Parking garages often produce a depressing environment, both inside and out. This design reacted to these factors in two ways. To maximize the natural light penetration, the necessary concrete crash barriers, which often double-duty as fall protection, were brought down to the 2′ code required minimum. We designed a screening system which subverts the orthogonal, pragmatic structural rhythm, interrupting its monotony. A weave pattern emerges as undulating ribbons of stainless steel mesh which run horizontally and vertically with a 3′ deep amplitude, intersecting at each crossing. To further erode regularity, the weave pattern, transitions to flat scrim along parts of the facades. The diaphanous material changes its opacity depending on the viewing angle, and alternatively shimmers or fades to dull gray depending on the light conditions.
(This project was done with DNK Architects, the architectural design office where I practiced in 2006-2011. I worked in various capacities on the three projects making up the CCHMC North Burnet campus switching the hats of Lead Designer and Project Architect when necessary, with critical duties in envelope CA as well. With the projects exceeding $ 70 million in construction cost, they were naturally produced by a large team of professionals in several disciplines. I led the design, materials research and selection, and detailing of the core and shell of the 3340 Burnet MOB and The Herald building, and designed and detailed the cladding and curtain walls of the parking garage).
David Kirk, AIA – Principal in charge
Ralph Wolfe, AIA – Project manager
Raffi Tomassian – Lead designer/Project architect
Aaron Spetz – Project architect
Craig Hinrichs, AIA – architect
Adwoa Dufour – Arch Intern
Matt Latham – Lanscape Architect
THP – Structural engineers
Dynamix – MEP Engineers
