1. The document provides details on Brendan Crosby's selected architectural work, including his masters thesis, undergraduate work, and professional work. 2. His masters thesis at Northeastern University involved transforming the typology of high-rise office buildings by increasing the frequency of mechanical floors to allow for occupiable space. 3. His undergraduate projects included a proposed union hall in Boston and a redevelopment project in South Boston. 4. His professional work involves library and community center renovations and dormitory designs.

1. Selcted Architectural Work
Brendan M Crosby, LEED GA
750 N Dearborn St. #705
Chicago, IL 60654

3. 4 Table of Contents

4. 5
masters thesis work 8
undergraduate work 16
professional work 28
graphics/misc. 38

5. masters thesis

7. 8 Masters Thesis Work
As part of a new pedagogical approach to its masters curriculum, Northeastern University proposed its students
identify and study the inherenices in design of particular building typologies. After choosing the path of “office”
typology, a thesis was developed in response to the requirement of transforming the existing type in terms of
programmatic efficiencies, designs and user relations.
ns
trics
Transforming the typology_Figure 1.1

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The inherent design of mechanical systems, usually driven by service
requirements and overall building function has been a recurring 1
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paradigm in the typology of the high-rise office building. This design
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not only dictates plant level program and service, but also forcefully
embeds itself into architectural design and aesthetics. Could it be
feasible to manipulate the pragmatics of the mechanical level, so
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to serve the building more architecturally, introduce tenant-defined
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occupiable space, and design a user oriented mechanical floor rather
than a service driven one? 9
They typical pragmatism for mechanical decisions in the design of 8
high rise offices is that plant levels should number ten percent of total
floors. In the essence of time, constructability, and efficiency of system 1
loads, theses levels are placed at roughly equal intervals through out 7
the structure and occupy the entire floor plate at double height. If in a 6
multitenant office building, mechanical level frequencies were doubled 6
and relegated to intervals not confined by serviceability and efficiency 4
of constructability, but by occupant relationship, one may begin to see a 1
change in how the nexus is perceived throughout the building in terms of 5
interconnectivity, program, and human-scale relation.
Increasing plant level frequencies will result in the deduction from total 4 1
square footage per level, as inherencies such as numbers of air handling
units and required duct space will decrease. Reclaimable space for 3
occupant use is a direct summation of that decrease and now the
mechanical level may begin to transform into an element of architectural 4
inter-connectivity through programmatic decisions now feasible. The
sky lobby is a feature commonly used in the typology of office high-
rise, which incorporates public retail and service program with building 1
2
circulation. The reclaimable space on these mechanical levels can
now serve as public retail, sky lobby, and tenant-specific front of house
services; e.g. lobby and reception areas. 3
The objective of the proposal of this prototype is to transform the 2
1
mechanical floor, identify and reprogram consequent conditions,
1
ultimately reinventing the typology of the office high rise. Subsequently, 1
one can begin to propose new, fully grounded architectural decisions
interrelated to site, tenant need, and program.
Programing the Prototype_Figure 1.2

9. 10 Masters Thesis Work 4.
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Site Conncections Ground Level and Roof Garden_(Fig. 1.3 - 1.4)
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Open Atrium Section_Fig. 1.7
Operable Skin Section_Fig. 1.8
Variations in floor plates in each ‘block’ of building mass lead to
subsequent conditions in facade and skin treatment. Open-to-air atria
conditions presented themselves in areas where the building skin was
stretched past its actual glass facade and operable climate controlled
spaces manifested in section where facade screening followed the
buildings glass envelope.

11. 12 Masters Thesis Work

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13. 14 Masters Thesis Work
Introduction to a downtown Financial District site presented both challenges and opportunities for
design and programming. A study of views from varying heights was conducted and placement
of mechanical floors were derived according to changes in view. Programmatic and floor plan
decisions were then made in relation to which part of the floor plate was most desirable. Mechanical
spaces were placed in portions of the floor where views were blocked and the entire floor plate was
twisted and programmed to take advantage of desirable views.

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15. undergraduate

17. 18 Local 7 Union Hall, Boston MA
Unlike traditional design studios which produce a schematic idea before considering the feasibility of construction, this project
grounds design proposals upon a conceived tectonic strategy. Students were asked to propose a new Union Hall for the Local
7 Ironworkers Labor Union on a prominent corner of the historic North End neighborhood of Boston. Preliminary research on
Unions and their facilities preceded individual composition of a thesis, which was were used to drive design decisions. Program
of the 30,000 sf structure includes lobby/gallery spaces, classrooms, a training facility, meeting halls, community rooms,
dining halls, day care, exercise space, as well as administrative work rooms. An open plan and the elimination of segregated
offices and floors for administration, along with large areas of glass penetration of the facade were a few techniques meant to
integrate workers with community, and give the structure functionality to the public as well as the laborer.
Rendering looking at northwest corner_(Fig. 2.6 ) Site Plan North End, Boston_(Fig. 2.6 )

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Rendering looking at northwest corner_(Fig. 2.6 )

19. 20 Local 7 Union Hall, Boston MA

20. 21
Fifth Floor Level 58’-0”
Fourth Floor Level 44’-6”
Third Floor Level 31’-0”
Second Floor Level 31’-0”
First Floor Level 0’-0”

21. 22 Local 7 Union Hall, Boston MA

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23. 24 South Boston Redevelopment Project
This studio project focused on the design and development of urban housing, office space, and retail program within the
Boston Redevelopment Authority’s ‘100 Acre Master Plan’ for the Fort Point District of South Boston. Students were assigned
an undeveloped parcel with-in the master plan to program and design. Guidelines of the original master plan established by
the governing planning agency were adhered to strictly in order to become aware of architectural issues that are controlled
by such regulations. In addition, potential freedoms, and design opportunities that these situations present were studied and
incorporated. Design responsibilities included street, pedestrian path and open space redesign, as well as open discussion and
negotiation on reciprocal design relationships with abutting property owners.

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25. 26 South Boston Redevelopment Project

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27. professional

29. 30 Bayport -Bluepoint Public Library
This proposed addition and renovation of Bayport-Bluepoint Public Library’s existing 12,800 sf. building was carried from
schematics through design development in its pre-refferendum stage. In addition to the complete renovation of its existing
interior spaces, BHA and the Library Board agreed that a 14,300 sf. addition was needed to house a new Childrens LIbrary and
Program Room. Responsibilities included composing presentation drawings (Elevation and site renderings, proposed floor plan
reditions etc.) as well as attending client meetings and public design charrettes.

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31. 32 Flanders Nutritional & Community Center
The scope of work on this project included the renovation of the existing 3,800 sf. Flanders Community Center, a senior center
in Southampton, NY. The facility underwent major demolition, down to the steel structure. Also part of the scope, a 6,200 sf.
two story addition at the south end of the building was constructed along with two smaller additions. As a major team member
on this project, responsibilities ranged from site verification to schematic layout, through construction documentation and
construction administration.

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33. 34 Flanders Nutritional & Community Center

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35. 36 Touro College Dormitories
The school of Law at Touro College sought the services of BHA to design the residence hall for its campus in Islip, New York.
The low-rise design consists of 12 single and 59 double units to accommodate its student population. This project was carried
through to a complete set of bidding documents. Main responsibilities included schematic presentation and development, as
well as bid set production. The wood frame design of the residences pushed the limits of wood frame construction, making
meticulous coordination with structural and MEP engineers a vital part of the design process.

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37. graphics/photography

39. 40 Learning Center, Los Angeles CA

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41. 42 Office Typology & Pattern Book
As part of a group assignment aimed at thoroughly researching and documenting inherent designs of the office building
typology, “Office: A Pattern Book” was written and published through Northeastern University. The publication studies and
graphically displays the design patterns of typical office buildings categorized by size. Meticulous research, coordination and
team efforts were displayed in the realization of this book which will serve as a guide and research source in the Northeastern
University Architecture library.
A RC G691 TY PO LO G Y PAT T E RN B O O K 6.4 Shading Systems 107 108 6.5 Atria
Seasonal Shading 6.5 Atria In buildings with deeper floorplates or where a high
While preventing solar gain is an important quality of natural light is a design priority, an atrium
requirement of shading during the spring and is an excellent way of increasing the amount of
summer months, solar gain can often be beneficial daylight that enters a building. The implementation
during the colder months of the year. Allowing of an atrium effectively cuts an occupants
solar gain in winter can reduce the amount maximum distance to daylight in half and allows
of mechanical heating required to achieve a h l for a higher and more even level of daylighting
Attached throughout the space.
comfortable working environment, thus reducing
a building’s total energy costs. For this reason,
some of the most effective shading systems are w The best way to quantify the daylighting
those that take advantage of the difference in solar performance of an atrium is by measuring
angle between winter and summer. In addition to Fig. 21 - Atrium Measurements its Daylight Factor (DF). The Daylight Factor
the solar heat gain benefits, these strategies will describes the ratio of outside illuminance over
allow sunlight to penetrate deeper into the building inside illuminance, usually expressed as a
during the dimmer winter months. percentage. The higher the DF, the more natural
Linear
PAR = w light is available in the atrium. The Daylight Factor
One way to take advantage of this principle is to l is affected by the geometry of the atrium, as well
size and position a building’s louvers so that they as its roof form and the reflectivity of its materials.
block direct sunlight in the summer, when sun’s
azimuth is greater, and allow sunlight to enter SAR = h Plan Aspect Ratio (PAR)
in the winter, when the angle is lower (Fig. 18). The most efficient shape for the plan of an atrium
w
Another effective strategy is to use strategically is a circle. In atria with non-circular plans, the
placed trees as a form of natural shading. In the Enclosed PAR can be used to measure the effectiveness
summer, the trees will block sunlight and provide of the space’s geometry. The PAR is equal to the
the building with shade. In the winter, when their WI = h x (l + w) atrium’s width divided by its length. An atrium
branches are bare, they will allow sunlight to pass 2xlxw with a PAR closer to 1 (square) will have better
through and enter the building. (Fig. 19) dayighting performance than one with a PAR
closer to 0 (linear).
Section Aspect Ratio (SAR)
Fig. 18 - Seasonal Shading, Summer Fig. 19 - Natural Shading, Summer Semi-Enclosed The SAR measures the ratio of an atrium’s height
(above) and Winter (above) and Winter Fig. 20 - Atrium Types
to its width. A low SAR indicates a shallow atrium
and a relatively high Daylight Factor.

42. 128 7.3 Space Planning Patterns AR C G691 TYPOLOGY PATTER N BOOK 7.3 Space Planning Patterns 129
7.3 Space Planning Patterns
The Organism 43
240°
Program- Creative, Corporate
-High Density
-High Net Workspace Within Primary Reach
Low High Low High
-High Acoustic Transmission
-High Potential Shared Worspace/Team Overlap
-Moderate-High Visibility Sound Intesity Visual Overlap
-Moderate Personal Identity
-Moderate Project Team Mobility
-Low-Moderate Enclosure
Metrics
Workspaces- 32
SF Per Worker- 85 sf
LF worksurface- 320 lf
LF Per Worker- 10 ft
Floor Area- 2,728 sf
Total Area of Worksurfaces- 768 sf
Worksurface Area Per Worker- 24 sf
Floor Area : Worksurface Area- 3.55:1
Plan Detail
Fig. 15 Fig. 16
ARC G691 TY P O LO G Y PAT T E RN B O O K 3.2 Mechanical Circulation 51 52 3.3 Localized Air Distribution Systems
Typical Mech. Space Req. for High Rise Office Typical Mech. Space Req. for Mid Rise Office 3.3 Localized Air Distribution Systems Variable Air Volume System (VAV)
Typically in office building settings, the most efficient
Penthouse Levels Penthouse Levels 45’
and cost effective way to distribute air is a VAV system
Air-cooled chillers 3,200 Sq. Ft. Air-cooled chillers 2,500 Sq. Ft.
(Variable Air Volume). These systems use an air
Air Handlers
Cooling towers 7,000 Sq. Ft. Cooling towers 3,000 Sq. Ft.
Back-up Generator 3’ handling unit (supply fans w/filters and cooling coils) to
Tenant standby generators 1,000 Sq. Ft. Tenant standby generators 1,000 Sq. Ft.
distribute conditioned air at pre-determined tempera-
House domestic water tanks 600 Sq. Ft. House domestic water tanks 600 Sq. Ft. Fuel oil piping 2’ tures in sufficient quantity to offset heat gains See sec-
Stair Pressurization Fans 800 Sq. Ft. Stair Pressurization Fans 400 Sq. Ft. Supply Ducts
tion 3.3. The space temperatures would be controlled
Typical Floor Levels Typical Floor Levels 14’ by varying the volume flow rate of supply air by the use
Return Ducts
Mechanical fan room 500 Sq. Ft. Mechanical fan room 400 Sq. Ft. of VAV control dampers above the ceiling. The on-floor
9’
Basement Levels Basement Levels VAV system is a re-circulating system in which the air
Life saftey & tenant generators 800 Sq. Ft. Life saftey & tenant generators 500 Sq. Ft. Chiller from the space is returned above the hung ceiling acting
Stair Pres. Fans
Fuel oil storage 1,000 Sq. Ft. Fuel oil storage 300 Sq. Ft. as a plenum. The air is then returned to the fan room
Exhaust Chases
Boiler & chiller plant 15,000 Sq. Ft. Boiler Room 1,500 Sq. Ft. at the core and back to chiller plants to be re-cooled.
Fig. 12 Cooling loads distributed vary along with occupancy
Typical VAV system air distribution showing above ceiling supply levels and solar gain through the exterior skin. See sec-
and return ducts and overhead diffusers to cool office spaces.
tion 6.2
Fuel Oil Piping
System Components
45’
Return Air Raised Floor Distribution System
Supply Air
Exhaust In response to the demand for flexibility and change
3’ in an office building, raised floors for distribution of air
and cabling are another design choice that provides
4”
easy modification and relocation options after they are
Boilers
installed. Typically raised above the slab 12-18 inches,
14’
raised floors utilize lift-out floor modules that allow for
easy cable and outlet modification. In this case owner-
9’2
occupied buildings use this system more frequent be-
cause the occupant derives most of the benefit through
the buildings life. Air is supplied to the space from floor
Fuel oil storage 18”
diffusers instead of overhead, while on floor handlers
Fig. 9 Fig. 10 Fig. 11
Diagrammatic section of a typical low rise office building showing Diagrammatic section of a typical mid rise office building showing Diagrammatic section of a typical high rise office building showing Fig. 13 blow air into the floor cavities via supply ducts. Warm air
mechanical components and connections mechanical components and connections mechanical components and connections Typical raised floor air distribution diagram showing under floor air
supply ducts fed by a local AHU and plenum return duct back to
is returned to the air handlers by way of open plenum
the core. Floor swirl diffusers allow for a cleaner striation of cool air above the hung ceiling as the cool air, diffused low,
below to warmer air above.
begins to heat and rise.