CRITIC / ERICH SCHOENENBERGER

COMPLETED / SPRING 2014

TEAM / ASLI BAYSAN & MILAD SHOWKATBAKHSH

The program introduces an exterior facade system that reaches and gathers the solar radiation & water infrastructure (waste water/river/ocean) that delievers these essential ingredients to the algae system network integrated within the building. This operates through an exposed veining system that not only feeds the algae food production plant, but becomes apart of the building systems processes (mechanical, electrical and plumbing).

The goal of the building design & exterior system is to become the most sustainable and the most efficient by allowing natural ventilation, natural water pressure and natural habitat to occur, benefiting the ecosystem of the Mississippi River, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Atlantic Ocean. A natural ebb & flow simultaneously occurs throughout the building, its systems and the surrounding environment.

There is an importance of incorporating and meeting sustainable guidelines including a LEED Silver certification as well as other energy efficient and sustainable measures such as ASHRAE 90.1.

This project shows moderate complexity, investigating the urban environment of New Orleans including the culture, the history, the nightlife, and the food. It also includes all aspects of schematic design, design development and construction documentation.