Project Description

As a technical design-build seminar, ‘Matter, Making, and Testing.’ focuses on precast concrete and specifically it’s history, materiality, manufacturing processes, and assembly logistics that have cultural affects through traditional and novel uses within urban environments. In partnership with Northeast Precast and working in a team of four students with dedicated Project Managers at NEP, each team designed a precast panel within a set of parameters including a 10’x6’x1’ volume and no steel or welding in the assembly process. The panel targets an architectural approach to sustainable design and thermal comfort in tropical and subtropical climate zones. First looking at Mexico City as a potential site, the primary objectives of the panel’s realization were to leverage operable hinge panels designed to maximize thermal mass and employ passive ventilation principles. This would in turn be adapted to create a sustainable and climate-responsive solution that enhances both environmental comfort and energy efficiency in buildings located in these climatic zones around the world. The scope of the project included formal design, shop drawing delivery, on-site assembly, and construction administration/documentation.