A condensed version of my final graduate studio project book.

1. The
PreciPice
PreciPice
The
Jessica Mallo

2. C ONTENTS
Project
Need
Focus
Location
Site
Image
History
Analysis
Precedent
Field Museum
Newseum
NewCity Park Project
NYC 2012 Olympic Park
Program
& Concepts
The Precipice Museum

3. “So it was only when your world was threated with destruction that you be-
came what you are now. That’s where we are. You say we’re on the brink of
GHVWUXFWLRQ DQG RX·UH ULJKW %XW LW·V RQO RQ WKH EULQN WKDW SHRSOH ÀQG WKH ZLOO WR
change. Only at the precipice do we evolve. This is our moment.”
The Day the Earth Stood Still
Earth is in crisis.
In recent years, there has been an upsurge in severe weather,
loss of natural energy sources, and concern over an imminent climate shift. It is
up to humanity to educate itself about earth’s natural resources. The popula-
tion must learn how to use these to fuel and infuse our lives in order to purify our
activities and our world. It is essential to create a site to combine elemental
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throughout the world.

4. P ROJECT N EED
2.4% 1.1%
World primary energy consumption Global oil consumption grew by 1.1% in
increased by 2.4% in 2007. 2007.
The average person in the United States
Roughly 70 percent of an adult’s body is
made up of water. 70% 100 uses anywhere from 80-100 gallons of
water per day. Flushing the toilet actually
takes up the largest amount of this water.
Solar electricity generating capacity has
X2
Geothermal, wind and solar electricity
generation combined, accounts for approxi-
mately 1.5% of global electricity generation. 1.5% on average nearly doubled every two
years since 1996.
The daily requirement for sanitation, bathing,
and cooking needs, as well as for assuring
survival, is about 13.2 gallons per person. 13.2 3,575 3.575 million people die each year from
water-related disease.
U.S. gas consumption increased 6.5% in 2007. The growth in global wind power gener-
The US accounted for the largest
incremental growth in the world in both 6.5% 26.5% ating capacity accelerated to 26.5% in
2007, with cumulative capacity reaching
94 GW at the end of last year.
consumption and production.
75% 326
Somewhere between 70 and 75 percent of The total amount of water on the earth is
the earth’s surface is covered with water about 326 million cubic miles of water.

5. P ROJECT F OCUS
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ing a cleaner world. A building set to create a new mindset within each of us is needed.
This outlook will lead to a time where man uses natural elements to create energy and
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energy components that correlate to those elements. Each of these will be displayed in the
museum, discussing how they effect humanity through interaction, sports, life, and energy.
EARTH
WATER AIR
FIRE

6. P ROJECT F OCUS Taking a closer look at the elements, we can see how
the elements can translate to energy. After converting the elements, it’s clear that our most im-
portant element is water. Without it, we cannot survive. This
Element Conversion simple fact presses the major focus of this museum toward
water, how important the element is to our survival, and how
this element relates and reacts to the other elements. Water
is the base of life which will help us build a new horizon for life. INTERACTION
Fire Solar
Earth Geothermal
SPORTS
Water Tidal
LIFE
Air Wind
Through the combination of the elements we
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combination of natural energy sources,
we will form the new horizon of man.
Base of Life New Horizon
ENERGY

7. P ROJECT F OCUS
Freshwater lakes, most notably
Lake Baikal in Russia and the Great
Lakes in North America, contain
Of this three percent, about two- seven-eighths of this
thirds of this is frozen in glaciers fresh surface water. Swamps have
and polar ice caps. Most most of the balance with only a
of the rest is underground and only small amount in rivers, most nota-
bly the Amazon River.
0.3 % is surface water.
Of all the water on Earth, only
three percent of it is
freshwater in nature.

8. P ROJECT L OCATION
Stockholm Helsinki
Copenhagen Moscow
London Amsterdam
Vancouver Berlin
Paris
Zurich Budapest
Toronto
Beijing Madrid Rome Istanbul
New York
Tokyo San Francisco Chicago Washington, DC Athens
Los Angeles
Tel Aviv Delhi
Cairo
Dubai
Hong Kong
Mexico City
Dakar
Bogota
Nairobi
Rio de Janeiro
Sydney Buenos Aires
Cape Town
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9. “Chicago society loves beautiful things; it is
stirred by noble sentiments and pursues its
moral perfection . . .
In a word, it is rising.”
Baron Pierre de Coubertin
Founder of the modern Olympic Movement
SITE
“Chicago is a great city today because
we’ve had leaders of vision. But vision alone is
not enough.
In Chicago, we don’t just dream.
We do.”
Richard M. Daley
Mayor of Chicago

10. CHICAGO ILLINOIS
The site for the museum rests on the shores of Lake Michigan.
Chicago showcases plenty of public green areas along its’
shoreline, keeping the water open for everyone’s use and
placing elements of education and fun on the shore, like
Navy Pier (a collection of shops and entertainment activities)
and the main museum campus. Known for its’ dedication to
VXVWDLQDELOLW KLFDJR·V RIÀFLDO PRWWR 8UEV LQ +RUWR FLW LQ D
garden) and independent signature of the Kyoto Protocol
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the right location for the museum.
MAP OF CITY NODES
There are many important points of interest within the city limits of downtown Chicago.
CONNECTION NAVY PIER These points include: Navy Pier, Millenium Park, Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears),
the Filed Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium,Universtiy of Illinois Chicago Campus,
DQG WKH 0DJQLÀFHQW 0LOH WKH PDLQ VWUHWFK RI GHSDUWPHQW VWRUHV DORQJ 0LFKLJDQ $YH

11. KL-
SKYLINE FDJR DOVR ODV FODLP WR ÀYH RI WKH WRS WHQ WDOOHVW EXLOGLQJV LQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV LQFOXGLQJ WKH
John Hancock Center, the Aon Center, ATT Corporate Center, Trump International Hotel
and Tower, and, the Sears Tower, which stands as the tallest builidng in the US and seventh
tallest building in the world.

12. SITE SELECTION
Being a water museum, the site should be on the shore of Lake Michi-
1909
CITY PLANNER DANIEL H. BURNHAM’S “PLAN OF CHI-
CAGO” CALLS FOR THE CREATION OF NORTHERLY ISLAND,
gan. Chicago hosts a reknown museum campus, home to the Adler
THE NORTHERNMOST OF FIVE ISLANDS STRETCHING FROM
Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium, and Field Museum. Having a set area
for the education of Chicago, it seemed natural to look to place the GRANT PARK TO 51ST STREET, TO BE USED FOR WATER
SPORTS.
new museum close by. After study of the region, I found that the
man-made island is currently vacant open land. As a focal point in 1922-25
the proposed development for the 2016 Olympic bid, it was clear THE ISLAND IS BUILT UNDER A LAKEFRONT IMPROVEMENT
that the site was seeking a project to rejuvinate the area. It’s location PLAN.
and history made Northerly Island the right site for this new project.
1933
NORTHERLY ISLAND IS THE SITE OF A BOTANICAL EXHIBIT
FOR THE CENTURY OF PROGRESS WORLD’S FAIR.
WATER FILTRATION PLANT 1935
LOCAL PUBLISHER MERRILL C. MEIGS RECOMMENDS TURN-
ING THE ISLAND INTO AN AIRPORT; ILLINOIS AND CHIAGO
NAVY PIER GIVE AUTHORIZATION.
CHICAGO SPIRE (UNDER 1948
CONSTRUCTION) NORTHERLY ISLAND AIRPORT OPENS. IT IS RENAMED
MEIGS FIELD A YEAR LATER.
1974
MILLENIUM PARK MAYOR RICHARD J. DALEY UNOFFICIALLY PROPOSES TURN-
ING MEIGS INTO A LAKEFRONT PARK.
GRANT PARK 1996
RICHARD M. DALEY AND THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT
ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR THE PARK.
BUCKINGHAM FOUNTAIN
2001
ILLINOIS AND DALEY CUT A NEW DEAL TO REVAMP O’HARE
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHILE ALLOWING MEIGS TO RE-
MUSEUM CAMPUS MAIN OPEN UNTIL 2006.
SHEDD AQUARIUM 2003
FIELD MUSEUM CITYWORKERS TEAR APART MEIGS RUNWAY IN THE MIDDLE
OF THE NIGHT.
ADLER PLANETARIUM
CHARTER ONE PAVILLION 2005
SOLDIER FIELD NORTHERLY ISLAND IS AN OPEN PARKLAND WITH A
WILDLIFE BIRD SANCTUARY.
2006-2009
NORTHERLY ISLAND CHARTER ONE PAVILLION, A TEMPORARY CONCERT
VENUE, HOSTS SUMMER EVENTS.
2008
MCCORMICK PLACE NORTHERLY ISLAND IS PART OF PROPOSED
DEVELOPMENT FOR 2016 OLYMPIC BID.

13. SHEDD AQUARIUM
NORTHERLY ISLAND
E Solidarity Dr
FIELD MUSEUM
E McFetridge Dr
F
Lake Shore Drive
S Museum Campus Drive
ADLER PLANETARIUM
E Waldron Dr
a
E 18th Dr 12TH STREET BEACH
CHARTER ONE PAVILLION
MCCORMICK PLACE
SITE APPROACH SOLDIER FIELD

14. ENTERTAINMENT
SITE CLIMATE MIXED USE
RESIDENTIAL
LITTLE ITALY
CHINATOWN
Being the “Windy
City,” Chicago’s
wind was exam-
Entertainment ined. This diagram
Mixed Use shows the direc-
Residential LAND USE tion and intensity
Little Italy that the wind will
Chinatown come across the
Subway site. The strongest
Train winds come from
Major Road the southwest.
Lesser Road
The site and cli-
mate were the
next examined.
SUBWAY Land use, subway
and major road-
way routes, and
D ÀJXUH JURXQG
study are all
produced. This
helped examine
WKH ODQG DQG ÀQG SEASONAL WIND DIRECTION AND INTENSITY
the best place-
ment for a new
project.
MAJOR ROADWAY
The direction of
the sun must also
be examined to
discover how it will
effect the site .
Each of these dia-
grams was used to
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placement on the
site for the environ-
mentaly conscious
SUN DIRECTION DIAGRAM
FIGURE GROUND musuem.

15. PROGRAM CONCEPTS
“In order to succeed we must fail, so that you
know what to do
the next time.”
Anthony J. D’Angelo
“Nothing will be attempted
LI DOO SRVVLEOH REMHFWLRQV PXVW ÀUVW
be overcome.”
Samuel Johnson

16. PROGRAM ANALYSIS
The program employs accepted museum spaces, such as a gift shop, restaurants,
RIÀFH DUHD FRQIHUHQFH URRPV FODVVURRPV DQG JDOOHU DQG H[KLELWLRQ VSDFHV ZKLOH
housing an atypical program consisting of extensive research and innovative energy
collection and production techniques for the elements.
MUSEUM
GALLERY OFFICE SHOP SYSTEMS RESEARCH GREEN
ROOF
Horizon - Exhibition Info Desk Gift Shop Restroom Labs
Fire - Solar Director Off. Cafe Storage Treatment
Earth - Geothermal $VVW 2IÀFH Mech/Elec Library
Air - Wind Staff Lounge
Water - Tidal Conference
89000 Sq Ft 1300 Sq Ft 3200 Sq Ft 2100 Sq Ft 6000 Sq Ft 132500 Sq Ft
TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE = 234,100
ARRANGEMENT OF SITE ACTIVITIES
STACKING OF FUNCTION The entire site must be developed and programed. Setting nodes at various points across
WKH LVODQG ZLOO KHOS GUDZ SHGHVWULDQ WUDIÀF DOORZLQJ SHRSOH WR H[SORUH WKH LVODQG IURP RQH
PROGRAM CIRCULATION end to the other while experiencing different aspects at each node.
For circulation, I want the project to have one main entry/exit point, allowing users to circulate
through the gallery spaces one at a time before ending at the point where they entered.

17. BREAKING TUNNEL SLICED
CONCEPT GENERATION Different conceptual forms on how to
approach the project, the site, and the THROUGH LEARNING SITE
program spaces were generated. These
FRQFHSWV ÀW LQWR IRXU FDWHJRULHV RQ KRZ
to address the building and site; island,
dig in, build up, combination. Each
design was explored through site, sec-
tion, and model. What follows is the ex-
ploration through these forms.
WRAPPED FLOATING PEELED
PROGRAM LAKE AWAY
ISLAND TWISTED SPLITING FOLDING
TOWER SITE SITE ENDS

19. Acting as a drop of wa-
ter, the main building is The building sits at the base
a tower above the site, of the island, ceating a des-
while the smaller gallery tination point forcing people
across the length of the site.
FLOW
spaces ripple out into
RIPPLE the earth. 7KH EXLOGLQJ ÁRZV XSZDUG
Pro: Tower stands out making a beacon in the
Con: Spaces too water.
spread out in “ripple” 3UR )UHHÁRZLQJ IRUP SUR-
effect motes organic quality
Con: Too far set into island
EAST-WEST SECTION EAST-WEST SECTION
NORTH-SOUTH SECTION SECTION B
NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

20. All program spaces
are located within
the ground, with site
and groundcover
weaving up, over,
and through the
building, fusing earth
with education.
Pro: Integration with
site
Con: Not enough of
a statement
EAST-WEST SECTION
WEAVE
NORTH-SOUTH SECTION

21. LIFTED EDENover the program, creating a glowing box from within the ground.
The ground comes
Pro: Integration with site
Con: Need more of a statement
Solution: Lift above the site

22. The roof becomes an extensive green
URRI VHHPLQJO ÁRDWLQJ DERYH WKH HDUWK
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
on the transparent building. The steel
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VWHHO FROXPQV 6WHHO PHVK ZDV ÀUVW H[-
plored to make the exterior plates.
The structure was concieved to
be a steel modular system. This
would allow the construction of
the project to be more simple
and the production of the frame
work would result in less waste,
as one mold could make mul-
tiple parts of the entire building.
These diagrams, made at dif-
ferent phases of the design pro-
cess, demonstrate the layers of
the building, including the exte-
rior meshing, the roof, the steel
VWUXFWXUH DQG WKH ÁRRU SODWHV

23. The meshing wall is set away
from the exterior curtain
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
wall system. This allows
for a natural air
ventilation system.

24. DEVELOPMENT
The interior spaces are
RSHQ DQG ÁXLG DOORZLQJ IRU
people from one end to the
other to see each other.
The entry is transparent, al-
lowing those outside and
inside to see each other
and to see the amount
of activity going on.
Throughout project devel-
opment, the building sec-
tion has evolved. Struc-
ture became a driving
force of the exterior form.
ROJECT

26. Progression across the island is im-
portant to the success of the project.
Different paths and layouts of island
activity were explored.
The museum rises above the landscape.
SITE DEVELOPMENT

27. DEVELOPMENT
The interior environments have gone
through massive development as
well. Each element was considered
unique and many studies were con-
ducted on an apporopriate way to
showcase them. Materials, displays
and method of progression were al
considered and changed time and
time again. Materialization and
Space Study. Each ele-
ment is seperated and
each has a unique ma-
terial choice and spatial
experience.
NTERIOR

28. INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT
Interior environments were explored
through use of material and color.

29. INTERIOR DEVELOPMENT
Each space will evoke a different feeling.

30. DEVELOPMENT
NTERIOR
While all elements were under consider-
ation, water quickly became the focus of
the project. This element seems to be the
base of all life, becoming the most impor-
tant, underlying element. For this reason,
a focal waterfeature was envisioned to
provide the visual and emotional link to
the most precious element.

31. DEVELOPMENT
NTERIOR
Each element offers
views to the infamous
skyline of Chicago.

32. “Make no little plans.
They have no magic to stir men’s
blood and themselves will probably
not be realized...
...Make big plans; aim high in hope.”
PRECIPICE
Daniel Burnham
Architect, Civic Planner
THE

34. POSITION
URBAN HORIZON
ONCEPTUAL
Forming the New Horizon. The horizon, as we know it, is the point
of culmination of air and water. The museum is the new line that shows
where all of the elements converge with humanity to make a new to-
morrow and effecting the urban horizon forever. The museum itself is a GENERATOR AND PRODUCT
water jewel on the leaf, acting as both generator and product. Finally,
the musuem will set focus on how the elements effect one another, espe-
cially in how water reacts with each element.
ELEMENTS EFFECT
JEWEL ON THE LEAF

35. PHYSICAL POSITION The structure itself will form a connection with the city of Chicago, creating an
icon for the city. The building looks to combine nature with technology, as
well as innovative materials, to create an environmental sculpture to house
the new horizon.
ICON
NATURE BUILDING
TECHNOLOGY

37. SETTING POSITION
FEED THE SPROUT
SUPPORT THE PROGRAM
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
Cradle to Cradle. The site itself is set to work as a cradle to cradle
space, where everything that comes into and out of the space stays
within its’ system. The island becomes the leaf holding the water jewel,
feeding its’ growth. The site is the support of the program, holding all the
issues equally for the public to investigate.
LEAF HOLDING THE JEWEL PROMOTE GROWTH

38. The overall design of
the site is integral to the
success of the project.
The building is set to the
northern portion of the
island, keeping it close to
the island’s entrance and
within reasonable walk-
ing distance of campus
parking. Ramps to the 4. PRECIPICE
Precipice Museum and 1. ADLER PLANETARIUM 2. 12TH STREET BEACH 3. CHARTER ONE PAVILLION
its’ extensive green roof
vista wrap around the
new Charter One Pavil-
lion. The building is set on
a Northwest/Southeast 1
axis to capture the stron-
gest winds, which come 2 7 6
across the island from the 4
southwest. An extensive 8
SDWK ÁRZV IURP WKH URRI
of the museum out over 5. PATHWAYS
Lake Michigan. This over- 3 10
9
hang provides opportu-
nity for tidal energy to be
11
harnessed, as well as a
SITE DESIGN
chance for visitors to walk
on the water that is vital 12
to our existance, provid- 1. Adler Planetarium 5
ing great views of both 2. 12th Street Beach
Chicago and Lake Michi- 3. Charter One Pavillion
4. Precipice
gan so people can re- 5. Open Pathways
ÁHFW RQ RXU GHSHQGDQFH 6. Sculpture Park 6. SCULPTURE PARK
7. Water Filtration
on the vast blue lifeline. 8. Planting Fields 7. WATER FILTRATION
9. Wildlife Reserve ROOF PLAN
10. Rain Garden SITE PLAN
11. Natural Planting
12. Burnham Harbor Yacht Club
12. BURNHAM HARBOR YACHT CLUB 11. NATURAL PLANTING 10. RAIN GARDEN 9. WILDLIFE RESERVE 8. PLANTING FIELDS

39. 3DUNLQJ LV DYDLODEOH RQ WKH PXVHXP FDPSXV NHHSLQJ WKH LVODQG IUHH RI PRWRU WUDIÀF 7KLV ZLOO
keep the island a haven for the earth and lead to less emissions being released. Public tran-
sit already runs to the site, including the city bus system, the free trolley system, as well as the
Chicago Water Taxi, which runs from April through October.
Museum Parking Spaces
5,000
Number of Daily Trolley Riders
2,600
PARKING
Number of Daily Bus Riders
1,000,000
Number of Daily Subway Riders
620,000
1,000,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2.000
Public Parking Current Chicago Public Transit Use
Bus/Trolley Stops

40. NORTHERLY ISLAND

44. Program through-
out the museum is
seperated onto dif-
IHUHQW ÁRRUV JLYLQJ
each element its’
own space to dis-
cuss itself.
(DFK ÁRRU WKHQ KDV
different exhibit
environments where
interactive LED dis-
plays allow users to
interact and learn
about that element,
how it effects us
and how we effect
it, and how it is and
can be used for
energy to fuel our
lives.
PLANS
The basement level
provides labs, class-
room space, con-
ference space, and
a library for further
education.

45. SITE BUILDING SECTION 7KH EXLOGLQJ ÁRDWV DERYH WKH VLWH VSURXWLQJ IURP WKH HDUWK WR VKRZFDVH LWVHOI WR WKH KRUL]RQ
The building height allows for more space to capture wind energy as it passes across the site.
The height of the columns also provides a visual connection to the geothermal energy harnessing
going on far below the surface.
EAST-WEST SITE SECTION
NORTHEAST-SOUTHWEST SITE SECTION
NORTHWEST-SOUTHEAST
BUILDING SECTION

46. SYSTEMS

47. GEOTHERMAL
Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC 3KRWRYROWDLFV 39

48. LV WKH ÀHOG RI WHFKQRORJ DQG UHVHDUFK
earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from
heat stored in the earth. This geothermal energy originates
related to the application of solar cells for energy by con- from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive
verting sun energy (sunlight, including sun ultra violet radia- decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the
tion) directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand surface. It has been used for space heating and bathing
for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells since ancient roman times, but is now better known for
and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in generating electricity. About 10 GW of geothermal electric
recent years. capacity is installed around the world as of 2007, generat-
ing 0.3% of global electricity demand. An additional 28 GW
Photovoltaic production has been doubling every 2 years, of direct geothermal heating capacity is installed for district
increasing by an average of 48 percent each year since heating, space heating, spas, industrial processes, desalina-
2002, making it the world’s fastest-growing energy technol- tion and agricultural applications.
ogy. At the end of 2008, the cumulative global PV instal-
lations reached 15,200 megawatts. Roughly 90% of this Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, and environ-
generating capacity consists of grid-tied electrical systems. mentally friendly, but has previously been geographically
Such installations may be ground-mounted (and sometimes limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries. Recent
integrated with farming and grazing) or built into the roof technological advances have dramatically expanded the
or walls of a building, known as Building Integrated Photo- range and size of viable resources, especially for direct ap-
voltaics or BIPV for short plications such as home heating. Geothermal wells tend to
release greenhouse gases trapped deep within the earth,
but these emissions are much lower than those of conven-
tional fossil fuels. As a result, geothermal power has the po-
tential to help mitigate global warming if widely deployed
instead of fossil fuels.
ARTH

49. WIND TURBINE
Tidal power, sometimes called tidal energy, is a form of Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful
V hydropower that converts the energy of tides into electricity form, such as electricity, using wind turbines.
or other useful forms of power.
Large-scale wind farms are typically connected to the local
TIDAL/WA
Although not yet widely used, tidal power has potential for electric power transmission network; smaller turbines are
future electricity generation. Tides are more predictable used to provide electricity to isolated locations. Utility com-
than wind energy and solar power. Historically, tide mills panies increasingly buy back surplus electricity produced
have been used, both in Europe and on the Atlantic coast by small domestic turbines. Wind (and solar) energy as
of the USA. power sources is favoured by environmentalists as an alter-
7LGDO SRZHU FDQ EH FODVVLÀHG LQWR WKUHH PDLQ WSHV native to fossil fuels, because they are plentiful, renewable,
widely distributed, clean, and produce no greenhouse gas
Tidal stream systems make use of the kinetic energy of mov- emissions; however, the construction of wind farms is not
ing water to power turbines, in a similar way to windmills universally welcomed due to their visual impact and other
that use moving air. This method is gaining in popularity effects on the environment.
because of the lower cost and lower ecological impact
compared to barrages. Wind power is non-dispatchable, meaning that for econom-
Barrages make use of the potential energy in the difference ic operation all of the available output must be taken when
in height (or head) between high and low tides. Barrages it is available, and other resources, such as hydropower,
are essentially dams across the full width of a tidal estuary, must be used to match supply with demand. The intermit-
and suffer from very high civil infrastructure costs, a world- tency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind
wide shortage of viable sites, and environmental issues. power to supply a low proportion of total demand. Where
Tidal lagoons, are similar to barrages, but can be construct- wind is to be used for a moderate fraction of demand, ad-
ed as self contained structures, not fully across an estuary, ditional costs for compensation of intermittency are consid-
and are claimed to incur much lower cost and impact ered to be modest.
RYHUDOO )XUWKHUPRUH WKH FDQ EH FRQÀJXUHG WR JHQHUDWH
continuously which is not the case with barrages.
WATER
IR

50. CLOSED SYSTEM
RAIN GARDE A rain garden is a depression in the landscape designed to Living Machine is a trademark and brand name for a form
FDWFK DQG ÀOWHU WKH ZDWHU WKDW UXQV RII RXU URRI SDUNLQJ ORW of biological wastewater treatment designed to mimic the
and other impervious surfaces. cleansing functions of wetlands developed and marketed
Rain gardens contains native plants, such as shrubs, grasses, by [1] Worrell Water Technologies, LC in Charlottesville,
DQG ZLOGÁRZHUV WKDW KHOS DEVRUE DQG ÀOWHU UXQRII :LWK URRWV Va. The trademark Living Machine is owned by Dharma
WKDW UHDFK GHHSHU LQWR WKH VRLO QDWLYH SODQWV SURPRWH LQÀO- Group, LC, the parent company of Worrell Water Tech-
tration better than a shallow root system and can handle nologies.
WKH GURXJKW ÁRRG VLWXDWLRQ WKH KDYH EHHQ SODQWHG LQ
Slow it down, spread it out, soak it up! Through location, They are intensive bioremediation systems that can also
ponding depth, and good drainage, rain gardens divert SURGXFH EHQHÀFLDO ESURGXFWV VXFK DV HGLEOH DQG RU-
ZDWHU DZD IURP WKH VWRUP GUDLQ VVWHP DQG ÀOWHU LW LQWR WKH QDPHQWDO SODQWV DQG ÀVK $TXDWLF DQG ZHWODQG SODQWV
ground. EDFWHULD DOJDH SURWR]RD SODQNWRQ VQDLOV FODPV ÀVK DQG
RWKHU RUJDQLVPV DUH XVHG LQ WKH VVWHP WR SURYLGH VSHFLÀF
LOCATION: Rain gardens are situated in a low spot in the cleansing or trophic functions. In temperate climates, the
landscape so that they collect runoff. VVWHP RI WDQNV SLSHV DQG ÀOWHUV LV KRXVHG LQ D JUHHQKRXVH
POND the Runoff: They are built up on the edges with a to raise the temperature, and thus the rate of biologi-
berm so that a large amount of runoff can pool on the sur- cal activity. The initial development of living machines is
face. generally credited to John Todd, and evolved out of the
DRAINAGE: With a layer of gravel at the bottom of the gar- bioshelter concept developed at the now-defunct New
GHQ WKH DUH YHU ZHOO GUDLQHG DQG FDQ ÀOWHU WKH ZDWHU EDFN Alchemy Institute. Living machine systems fall within the
into the ground rapidly during and after a rain event. emerging discipline of ecological engineering, and many
FILTER: By allowing water to collect, pond, evaporate and similar systems are built in Europe without being dubbed
ÀOWHU WKRXJK QDWLYH SODQWV VRLO VDQG DQG JUDYHO LQWR WKH “Living Machines.”
ground,, runoff is cleaned, transformed and minimized.
WATER
ATER

51. COMPOST
ELEMENTS GREEN ROO
Compost is a combination of food waste and brown A green roof is a roof of a building that is partially or
waste that is being decomposed through aerobic de- completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a grow-
composition into a rich black soil. The process of compost- LQJ PHGLXP SODQWHG RYHU D ZDWHUSURRÀQJ PHPEUDQH
ing is simple and practiced by individuals in their homes, This does not refer to roofs which are merely colored
farmers on their land, and industrially by cities. More green, as with green roof shingles. It may also include
information about how to compost is found on the com- additional layers such as a root barrier and drainage
posting page. and irrigation systems.
Compost soil is very rich soil and used for many purposes. Container gardens on roofs, where plants are main-
A few of the places that it is used are in gardens, land- tained in pots, are not generally considered to be true
scaping, horticulture, and agriculture. The compost soil green roofs, although this is an area of debate. Rooftop
LWVHOI LV EHQHÀFLDO IRU WKH ODQG LQ PDQ ZDV LQFOXGLQJ D VRLO ponds are another form of green roofs which are used to
conditioner, a fertilizer to add vital humus or humic acids, treat greywater.
and as a natural pesticide for soil. In ecosystems compost
soil is useful for erosion control, land and stream reclama- The term green roof may also be used to indicate roofs
WLRQ ZHWODQG FRQVWUXFWLRQ DQG DV ODQGÀOO FRYHU that use some form of “green” technology, such as solar
panels or a photovoltaic module. Green roofs are also
referred to as eco-roofs, vegetated roofs, living roofs,
and greenroofs.
ARTH

53. SYSTEMS SECTION
Roof
165’-0”
Geothermal
125’-0”
Tidal
100’-0”
UILDING
Education
0’-0”

54. ROOF SECTION
Ground Cover
Pre-Oxydized
Cor-Ten Steel
Angle
Drain Pipe
Handrail
Sheet Aluminum
Trapezoidal-
Section Ribbed
Metal
Sheeting
Ceiling Structure
GREEN ROOF DESIGN SECTION

55. Solar Photovoltaic
Geothermal
SYSTEMS
Wiind
Windd
ITE
TIdal

56. Mesh Skin Detail
Torque Tube
Mesh Skin Detail
Moving Traction Track
SSEMBLY
Wall Panel Detail
Exploded View
The exterior wings are steel frame
energy collectors. Each frame is set onto a torque tube/moving trac-
tion track system which allows the frame to adjust forward or backward in order to gather
more wind or sun energy, depending on where the wind or sun are strongest. The frames are
LQVHW ZLWK HLWKHU D YHUWLFDO ZLQG WXUELQH ZHE RU D SKRWRYRODWLF ÀOP 7KH LQVHW ZLOO EH FKRVHQ
depending on the position on the building and where the strongest wind/sun patterns occur
for the site. Mesh Skin Detail

57. UNDERSTANDING
INTERIOR POSITION
CONCEPT DIAGRAM
Interaction. The interior spaces provide the education of the
INTERACTION
elements, allowing the public a place for observation and interac-
tion with the elements and their energy. This is where understand-
ing occurs and, ultimately, the healing process for the earth and
her elements begins.
HEALING
OBSERVATION

58. 7 6
5
11 10 9 8 4 1
2
1. Entry 3
2. Welcome Desk
3. Seating Level One Floor Plan
4. Gift Shop
5. Cafe
INTERIOR ASSEMBLY
6. Cafe Seating
7. Admin
8. Restrooms/Mech/Elec.
9. Exhibition Bar
10. Wind Gallery
11. Solar Gallery
12. Geothermal Gallery
13. Tidal Gallery /HYHO 2QH 5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ
14. Treatment Gallery
12 13 14
Level Two Floor Plan
/HYHO 7ZR 5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ

60. Onyx Sample
The New Horizon. This space has the primary museum functions like a museum
FDIH D IXOO JLIW VKRS DQG WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ RIÀFHV 2SHQ DUHD LV GHYRWHG WR
WUDYHOLQJ H[KLELWLRQV DOORZLQJ WKH PXVHXP WR DGDSW WR QHZ ÀQGLQJV LQ HQHUJ
Floor Plan
ENTRY
5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ

61. Onyx Sample Column Acrylic Sample
Wind. Here, people will learn about the power of wind. The different ways
that we are able to harness the power to convert to energy for our own use
LV D ODUJH SDUW RI WKLV ÁRRU·V GLVFXVVLRQ
Floor Plan
IND
5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ

62. Onyx Sample Column Acrylic Sample
(YHU ÁRRU LQ WKH PXVHXP LV OLW IURP XQGHUQHDWK ZLWK D FRPELQDWLRQ RI
onyx tile, glass tile, and LED light pads. This creates an air of mystery
and acts as a visual cue that people should cast no shadow upon the
earth they live in, but instead help it to infuse their life.
Floor Plan
IDAL
5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ

64. 10’x 10’ x 1/4” Onyx Tile
Flooring
FLOORING ASSEMBLY
10’x10’x6” Glass Tile
1” Clear Acrylic
Water
1” LED Light Pad
Pre-Cast Concrete Form
1” LED Light Pad
Floor Plan 1” Steel Plate
Steel Beam
Steel Floor Framing

65. The Element Exhibits are
formed acrylic displays
with LED touch screen in-
teractive displays grafted
to the interior and exterior
walls. This allows the users
to walk through the ele-
ment to learn more or to
simply walk along the out-
side of the form to gather
information. The exhibits
will discuss everything from
how to interact with the
element, how to use it for
Element Exhibit Section
life, to use for fun, and how
to use it to heal the world.
XHIBITS
Interact Grow Fun Heal

66. Onyx Sample Column Acrylic Sample
7UHDWPHQW 7KLV ÁRRU GLVFXVVHV KRZ ZH FXUUHQWO WUHDW WKH HDUWK DQG WKH HOHPHQWV DQG WKH
PRYHPHQWV WKDW DUH EHLQJ PDGH WR FOHDQ DQG WUHDW SUREOHPV 7KLV WKH ÀQDO GHVWLQDWLRQ
of those wandering through the museum, acts as the point where people can see where
the earth stands in its quest for cleanliness.
TREATMENT
Floor Plan
5HÁHFWHG HLOLQJ 3ODQ

69. The museum also has a supply The
Experience
of literature to be distributed,
including promotional posters,
pamphlets, and mailers. Mem-
bership is also offered for the
museum, allowing the public a
way to donate money for the
THE P R ECIP ICE
The Precipice
THE P RECIPICE
the Elemntal Effect
Water Elemental Museum
FDXVH DQG UHFLHYH EHQHÀWV Hours:
Monday - Thursday
through the museum. 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday - Sunday
POSTAGE PAID BY ADDRESSEE
CHICAGO, IL 60605
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND
PRECIPICE MUSEUM
BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
FIRST-CLASS MAIL
SGO
SGO
Paul Wang Please visit our website for further information.
Member
www.precipice.com
PERMIT NO. 0000
PRECIPICE MUSEUM
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605
CITY ST
SGO
SGO
Cody Mallo
Member
UNITED STATES
PRECIPICE MUSEUM
NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND
IN THE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605 Water Elemental Museum
Promotional Pamphlet
Ashley Mallo
Member
PRECIPICE MUSEUM Would you like to know more?
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605
Simply fill out the information card
below and mail it in for information
regarding exhibits, membership, new
technologies, job opportunities, guest
LITERATURE
speakers, and all other information privy
Harness solar rays
SGO
SGO
Becky Fixel
to Precipice members. Mailings are free
to everyone. You can also find more
information at our website, www.preci-
Member
Directions Parking
i i i pice.com. Public rental space available
From the South:
for private occasions. Gather geothermal energy
PRECIPICE MUSEUM Take I-94 North to I-290 East. Take exit 1 to
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND Lake Shore Drive. Turn right onto Museum
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605 Campus Drive.
From the North:
Capture the wind
Solar
Take I-94 South to I-290 East. Take exit 1 to Learn the power of the
Lake Shore Drive. Turn right onto Museum sun and how to harness
Campus Drive. tha
that energy for use.
Ride the tide
Would you like to know more about the Precipice Museum? Would you like to get involved with
the healing of the Earth? Would you simply like to get more mail? If so, please fill out this card
From the West:
Take I-290 East to exit 1, Lake Shore Drive.
SGO
SGO Turn right onto Museum Campus Drive.
From the East:
Ge
Georthermal
Explore how the natural
Exp
zip code
Emily Mallo
Member Take I-90/I-94 West to I-290 East. Take exit 1 heat of the earth can
hea
to Lake Shore Drive. Turn right onto Museum
Campus Drive.
create energy in your own
cre
home.
hom Experience the effect of a cradle-to-
Would you like to be added to our email list? Please check here.
PRECIPICE MUSEUM cradle building, focused on the Earth
P R EC IP ICE
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND Parking is located on Musuem Campus. All
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605 bus lines and shuttles run directly to the Preci- Win
Wind and how to use her elements for
State
pice Gateway entrance walk. Handicapped Wa
Watch the wind turbines
drop-off also available. col
collect and create en-
erg
ergy. the betterment of mankind.
City
Tida
Tidal
Stroll the greenroof gate-
Stro
THE
wa
way for a chance to see
tida
tidal energy harvesting at Experience the only museum of its kind.
work.
wor
Clint Smyth
Member
Sky
Skyline
View the magnificent
Vie
PRECIPICE MUSEUM Chi
Chicago skyline and the
1 NORTHERLY ISLAND
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60605
Lak
Lake Michigan horizon
line from the Precipice’s
greenroof deck.
email address
The Precipice Museum
and send it in.
Chicago, Illinois
Address
Name
Membership Cards

72. Thank you to all my professors that pushed me to keep striving for
more. Especially, thank you to Paul Wang for supporing me through-
out the Master Thesis studio. His dedication to architecture, design,
DQG WKH LQGLYLGXDO VWXGHQW LV D JUHDW LQÁXHQFH DQG ZLOO QRW EH IRUJRW-
ten.
Thank you to my understanding boyfriend, Clint Smyth, whose dedi-
cation to education, architecture, and design mirrors my own. This
made it easy to understand that sometimes homework was just more
important to get done than going out. Thank you to all my friends
who did not give me too much trouble when I had to cancel plans
last minute.
$QG ÀQDOO WKDQN RX WR P HQWLUH IDPLO LQG %UXFH -HUHP $VK-
ley, Cody, Emily. Thank you for all of your support and understand-
ing when I wasn’t able to come see all of your softball/baseball/foot-
ball/track/gymnastics events because of this glorious work. I know
you can see now that it was all worth it. I love you all and I sincerely
thank you for your support.
Without you all, I would not be here today.
CREDITS

73. HARNESS THE HORIZON
THE OR
OR
The Precipice Water Museum
Jessica Mallo
Graduate Project
www.jrmallo.com
jrmallo@yahoo.com