Sense-out Shelter

Individual Project

Fall 2022 Poiesis III Studio

Software: Rhino, Illustrator, PS, Enscape, Indesign

Instructor: Charlie Schmidt

This is a shelter built for the climate of Rocky Mountain National Park, alpine tundra. After exploring morphology in relation to climate patterns, programmatic organization, and socio-cultural and ecological context, I focused on two key factors that influence the shelter design, which are wind and plants. The structure incorporates the wind to create different experiences as the inhabitants walk through the shelter.

Early Research + Precedent Analysis

We began by studying the climate of the alpine tundra, focusing on the direction of sunlight, radiation, and temperature. In addition, we analyzed a precedent - the Ladakh dwelling - to understand its strategies for warmth, sunlight management, and wind protection.

Digital Representation

Structure

The whole structure is in the shape of a curvature facing south. And it’s constructed with several layers, which are the floor, the wooden frame, the wooden wall, the glass openings, and the roof. The left two parts are more public, serving as a viewing point and a place for people to experience the view, so the roof is relatively higher and wider with more openings. The right part is more sheltered.

Wind

When the wind comes from the north, these curvatures can blockmost of the wind, and people can go in from the entrance here to directly avoid the harsh winds.