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Net-Zero Vine Street Tower
- Project By: Alvia Rios & James Sanchez
Net-Zero Vine Street Tower is an innovative and forward-thinking urban design proposal that envisions a safer and more sustainable Philadelphia in the year 2050. This proposal addresses the lack of greenspace and softscape in the area, which can cause a lack of outdoor activity and problems with stormwater runoff. To mitigate these issues, the proposal includes the development of an urban park that will promote residents' safety and health by reducing crime rates and increasing access to greenspace. Additionally, rain gardens and bioswales will be implemented in greenspaces to promote permeability in the city and reduce the amount of stormwater runoff.
Another problem with the Vine Street Expressway is that it is prone to vehicular accidents, making it necessary to create safer bike routes to improve mobility and reduce pedestrian accidents. This addition will enhance residents' safety and create a more sustainable transportation option. With the inclusion of pedestrian focused circulation paths, comes the implementation of the superblock concept. A superblock is a particular city block system that prohibits vehicular traffic. This type of block sets a clear hierarchy of streets and public spaces, with pedestrians being prioritized over vehicular traffic. A superblock may span multiple city blocks, or just one, depending on the case.
Furthermore, the proposal incorporates a mixture of residential and commercial spaces to achieve a sense of community on the site. This allows for the typical neighborhood to be reimagined and placed within a singular, vertical tower. This becomes a space that fits your every need, eliminating the need to venture far.
Finally, The use of sustainable materials, such as responsibly harvested wood, will be implemented to reduce the city's overall carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the built environment
Aerial Day Render showcasing surrounding Philadelphia context. In addition to the Net-Zero Vine Street Tower being displayed, the new urban park that caps Vine Street Expressway is showcased, along with the hyperloop above
2050 SuperBlock Concept implemented on an urban scale. A superblock is a particular city block system that prohibits vehicular traffic. This type of block sets a clear hierarchy of streets and public spaces, with pedestrians being prioritized over vehicular traffic
Final Urban Site Proposal. Each proposed building is a mixed-use building with both commercial and residential features. On the left side of the image, a green bridge is shown that travels across the Schuylkill River, replacing the existing I-676 bridge
Form Diagrams dissecting fundamental aspects of our skyrise proposal. Each is a step in the process towards the final building form. A: Core, B: Floors, C: Site, D: Raised, E: Public Circulation, F: Void, G: Private Circulation, H: Void, Internal Structure, I: External Structure, J: Balcony, K: Secondary Facade
Sustainability Diagram comparing Co2 values of different materials. As a baseline for material usage, one square meter of floor space supported by a steel beam emits 40 kg of CO2 and 516 megajoules of energy. In addition, one square meter of floor space supported by a concrete beam emits 27 kg of Co2 and 290 megajoules of energy. None of these materials are used within the design proposal. The wood used in the tower emits 4 kg of Co2, and 80 megajoules of energy.
2050 Urban Plan showcasing our design proposal along Vine Street Expressway.
Day Render of the Net-Zero Vine Street Tower taken from Benjamin Franklin Parkway