• proposals     


ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING THESIS PROPOSAL:
This proposal details the work to be complete for AE482 in the spring semester of 2008.  The four areas to be considered are breadths in architecture and construction management and depths in lighting and electrical design.  The lighting depth will include redesigning the four spaces that have been previously analyzed. This process will include schematic design as well as design documents. The final products will include renderings, calculations, plans, sections, schedules and specifications.  The electrical depth will include an analysis of photo voltaic arrays as well as the design of major equipment for a new addition (see Architecture depth). Additional electrical work will include redesigning equipment due to lighting changes and a short circuit analysis.

BREADTH PROPOSAL: ARCHITECTURE
I will investigate and design the addition of a rooftop terrace/gathering space for the facility. This will involve a code analysis, design analysis, and a determination of the effect on other building systems. The final product will include design documentation and renderings.

BREADTH PROPOSAL: ACOUSTICS
I will complete a reverberation time and STC analysis for both the Music Café and Multi‐purpose rooms. These spaces are critical acoustically because of the intent to use them for small performances. The reverberation time in these spaces will be important to their success. Both spaces are also located in close proximity to the main lobby and main theatre. Because multiple events may occur at the same time, keeping sound isolated will be important. In other words, a high STC value is critical.

After analyzing these values for both spaces I will determine if changes are necessary. If changes are required, I will select new products that can be used and design a layout to optimize acoustical performance.

BREADTH PROPOSAL(OLD): ARCHITECTURE
The backbone of the project will be the study in architecture which will coincide with a dual Honors Thesis for the Schreyer Honors College.  A new addition will be designed which more than doubles the size of the project. The addition will include, among other things, new performance spaces, gallery space, office space and outdoor spaces. The addition will be attached at the northwest corner of the original site, under the assumption that the existing building at this location could be purchased and demolished.

BREADTH PROPOSAL(OLD): CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
The architecture breadth will provide a framework from which to complete a breath study in construction management. A construction schedule for the new addition will be created. An assemblies cost estimate will be completed to ensure that the project is within budget.

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ARCHITECTURE THESIS PROPOSAL(OLD):
For the architecture portion of my senior thesis project, I will be investigating a large addition to the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Pittsburgh, PA. The 64000 SF project is currently under construction at a cost of approximately 23 million dollars.  The project site is at the corner of Liberty Avenue and William Penn Place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  A premise has been established that an additional 25 million dollars has become available to add to the currently designed building.  The adjacent property at 411 Seventh Avenue, on which currently stands a 16 storey office building, will be considered available for use as the site of the addition.  The goals for the addition are to provide additional and more varied facilities for the August Wilson Center and create a welcoming environment and outdoor space.  A key will be to respond to the exiting design as well as the surroundings of downtown Pittsburgh.

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Updated 01/20/08
Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Michael Royer. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.