This document provides an overview of three design projects focused on different scales of organisms that impact humans: the individual, building, and city. For the individual organism project, the design was a bench heated through the decomposition process of an underground compost pile, with a saline solution circulating between the pile and bench using thermosyphoning. The building organism project involved designing the envelope of a commercial building to high insulation standards using Isover products. The building was sited on a former sugar mill property in Philadelphia. The third project addressed a negative process within the city organism, but details were not provided. Overall the document examines how human comfort and well-being are influenced by the nested organisms we inhabit

5. CONTENTS
THE NOTION.......2
THE INDIVIDUAL......4
APPROACH
DESIGN
FEEDBACK
THE BUILDING......12
APPROACH
DESIGN
FEEDBACK
THE CITY......22
APPROACH
DESIGN
FEEDBACK

7. THE NOTION
Our world is made up of interconnected organisms. These are not the traditional or-
ganisms we are taught about in biology class but are organisms none the less. Any
object that has an input and an output of energy could be considered an organism.
However, for the course Adaptive Design at Philadelphia University the main focus was
on three organisms that affect the human organism.
Do you remember when you were a kid and you had that toy that fit one within the
other well this is how our life is made up of as a human organism. We are the small
Russian doll in the center of a larger one that is than within another. The imagery can
be expanded or contracted depending on how detailed an individual wants to get
with all the layers that separate us from the world shell.
First, would be the organism that affects the human comfort directly. Examples of this
type of organism would be a chair, a shoe, or a shelter. Second organism to be de-
veloped this semester was the insulation of a building. This building was a commercial
one that used products from the Isover product line to create a better structure. Lastly,
we looked at the city organism and how a structure could be implemented to control
one negative process within the city organism.
In the following piece you will find an overview of the three organisms we worked on
this Spring semester of 2009. Some are developed further than others but all look at
how the human organism is impacted by other organisms.
2

9. THE INDIVIDUAL
4

11. APPROACH
The purpose of the first exercise was to design an artifact
that could be deployed in an outdoor urban environment.
The artifact is to be designed to provide human comfort to
the individual for a specific time of year.
This artifact is to exist as an organism and should thus ad-
dress the intervention/interaction it will inevitable have with the organism within in which
it is nested, the site, and also the organisms which are nested within it, the individual.
DESIGN
In developing an idea for this exercise several ideas were discussed. Providing comfort
to the individual in the form of an active shading device or a geothermal heated bench.
A geothermal heated bench was the first idea settled upon. It was decided, however,
that this type of application has been done and a challenge was set forth to see if a
bench could be developed using heat generated from the decomposition process of a
compost pile.
Several factors that were decided now that an artifact had been decided upon. The ac-
tivity level for the use of the artifact was an any individual at rest, The comfort this artifact
provided to the individual would be temperature through the energy transport of con-
duction. The artifact would be used during the coldest months in Philadelphia. Lastly, the
location for the artifact was proposed to be at the Spring Garden Community Garden,
highlighted below.
The Spring Garden, started in 1995, covers an entire city block in Philadelphia. There are
EASTERN
STATE
PENITENTIARY
FAIRMONT AVE.
ART
MUSEUM
6

12. 165 families that use the
community garden. Plots in
the garden range from
10’ x 10’ to 20’ x 20’. The
Spring Garden has enough
material to provide for a
bench heated through
decomposition from October
to March.
There is a Frenchman
named Jean Pain who has
used the application of
decomposing material to
heated water. His
experiments and continued
studies where much larger
than what we proposed.
AN ILLUSTRATION OF JEAN PAIN’S SYSTEM
Pain builds his compost piles
of double chipped wood measuring 50 tons in volume. With this amount of compost he is able to
heat his house with the 140 degree water for 18 months. An experimental 12 ton pile maintained
the same for a full 18 months.
NORTH ST.
BENCH
LOCATION CURRENT
COMPOST
LOCATION
19TH ST..
18TH ST..
WALLACE ST..
BLOW UP OF THE SPRING GARDEN SHOWING THE PROPOSED LOCATION OF THE BENCH

13. For this artifact we
wanted to use the
principles that Pain
discovered and apply
them a smaller scale.
We figured that a
community garden
would be able to
supply enough
material to create a
4.68 cu.yd. compost
pile. Before such a
compost pile could
be built there are
many issues to the PICTURED HERE IS A SOLAR THERMOSYPHONING
COLLECTOR. SHOWN HERE AS AN EXAMPLE OF
design of the bench that
THE PROCESS PROPOSED.
needed to be researched and decided upon.
Through discussion within the group we discovered some flaws that needed to be
worked out before such a bench would be able to exist.
One question arose wondering if the possibility of moving water between the compost
pile and the bench would be possible without mechanical means. We found a solu-
tion to this question that we think could be used, thermosyphoning.
Thermosyphon is a “method of passive heat exchange based on natural convection
which circulates liquid in a vertical closed-loop circuit without requiring a conven-
tional pump”.
With this issue resolved it was on to the next challenges. Could a bench be heated
in the dead of winter with the heated water from the compost pile? Would the water
freeze before it arrived to the bench or be to cold on its return to the compost pile
and kill the decomposition process? Would the compost pile even decompose during
the winter? These challenges were resolved in a couple of different ways.
First, it was found that if the compost pile was protected by some manner, either by its
own mass or some other insulation it would continue to decompose. Secondly, rather
than a glycol solution being circulated it was proposed that a salt solution could be
circulated. The artifact would be using polyethylene pipe there would be no danger
of the solution breaking down the pipe. A saline solution freezes at a lower
COMPOST PILE
BENCH
POLY PIPE
DIAGRAM SHOWING THE LAYOUT OF THE ARTIFACT BY ASHLEY JOHNSON 8

14. THE ABOVE IMAGE SHOWS THE PERCENTAGE OF PEOPLE THAT WOULD BE DISSATISFIED SITTING ON THE HEATED BENCH ON
A COLD AFTERNOON. NOTE THAT THIS TOOL IS TYPICALLY USED FOR INDOOR CALCULATIONS THUS TO OFFSET THIS THE AIR
VELOCITY WAS INCREASED.
temperature. Third, water introduced into a compost pile can be a chilly 50 degrees and come out
at over 140 degrees. With these challenges in mind a basic design was proposed for the artifact.
In order for the thermosyphon process to work the bench had to be higher than the compost pile.
With the ground level onsite it was thus proposed that we create a bin to hold the compost that was
partly underground. This would also solve the problem of protecting the compost pile from the cold.
It would also solve the problem of the pipes losing to much heat as the saline solution traveled be-
tween the compost pile and the bench.
The end result of the research and design work done on this artifact would provide a bench that
would be warm from October to March. Allowing an individual to be relatively happy even if it was
cold outside enjoying the wildlife that may happen to be in the area (During a site visit a falcon
was spotted dining on some local squab).
FEEDBACK
After presenting our artifact to the class it was noted that an insulated holding tank would need
to be placed on the high side of the closed loop system in order to provide enough head for the
thermosyphoning process. Granted the idea works but some type of under drain for excess water
and a ramp to remove the decomposed material in the spring needs to be developed.

15. BY ASHLEY JOHNSON

17. THE BUILDING
12

19. APPROACH
The second portion of the envelope that surrounds an individual is the building. This
artifact is everywhere in our lives from where we work to our homes. It is usually built in
a very common manner and until recently the full potential of this artifact has just been
realized. This was the basis of the second exercise. A competition was used to develop
a better understanding of what happens with a building. The Isover Competition spon-
sored by Isover and the American supplier Certain Teed had one main restriction to
the project which was to use their products for the development of the wall cross-sec-
tions and to follow the competition criteria of space allocation, thermal construction,
fire protection and acoustic insulation. The location of the building, type of construc-
tion and building layout were unimportant.
It was decided that the location and position of the building could be decide first be-
fore to much detail was placed on the dimensions and specifications of the building.
DESIGN
The location chosen for the building was in Philadelphia in an area called Fishtown.
Below is an image showing the parcel of land chosen it is 7.96 acres in size.
THE SITE IS THE LOCATION OF
AN OLD SUGAR MILL AND
WILL BE THE NEW LOCATION
OF THE SUGAR MILL CASINO
5
I9
SITE
DELAWARE RIVER
14

20. Once the site was chosen the development of
the layout of spaces for the occupants inside
according to the requirements of the competi-
tion was undertaken.
5,000 - 9,000 sf for offices
3,000 sf for meeting space
100 sf for kitchen
1,000 sf for bathrooms
1,500 sf for exhibit space
2,000 sf storage and circulation
12,600 sf - 16,600 sf.
The development of space was done at the same time other information was being gathered. Envi-
ronmental data about the site was needed in order to properly orient and develop the architecture
of the building and site.
Having gathered the necessary information and the general layout of the building accomplished
the site plan was decided upon. The location of the entrance to the site, parking, circulation and
other amenities were developed and placed onsite.

21. Now that the layout of the site and building was completed the real meat of the exer-
cise could begin which was the development of the insulating skin of the building. All
walls on the building were developed to have a high R-value.
R-value is a measure of thermal resistance. That is to say R-value is a measure of insu-
lations’s heat loss retardation under specific conditions. The primary heat transfer im-
peded by insulation is convection.
The following images are cross-sections through specific areas in the building as re-
quired by the competition. These images were used in the final presentation. The end
goal of the competition was to create superior innovative uses of Isover/Certain Teed
products. The CAD work in the following was done by Nicole Jui and the graphic lay-
out was by Toby Hagerott.
A
SM Floor plan with section line with elevation below
p
Details called out next slide
16

22. 1 1 Tate Access Floor System (Flooring to be Applied)
2 4” Concrete
2 3 1 ½” Metal Deck
3 4 Steel Floor Joists
5 5/8” Interior Gypsum Board Ceiling
4
Rw ≤ 45 dB
5
1 CertainTeed Fiber Cement Board
3
2 ¾”Fire Rate Plywood Sheathing
3 ThermaEz Insulation System
1 4 2 ½” Foam Insulated Panel
5 10” Concrete Wall
6 ProRoc 5/8 Type X Gypsum Board, 2 Layers
5/8” Board
2
R-value / U-value
5 1 0.34
0 34 / 2.94
2 94
6 2 0.77 / 1.30
4
3 11.40 / 0.09
4 10.90 / 0.09
5 0.80 / 1.25
6 1.02 / 0.98
25.23 / 0.04 Rw ≥ 55 dB

23. 1
1 Standing Seam Metal Roof w/ Reflective Coating
2 2 CertainTeed Soffit Board
6 3 3 Curtain Wall System
4 3/8” Single Pane Glazing
5 4” Metal Framing
6 U
Upper Operable Window
O bl Wi d
7 Lower Operable Window
4 R-value / U-value
1 - / -
2 - / -
5 3 5.8 / 0.17
4 - / -
5 - / -
7 6 - / -
5.8 / 0.17 Rw ≥ 55 dB
B
SM Floor plan with section line with elevation below
p
Details called out next slide
18

24. 4
3
1 2
5
6
7 8
R-value / U-value
1 LiveRoof Standard Module
1
2 Moisture Portal
2
3 Engineered Soil
3
4 Green Roof Plants
4
5 Minimum 40-mil Polypropylene
5
6 Waterproofing Membrane
6 6.67 / 0.15 (Total for Green Roof System )
7 CertianTeed Flint Board ISO
8 Roof Deck 7 24.10
24 10 / 0.04
0 04
8 5.8 / 0.17
36.57 / 0.03 Rw ≥ 50 dB
1 6
2 7
1 3 5/8” Brick Veneer
3 8 2 2” Air Space
3 2” Exterior Rigid Insulation
g
4
4 Certainteed MemBrain Vapor Barrier
5 5 5/8” Exterior GlasRoc Sheathing
9 6 6” Metal Stud Cavity
7 CertainTeed Insulate SP Fiber Glass Blown Insulation
8 ProRoc 5/8” Type X Gypsum Board, 2 layers
9 Tate Access Floor System
10 10 2” Rigid Insulation at Concrete Slab & Foundation Walls
2

25. 8
6
7
5
4
2 3
R-value / U-value
1 1 0.80 / 1.25
1 3-5/8” Brick Veneer
2 2” Air Space 2 1.00 / 1.00
3 2” Rigid Insulation 3 8.00
8 00 / 0.13
0 13
4 CertainTeed MemBrain Vapor Barrier 4 0.17 / 5.88
5 5/8” Exterior GlasRoc Sheathing 5 0.51 / 1.96
6 Metal Stud Cavity 6 - -
7 CertainTeed Insulate SP Fiber Glass Blown Insulation 7 29.60
29 60 / 0.03
0 03
8 1.02 / 0.17
8 5/8” Interior Gypsum Board, 2 Layers
41.10 / 0.02 Rw ≥ 50 dB
20

26. BY NICOLE JUI
FEEDBACK
Upon the completion of the Isover competition there was not much time for reflection. Many ideas
for the development of the site and building were clear and concise but it still felt unfinished. This
may be in part to the primary focus of the competition was on the building and its occupants and
not how that building interacted with the outside organisms. There is so much focus on the building
as a separate organism and how its input and output interact with the other organisms but does this
have to be? Can a building be better interpreted as an extension of the environment providing the
necessary shelter and comfort for the human organism with out compromising the world organism?
How can this be done?

27. THE CITY
22

29. APPROACH
The purpose of this exercise was to create an artifact that would affect a change in a
microclimate on a city scale. This artifact like the previous two previous must act as an
organism nested within other organisms. Therefore the palette of organisms available
in this project are buildings, subway stops, parks, and roadways.
DESIGN
Also like the previous two artifacts the group gathered to debate and discuss the arti-
fact to be created. There were many ideas and it took several weeks for the group to
decide but, eventually we went back to one original idea, a highway barrier wall that
became named “The Serene Screen”.
We focused on the principle that the ma-
jor transportation arteries of a city are also
some of the biggest sound and pollution
producers. We the group wanted to cre-
ate an artifact that would first off reduce
the noise being forced onto the other
organisms of the city organism.
The target users would be anyone in
range of the Serene Screen with a year
round benefit.
Other possible benefits created by the
Serene Screen, would be aesthetic im-
provement, driver safety and a potential
for increased interaction with nature.
ONE INSPIRATION FOR THE “SERENE SCREEN” WAS The design process for this artifact was
THE PROPOSED SUSTIANABLE SKIN SYSTEM AT THE more of figuring out the materials to use
NATIONAL WILDFLOWER CENTRE COMPLEX LOCATED and use them in a manner that made
AT THE GATEWAY TO LIVERPOOL.
sense and was sustainable rather getting
into the ins and outs of will it actually work. The possibility is there but actual tests were
not completed. The most measurable aspect of this artifact is the decibel level that
would be affecting people around these corridors. So we chose easily reclaimable
materials to build our Serene Screen. We will get back to the decibel levels in a mo-
ment.
Polyethylene barrels were used to create the core to the Serene Screen with 3/8” steel
cable running through them and each barrel being bolted to the next. This we theo-
rized would be strong enough to hold the screen up right.
Now these barrel could be filled with many material that are both sustainable and en-
vironmentally friendly but since we were already repurposing materials why not con-
tinue.
A idea arose to fill the barrels with materials that would normally be recycled or head
to the landfill. An example would be glass which has great acoustic properties. In
claiming materials from the waste stream it was estimated that a 20’x20’x1’ had the
possibility of claiming 6.67 tons of uncompacted materials and 16.67 compacted from
the waste stream. 24

30. The placement of the screen along major transportation corridors was to adjust the microclimate
surrounding these corridors. The main impact these corridors have to the areas that surround them
is noise. BLOWING HORNS, TRAINS, and TRAFFIC are a few organisms that affect the
microclimate around them.
The image to the right shows the
common level of noise associated R3 Sound Scan
with each action these organisms do.
As you can see the train is by far the
loudest.
Decibel (dBA)
The main study area shown as Site 2
below shows an improvement with a
hypothetical application of the
Serene Screen.
Knowing we could cause a change by
adding the Serene Screen it was
wondered what else could be done to
the Serene Screen to even further its
impact on the microclimate surrounding 90-95 dBA = level at which sustained exposure may result in hearing loss
it. One thought that occurred was to paint the interior portion of the screen with Carbon Milk Paint.
This natural paint is high in calcium lime and works to absorb CO2 from the air.
River Park Sound Data
Before After (estimated*)
Decibel (dBA)
3
1 2
4
*estimate based on models utilizing similar materials/settings ALEX DEWS

31. The last thing that we
knew we would be ac-
complishing would be
screening the transporta-
tion arteries from the rest
of the city organism. This
created some great op-
portunities for the Serene
Screen to become not
only an active artifact but
also a passive one. This
would be done by cre-
atively using the Serene
Screen as a canvas.
BRAD SHERMAN
This canvas was seen as a
possibility for large murals
or advertisement. Adver-
tisement would be the last
option but it is recognized
as a possibility. Secondly,
the Serene Screen has the
possibility of covering the
arteries and providing a
totally different perspec-
tive. Lastly, the Serene
Screen may change the
microclimate surround-
ing it but could also im-
pact the transportation
organism itself through
screening and reduction
of glare.
FEEDBACK
BRAD SHERMAN
It was felt that this was a
great intervention into the
city organism. This arti-
fact would not disturb the
larger city organism but
in fact make it better. This
could also be an alterna-
tive to big infrastructure
projects. An issue that was
not fully developed was
the waste reclamation
portion of the organism.
BRAD SHERMAN 26