RADIANCE
CONCEPT DESCRIPTION :
Our concept transforms the existing Loyola campus bus shelter into a dynamic refuge that engages its inhabitants in a dialogue around urban sustainability through innovative form, spatial design, and responsive technology. A bold, folded aluminium solar roof canopy fixed to the existing, modified steel structure creates a dynamic spatial condition, emphasised through the expression of environmental data through an integrated LED lighting display. The solar roof canopy is parametrically designed to optimise solar gain throughout the year while minimising overshadowing given the orientation of the shelter, reconciling aesthetics and performance. Solar cells are distributed over the south-facing surfaces of the roof, the adjacent folds with polished finish reflecting further sunlight to increase wattage yield. Radiant heating coils follow the fold lines on the underside of the roof, heating the inhabitants of the shelter and preventing the accumulation of snow.
The LED display will trace the solar exposure and yield of the solar cells and communicate other environmental data recorded through a series of rain, wind, light, thermal and motion sensors integrated throughout the design. This will make the functioning of the photovoltaic system and the environmental conditions understandable and engaging. The southern glass panels within the shelter will be reconfigured to increase the area of enclosure to accommodate additional seating options. At the center of this space, an abstract hearth will create a gathering point where cell phones can be charged, conversations started and the progress of the bus along its route tracked.
The new custom urban furniture will also incorporate radiant heating, this method is much more effective and efficient than convection or forced air heating systems. By developing and building these elements in-house at the university, knowledge and skills related to their construction are retained within the community and can thus be replicated in other areas of the campus. As the Vanier Library and the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall are among the closest buildings to the bus shelter, it is conceivable that the proposed urban furniture in the open green space could be appropriated by students and faculty as an outdoor reading room or an improvised busking area.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNITY CONSULTATION :
The site was visited on multiple occasions in May and June, with 18 informal interviews conducted with individuals, mainly Concordia students, waiting for the bus. The movement of people within and around the existing structure was also tracked, documented through photos and video, and analysed.
It was observed that the experience within and around the shelter was a rather private one. Most people stood a significant distance apart, consulting their mobile phones for the majority of their wait. On the second visit, despite the rain, few people gathered inside the shelter to wait for the bus in order to preserve personal space. The existing single row of seating was revealed to be inefficient in this respect - though wide enough to allow seating on both sides, it is not used this way in practice. When asked about potential improvements to the shelter, the most frequent request was the addition of radiant heating and heated seating. The opportunity to charge cell phones was also welcomed by a majority of those interviewed.
The intent to add such elements as well as to create a more collective experience within and around the shelter resulted from these site visits and community consultation. It is the view of the authors of this proposal that another phase of consultation take place with users and those responsible for the maintenance of the shelter, using this design proposal as a basis for discussion.
(Upcoming)
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- Presentation Panel
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- Site Plan
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- Photograph of Model
- Schema
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