The presentation of my graduation project \'Commuter Retreat\'

1. Commuter Retreat
A refuge in the middle of rush-hour
Graduation project
P5 Presentation
Studio Border Conditions - New York City
31-03-2009
Pieter Schreurs
phmschreurs@hotmail.com
+31(0)6-21256096
Tutors:
Henriette Bier [Architecture]
Sang Lee [Architecture]
Freerk Hoekstra [Building Technology]
Cees van Weeren [External examiner]

2. Research Context
Border Conditions New York City
The ‘Commuter Retreat’ project was developed in the context of the Border Conditions graduation studio. This studio emphasizes on an experimental approach
to architecture, based on the development of specific techniques of representation to describe specific urban and architectural phenomena. The first part of the
studio focuses on the urban investigation of a specific city and the second part consist of an architectural design, derived from the discourse developed in the
first part of the studio.
The project is located in New York City. Travelling through this specific city as an outsider, our understanding of it is largely limited by the scope of the Rapid
Transit network, as this is the primary means of public transportation that is available. This very much limits the scope of what one experiences of the city to a
reasonable walking distance from subway stations. The New York City of our experience is thereby limited by areas of about a quarter-mile in diameter located
along the public transport lines.
Inspired by this notion of our limited experience of the city by the constraint of its public transportation network, the project departs with the development
of a notation system for the representation of different networks and connections between networks in the city. To develop a notion of these determine
our experience of the city. Based on this notion of networks and nodes, the project follows a very methodological approach which focusses on the genesis
of architectural form based on flow and movement and the architectural and constructive expression of the specific complex 3 dimensional geometries,
generated from these flows and movements. In this approach the process and method are the driving force that prevails over esthetic or formal decisions.
The analysis of the rapid transit network was limited to 24 stations, as shown in the next image. It primarily focussed on the functioning of two
specific Elevated and Underground stations and the sequencing of the transition from one network into the other. The design itself was developed in
the Queens Plaza area (red circle), where the Manhattan and Brooklyn portions of the network come together but remain strangely disconnected.

3. The
Bronx
Long
Island
Sound
er
Riv
River
East
on
an
ds
att
Hu
nh
Ma
Queens
Queens plaza
Bedford-Nostrand Avenue
Norwood Avenue
Upper
New York
Bay
Brooklyn
Staten
Island
Lower
New York
Bay Atlantic Ocean
0 2 4 6 8 10KM
N

7. Node and network
Mapping movement, exchange, connectivity, transition and phasing

8. Phase 1 | Relocation Phase 3 | Disconnection Phase 5 | Relocation / Re-connection Phase 7 | Re-connection / Submergence
1 9 10 11 16
3 4 5 6 7 8
2 12 13 14 15 17
Phase 2 | Re-orientation Phase 4 | Submergence (1st phase) Phase 6 | Re-orientation Phase 4 | Exposure

11. Flow and movement
Queens plaza as a multi-layered network system
The analysis of the design location, Queens plaza, developed some interesting insights into the functioning of this location as a node in the transport networks of
New York city, as well as into the notion of networks as an architectural tool in general.
Queens plaza itself is an important interchange for the borough of Queens, where large numbers of commuters to and from Manhattan pass through each day.
It is highly chaotic, disorganised and hard to read. The different public transport networks on the location are hardly connected to each other and difficult to
interchange. The primary aim of the commuter retreat is to reintegrate and connect these networks and (re-)develop Queens plaza as a node. It aims to create a
direct passage from the Subway to the Elevated train system and develop a contradictory program, a health and conference centre, within this passage.
The analysis also points out that the notion of network is a good way to describe the patterns of use by different modes of transportation on a specific location.
The notion of network is used to describe the constellation of flows, which are in turn a description of the movement of users through an urban configuration.
When combined with specific information about speed of movement and numbers of users, a 3 dimensional spatial representation of these flow patterns can
be developed. This notion in combination with the hierarchical branching of the flow patterns that becomes visible, is the driving idea behind the architectural
development of the newly introduced connections that form the building.

12. We
Sat ekda
y
Sun urday s: 91
day s: 3 17
s: 2 634 user
332 us s
use ers
rs
Q67 & B61-line
3109 / 256 / 156 users & Q101 & Q102-line
19798 / 11629 / 8162 users 4520 / 1947 / 1546 users &
3168 / 1704 / 1218 users
Q101 & Q102-line
4520 / 1947 / 1546 users &
3168 / 1704 / 1218 users
3 u use ers
59 0 us
se rs
Primary phase pedestrian routes
s: 93 2
Q19A & Q39-line
ay s: 83
rs
10444 / 4466 / 2948 users &
nd ay : 2
Su rd ays
7692 / 2324 / 1319 users
Secondary phase pedestrian routes
Sa eekd
W
tu
Third phase pedestrian routes
Primary phase car routes
Secondary phase car routes
Third phase car routes
Q32 & Q60-line
14778 / 11602 / 8879 users & 15888 / 13050 / 11227
Bus routes users
Q32 & Q60-line
Rapid transit routes 14778 / 11602 / 8879 users & 15888 / 13050 / 11227
users
Bus stops s
ser
4u s
628 4 user
s:
day : 270 users
Primary car nodes ek
We rdays 1740
u
Sat days:
Sun
Secondary car nodes
Pedestrian nodes
N
Transition nodes

14. Connection
Introduction of a new network layer and additional program
The design of the Commuter Retreat is based on the notions of flow, movement, connectivity and the network as a basic means of notating these phenomena.
The design was generated from these notions and aims to test these notions as architectural tools by means of 3D computer modeling with Nurbs surfaces.
This is crucial, as these surfaces are defined in space by vectors , which have a specific speed and direction, rather than by points, which are static. This
type of modeling is fundamental to a different way of thinking about and dealing with 3 dimensional spaces, which can now be based on movement and
transformation rather than stasis.
The primary function of the building is to connect the underground subway station to the Elevated station above ground, in order to create a new connection
between two separate networks. In to this basic connection the function of a retreat centre, consisting of a Health centre, with several pools and spa’s and a
conference centre is added. This program is divided into three main elements. These main elements are each organized along one path connecting the two
stations. Each of these paths branches into four specific routes, with specific speed of use and privacy. The programmatic units of each of the elements are
ordered along these paths according to their specific requirements. The elements are then ordered on the location in plan and section and assigned a specific
location in the 3D space of the location. The shape of the routes is determined by these locations and so by the specific programmatic requirements. The
building now consists of twelve specific routes with connected program.

17. Coccoon 15 x 4
Whirlpool 2x10
Ice pool 25
Steam pool 25
Sauna 2 x 40
Massage room 2 x 15
Cold pool 2x 50
960 m2
Health
centre
Hot pool 2 x 50
Seminar room 4 x 40
Fitness room 150
2
Swimming pool 250
Dressing rooms
Showers
Toilets
program
Lockers
980 m2
Service
Library
Restaurant
Bar
Terrace
program
Public toilet
672 m2
Kiosk
Public
Info
Ticket
0
Garden
Conference
Reading room 40
Workplace 10 x 4
570 m2
centre
Media room 50
Discussion room 4 x 30
Presentation room 3 x 50
1
Conference room 2 x 100

18. A
B
A

19. Point Vector
Line Spline
Nurbs surface
Polygon surface

20. Distribu on of programma c elements
over four paths per route according
speed of ac on and privacy level
Private
4
23
Public 1

21. Distribu on of programma c elements
on each path according to privacy level
Public Private Public

22. Distribu on of programma c elements
determines the loca on of control points in sec on
Con ngency:
Z - Coordinate
Dependency of elements:
Z & X coordinates
00

23. PRODUCTIVE TRANSFER SPEED
Path 0.3
Subway
Library
150 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Bar
200 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Restaurant
200 m2
Elevated
-05
-03
+00
+03
+10
+15

24. REFLECTIVE TRANSFER SPEED
Path 2.4
Subway
Cold Pool
50 m2
Hot pool
50 m2
Steam pool
25 m2
Whirlpool
10 m2
Coccoon
Sauna
Coccoon
40 m2
Coccoon
Whirlpool
Coccoon
10 m2
Coccoon
Ice pool
Coccoon 25 m2
Coccoon
Cold Pool
Coccoon
50 m2
Coccoon
Coccoon
Hot pool
10 x 4 m2 50 m2
Elevated
-05
-03
+00
+03
+10
+15

25. Distribu on of programma c elements
determines the loca on of control points in plan
Scale and loca on
of program
X & Y coordinates

26. Restaurant
200 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Bar
200 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Toilets
2 x 15 m2
Library
150 m2
Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

27. Hot pool
50 m2
Coccoon
Coccoon
Cold Pool
Coccoon
50 m2
Coccoon
Coccoon
Ice pool
Coccoon
25 m2
Coccoon
Whirlpool
Coccoon
10 m2
Coccoon
Sauna Coccoon
40 m2 Coccoon
10 x 4 m2
Whirlpool
10 m2
Steam pool
25 m2
Hot pool
50 m2
Cold Pool
50 m2
Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

28. Coccoon
Coccoon
CoccoonCoccoon
CoccoonCoccoonCoccoon
Coccoon Coccoon
Coccoon
Workspace Workspace Workspace
Workspace Workspace
10 x 4 m2
Pa th 2 .4
Workspace
Pa th 2
Seminar room 4 m2 4 m2 4 m2 4 m2
4 m2
Pa th 2 .3
Hot pool Ice pool
Cold Pool Sauna Hot pool Cold Pool
Whirlpool Whirlpool Steam pool
Pa
Workspacex 4m2
10 40 m2
Pa h 2 .2
50 m2 25 m2
50 m2 40 m2 50 m2 50 m2
10 m2 10 m2 25 m2
.1
Seminar room Fitness room
4
t
Workspace
0.
40 m2 150 m2
3
th
Bar
0.
Kiosk
Massage room
th
200 m2
Pa
10 m2
Workspace Restaurantm2
15 Massage Dressing roomsDressing rooms
room Lockers
200 m2 15 m2 4 x 20 m2 4 x 20 m2 50 m2
Workspace
Toilets Toilets
Toilets Showers
Workspace 2 x 15 m2 2 x 15 m2 Showers
2 x 15 m2 Toilets 2 x 20 m2
2 x 20 m2
Swimming pool 2 x 15 m2 Garden
Workspace 250 m2 600 m2 Coccoon
Coccoon
Ticket vending Kiosk boot
Informa on Public toilet
Library 5 x 4 m2
Workspace 10 m2 15 m2
12 m2 150Relax room
m2
40 m2
Workspace Terrace
Public toilet
200 m2
15 m2
Coccoon
Workspace
Coccoon
Coccoon
Discussion Room
Seminar room Conference room
30 m2
Reading room
40 m2 100 m2
Discussion room
40 m2
30 m2
Discussion room
Reading room
30 m2
Media room m2
Discussion Room 40
50 Path 0.4
m2 .4 .4
30 m2
Presenta on room Path 1.4
.4
4 Presenta on room
50 m2 Seminar room 50 m2
Path 2.4
4
40 m2
Conference room
Path 2.1Path 2.3
a
100 m2 Path 1.2
Path 0.1
a
Surroundings
Path 1.3
Path 1.1
Path 0.2
Path 0.3
th 3
h
Paths 1.1 to 1.4
P
Path 2.2
Conference center
Paths 0.1 to 0.4
Service functions
Paths 2.1 to 2.4
Health center
.1
h1
Pat h 1.4
Pat 1.3
h
Pat 1.2
Collective program
h
Pat 0.2
h
Pat 0.1
(Conference center)
h
Pat
Private program
(Health center)
Public &
supportive program

29. Data Points:
Control point at -10 m
Control point at -05 m
Control point at -03 m
Control point at +00 m
Control point at +03 m
Control point at +05 m
Control point at +10 m
Control point at +15 m

31. Transformation
Manipulation of a 3 dimensional diagram to a spatial configuration
From the basic 2D diagrams created in the previous phase, the basic 3D model is developed. Through a series of transformations, each time a new layer of
information is added and the basic spatial configuration of the building is determined. The location and basic shape of the program is consolidated as well as
the set-up of the double layered skin that is intended to deal with the specific requirements of each element of the building. The inner layer of skin is to become
specific to the characteristics of the programmatic elements and the flow pattern and the outer skin is meant to deal with external factors of load-bearing and
shielding from the elements.

32. Extrusion of a basic geometry along dened spline

33. Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

34. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

35. Scale width of the geometry with the cuvature
to accomodate the scale of the program

36. Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

37. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

38. Sweep nurbs sec on along modied path
to create the geometry of the outer skin

39. Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

40. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

41. Insert programma c volumes
and stairs into the developed geometry

42. Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

43. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

44. Sweep nurbs geometry along paths
outside inserted programma c volumes
to create the basic inner skin

45. Path 0.3 - Bar and restaurant

46. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

47. Deformation
Manipulating 3 dimensional geometries to accommodate specific requirements
In this phase the two layers of skin, are deformed and manipulated to the specificity of the programmatic in fill on the inside and the structural requirements
on the outside, in order to develop an architectural expression for the diagrammatic 3D model. By means of developing sequences of sections that are designed
specific to the local programmatic requirements, the diagrammatic 3D model is rebuild and made specific.

48. A
Bra
nc
hin
ga
nd
de
pro for
gra
mm ma o
na
a
c in llo
win
ll
g
B

49. Standard
A BC
Straight
Deforma on shaping
A BC
programma c space
Theater
D
A BC
Pool

50. Path 2.4- Spa pools and retreat spaces

54. Information
Developing the architectural expression of the 3D model
Onto the deformed 3D model a constructive grid is projected that runs in three directions, in order to deal with the load-bearing requirements. This grid is
developed as steel sections that carry the separate layers of skin and accommodate their shape. The outer, structural skin is developed by projecting simple
construction elements onto the complex 3D skin and have the computer calculate their specific parametric deformation. (Parametric modelling). This
information can be directly used for the computer aided manufacturing of these elements. The specificity of the inner skin to the programmatic requirements
is developed through the manipulation of the control points of the nurbs surfaces. The shape now becomes specific to the level of benches and cabinets. To be
able to control these manipulation, a grid with four directions, a diagrid, is projected onto the model. The supportive functions and technical requirements like
installations are solved in between the two layers of skin.

56. East bound elevated platform
North bound elevated platform
+15
+10
Elevated station mezzanine
Workspaces
+05
Public garden and terrace
+03 Public workspaces
Bar area
Dressing rooms ans showers
Fitness room
+00 Lockers and storage
Dressing rooms and showers
Floorplan
Physical model
Restaurant area
Section AA
Subway mezzanine
Public library
-05 Cold pool area
Sauna and whirlpool area
Main swimming pool
Hot pool area
-10
Subway platforms
Seminar room

57. Grid Constructive grid Diagrid

58. Development 1 to 100
A
Construc on 1
to 50
3
A
2
1

59. South elevation
East elevation

60. North elevation
West elevation

61. K
2100
L
2
2100
M
2100
N
2100
O
2100
P
2100
Q
2100
2100
R
2100
S
2100
T
2100
U
2100
V
2100
19
W
2100
X
2100
Y
2100
2100
2100
A 2100
2100
2100
2100
18
2100
9
17
2100
10
16
2100
A
15
2100
14
12
2100
13
2
2100
3
12
2100
11
11
14
3
2100
13
14
10
14
19
2100
1
4
14
9
14
15
15
2100
3
16
8
7
2100
18
7
17
5
7
6
6
2100
6
8
2100
5
2100
Floorplan restaurant area 1 to 100
Construc on
4
1 to 50 A
Sec on 1 to 100
A
A
2100
3
A
c on
2100
jec on constru
2
N
2100
Axonometric pro
1

62. 2
3
3
1
4
3
7
7
5
6
6
8

63. 1 2 3 4 5 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
8 10 11
6 9
7
8
7
6
5
16 17
4
3
2
1
1
1 2 3
0
10
1
11
4 9
7
14
2
15
5 12 13 5
6
Floorplan restaurant area 1 to 100
7
Construc on
1 to 50 A
6
Sec on 1 to 100
A
A
3
12
8 8
A
4
5
6

64. 17
1 2 3
10
11
4 9
7
14
15
5 12 13 5
6
7
6
12
8 8

65. 17
3
10

66. Consolidation
Technical development of the architectural model
In this final phase the principles of file-to-factory techniques are developed to the level of a conceptual detailing. The basic set up of the nodes in the structural
system and the possible deformation they can accommodate is modelled and tested. The complete approach of CAD/CAM is tested by making a scale model of
the building, based on the smaller version of these techniques.

67. Investigation of structural models on basic section type
Steel sections connected by triangulated steel mesh (open) Steel sections connected by triangulated steel mesh (clad)
Steel sections connected by triangulated steel mesh on top and
segmented concrete bottom (partly underground sections) Segmented solid section (underground sections)

68. 1
2 / Detail A
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

75. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14

78. 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23

80. 800.00
Cardboard 3,0 mm: Cardboard 3,0 mm:
450.00
450.00
800.00 800.00
Cardboard 3,0 mm: Cardboard 3,0 mm:
450.00
450.00
800.00 800.00
Cardboard 3,0 mm: Cardboard 3,0 mm:

86. Commuter Retreat
A refuge in the middle of rush-hour
P5 presentation
Pieter Schreurs
Border Conditions - New York City
31-03-2009
phmschreurs@hotmail.com
+31(0)6-21256096