37.1 - UMLAUF presentation 1 - part 6 — original pdf

Backup

Mid-Level Planting Recommendations The landscape character of the UMLAUF is intricately linked to a canopy of mature oak and heritage trees, which provide essential ecosystem services to visitors and a diverse array of species year-round. However, there is room for improvement in the existing landscape’s spatial and temporal hierarchy. Introducing shrubs, mid-level, and ground-level plants can transform visitor interactions with the garden while also bolstering biodiversity, controlling erosion, and defining spatial boundaries. For instance, incorporating plant species with seasonal variations can offer dynamic experiences throughout the year. Additionally, remediation of certain areas presents opportunities for re- vegetation using native and diverse alternatives, further enriching the site’s ecological diversity. “Identify all the vegetation species on site and include them in the learning experience.” Sambucus nigra (Elderberry): pollinator plant, habitat and culinary food, historic medicinal and cultural use Capsicum annuum (Chile Pequin): habitat and culinary food, historic medicinal and cultural use Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry): habitat and culinary food, pollinator plant, historic medicinal and cultural use Crataegus opaca (Mayhaw): pollinator plant, historic medicinal and cultural use Malpighia glabra (Barbados Cherry): habitat food, pollinator plant Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry): habitat food, nesting habitat Source: www.wildflower.org/ LANDSCAPE | 136 UMLAUF HPEU PLAN06 Design Guidelines Review and compliance Architectural character Guidelines UMLAUF HPEU PLANReview and Compliance The UMLAUF HPEU Plan’s design guidelines aim to establish a framework that connects the site’s historical and natural elements with the wider community, expanding the existing offerings. The subsequent sections present guiding principles to prioritize future development for successful interventions. These principles do not offer fixed solutions but encourage flexibility and creativity, aligning with diverse project needs, functions, and budget constraints. As each design challenge lacks a one-size-fits-all solution, these guidelines necessitate careful consideration during the design phase. They require expertise in design disciplines and a deep understanding of the unique context of the UMLAUF. It’s advisable for the Board to engage professionals in architecture or landscape architecture, either by involving them in the committee or seeking their advisory role during the design phases. Their input will be vital for reviewing compliance with these guidelines and ensuring thoughtful design implementation. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 138 UMLAUF HPEU PLANArchitectural Character This UMLAUF HPEU Plan aims to create architecture that coincides with the goals of the UMLAUF, while reaching their desires for growth, and complimenting the existing structures and site. The architectural character of new buildings should harmonize with the original aesthetics of the house and studio, creating a seamless integration that pays homage to their design legacy. It’s essential that these new structures complement the surrounding landscape, respecting its natural features while adhering to the established design guidelines. By echoing the design language and principles of the original architecture, the new buildings will not only honor the historical significance but also contribute to the overall visual coherence of the site. This approach ensures a unified aesthetic that respects the heritage of the space while embracing contemporary design sensibilities. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 139 UMLAUF HPEU PLANDesign Guidelines Design guidelines are a set of principles or standards that offer direction and recommendations for creating and developing spaces or structures. They encompass various aspects of design, including architectural aesthetics, functionality, sustainability, and context within the environment. These guidelines serve as a framework to ensure consistency, quality, and coherence in design outcomes. The following are used as a reference and framework during the planning and design phase of the HPEU Plan. They aid in maintaining a cohesive vision, ensuring that design decisions align with project goals, community feedback, and the intended user experience. Harmonize Attunement of form to natural and historic resources. Careful placement of elements to blend in Synergize Leverage environmental opportunities for high performance design and landscape Materiality Use of natural materials Topography Working with contour to enhance access, views, and discovery * Please view the Sustainability + Resiliency chapter for energy efficiency and bird-friendly requirements. Views Locate important program spaces to optimize view sheds Transparency Glazed volumes provide views out and also dissolve the building into the trees and sky.* Interpretive Architectural opportunity to frame educational experience Biophilia Holistic, healthful building, environmentally beneficial to occupants and ecosystems DESIGN GUIDELINES | 140 UMLAUF HPEU PLANHarmonize Harmony is a quality of architecture that seeks to blend into and support the effects already present in a place, and often in a delicate balance. Harmony doesn’t only imply the superficial imitation of appearances. That is camouflage. Harmony is adding something new into a place that augments and preserves it simultaneously and creates a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Harmony is the chord that must be struck for an intervention into the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum. This historic place contains a rich history of sights, sounds, and experiences set in motion by the Umlauf family in which the new treehouse and gateway buildings must formally posture itself as the supporting character. On the wooded hillside the treehouse employs a dark, oxidized metal cladding to recreate the shadows and texture of ground covered by leaf litter. The matte texture avoids reflective distraction in favor of dappled light below foliage, providing minimal intrusion to the visual field of visitors enjoying the artworks and gardens. This attunement of every surface and material selection and form was similarly considered in detail and informs all of the architectural guiding principles, which is the function of harmony. Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright DESIGN GUIDELINES | 141 UMLAUF HPEU PLANSynergize The intervention should establish synergies with the environment, existing land use, architectural character, and local community. A primary opportunity of this site is to enhance the filtration of water bound for Barton Springs and Town Lake. The swales and contouring of new elements will serve to intercept water and direct it to biofiltration water features, and riparian areas. This holistic approach integrates the entire site into the hydrological system of its surroundings, enhancing its environmental synergy. In addition to water management, careful consideration is given to the placement of key features such as the treehouse and gateway. These elements are strategically positioned at points of transition, direction change, and reorientation within the site. For instance, the treehouse location is meticulously aligned with the topography to seamlessly accommodate an elevator between the garden and hilltop levels. This approach not only enhances accessibility but also creates opportunities for implementing geo-thermal systems, thereby improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, the treatment of the garden’s edge along Azie Morton involves the creation of selective apertures, involving visitors in a new entry sequence. The revitalized welcome zone, incorporating amenities like a visitors’ library and potential space for a food truck or other revenue-generating ventures, aims to integrate the UMLAUF with the surrounding neighborhood and the broader city. This area serves as a platform for collaboration with local businesses and extends the experience to those walking/wheeling around the site. reference image Food truck park at Austin, TX Barton Springs Pool, Austin, TX DESIGN GUIDELINES | 142 UMLAUF HPEU PLANMateriality The choice of materials for new buildings should seamlessly integrate with the relaxed, natural ambiance that defines the UMLAUF’s unique character. Reflecting the historical significance of the site’s homestead, the materiality at UMLAUF draws inspiration from mid-century vernacular architecture, rooted in American Arts and Crafts traditions like the bungalow. This design ethos is evident in the existing museum and gallery structures, which are crafted from wood and employ traditional techniques tailored to local environmental and cultural conditions. The proposed new construction must uphold the architectural legacy established by the house, studio, and pavilion, prioritizing openness to prevailing breezes and providing ample shelter from sunlight and occasional rain. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) emerges as a central element of the design strategy, allowing for innovative interpretations of stick-built shelters. By utilizing CLT as the primary structural material, rather than a veneer treatment, the design evokes the image of a treehouse while offering both aesthetic and sustainable benefits. The warm, inviting nature of wood can be expressed in various design elements, including column spacing, beam spans, and the exploration of expansive canopy cantilevers. Moreover, CLT’s renewable and carbon-capturing properties align with the project’s commitment to sustainability, as detailed in the sustainability chapter. To complement the timber elements and harmonize with the site’s natural surroundings, weathering steel (corten) and transparent, bird-safe glazing are recommended as additional primary materials for new constructions. The transparent glazing will facilitate the expansion of functional, environmentally controlled spaces, accommodating a range of flexible programs while maintaining visual connectivity with the site’s landscape. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 143 UMLAUF HPEU PLANTopography Topography is a defining characteristic of Austin. Situated at the edge of the prairie and start of the Hill Country, Austin inherited the special rewards and challenges of occupying a limestone escarpment. The dramatic topography introduces protected pockets of nature into the urban grid, cherished by locals. Situated at the southwest edge of Zilker Park, the UMLAUF site occupies a pivotal boundary that offers an opportunity to forge stronger connections between the neighborhood, park, and broader city communities. A primary objective of the plan is to honor and embrace the site’s topography while simultaneously creating an accessible route that seamlessly integrates the entire site, enriching its natural and cultural offerings. Careful consideration of the grade change is essential, with a strategic approach that embraces the land’s inherent character to inform architectural interventions. This approach not only prioritizes sustainability by minimizing disruption to the natural environment, but also endeavors to craft spaces that harmonize with the site’s distinct identity, fostering a deeper sense of connection between the built environment and its surroundings. Implementation of landscape strategies on the steepest slopes will bolster stormwater management efforts and enhance hill stability. reference image DESIGN GUIDELINES | 144 UMLAUF HPEU PLANViews The unique and striking elevations and topography of the UMLAUF site offer an exceptional opportunity to craft immersive experiences that showcase the beauty of nature and its surroundings. Intentional integration of architectural elements into the landscape will serve to accentuate and celebrate these breathtaking views, harmonizing the built environment with the site’s remarkable natural contours. Careful consideration of the building’s orientation, placement of windows, and architectural features will play a pivotal role in framing the beauty of the UMLAUF’s surroundings. Prioritizing the health and well-being of occupants, the design should maximize natural light exposure and provide views of the outdoor landscape, with the goal of reducing feelings of confinement, enhancing overall wellness, and mitigating stress levels. By strategically incorporating moments of openness and scenic vistas, the design can cultivate special experiences that foster a deep connection between users and the natural environment, as well as the art within it. reference image DESIGN GUIDELINES | 145 UMLAUF HPEU PLANTransparency Transparency in architectural design embodies a concept that aims to dissolve physical barriers, enabling occupants to seamlessly transition between spaces, thus fostering a feeling of openness and interconnectedness. By welcoming natural light and providing unobstructed views, transparency creates an expansive, unified atmosphere that blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor environments. The plan recommends the strategic utilization of transparency to convey a sense of lightness and to maximize programmatic opportunities while preserving the site’s natural ambiance. This could be achieved through the strategic incorporation of glass, open layouts, and design elements that establish visual connections between the interior and exterior surroundings. It is imperative to employ transparency responsibly, taking into account considerations such as visual and thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and the implementation of bird-safe glass and indoor lighting controls to safeguard the local ecosystem. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 146 UMLAUF HPEU PLANInterpretive The location and design of new elements in the plan present an opportunity to craft an immersive educational narrative that aligns with the programs it supports, weaving together Charles Umlauf’s life with the world of art and its processes. This design concept envisions spaces capable of hosting elements inspired by Umlauf’s artistic journey, spotlighting pivotal moments in his life and the evolution of his creations. These moments are seamlessly integrated into the explorative journey of the site, inviting visitors to embark on a discoverable path through the garden. The architectural narrative must extend beyond biography. It should include spaces dedicated to understanding art processes, techniques, and inspirations. Through strategically positioned exhibits, interactive displays, and educational zones adjacent to the existing museum gallery, visitors can engage in a curated exploration of artistry. The design strategy should not only provide insights into Umlauf’s legacy but also act as a gateway to appreciate diverse art forms, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to the creative world and its creators. Additionally, the plan advocates for the incorporation of interpretation and education into outdoor and natural spaces. By integrating the water management strategy, promoting native species, and enhancing accessibility of natural trails, these elements become integral to the overall interpretive story. As the most recent addition to the UMLAUF’s timeline, the improvements made to the site that enhance accessibility and awareness are embraced as part of its evolving history. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 147 UMLAUF HPEU PLANBiophilia Biophilia is the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. By incorporating biophilic elements, such as plants, natural light, water, and materials derived from nature, architectural spaces can evoke a sense of harmony with the natural world. This concept holds particular importance in the implementation of the plan at the UMLAUF due to the site’s inherent natural character. Examples of biophilic design elements include green spaces, living walls, abundant natural light, and opportunities for views of nature. The plan recommends the adoption of biophilic strategies to enhance visitors’ well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction, thereby enriching the art viewing experience and highlighting the unique essence of the UMLAUF. Moreover, these elements can contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability by maximizing the use of natural light and ventilation, thus reducing dependence on artificial lighting and heating systems. Strategic building orientation and window placement are crucial for balancing a strong connection with the site while achieving energy efficiency. Leveraging existing site elements and integrating additional biophilic design features will create spaces that seamlessly blend with the natural environment and promote a deeper connection with nature for all who visit the UMLAUF. DESIGN GUIDELINES | 148 UMLAUF HPEU PLAN07 Sustainability + Resilience Health Energy Carbon Ecology Water Resilience Sustainability Strategies UMLAUF HPEU PLAN Sustainability goals are woven into the very fabric of UMLAUF’s guiding principles and priorities. SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 150 UMLAUF HPEU PLANSustainability Commitment Quality Assurance While the City mandates a certain baseline of sustainability, the UMLAUF aims to surpass these requirements by adopting a holistic approach to site improvement. This commitment encompasses every stage of the process, from planning and financing to designing, constructing, managing, renovating, operating, maintaining, and decommissioning buildings. At the forefront of the site’s objectives is the enhancement of landscape and stormwater management to bolster resilience during both droughts and floods. Following this, the priority is restoring the existing historic site, which involves weatherization, replacing components of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, and eliminating hazardous materials that pose potential health risks. Lastly, the site seeks to incorporate spaces that serve the local community, fostering gatherings and promoting healthy lifestyles. Dedicated to impact-forward design, the plan suggests to integrate additional non-traditional sustainability-related scopes into the project. These may include roles such as building performance consultants, enclosure consultants, commissioning officers, certification leads, rainwater subcontractors, solar subcontractors, geo-exchange systems installers, and more. SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 151 UMLAUF HPEU PLANCertifications The Austin Green Building Policy mandates that all City- owned public-private partnerships must meet a minimum 3-star AEGB or LEED Silver rating, ensuring adherence to sustainable practices in building construction. Furthermore, projects exceeding $2 million in construction costs are obligated to acquire SITES certified rating, which prioritizes both human and environmental well-being through its principles. Whereas certifications like AEGB and LEED focus on the building, SITES focuses on everything on your site except the building (with a few exceptions). These three certifications have certain alignments and synergies which are to be considered when making a final rating decision. In demonstrating their dedication as conscientious stewards of the environment, the UMLAUF plans to start the design process with a goal-setting exercise to explore options of achieving an exceptional 4-star AEGB rating and/or LEED Gold certification, as well as SITES Gold. In the pre- schematic design discussion, the UMLAUF will explore other certifications such as WELL building standard compliance and PHIUS certification. SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 152 UMLAUF HPEU PLANImpact Categories The plan encompasses six primary impact categories to ensure that sustainability and resilience strategies are approached comprehensively, addressing key aspects crucial for cities and buildings to have a responsible and positive impact on their communities and the environment. Health Energy Carbon Ecology Water Resilience Safeguard occupant health and well-being by incorporating design elements that prioritize thermal and visual comfort, employing biophilic concepts, considering acoustic comfort, and implementing measures to enhance indoor air quality. Reach net zero annual energy by incorporating energy reduction strategies, solar panels, and a geoexchange heating + cooling system. Electrify site energy uses. Reduce site energy usage by 50% from ASHRAE 2019 and IECC 2021 baseline. Reduce embodied carbon by 50% from baseline through carbon conscious material selection, and planting carbon sequestering ecology. Consider other forms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions such as accommodating for other forms of transit infrastructure (ex. bicycles & electric vehicles) and reducing refrigerant leakage by 25%. Enhance ecology and biodiversity by introducing a diverse middle layer of shrubs and forbes, enriching the environment and providing additional vegetation for animals. Minimize water feature and irrigation water consumption and use stormwater and rainwater exclusively for outdoor irrigation. Establish an effective water management strategy for both routine rain events and extreme 500-year flood events using bioswales, increases in pond capacity, rain gardens stone path edges, and other relevant measures. SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 153 UMLAUF HPEU PLAN07.1 Health SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 154 UMLAUF HPEU PLANHealth Introduction At the heart of the UMLAUF’s design ethos lies a commitment to people and place. Human-centric design necessitates an understanding of the community’s demographics and their specific needs, as detailed in previous sections of this report. This section shifts focus to human health and well-being within the space, particularly examining the impact of light, heat, and air quality on overall health and well-being. Recognizing the profound influence of physical and social environments on well-being, parks like the UMLAUF play an essential role in nurturing health-conscious communities. These communal spaces serve as vital hubs for social interaction, addressing prevalent health concerns such as depression and loneliness by fostering connections among community members. These verdant sanctuaries seamlessly blend nature with urban landscapes, offering solace, reducing stress, and augmenting mental and physical health through exposure to natural sunlight. Sunlight exposure intricately regulates the body’s circadian rhythm, energy levels, and hormone releases, while the ecological setting provides both direct medicinal benefits and soothes nervous system responses. By meticulously considering air quality, thermal comfort, and visual well-being, both the UMLAUF’s indoor and outdoor spaces will harmoniously integrate sustainability with the well-being of its visitors, cultivating an environment where individuals thrive both physically and mentally. Site Plan Sketch of Areas to be Replenished HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 155 UMLAUF HPEU PLANPeople Demographics Part of the UMLAUF’s vision is to honor the Umlauf family’s contribution to the Austin community by offering experiences that integrate art with nature, health and wellness programs, and a peaceful breathing space within the heart of the urban capital city. The site’s special location not only offers a space to connect with nature, it also provides access to an outdoor oasis infused with art, which can contribute to both mental and physical well-being. To support equitable access to these experiences for all members of the community, particularly underserved and historically marginalized communities, the plan recommends the implementation of supporting operational and programming strategies to enhance accessibility to the site and programs. Historically, health risks have correlated with factors such as the physical environment, education, race, ethnicity, and income. However, data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Building Environmental Justice (EJ) Tool, indicates that the UMLAUF’s immediate vicinity is primarily populated by affluent white individuals with better health indicators than the city’s average (please refer to the comparison on the right for further details). This underscores the importance of ensuring the plan’s real impact on community health. The table on the right compares demographic data from some of Austin’s wealthiest, poorest (excluding university blocks), and median neighborhoods. Implementing accessibility strategies targeting underserved and historically marginalized communities could allow the UMLAUF to have a more positive impact. By doing so, more people could benefit from the physical and mental health benefits that spending time at a site like the UMLAUF’s can provide. Demographics Scenic Dr. near Colorado River in Tarrytown (zip code 78703) Local 1/4 mile radius of the UMLAUF and majority visitor population (zip code 78704) City of Austin Demographics from US Census Bureau Block at corner of 12th St & Airport Blvd. (zip code 78702) Population Density 1,957 people/sq mile People of Color 3% Population Density 5,689 people/sq mile People of Color 11% Population Density 3,271 people/sq mile People of Color 36.8% Per Capita Income $189,050 Per Capita Income $101,672 Lack of Health Insurence 1% Lack of Health Insurence 1% Persons with Disability 5% Persons with Disability 2.5% Per Capita Income $86,556 Lack of Health Insurence (Under 65) 13.9% Disability Under Age 65 7.2% Life Expectancy 84 yrs Life Expectancy 81 yrs Life Expectancy 82 yrs Population Density 7,145 people/sq mile People of Color 91% Per Capita Income $17,755 Lack of Health Insurence 14% Persons with Disability 8.5% Life Expectancy 72 yrs HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 156 UMLAUF HPEU PLANPeople Demographics To promote greater equity in access to the UMLAUF, strategies are recommended that are aimed at making the site acces- sible to areas of the city with higher health risk factors and limited access to quality green spaces and cultural institutions. This initiative aims to extend the reach of the site’s tranquil environment and health and wellness programs offered by the UMLAUF. The plan recommends incorporating inclusivity into the built environment by designing for different ages, genders, abilities, language barriers, and more. The UMLAUF has already im- plemented programs to enhance accessibility and inclusion, including Touch Tours that allow visitors to interact with sculp- tures, Family Day programs catering to all ages, and UMLAUF After Dark events offering museum visits after regular hours. Building upon these efforts, further community engagement needs to take place for the UMLAUF to become a resource for all Austinites, including historically underserved communities in the Eastern Crescent (neighborhoods and connecting areas in central East Austin, Colony Park, Del Valle, Dove Springs, Montopolis and Rundberg areas). The UMLAUF will take delib- erate action to continue to reach these populations and identi- fy what they need from the organization. Below are a series of recommended strategies aimed at ex- panding the audience of who can benefit from visiting the UM- LAUF. It is suggested to collaborate with existing community organizations to support and implement this vision. A compre- hensive operations plan becomes essential in the later stages of planning to guarantee that both existing and new spaces are use in an equitable manner. Accessibility 1. Fully ADA accessible museum and garden experience 2. Site edge treatments for maximum visibility and a more welcoming arrival Inclusion 3. Universal Design principles 4. Increase awareness of the current free Touch Tours 5. Multilingual educational signage 6. Children-friendly programs 7. Recognition of historical and site context as well representation of diverse cultures and artistic practices 8. Water filling stations & outdoor outlets 9. Outdoor resting stations (benches in shaded areas) Equity 10. Free admission opportunities 11. After-hours access opportunities 12. Busing/shuttle initiatives 13. After-school engagement programs 14. Historically underserved communities art education program 15. School art field trips “I found peace at UMLAUF when I visited. Going there helped me through a tough spot.” The UMLAUF currently houses the largest collection of touchable bronze sculptures in Texas. The Touch Tours offer unique opportunities for the visually impaired and other kinesthetic learners to formally engage with the subject matter and materials employed by Charles Umlauf. HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 157 UMLAUF HPEU PLANPlace City of Austin Various resources such as Klimaat, Climate Check, Colombia’s Natural Hazard’s Index, and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Building Environmental Justice (EJ) Tool, provide valuable insights into our local climate and inform strategies for designing for visual and thermal comfort. On the right, you’ll find some basic climate metrics, and at the bottom, the site is situated within the local climate for further analysis. Austin experiences mild variations of typical heat and air quality challenges, yet it still grapples with issues such as extreme heat, drought, and flooding, particularly exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. Within this urban landscape, the UMLAUF functions as a green sanctuary, tempering city temperatures through a micro-climate fostered by biodiversity and water features, providing much-needed relief. Designing comfortable environments not only eases strain on the body’s thermal regulation but also enhances visual comfort. Throughout the following pages, strategies will be presented to uphold occupant thermal and visual comfort and ensure good indoor and outdoor air quality. The Austin population grapples with air quality challenges, including those posed by COVID, allergies, and other harmful particles affecting human health. Air quality tends to spike during peak traffic times and settles down at night, presenting dynamic challenges that must be addressed. Wind Rose 0-3 Beautfort Scale (smoke rising to gentle breeze) 4-6 Beautfort Scale (mild wind to strong breeze) Weather Characteristics Weather Characteristics Percent Days Sunny Cloudy Overcast Precipitation 120 120 Rainfall + Temperature Rainfall (Avg Monthly) Temperature (Avg Low + High) 20.9% 59.7% W E 18.4% N S Drought Risk Weekly percentage of Austin-Travis Lakes Watershed Experiencing Drought, 2000-2022 Exceptionally Dry Abnormally Dry Austin Allergies Cat Dog Dust Mites Sunny Cloudy Overcast Precipitation Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 i R a n f a l l ( i n ) 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 Asthma 8% Percent of population Haphzardous Waste Proximity .74 facility count/km compared to US avg of 1.9 Particulate Matter 9.66 µg/m³ compared to US avg of 8.08 Ozone 62.7 ppb compared to 61.6 US average Mold Spores Grass Elm Ash Pecan Marsh Elder Pigweed Fall Elm Mountain Cedar Oak Ragweed Mountain Cedar Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Austin Air Quality Index M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 2 : 2 1 1 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 1 : 1 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 2 : 2 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 3 : 3 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 4 : 4 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 5 : 5 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 6 : 6 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 7 : 7 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 8 : 8 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 9 : 9 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 0 : 0 1 1 M M A A 0 0 0 0 : 1 : 1 1 1 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 2 : 2 1 1 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 1 : 1 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 2 : 2 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 3 : 3 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 4 : 4 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 5 : 5 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 6 : 6 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 7 : 7 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 8 : 8 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 9 : 9 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 0 : 0 1 1 M M P P 0 0 0 0 : 1 : 1 1 1 HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 158 100 100 ) F ( e r u t a r e p m e T 80 80 60 60 40 40 20 20 0 0 45 40 40 35 35 30 30 25 S U 20 Q A I 25 20 15 15 10 10 5 0 5 0 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% UMLAUF HPEU PLANPeople-centric Design All Gender, All Age, All Occupants Health, Accessibility, Inclusion The aim of the plan is to establish a space that is welcoming and physically accessible to people of all ages and transportation modes, inclusive of all genders, and promotes healthy practices for every visitor. This involves incorporating principles of Universal Design Guidelines and strategies from the WELL certification. Specific measures, such as installing additional water and bottle filling stations, cooling spray areas, bike racks, and electric vehicle (EV) parking spots, as well as including a lactation room, changing station, multi-lingual signage, and all-gender restrooms with showers, are essential for fostering a more inclusive and healthy environment on the site. Please see some of this recommendations on the map to the right. HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 159 UMLAUF HPEU PLANVisual and Thermal Comfort + Biophilia Architectural Design Strategies Designing and maintaining spaces that prioritize thermal and visual comfort is fundamental for enhancing the quality of life for their users. The plan suggests that additional studies on daylighting, energy efficiency, and related subjects is imperative to achieve a balanced integration of daylighting, glare control, thermal comfort, and biophilic design elements. Design strategies such as thoughtful orientation, window-to-wall ratios, window specifications, shading techniques, meticulous enclosure detailing, air barrier continuity + testing, natural ventilation systems, and iterative thermal and visual modeling can all contribute to optimizing design outcomes. Please find below some recommendations and explanations of these critical health metrics. Biophilic design Biophilic design principles can significantly contribute to stress reduction, enhance creativity and mental clarity, improve overall well-being, and facilitate healing processes. Incorporating elements that establish connections with nature, such as visual and auditory stimuli, dynamic and diffuse lighting, specific structural materials, and creating spaces of refuge and mystery, can all contribute to this effect. The plan suggests biophilic strategies such as optimizing natural views and incorporating materials reminiscent of the outdoors. Dappled lighting, natural auditory cues like the babbling brook, and the sensation of seclusion within a forested area creates thoughtful experiential moments. Visual comfort Visual Comfort plays a pivotal role in occupant satisfaction and performance. Natural light has been associated with improved mood, energy levels, physical health, productivity, and learning. Moreover, proper lighting conditions influence circadian rhythms, impacting sleep patterns and hormone releases. The primary recommendation is to iterate with the massing and orientation of the suggested structures and spaces, and analyze various dynamics of the space to achieve healthy conditions, which are attained when occupants are not subjected to glare or underlit conditions during hours of operation in key areas. Additionally, the art selection could require custom lighting considerations which will be evaluated in later stages of design. Thermal comfort Maintaining optimal thermal conditions is equally critical for occupant well-being. By ensuring a comfortable temperature range, discomfort, fatigue, and stress can be minimized while promoting physical and mental health. Additionally, creating sustainable and energy-efficient thermal environments is essential for overall building efficiency. The plan recommends to conduct mean radiant temperature, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), and operational temperature studies to assess thermal comfort at the UMLAUF to achieve the recommended envelope-to-floor ratio of 1.53. Mechanical controls and passive design strategies can significantly impact thermal comfort. Acoustic Comfort Considerations will be put into dampening street noise from the site occupants. The plan suggests the use of natural materials such as mass timber and wood finishes, as well as implementing experiential nature, such as maximizing the dappled light of trees, outdoor smells, and nature sounds through design. HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 160 UMLAUF HPEU PLANn o b r a c o r o u fl o r o h C l l e m a F d e t a n e g o a H l s t n a d r a t e R s o t s e b s A Filtration A MERV 16 or HEPA equivalent filter at fresh air intake Low Duct Leakage Perform Duct Leakage testing periodically during construction to ensure air tight ducts Red List Materials Red List chemicals and elements are known to pose serious human health risks Walk-off Mats + Vestibule Walk-off mats and vestibules prevent outdoor air and particles from contaminating indoor air quality Fresh Air Fresh air ensures that high levels of CO2 do not build up in the space and toxins get flushed out Building Air Tightness Perform Blow Door Testing periodically through construction to ensure the enclosure is air tight Low VOC Materials Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mix with air pollutants and UV light to make ozone, a human health toxin Green Cleaning Products Use non-toxic cleaning products. Use EPA Safer Choice label Indoor Air Quality Mechanical Systems and Material Strategies Ensuring optimal indoor air quality is crucial for occupant well-being. Poor air quality, including high CO2 levels, toxins, biological growth, and airborne diseases, can lead to Sick Building Syndrome. Emissions associated with PM 2.5, ozone, and toxins contain various compounds posing health risks, such as reduced lung function, cancer, and neurological damage. A proactive, multi-faceted approach is essential, as outlined in the provided strategies. The plan recommends the following strategies for enhancing indoor air quality: 1. Providing adequate ventilation, bathroom and kitchen exhaust systems, and code-compliant filtration for existing buildings. 2. Conducting blower door tests and improving to 3 air changes per hour (ACH) for existing buildings and 0.06 ACH for new buildings. 3. Implementing MERV 16 air filtration for new buildings on outdoor and recirculating indoor air, capable of trapping 99.97% of air particles sized 0.3 microns. And selecting materials with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), using Red List free materials, and opting for materials with Health Product Declarations (HPDs) to promote healthier indoor environments. 4. Using walk-off mats and vestibules, adopting green cleaning practices, and implementing Integrated Pest Management strategies, among other measures. 5. Monitoring indoor air quality in both new and existing buildings to engage the public and ensure indoor health standards are met. Dehumidification In a climate like Austin, dehumidification is paramount to comfort and moisture control Building Flush Out Do several days of a whole building ventilation before occupancy Air Quality Monitoring Post occupancy metrics show real- time data on air quality Integrated Pest Management Certain plants act as pest repellents HEALTH | SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 161 UMLAUF HPEU PLAN07.2 Energy SUSTAINABILITY + RESILIENCE | 162 UMLAUF HPEU PLAN