Ascent
A bioinspired kinetic facade creates wavelike movements which wash across portions of the building, capturing the attention of the researchers, students, and the public while shepherding them towards the entrance.
Research, a systematic investigation into acquiring new knowledge, utilizes a cyclical style of learning, evolving through experiences and interactions, enabling a wide range of expertise to be formed over time.
Located on Nebraska’s Innovation Campus, the proposed Center for Emerging Fabrication Technologies, Ascent, explores cultivating cyclical forms of collaboration and innovation between research, academia, and the public. The intermixing of private-sector research, academic and public spaces in unconventional ways provide the groundwork for occupants to experience unique cycles.
Flexible spaces and outdoor terraces tuned to different temporal cycles within these established paths create constantly changing environments, altering existing cycles and allowing new interactions to occur throughout different times of the day, week, month, and year.
Another cycle is introduced through the fabrication of the building by utilizing deconstructable beam connections and a recyclable facade. The bio-plastic facade, formed by chemically processed starch from corn byproducts, is extruded into louvers that optimize daylighting and ventilation. Over time the louvers can be replaced by being melted back down into a bio-polymer to be extruded again. This life cycle allows the facility to be assembled, used, disassembled, and moved to another site to for the cycle to begin again.
Cantilevering the second-floor lecture hall extends the programming, inviting curious spectators from the heart of the campus to contribute to the cycles while observing the types of research being conducted.
The immense box truss bridge allows for the space underneath to be utilized as a sheltered space for recreation when presentations or exhibitions are not occurring. When the partitioned glass walls are in place, the space allows for large presentations to occur due to the extension of spaces without interfering columns. It is also possible to create smaller presentations or exhibitions with a more intimate layout where multiple speakers may present simultaneously.
When the partitioned glass walls are in place, the second-floor space allows for different styles of learning and meetings to occur. Due to the adaptability of the partition system, it is possible to create unique spaces, with several moments of exposure, reading, learning, lectures, and collaboration.
First Floor Plan with Site Context
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
2020 AIA Nebraska People’s Choice Design Award | Unbuilt
2020 SGH/Dri Design Competition | Merit Award
Project Team:
Quinn McFadden
Matt Gager