Pittsburgh, PA
Located in an area of institutional buildings in the Beaux Arts style, the Jazz Hall of Fame borrows its form from the surrounding context, but reinterprets it in a modern manner appropriate to a high-tech exhibition space. The building consists of six modules [essentially black boxes used for electronic exhibits] which are mechanically cooled using a heat-pump loop system. When appropriate, the atrium space that surrounds the modules on all sides is conditioned with the excess heat produced by the electronics in the black boxes. In warmer weather, the atrium space can be naturally ventilated with operable windows at ground level and vents integrated into the roof design. Life safety became an important issue in a design that incorporates a four-story atrium space. Automatically closing fire barriers integrated into the structure separate the building into two halves, allowing occupants to seek refuge or exit safely in case of fire. Lighting also became an important consideration to the Jazz Hall of Fame. Schemes included having the building lit different colors each night of the week, and having outdoor concerts with theatrical lighting [early lighting scheme shown below].
Carnegie
Mellon University
Fourth Year: Systems Integration
Completed with Melissa Sarko
