MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2021, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Skyscrapers of the late 19th century looked vastly different than they do today. Historically, the skyscraper began as a single form extrusion containing a single program. Throughout history the skyscraper took on many new forms. Zoning and setback laws of the 1960's changed the way that the skyscraper looked and was thought about. There has always been a race and desire to have the tallest skyscraper in New York City, and as technology developed it allowed for skyscrapers to be built taller. New York City would become one of the most prominent cities for the skyscraper as well as one of the most iconic skylines. As new heights were reached there was a split from the once ornamental and sculptural skyscraper. Both in past and present day New York City there is an emphasis on designing the tallest and most slender skyscraper. As previously mentioned with the emphasis on height, there was importance placed on the glass tower. Over time this led to the skyscraper becoming an ambiguous and aesthetically standardized building. Office towers and apartment buildings look the same and offer no indication as to what the skyscraper contains. Newer developments have taken over historic parts of New York City and are alien to the architecture surrounding it. While the technology has enabled these skyscrapers to expand, people and historic architecture is forgotten. This thesis explores the historic and theoretical development of the skyscraper and how to challenge the current entire glass clad skyscraper. Through facade articulation, program, section, relationship to the ground and character, this skyscraper will become a place in which every person can have it all. Through the relationship of both public and private spaces, the skyscraper will transform from an ambiguous, glass tower into something that represents the history of New York City.

Committee: Edward Mitchell M.Arch (Committee Chair); Vincent Sansalone M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2021, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

The notion of transformable facades suggests an unconventional design thinking in which both the building exterior's configuration and functionality changes interchangeably between varied real-time environmental conditions. As ideas such as energy efficient design, performance driven design, and sustainable design progressively influence more architects, adaptive kinetic building facade systems prove to be an ideal tool to actualize these environment oriented design objectives. Furthermore, an intelligent multifunctional building facade system also provides building users improved indoor comfort level and contributes to sculpting a visually attractive dynamic building facade. For decades, modern technologies have played a major role in contemporary upscaling climate change. Sleek contemporary urban glass office high-rises pose subtle yet growing risks to the urban environment and worsen the urban habitat. However, evolving technologies can also become an effective tool to combat environmental challenges. This research attempts to find innovative kinetic facade design solutions which contribute to mitigating urban glass office high-rises' negative environmental effects. Then, the design proposals will be evaluated in terms of indoor lighting performance and the building facade's visual impact on the immediate surrounding context. Overall, this thesis explores retrofitting an existing office high-rise with modular kinetic facade systems and speculates the possibility of embedding kinetic components into future office high-rise designs. In P1, the research methodology starts with precedent case studies where the study concentrates on extracting applicable kinetic concepts and components from each precedent. In P2, experimental modular kinetic facade systems are generated with overarching design goals, which aim to block undesirable sunlight while continuing to admit sufficient daylight and create visually dynamic building facades. The proposed modular kinetic f (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Elizabeth Riorden M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2019, Civil Engineering

The design of critical buildings must consider extreme load effects from earthquakes, wind and tornado, blast and impact, among others. Many hazardous loads—such as wind pressures, blast impulses, and projectile impacts—originate at the facade system and are transferred via connections to the main structural system and, ultimately, to the foundation; resilient design for such extreme loads requires controlling damage along this load path. This research proposes a multi-hazard facade system (MHFS) design methodology capable of achieving multiple performance objectives for all credible hazards while focusing damage to easily replaceable connectors, thereby reducing operational downtime and repair costs following an extreme event. This methodology is supported by fundamental mechanics and dynamics, nonlinear static and transient analyses at the component, system, and building levels, and quasi-static experimental testing of multi-hazard ductile connectors (MDCs). A probabilistic framework for critical blast scenario parameters is also proposed to promote performance-based blast design for critical infrastructure. Facade-frame interaction during blast scenario analyses suggest adequate performance of typical building frames with MHFS, while seismic analyses suggest interaction that is not necessarily detrimental to performance but should likely be considered during lateral force resisting system (LFRS) design. Analysis of perimeter frame column loss scenarios (which may result from a deliberate explosive attack) indicate the MHFS is capable of substantially supplementing the frame's capacity to redistribute demands to prevent progressive collapse, and the design may be altered to achieve a target floor load. The proposed MHFS is believed to be a practical and effective approach for improving building performance considering extreme events for both new design and retrofit of existing buildings.

Committee: Michael Pollino Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Dario Gasparini Ph.D. (Committee Member); Christian Carloni Ph.D. (Committee Member); Wojbor Woyczynski Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Civil Engineering

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2015, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Despite all of the technical advancements in building skin design and generative design computing, there are many questions concerning the method by which computer generated skins should be designed and the meaning behind their shapes. While the seemingly endless possibilities of digital tools have allowed for the fluid patterning and manipulation of surfaces to become an icon of parametricism, they often fail to provide any deeper meaning or correlation between the formal and functional aspects of a building. To the current extent with which the profession has utilized parametrics and algorithmic thought, there is often a lack of depth or significance behind the flashy images of assumed intricacy it produces—falling far short of its rich potential to engage with the real problems, processes, and functions of today. This thesis explores the roles of algorithmic thought and computational methods in building skin design in an effort to establish a larger framework or methodology for the implementation of digital tools. By exemplifying how to acquire data and use it to inform design decisions, this document aims to shift complexity from the product to the process. Only then can we see the trend of computational design root itself in purpose and meaning and begin to engage with real issues. As a result, the representation of this data in and on buildings may become architecture's new method of ornamentation— an ornamentation that stands for something beyond the mere image of the final product. Ultimately, this thesis looks to establish a meaningful methodology, guided by larger frameworks of design, that can be referenced by designers looking for help generating ideas for building skins through the use of digital tools.

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Ming Tang M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2010, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of)

The building skin provides opportunity to significantly impact the success of a built project. It is responsible for serving a multitude of performative functions as well as providing the visiting card of the building. It mediates between the in and out. The facade is often exploited and developed as a marketing tool, representing the identity of the institution it serves. As Leatherbarrow stated, “The idea of the facade as a distinct representational face of the building has existed since the late medieval and early Renaissance periods.” My thesis inquires if existing, run-down buildings can be renovated and rehabilitated using the building skin as the primary tool for the renovation. As buildings deteriorate and fail to have the ability to accommodate its users and modern building systems, they are often demolished. This destruction fails to take advantage of the existing structure and economic conditions as well as completely eliminates cultural recognition and identity of the community in which it is built. Renovation through recladding achieves a number of established goals. The reclad accounts for higher performance and efficiency. It also allows the client to present the proper identity and image through a high level of aesthetic quality. The thesis suggests that a renovation through a recladding process will be able to achieve the said goals as well as maintain cultural recognition and the identity of the community.

Committee: Patricia Kucker MARCH (Committee Chair); George Bible MCiv.Eng (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2003, Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning : Architecture

History of the built environment in the United States is short in comparison to that of other countries around the world. Nevertheless, that history is a valuable part of the country's identity, and retaining elements from all parts of that history is worthwhile. Such a thought would be unheard of two centuries ago when preservation efforts focused on patriotic nostalgia. It wasn't until the 20th century that the inherent values of architecture began to receive some accolades. Only recently has any value been placed on older buildings that have little inherent architectural value. The question becomes how to treat such buildings in today's environment. Retaining only a fragment was once a common practice, but is this still a valid approach today?

Committee: Dr. David Niland (Advisor) Subjects: Architecture

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2005, Art History

This dissertation considers Michelangelo's intended sculptural program for the never-realized facade of the Medici parish church of San Lorenzo in Florence, and how its iconography related to the Medici, the Papacy, and the city of Florence. In 1516, Pope Leo X de' Medici commissioned Michelangelo to complete both the sculpture and the architecture of the facade. This project, which Michelangelo claimed would be the “mirror of architecture and sculpture of all Italy,” was to be the most prestigious commission of the sixteenth century and Michelangelo's most ambitious creation. But, for the Medici patrons, the sculptural program for the facade would have been the ultimate expression of Medici propaganda. Chapter one is a study of the history of San Lorenzo and generations of Medici patronage at their parish church. The sculptural program for the facade would have visually communicated the Medici dynasty and their destiny, and thus, the account of the San Lorenzo facade project starts here. Chapter two provides an overview of the facade commission and Michelangelo's involvement on the project from 1516 to 1520. Chapter three is dedicated to Michelangelo's architectural facade drawings for San Lorenzo, and his figural drawings for statuary that have been previously unassigned to a known project or connected to his other sculptural projects. These drawings are considered afresh in conjunction with the vast extant correspondence from this period, with the primary focus on Michelangelo's concern for the sculptural decoration of the facade. Chapters four and five use the methodologies of iconography and iconology to reconstruct the intended plan for the sculptures on the facade. Michelangelo greatly enlarged the original sculptural program from ten over-life-sized marble statues, to eighteen freestanding over-life-sized marble and bronze statues, and nineteen relief panels. This expanded sculptural program relied on a calculated arrangement of the saints and their placemen (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Edward Olszewski (Advisor) Subjects: Art History