
rooted in the rooftop on top
of gravel.
Bacteria
Naturally occurring
bacteria convert ammo-
nia into nitrites and then
eventually into nitrates.
H
O
O
Oxygen
Fish breathe in oxygen and
breathe out carbon dioxide.
Plants absorbed the harmful
ammonia byproducts such as
nitrates leaving root-cleansed
water to return to the fish
tank.
Fish
Fish are fed food and
produce ammonia-rich
waste. When the fish grow
to market size, they can be
sold and replaced with new
fish reared from the eggs.

Climate analysis
Winds
One of the particularities of the site is
its northwestern winds in the winter
and southeastern ones in the summer.
Coincidently, the building is aligned on
these axes, and the further development
of cross ventilation hugely improved with
the favorable winds on the main facades in
both winter (protected) and summer (more
open).
Design Conditions
The design conditions for this project in
Detroit, Michigan are as follow (Table B.1);
Winter Dry-Bulb : 8.4 °F
Summer Dry-Bulb : 85.8 °F
Sun position is as follows :
Winter solstice : 25°
Climate Analysis
Winds
Design Conditions

Passive heating strategies
Thermal Mass
The building being open on the south
end, we used this to our advantage by
having the connecting bridge supported by
massive supports acting as thermal masses,
instead of the pre existing columns.
In the winter, the sun’s angle is 25°, allowing
it to penetrate the building and warming
the material of the supports, that can then
be released later during the evening to
keep the place warm.
During the summer, on the other hand, the
thermal masses are kept under shadow and
therefore do not create any unnecessary
heat during the already warm days.
Green Roof
On the roof there is a green roof that also
acts as a thermal mass during the winter.
This is possible because in the winter,
there is a greenhouse placed on top of the
building, allowing the heat to get trapped,
and redirected towards the rest of the
building. The massive roof slab together
with the soil act as a very good thermal
mass.
During the summer this doesn’t happen;
the greenhouse isn’t present anymore,
and the heat collected by the green roof is
released in the air without getting trapped
and without making its way into the rest of
the building.
Passive Heating Strategies
Thermal Mass
Green Roof

Passive cooling strategies
Cross Ventilation
The market building being very long and
cross ventilation. The building is also very
well oriented with the winds, receiving
southeastern winds in the summer and
northwestern winds in the winter. By
opening it up on the south end and western
end, air circulates very well, and maintains
the whole area well ventilated.
Evaporative Cooling
strategy has been developed. With a
combination of cross ventilation, and due
to the position of the pond and vegetation,
passive evaporative cooling is possible
by bringing in moist air and therefore
building.
The micro climate generated by the
elements permits a natural ventilation of
the space. This could be reinforced with a
mechanical fan, but it would lose its passive
Passive Cooling Strategies
Cross Ventilation
Evaporative Cooling

Pompidou Centre Structural Analysis
Model
The primary structural system used for the Pompidou is the cross-braced structural system. The secondary
structural system is the moment frame where the trusses support the slabs. The reason it uses the cross-
braced method is to help stabilize the series of moment frames of the long span trusses that act as beams span-
ning approximately 157 feet (48 meters) across. The depth of the beam is 7 feet, which brings the span-to-depth
ratio of the truss beams to 22.6 feet-to-1 foot. The maximum span a beam may span prior to the start of bend-
ing deformation is 20 feet per 1 foot of depth. Furthermore, the fact that the beams are K-series trusses means
that there is less surface area of the beam, making the structural system even more financially economical.
Although the span-to-depth ratio of the trusses are slightly above the theoretical maximum of 20:1, the reason
why these beams are able to get by this is from the support of the gerberettes. These elements are pinned to
the inner and outer columns while also being pinned to the trusses. As a result, when the slab’s mass presses
down on the trusses, the gerberettes respond to these forces by transferring the load forces to the inner column
in compression while simultaneously transferring the loads to the outer columns in tension. This balances the
tension and compression forces, bringing the overall structure to a pure equilibrium.
The typical and simpler yet least financially economical way to construct the Pompidou would be to design
the structure with much thicker columns without gerberettes. This means that the overall structure would be a
moment frame with shears walls serving as the secondary system. The columns of the Pompidou are approxi-
mately 138 feet (42 meters) tall. The maximum height a fixed column may go prior to buckling is 50 feet tall per
1 foot depth. Theoretically, if the column goes 138 feet tall, the minimum depth the column may go is 2.76 feet
assuming they are not hollow steel sections. For circular hollow steel sections, the columns may reach higher
altitude with less depth at 70 feet tall per 1 foot depth. For the case of the Pompidou, the minimum depth the
column would need theoretically is 1.97 feet depth rather than 2.75 feet of depth. This structure uses circular
hollow steel columns to maximize the height while using less material and providing maximum resistance to
buckling, resulting in lower eccentricity and lower bending moment.
The structure resists lateral loads is from the series of cross-braces used on the longer sides of the structure
with each brace set pinned to the outer columns. This helps provide higher stability to the thinner outer columns
with less material. There are three total sets of cross-braces per shorter side and six total per floor with the
exception of the first floor. The cross-braces on the shorter sides of the Pompidou are placed at the ends and
middle of the trusses from levels 2-6. On the first level, the cross-braces are placed in between the inner and
outer columns. The middle cross-braces are pinned to the truss chords only while the end braces are pinned
to the truss chords and the gerberettes. The reason why there are less cross braces on the shorter ends in
comparison to the longer ends is due to the shorter side being nearly 3 times shorter. This means less bracing
is required to stabilize the overall structure due to proportional ratio. As a result, because the tension forces are
also resisting the lateral loads, there is no need for a load-bearing wall to be constructed.
The cross-braces on the shorter sides are also used to resist torsion because they contribute additional tension
forces to hold the columns from moving in a perpendicular direction from the moment connections. Torsion
occurs when two perpendicular forces move in perpendicular directions from each other on the structure. In
relation to the structure, the use of all structural elements fabricated into completely closed circular hollow steel
improves the resistance to torsion by allowing the stress to travel freely in a radial direction. The easier the path
of movement for stress in a geometry, the higher the resistance.
Although the most powerful tool in structural design is geometry, material is also a major contributor to the
structural stability of the Pompidou. Steel is a unique material that possesses strong compressive and tensile
properties. Therefore, it is very strong in resisting all four types of forces. Its modulus of elasticity is 29,000,000
pounds per inch squared. Due to its strength, there is no need to add more material than necessary and waste
additional money, energy and material.
In conclusion, what makes this structure successful is the way the system works. It works like a domino ef-
fect where forces are transferred from one element to another very freely to the foundation, resulting in higher
resistance to all types of forces. It did not need to have a redundant amount of material. Rather, most of the
structural is based off its material geometry, connection locations, and the elements being sized to its appropri-
ate proportion.
Summary

Stress Gradient (East Side)
Tensile Forces = Red
Compressive Forces = Blue

Stress Gradient (North Side)
Tensile Forces = Red
Compressive Forces = Blue

Because the total weight of the structure is 16,000 tons* (32,000,000 lbs = 32,000 kips) of prefabricated steel and rein-
forced concrete and the area of the Pompidou is 557 ft x 157 ft (87,449 SF/floor x 6 floors = 524,694 SF), we can assume
the dead load of the total structure is 32,000,000 lbs / 524,694 SF = 54 PSF & Live Load for a commercial space = 90
PSF.
For simplicity purposes, we will assume the PSF/floor is 32,000,000 lbs / 6 floors = 5,333,333 lbs/floor. This will mean that
when we calculate the reactions per floor, we will assume the dead load each floor = 5,333,333 lbs/87,449 SF = 61 PSF.
The Tributary Area per column set is 42 feet. Slab width = 146.5 ft
Gerberette (propped cantilever) weight = 10 tons (20,000 lbs = 20 kips). Total Gerberette length = 20.25 ft
*source: https://digdesfab11.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/pompidou1.pdf
We will be calculating the reaction forces, shear and moment per floor based on the data prescribed above.
The Total Load = Dead Load + Live Load = 61 PSF + 90 PSF = 151 PSF
We will then multiply the Tributary Area with the Total Load to find the distributed load on the truss:
42 ft x 151 PSF = 6342 PLF = 6.342 KLF
Pin Reactions: R1 + R2 = (6342 PLF x 198 ft = 1,255,716 lbs. = 1,256 kips)
Due to Symmetry, R1 = R2 = 1,256 kips / 2 = 484.5 kips
The Maximum Moment = 19,700 kips-ft
w = 6.342 KLF
146.5 ft
484.5 kips
Shear (V)
Moment (M)
19,700 kips-ft
73.25 ft
73.25 ft
484.5 kips
Part 1: Floor Slab with Respect to Pin Connections
484.5 kips
(-)
(+)
(+)
w = 6.342 KLF
146.5 ft
484.5 kips
5.25 ft5.25 ft 15 ft15 ft
170 kips 170kips
654.5 kips 654.5 kips
Shear (V)
Moment (M)
19,700 kips-ft
73.25 ft
73.25 ft
484.5 kips
484.5 kips
(-)
(+)
(-)
(+)
2550 kips-ft
The Overall Shear and Moment Diagrams of a Typical Level
5.25 ft
5.25 ft
170 kips
170 kips
484.5 kips
5.25 ft15 ft
Reaction Anchor Rod
Reaction Column
The Reactions for the Column and the Anchor Rod are as follows:
MColumn
= RAnchor
x 15 ft + 484.5 kips x 25 ft = 0
RAnchor
= - 170 kips
RColumn
= 170 kips + 484.5 kips = 654.5 kips
15 ft
15 ft
(+) (+)
(-)(-)
2550 kips-ft
(+)
(-) (-)
484.5 kips
Theoretical Calculation of the Vertical Loads, Reactions, Shear and Moment on the Structure
484.5 kips

42 ft
157ft
557 ft
Reference Plan
q = 25 PSF (99 MPH)
q = 25 PSF (99 MPH)
20.5ft
(gerberette)
20.5ft
(gerberette)

Theoretical Calculation of the Horizontal Loads, Reactions, Shear and Moment on the Structure
Wind Load = 25 PSF (99 MPH) on East and South end each*
The height of each floor = 138 ft / 6 floors = 23 ft
Source: http://bristolite.com/interfaces/psi_wind.aspx
We will be calculating the Chord Force as well as the Brace Force on the first floor based on the data prescribed above as
well as from the Vertical Loads.
The East End Calculations
The Total Lateral Load = 25 PSF x Tributary Area of floor height (23 ft / 2) = 287.5 PLF
R1 + R2 = (287.5 PLF x 557 ft = 160,138 lb = 160.2 kips)
Due to Symmetry: R1 = R2 = 160.2 kips / 2 = 80.1 kips
The Maximum Moment = 11,154 kips-ft
w = 0.2875 KLF
R1 = 628 kips R2 = 628 kips
Shear (V)
Moment (M)
80.1 kips
80.1 kips
11,154 kips-ft
78.5 ft
78.5 ft
20.5 ft
544 kips
654.5 kips
557ft
The Chord Force = Max. Moment / Perpendicular Distance of diagonal bracing = 11,154 k-ft / 20.5 ft = 544 kips
We will find the Resultant of the Cross Brace in order to find the Brace Force. We have 544 kips going in the x-direction
and 654.5 kips going in the y-direction. The Brace Force = √(5442
+654.52
)=851 kips
851 kips
(-)
(+)
(+)
The South End Calculations
The Total Lateral Load = 25 PSF x Tributary Area of floor height (23 ft / 2) = 287.5 PLF
R1 + R2 = (287.5 PLF x 198 ft = 45,137.5 lb = 45 kips)
Due to Symmetry: R1 = R2 = 45 kips / 2 = 22.5 kips
The Maximum Moment = 883 kips-ft
w = 0.2875 KLF
R1 = 22.5 kips R2 = 22.5 kips
Shear (V)
Moment (M)
22.5 kips
22.5 kips
883 kips-ft
78.5 ft
78.5 ft
20.5 ft
21 kips
654.5 kips
157ft
The Chord Force = Max. Moment / Perpendicular Distance of diagonal bracing = 883 k-ft / 42 ft = 21 kips
We will find the Resultant of the Cross Brace in order to find the Brace Force. We have 19.6 kips going in the x-direction
and 654.5 kips going in the y-direction. The Brace Force = √(212
+ 654.52
)=655 kips
655 kips
(-)
(+)
(+)

The Physical Model
Transversal
Bracing
Longitudinal
Bracing
While very systematic, the model needed to deflect and each component
had to be assembled separately and tested for reactions. The trusses
were each assembled by elements to allow for an acceptable deflection.
In total, 84 trusses were built and assembled separately. There were
about 1200 separate compression chords, which were tied together
with fishing string to simulate the tension steel cable to allow for visible
deflection.
The trusses were then pin connected to the gerberettes, which in turn
were pin-connected to the columns. Temporary bracing and support had
to be built before the final string bracing was assembled. Without the
tension cables, the gerberettes would thrust upwards under the weight of
the trusses. Once the tension cables are in place, the model is still very
unstable because it is not braced, neither longitudinally nor transversely.
Temporary bracing was put in place in the middle section of the model
while everything was attached.
Putting the final bracing together was the crucial part as it strengthened
the whole model overall. And while the separate parts were delicate,
once everything is braced, the structure felt much more solid.
The process that was tideous was preparing, testing and building
different elements. After the success of the first set of trusses, all the
elements were prepared in advance. This expedited the construction of
the model.
Model Construction

Tension
Compression
Gerberette
Detail

Amer Sassila_Portfolio (IIT Works)

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (6)

Similar to Amer Sassila_Portfolio (IIT Works)

Similar to Amer Sassila_Portfolio (IIT Works) (20)

Amer Sassila_Portfolio (IIT Works)