proposed informal auditorium - district of columbia public ... concept design part 2.pdf ·...

Great Hallperformance

space

ceiling

brick veneer on wooden panel

steel wall structure

acoustic panel

MLK Jr. wall panel frame

MLK Jr. wall panel painting

steel door structure


acoustic panel

pivot door floor box


granite floor

proposed informal auditoriumdetails pivot doors

DETAIL 1

detail1

Artist impression, front view informal auditorium

Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 21Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 20

performancespace

Great Hall

back of housecore


brick wall


acoustic panel

pivot door floor box

separation between two doors

acoustic finishing

separation wall

proposed informal auditoriumdetails pivot doors

DETAIL 2

detail 2

Artist impression, front view informal auditorium


Intended Design:- The facade was built as it was designed. Clear glass on the ground floor and

bronze-tinted glass on levels 2, 3, 4F.

Existing Design:- all windows are equipped with venetian horizontal blinds.

Remarks:- due to corrosion of the curtain wall, many of the glass panels are broken.

(Reference “Exterior Assessment Report, Freelon, June 2012” )- the original pivot doors on G Street, were later replaced by two revolving

doors (exact date unknown at this time). - virtually all of the original venetian blinds have been replaced by roller curtains.

Proposed Improvements:- the replacement of the existing single glass units to IGUs (insulated glass

units) is the best “value for money” solution and the least aesthetically/structurally disturbing. The thermal performance of the building will increase significantly and lamination of the inner layer of the IGU for ‘fall through’ protection is an option. Several other options have been suggested in past reports, however these would be more costly, impact the facade structurally, and alter the original detailing.

- the horizontal venting bars located on the ground floor and in the children’s library are not original and should be removed.

- it is important that new IGUs are installed . Special care should be taken during the fabrication process to prevent a different cavity width. Even the smallest degree of variance can result in a distorted reflection.

- roll curtains could be replaced by venetian blinds that follow the original design intention.

2.2.3 installation of double-pane windows.

recent photograph showing bronze-tinted glass on 2, 3, 4F and clear glass on 1F

photograph of horizontal venting bars, located at level 1F, adjacent to windows

recent photograph of water infiltration along the windows


photograph of model showing bronze-tinted glass on 2, 3, 4F and clear glass on 1F

51 Exterior Assessment Report |

Analysis WJE developed three possible concepts to improve the thermal performance of the existing facade. Our concepts were based on introducing a thermal break into the facade assembly, either at the glass or at the glass and frame, and include the following:

• Concept No. 1: Remove the existing interior glazing stop and glass, install a thermal break between the glazing stop and remainder of the frame, install an insulated glazing unit (IGU), and reinstall the interior glazing stop (Figures T33 and T34)

• Concept No. 2: Install a new interior storm unit attached to the existing frame (Figures T35 and T36).

• Concept No. 3: Install new glass with new spacer attached to existing glass (Figures T37 and T38).

For each concept, WJE conducted a thermal performance analysis to predict how much the heat loss would improve, or in other words, how much the U-factor would decrease. The analysis was performed using the THERM and WINDOW computer modeling software for the same typical details.

Using the models developed using THERM and WINDOW, U-factors were calculated for the window system at the Library. The calculations used an interior temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit (°F), and an exterior temperature of 29°F, the average low temperature in Washington D.C. in January. The results are summarized in the table below.

U-Factor Surface U-Factor (Btu/h ft2 ˚F)

Sec

ond

thro

ugh

four

th

floor

ass

embl

ies

Center of glass 1.00Edge of glass 1.03Frame 3.6

Second floor spandrel 0.78

Third and fourth floor spandrel 0.82Roof spandrel 0.67Intermediate vertical mullion 2.26Column 1.17

Firs

t floo

r as

sem

blie

s

Center of glass 1.00Edge of glass 1.02Frame- Sill 1.51Frame- Intermediate horizontal 3.67Frame- Head 1.67Frame- Jamb 2.67Frame- Intermediate vertical mullion 3.67

Figure T32: Typical THERM inputs for Repair Concept No. 1 at second through fourth floors.

New IGU: PPG Solarban 70XL on 6mm Solarbronze, 90% argon fill; 6mm clear

Warm-edge spacer

PVC thermal break (1.18 Btuˑin/h ˑ ft2ˑ F̊)

Figure T34: Typical THERM inputs for Repair Concept No. 1 at first floor.

New IGU: PPG Solarban 70XL on 6mm Solarbronze, 90% argon fill; 6mm clear

Warm-edge spacer

PVC thermal break (1.18 Btuˑin/h ˑ ft2ˑ F̊)

Figure T33: Typical THERM inputs for Repair Concept No. 1 at second through fourth floors.

Figure T34: Typical THERM inputs for Repair Concept No. 1 at first floor.

expert from Exterior Assessment Report by Freelon: repair concept no.1

2-13/16" steel cut from 2"x3"x3/8" L


3"x4"x3/8" steel L

concrete slab 5"

3/8" steel plate

girder

ceiling

3"x4"x3/8" steel L

single glass



3"x3"x3/8" steel L

facade I-beam 10"x5"

proposed double-pane windows.

vertical detail

horizontal detail

steel facade fixing

steel L

2-13/16" steel cut from 2"x3"x3/8" L1-13/16" steel cut from 2"x2"x3/8" L

3/8" steel plate

concrete slab 5"

girder

ceiling

single glass

facade I-beam 10"x5"

steel L1-13/16" steel cut from 2"x2"x3/8" L

steel L

prefab combined facade fixingsteel L - thermal break - steel strip

insulation

water sealing

prefab combined facade fixingsteel L - thermal break - steel strip

insulation

double glazing

welded strip

current pane windows.

vertical detail

horizontal detail


Intended Design:- when the original massing model was built it did not include site brick walls at

the ground level. By the time a final model was built, site brick walls were incorporated, but at a much lower height than what was ultimately built.

Existing:- the site brick walls at the east, west, and north sides on G Place significantly

impact the intention of a completely open ground plane. The uniform height of the walls causes an overbearing condition for passerby’s at the back of the building.

Remarks:- the original intent was for the spaces between the walls and the glass facade

to be accessible. Currently, fences inhibit any openness and the spaces go unused.

Proposed Improvements:- the walls should either be removed or lowered substantially in order to achieve

the originally intended openness of the site.

2.2.4 lower site walls along G Place and 9th Street


original massing model: no site walls and no height difference at the street

Corner of 9th Street & G Place example of unused outdoor space along G Place

original model showing a lower wall

proposed walls along G place and 9th street

detail 2

DETAIL 2

DETAIL 1

detail 1


Artist impression, Corner of 9th Street & G Place

Artist impression, view from 9th street looking G place

Intended Design:- The drawing of the original floor plan (May 12, 1966) shows the indoor space

symmetrical compared to the north and south. Both sides have a loggia with the same size. The intention of this design was most likely to use the loggia along G place as a public space.

Existing:- Due to extra SF required on the ground floor the northern area has been

increase along G place.

Remarks:- the original intent was for the spaces between the walls and the glass facade

to be accessible. Currently, fences inhibit any openness and the spaces go unused.

Improvements:- the site walls should either be removed or lowered substantially in order to

achieve the originally intended openness of the site. - the design team proposes to extend the activities of the NE building wing

along G place, through seamless doors, for outdoor activities.- the design team proposes to open the corner on 9th street and G place and

make it accessible using the introduction of stairs.

2.2.5 expanding the east wing along G place.

photograph of original drawing (May 12, 1966) with loggia along G place

revised preliminary drawing (October 7, 1966) with revised facade along G place


corner of 9th Street & G Place

example of unused outdoor space along 9th Street

proposed extension of the east wing along G place.

Artist impression of extended east wing along G Place

Artist impression, axo corner of 9th Street & G Place


Intended Design:- the alley that connects G Street to G Place was designed to be an open access

avenue for the public’s use.

Existing Design:- a brick wall and metal fence block any movement through this space.

Remarks:- this blockage creates an unused, hidden area that has potential to be unsafe.

Proposed Improvements:- locating a bicycle kiosk in this area would create an entrance for public bicycle

access and storage, invigorating this public avenue.

2.2.6 bicycle kiosk - area

photo of original Mies van der Rohe model showing open alley for public access

view from G Street, looking North to G Place. A wall divides the alley. view from G Place, looking South to G Street. The wall can be seen at a distance.

view from the loggia along G Street, looking west


Proposed bicycle kiosk

Fragment of the Ground floor

Artist impression, view from G street looking east

Artist impression, view from G Street, looking North to G Place.

Artist impression, view from the loggia along G Street, looking west


Intended Design:- The drawing of the original floor plan (October 7, 1966)show the central area occupied by different functions Existing:- N/A Remarks:- Due to the symmetrical position of this area and the lack of clear interior views,

this creates a disorienting situation- The current situation seems to go against the Miesian principle of flexibility and

transparency- No daylight in this area Improvements:- The design team proposes to remove all of the partition walls located at the

center of the upper floors in order to have more flexibility, clear interior views, and better orientation.

- This will also allow a clear understanding of public space (front of library) versus non-public space (back of library)

- The clean-up of these floors will bring back and enliven the Miesian principles

2.2.7 open up all three horizontal floors

photography of original drawing (May 12, 1966) clearly showing the central area occupied by functions

photography of the corridor allong the central area photography of the corridor allong the central area

photography of the corridor allong the central area

current floor plan, 2nd floor


Proposed upper floors

current floor plan, upper floors

proposed floor plan, upper floors

concept

2nd floor

3rd floor

4th floor

non-public

public

non-public

public

non-public

public


Intended Design:- the structure was designed and built in such a way that two floors can be added

onto the library without additional support.

Existing Design:- the roof level currently houses mechanical rooms and equipment.

Remarks:- The roofing material is composed of an approximately 15 year old, modified

bitumen. Cracking can be seen in the gravel stop materials, along with missing flashing, loose and damaged flashing, and a depressed screen wall with pitch pockets. Additionally, the roof supports the building cooling tower which overtaxes the system and has resulted in the growth of vegetation.

- Area development has resulted in optimal views from the corner of 9th and G Street.

Proposed Improvements:- a portion of the roof should become accessible to the public - preferably the

southeast corner. It’s envisioned that patrons can use this space to sit, read, socialize, and experience the view over 9th and G Streets.

2.2.8 roof garden 5th floor

PAGE | 53

MLK LIBRARY

BUILDING OVERVIEWPRE-DESIGN BUILDING EVALUATION

PAGE | 53

existing roof plan

proposed roof plan


view from south west corner of roof, looking west

view from south east corner of roof, looking east

view from south east corner of roof, looking south

aromatic herbs knot garden with flowering plants

knot garden with flowering plantsinformal seating

different biotopes - different vegetation winding path

section detail through roof garden

section detail through roof garden

Artist impression, roof garden


proposed roof gardenreference materials


3. proposed plans


the children. The Children’s Hub has an Early Literacy Space with individualized computers to aid in the learning process. A more mature School Age Area and an enclosed Story Telling Room are available and flexible enough to be used for many different functions. The Children’s Hub has its own toilets for children and parental needs. At the center, there will be space designated for the parents/adults as part of the Adult Services. This will allow close visual proximity to their children which will permit more freedom for the children and less worry for the adults. In the northwest corner, there will be the Center for Adaptive Services. The staff of these departments have their office spaces on this floor. Meeting rooms, team rooms, and project rooms with transparent walls are placed along the façade to be used by staff and/or visitors.

Introduce the Third Floor as the Reading Floor. At his level one will find a more classical/traditional library space with a lot of open book shelving and places to read, study, and research. Behind a long wall - entirely filled with books - is the domain for the Executive Offices of the DCPL, the Chief Librarian, direct support staff, and key senior administrators. At the east corner of this floor is the Board Room, to be used for meetings of the Library Trustees. The west side is for Library Business Operations and Library Service Administrative Offices. A staffed reception area provides access to the offices, and seating is provided for visitors. The multiple small meeting rooms are close to this desk. The Staff will directly access the space through the staff elevator and stairs that lead down to the lobby on the ground floor at G Place, and up to the Staff Lounge, Staff Training Lab, and Secret Garden on the Roof pavilion.

Introduce the Fourth Floor as the History and Future Floor. At the west, we combine the Black Studies Center and the Washingtonia Collection. Both have compact shelving close to their information desk. Exhibition space in the lobby of this floor will be as visible as possible. This level is also the Conference and Exhibition Floor, complete with many flexible meeting rooms in various sizes. It will also house pre-function spaces, storage spaces, greenrooms, kitchen, and restrooms. Next to the Mies Restaurant on the southeast corner, an oval 300-seat auditorium will be available for debates, lectures, and performances. A special stair will connect this space to the Mies Café and roof garden above. This will provide access to The History and Future Floor, which will become a destination point for the library visitors, as well as the visitors of the conference center and the public Discovery Garden.

Introduce a new Roof and Garden Floor. An organic shaped horizontal volume gives shape and usefulness to the roof. There is a public Discovery Terrace in the southeast corner with seating elements, performing space, plants and flowers, all well connected to the public elevators and stairs. Here lies the Mies Café, well connected with a special stair directly to the Mies Restaurant below. There is also a Secret Garden for the staff in the northwest corner: a garden with herbs, flowers and berries. There will be an inviting terrace in front of the Staff Lounge that can be used during breaks or meal-time, all directly accessible by the staff elevators (and cargo elevator) and stairs. Wouldn’t it be nice to have also the Staff Training Lab on this inspiring floor? The roof pavilion includes also the extra vertical space that is necessary for the height of the Oval Auditorium.

The Lower Level as the Innovation Floor 1. Non Public 2. Special Collections 3. Center for Innovation and Prototyping 4. Teen Area 5. Loading Bay

The Ground Floor as the City Market Floor 1. Main Public Entrance 2. Marketplace 3. Café/Coffee bar 4. Adult Services 5. Staff Entrance 6. Optional Mixed Use Entrance7. Digital Commons

The Second Floor as the Educational Floor

1. Adult Services 2. Children’s Hub 3. Center for Adaptive Services 4. Staff

The Third Floor as the Reading Floor 1. Staff 2. Adult Services

The Fourth Floor as the History and Future Floor 1. Meeting and Events Spaces 2. Washingtoniana & Black Studies 3. Staff

A new Roof and Garden Floor 1. Café / Restaurant Mies 2. Staff 3. Mechanical Rooms 4. Roof Garden

Just like society, libraries change constantly. Richard Reyes-Gavilan stated “when Mies designed this building in the 1960s, libraries were largely transactional in nature. You come in, you get a book, you leave. Almost half a century later, libraries aspire to be more than just transactional spaces, they aspire to be transformational. They have the ability to make profound differences in the lives of their users, especially the most vulnerable populations who have few other options for acquiring knowledge. We should design, adjust, and improve the building in a way that the building will accommodate CHANGE, even unpredictable change.”

In Mies van der Rohe’s architecture, all floors are designed with similar compositions, allowing for a quick understanding of the space. At the MLK Library, the ground floor has a generous height with impressive lighting, creating the perfect City Lobby. The second, third, and fourth floors all have the similar height and aesthetic. Below grade, there is a lot of potential for improving what is known as “Floor A” as an ideal lower ground floor; and at the roof, design opportunities exist. These are our suggestions:

Introduce the lower ground floor as the Innovation Floor and Teen Area. The west side classrooms and workshop spaces will provide areas to experiment with the latest technologies in 3D printing, image and sound production softwares, and even to make a mess with plenty of noise. With an industrial concrete floor and flexible, acoustic walls the library staff will be able to adjust the spaces as many times as needed; which in turn upholds the innovative spirit. Within the center, the stairs transform from the two cores into tribunes for school groups, playing children, informal debates, lectures, or for anyone simply wishing to sit and chat. This spirit of this floor allows for a deviation from the strict regulations of the Miesian Principles. On the east side of the level is the Teen Area for young adults ages 13-19 . With a digital media center and a homework center, there is space for video viewing, audio listening, and gaming. There are several small meeting rooms on this floor of various sizes that incorporate glass walls so the staff can monitor what is occurring in the rooms.

Not quite as lively, but ever so important are the spaces designated for archival and general storage. At this level, they are within a close proximity to the new loading dock.

Introduce the ground floor as the City Market Floor. The grand welcoming area of the MLK Library will have clear sightlines through the two transparent cores that contain the public elevators and stairs. Guests will pass by a Welcome and Security Desk next to the security line, before entering the Market Place. It is here where one can find the self-charge machines, the self-pick shelves, the displays with the Library’s popular resources such as the latest titles, media, and available e-downloads. A library terrace on the sunny side of G Street, using the protection of the large canopy.

Introduce the Second Floor as the Educational Floor. The east side of this level is designated for the Children’s Hub. It provides space for media collections, technology, and other educational and recreation resources for children from infancy to the age of 12. The shelving is situated low so that the staff has a clear overview of the space. Appropriate and fun furniture elements in the space incorporate soft and colorful hues that resonate with the age group of

3.1 concept narrative Concept for the layout of the next generation library

1

2

3

4

4

2

1 3

21

2

1

3

4

12

3

4

5

6

7

1

2

3

4

5

The Mechanical Floor 1. Mechanical Rooms

1

5. Adult Literacy

5

The Parking Floor 1. Parking 1


We studied many options for the composition of a “grand ensemble”.

Four important considerations:1. To keep the proportions of the horizontal Mies building, and not extend the building vertically.2. The shift in the city grid at G Street makes the southeast corner of the building special.3. Making the roof accessible to the public is key, preferably the southeast corner.4. A simple beam with a solid end that does not compete with the library is ideal.

The diagonal floating beam looks promising for many reasons. It is a modest solution; one would hardly experience it at street level, so its influence on the horizontal Mies composition is minimal. The diagonal orientation creates space on the sunny southeast corner for a public roof terrace; and for a sunny “secret garden” on the northwest side for staff.

3.2 concept narrative optional extra addition component

The urban change in the grid of G Street makes the south-east corner of the building special and offers a view towards the city

historic map showing the offset of the Pierre L’ Enfant plan

physical urban model


Study models mixed use component

an alteration in the urban grid reveals an invitingview of the MLK Library. This generates potentialopportunities for announcing the activities within.

site showing alteration in the urban grid

G street

MLK library

9th

stre

et

Concept section library mixed use component.The library works with our without mixed use component.

Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 39Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 38Site plan (scale 1/128’’ = 1’)

500 100 200ftThe urban change in the grid of G Street makes the southeast corner of the building special N

G Street

G Place

9th

Stre

et

10th

Str

eet

11th

Str

eet

12th

Str

eet

8th

Stre

et

F Street

H Street

12

3

4


view 1, from north-west corner of library, looking east down G Place view 2, from north-west corner of library, looking south down alley

view 3, from corner of 10th and G Street, looking East View 4, south-east corner, from the National Portrait Gallery

0 10 20 50ft

THE INNOVATION FLOOR

lower floor (level A) (scale 1/32’’ = 1’)

Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 41Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 40 Mecanoo Martinez+Johnson 40

N

proposed informal auditorium - district of columbia public ... concept design part 2.pdf ·...

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