Fall 2023 | ARCH 405 - Architecture Design IIII | Professor Ray Holliday | Revit, D5 I Team: Brynn Amacher
This project explores a potential design for the United States Air Force Academy Visitor Center. The design was initially derived from ideas of flight and lightness, starting with a basic wedge shape directed towards the academy campus. The form was divided into horizontal sections, with a vertical core volume maintained in the center and cantilevers to either side. From the top, this mimics an airplane wing, which can be viewed from above during student flights.
As visitors enter the building, they step into the visitor lounge and display area on the first floor, which also houses the theater. The second level is dedicated to the large exhibit area, bookstore, and presentation room. The exhibit area opens onto a balcony to celebrate the view towards the campus and Rocky Mountains, which is also accessible from an exterior suspended monumental staircase. The top level houses all of the office and conference spaces. There are individual offices for higher positions, along with plenty of open, collaborative office space.
The structure of this building is primarily steel, with two concrete shear wall core areas. The steel structure bays are typically 20’ x 25’, with irregular bays around the angled perimeter. Mechanically, this building utilizes a VAV system, with an air handler centrally placed in the second level mechanical room, and additional equipment on the roof.
Sustainable aspects of this design include a recycled gravel roof, insulated triple pane glass, rotating solar panels, and exterior shading devices.
