The Lumiere

This was a project for a studio that specialized in high-performance structures. To design a building that performs better in terms of energy efficiency or greenhouse gas reduction than is required by building codes.

Sheriff Olumide, a classmate, and I collaborated on this project. For the program and main building, we intended to combine a rigid box form with a more freeform and fluid lattice structure that contributes to the building’s performance.

Wherever possible, the main body of the building is constructed using recycled materials or materials that generate fewer greenhouse gases during production or transportation. Then, the lattice framework that covers the building is created from salvaged lumber. The major purpose of the lattice is to shade the building during the summer and hotter months, as well as to collect water through the structure’s columns for later use.