Sculpting Bio-Synergies (UO Thesis Work): 4/18 : Structure Review

SECTION THROUGH MAST

Reinforcing the ‘Gateway’ concept and needing to provide shelter for both public transit commuters and plaza events the implementation of a large roof structure felt the most appropriate. In order to create a large column free space allowing for the trains to pass through and to frame views, a cantilever structures has been employed.

The structural model and concept were well received by my reviewing group. We first discussed what the appropriate strategies for securing the large concrete masts to a footing would entail. The width and depth seemed to be spot on, but they were concerned with overturning do to unexpected snow loads. To help add a little insurance they suggested tying the footing down with piles or extending the footing further into the plaza.

Another thing they noticed were the tension rods connected to the masts. In the model the do not line up suggesting that they are independent of one another. They mentioned that most likely this would be continuous from one side through to the other. They said this would be a good opportunity to use a fenestration to accentuate this connection.

They were disappointed that the pin connection holding the primary tapering I-beam structure was expressed above the roof, out of view from pedestrians. They suggested moving the roof above to reveal that connection below.

Another great tip was to tilt the roof facing the free way higher up. This way the underside could be viewed from the I-205. An interesting fact mentioned is that structures of this nature are usually hung higher then the desired height because over time they will slowly settle into place.

A comment made about Gateway and not the structure was that they thought there was an issue with trying to find parking spaces. If was suggested incorporating a parking structure below the plaza to provide the spaces necessary for the future density.

Overall they were impressed by the design and felt that the sizing, spacing, connections and massing of the different structural components were done very accurately. That was a bit relieving because I was a little worried that the masts were not big enough and that the spacing for the beams was too large. I am going to try to test out what the aesthetic benefits will be by making correction to my design based on their suggestions. I will certainly increase the footings just to be safe and look into how the tension rods get detailed. I am afraid that moving the roof above the structure to reveal the pin connection will ruin the clean continuous surface plane above the alignment but I am willing to take a stab at it.