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Coastal Studio ‑ taking "design build" to a new level

Posted by Anne Swan on May 10, 2016 in Architecture, Students, News
Concept -Gridshell Theatre
Concept -Gridshell Theatre

Design–build: It is much of what sets a Dalhousie Architecture education apart from the rest. Considered the very best way to enforce and expand the concepts learned in a design or engineering education, design–build courses and opportunities have taken traditional classroom-based education and turned it on its head. Although they require more resources, and involve more risk than studio-based work, design–build experiences give students an opportunity to put theory into practice, get their hands dirty and, most importantly, to be inspired. In its eighth year, and with a strong track record for producing innovative design solutions for clients, Dalhousie’s Coastal Studio in no newcomer to the design–build concept. They are currently breaking ground on their grand finale of a three-year series of gridshell projects, and the most extensive design–build project Dalhousie has produced yet.  We spoke with Lead Researcher, Ted Cavanagh and Project Manager, Alexandre Morier, to learn what makes this project unique.

What is a gridshell and why would you build one? “A fairly new concept in North America, a gridshell is a structure which derives its strength from a double curvature but is constructed of a grid or lattice,” explains Ted. “Gridshells use principles of natural geometry and place the most material where the most force is.” Coastal Studio’s mandate is to push the boundaries of materials and structural systems. Their funding comes primarily through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in the form of a six-year, $2.5 million grant. The SHHRC supports learning how to develop innovative construction practices in order to prepare the next generation for a unique set of future challenges. “Gridshell” fits this mandate and is the theme of the series of projects Coastal Studio is now completing.

Grand finale: This week, ground was broken on Coastal Studio’s flagship project. A partnership with the SSHRC and Parks Canada, this project combines the lessons learned from four others into one collaborative project. Located within The Cape Breton Highlands National Park, this gridshell structure will be a constellation of theatres with windows to nature – a family of shapes. Two large humps will form the gridshell, which will be used as a multipurpose event space that the park will own and operate. “The shape is elegant and mimics the landscape. It will be a world-class structure,” says Alex. “The park has identified a new set of users to enjoy the natural environment and this structure will help them attract these clients.”

Research partnerships: As the fifth in a series of North American projects, students and researchers from far and wide are coming to participate in the realization of the Cape Breton Highlands gridshell. Students from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte and the University of Arizona, Tucson will arrive in Cape Breton this month. Students will be onsite throughout the summer and will be directly participating in the construction efforts. “An important aspect of the SHHRC grant is for researchers to understand how design is communicated among designers and the public,” explains Ted.  Researchers are arriving from the University of Alberta, the University of Toronto and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to study and monitor the process that happens as part of this major project. Their findings will be analyzed and published to allow others to learn from the collective experiences of this group.

Expertise: This is the largest of the Coastal Studio gridshell projects, and it is pushing the boundaries of gridshell design. This has required the team, who has been learning as they go, to seek international expertise. They found such expertise in Dalhousie alumnus Lawrence Friesen (MArchFP’97), a geometric consulting expert for space frame structures. After traveling to London to seek Friesen’s expertise, the team was inspired. “This was an amazing learning experience,” says Alex. “The leading world-wide knowledge regarding gridshell structures is in the UK and he is in the middle of it. We are excited to be continually developing our competency.” Blackwell Structural Engineers is providing the engineering expertise, and has partnered with Coastal Studio on several gridshell projects. Leaders in gridshell research and development, they are helping to realize the design while ensuring structural integrity.

Support: Even with the support of the Parks Canada and SHHRC funding, this is a financially daunting project. Providing this level of experience to over 25 students and researchers is challenging. “We are capacity building here,” says Ted. “Apart from the product the park will end up with, we are educating a whole new group of designers and engineers to know how to meaningfully challenge tradition and how to innovate. These students are gaining expertise and learning to think in a forward way that will impact the work they do for their entire career. That is impact.” Anyone wishing to support this student experience can do so by funding a day of meals for the crew ($600) or by sponsoring a student’s involvement for the summer, including travel and accommodations ($2,600). Please contact info@dalcoastalstudio.com for more information.

Stay up to date with the group’s progress on Twitter @coastal_studio, on Instagram @dalhousiecoastalstudio, or on Facebook by searching Dalhousie Coastal Studio!