Information Core, Sectional Reveal, 2013

Charcoal Drawing

The program of the existing library, focusing on the physical storage of information, is consolidated into an ‘Information Core’. This object will be inserted into the existing library transforming its existing architectural concept at key points of connection. Both books and servers are stored in the same ‘core’, by examining simultaneously each formats similarities and differences their spatial configurations begin to take shape and reveal emerging unexpected situations.

Library taking shape #architecture #drawing #thesis (at Dalhousie School Architecture & Planning)

Data Center model taking shape , surface treatments #architecturemodel #thesis (at Dalhousie School Architecture & Planning)

Data Center

Dalhousie Universities data centre is a 1000 Sqm space that exists on a single plane. To keep the data (emails, ongoing research, website) safe the servers are off limits to the public at large. The volume which holds these servers is left austere to mask its contents. The only indication of what happens within is through a quiet humming noise which the students hear as they pass by. Occasionally a technician is seen entering the small door located next to the loading dock. The loading dock is used to deliver newer (fast/smaller) equipment into the centre. Defective disks are overwritten, destroyed and deposed of through the loading bay on a regular basis, this material is then recycled at various processing plants.

To increase the data centre’s efficiency it is placed as close as possible to Halifax’s Northwest Arm (west of site) where it can collect and utilize naturally cooled water, to eventually be redistributed back into the basin. Cooling towers located on top of the data centre face in the direction of the prevailing winds (north westerly) to increase their effectiveness by relying on passive flows of energy. The heat generated by the data centre is collected and redistributed throughout the rest of the buildings spaces to create adequate environments for human habitation in the winter months.  

The Data Centre is located at the institution’s centre for increased protection form external parties. It represents the most recent iteration of physical information storage. From this point the institution manages its research relationships with other national institutions scattered through out the nation and greater earth.

Because the data centre does not hold a physical manifestation of information which is comprehensible to humans, it’s physical form extends through its wired infrastructure, wireless convertors, to a variety of stationary and handheld translation devices for human access. This network becomes an essential part of the data center.

The accessibility chamber is located directly above the data center providing views to the campus network below and the adjacent city in the distance. It is accessed via two direct closed elevator shafts which correspond with natural flows of inhabitants across the campus to intensify its clarity and overall use - creating extreme accessibility and virtual connectivity. Although this elevated space offers its inhabitants an ‘god-like’ overview of the city and its various connections it leaves them at a virtual distance, unable to physically connect.

In the coming days I will introduce the other various components and their unique spatial arrangements which will unite to form the ‘physical information core’ - the totem of the updated library. (Books, Maps, Archives etc.)

Study Pavilion / Metro Stop, library decentralized throughout city along the various ‘University Metro Lines’. #architecture #sketch #model #library (at Dalhousie School Architecture & Planning)