R.E.C. Building

Abstract

The building I designed for my graduation project focused on finding ways in which to break the rules governing functions of the historic building, as said by Paul Virilio, to “inhabit the inhabitual”, by reusing and giving new functions to buildings that have been abandoned. The building will host three main functions related to a water knowledge hub. It will be a space where a water research center, a water educational facility and finally a practical water company come together. The combination of these functions and programs is intended to increase the development and growth of each one of these fields. The space was envisioned as a way of helping these three fields interact with each other. The research facility can benefit from the education facility, and vice versa. The private company can benefit from the research done by the research center, and the research center can benefit from the founding of the private company. Finally the education facility can take advantage of the company in order for their students to learn from real practice. These new ways of interaction can benefit all three parties and help them innovate and progress in new ways. This new typology of building needs to embrace the connection and communication between the different parties by exploring new configuration of spaces. This new space will reuse a historic building located in Hunters Point, San Francisco, CA. The reuse of the historic building embraces and reminds the users of the technological advancements that took place in Hunters Point at the time when the building was being use. The reuse of the building will also help developing a more sustainable project by reducing the use of materials.