ARCH 201 Spring 2009 Gutierrez

Subterra - Submillimiter Array

The studio proposed a dwelling and educational/exhibit complex for ALMA (10,000 sf) developed in two phases. Design inquiries centered on BIO-RESPONSIVE NETWORKS (membrane-structure) as means of capitalizing scarce water resources, extreme low humidity conditions and strong winds. Students explored responsive membranes utilizing minimal surfaces as de-materialization strategy for the constitution of the entire center focusing on minimizing energy/matter use. FLEXIBLE MEMBRANES were also explored regarding their potential adaptation for the changing arrays created by the transitory orbits and bio-climatic shifts.