Glazing + Structure

Hi guys,

Just a quick note- I know many of us yesterday were talking about trusses and structure while dealing with curtain walls or glazing. I found a semi-relevant precedent on my way home- the Boston U. Agganis Arena. If you look at the windows facing Comm. Ave. (approaching from Kenmore Square, so before you get to the main entrance) you can clearly see all of the structural systems in the first floor behind their large windows. This is only semi-relevant because they aren't using a curtain wall in this particular example, but it may be a good inspiration point or example of how to celebrate or make a moment out of necessary structural members. I honestly don't think they did a good job of highlighting it or making it a larger piece of the composition, but its a good start for understanding how this might look and ways in which you could make it bolder or less obvious. I attached some images of the building below, both the front entrance (left, below) and the actual windows I'm talking about (right) along Comm. Ave.

working in section

after our reviews last week i came home and worked on making my design more dynamic in section as was recommended. a friend and i went to a craft store looking for new/different/non architectural materials to work with and find inspiration from. this was very helpful for me, as i began to think more of the ceiling treatments and how they could effect the spaces they help to create. i sketched a bunch in my sketch book and worked on physical models as well as in sketchup. i find that working in both physical modeling and in sketchup helpful because physical modeling can take longer then necessary because i tend to get caught up in the details. this week i think the sketchup massing models helped me to understand the stairs and dimensions as well as letting me see the ceiling treatment idea i have had from the outdoor space. below are some snapshots of the sketchup model i worked on.above is a view of the southern entry on myrtle st, looking at the ceiling treatment and the roof deck. this view is an attempt at trying to bring my collages to life and representing the ideas i had then in my design. i think in this view it is clear how important the transition from the exterior space to the interior space is going to be. this collage is what was inspiring me:
above is an east/west section through the larger mass of the design.


above are north/south sections showing how i am working with the transparent void as a beacon for the community. it is an important element for the entry and as visual importance in the community. this is a very rough sketch and has since taken several forms and heights. it has yet to be resolved.

thanks for reading, any feedback is greatly appreciated!