Russo Main Study 2013

RESIDENTIAL: Apartment Roof and Courtyard
Rooftop
Utility area
Courtyard
Location:
Architect:
Description:
Integrating Indoor Outdoor Spaces

by Sarah Russo
Table of Contents
About the Study.......................................................................................................................................................................3
Literature Review: How do natural elements benefit you?......................................................................................4
Residential
Apartment Roof and Courtyard..........................................................................................................................10
Castillo Serralles........................................................................................................................................................16
Restaurant
Clavel Urban Park International Walk Cuisine............................................................................................22
Museum
Parque de Bombas...................................................................................................................................................26
(Castillo Serralles).....................................................................................................................................................16
Church
Parroquia la Resurreccion del Senor...............................................................................................................30
Inn
Rainforest Inn...............................................................................................................................................................36
The Gallery Inn............................................................................................................................................
..........................42
Resort
El Convento..................................................................................................................................................................48
La Concha.....................................................................................................................................................................54
Abstract
Puerto Rico is a culturally diverse country located in tropical regions
only 1100 miles north of the equator, and these conditions make
it the ideal location for a large and varied array of interactions that
transition from indoors to outdoors. Oftentimes there are specific
spaces designed to house these activities in ways that benefit both their
need for indoor and outdoor features simply by bring the indoors and
outdoors together. These indoor/outdoor spaces will be investigated
in detail in a way which shows their site specific/typological benefits,
or in other words the reason that a blending of indoors and outdoors
was called for, their psychological benefits, or how the spaces positively
impact the mindsets of the people who use them, their community
enhancing and social benefits, their functional benefits to users, and
how their combination of indoor or outdoor elements might play into
any cost saving strategies. Additionally, any positive environmental
impacts will be noted. All of the information will be organized by site,
and each site by site typology. When the various benefits of similar
typologies are compared, many interesting new aspects of transitional
space design will hopefully be revealed.
conditioning. Sidewalks and pedestrian ways in businesses districts

often fail to provide the accommodations that make the strip inviting
and well suited to pedestrian use. With the first example of the
restaurant, the indoor features of dining would be benefited by the
outdoor atmosphere. In the second example, the outdoor feature of
the side walk would have benefited from indoor programming such
as seating and shelter. There are many different typologies of indoor/
outdoor spaces such as these but they have rarely been studied or
cataloged collectively in a way that studies and explains good examples
of indoor outdoor integration and connection.
Study Question: How are indoor and outdoor

features incorporated into a transitional indoor/
outdoor space, focusing on those in a primarily
outdoor setting, and what are their benefits
to both site users and to their surrounding
environment?
About the Study
Methods
Transitional spaces, or the areas between the indoors and outdoors,

come as a result of human settlement. They exist worldwide and in
most every non-migratory culture, however there is a wide variability
among different cultures on how these spaces are handled and even
if they are acknowledged at all. These areas have always been of
great interest to me because, regardless of how well acknowledged
they are, as their space is that which unites indoor areas made
specifically for human use to the outer environment, both manmade
and natural. This presents great opportunities for design that
capitalizes on the highlights of both indoor and outdoor spaces, using
their connectedness to both to draw from one another and also to
compensate for any shortcomings the other might have, creating
one highly successful and enjoyable integrated space. This allows for
tremendous potential for the successful and user friendly development
of these transitional spaces in ways that extent to benefit the areas
around them.
This study focuses on a sort of spacial evaluation that takes into account
the main components of indoor/outdoor space. These elements can
be sorted into the categories of typology, health, and envionment.
Typological elements are those that relate to a sites programming,
or what the intended use of the site is. An example would be a
park typology where the inteded uses may be recreation, play, and
excercise. Elements that effect heath relate to both its physiological and
psychological qualities. The physical health benefits of many activities
are rather well understood, so this research has focused mainly on those
that are psychological. A very strong emphasis is also placed on how
natural elements can be beneficial to ones mental well-being, as they
are one of the primary features of an outdoor space that interact with
a site that was meant to be an indoor space that has been brought
partially outside. A literature review is provided to help understand
what it is about these natural elements that have an effect on us, and
how they interact. Environmental benefits refer to what it is about
the site that contributes to the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
Negative environmental impacts have also been noted in certain cases.
Although these opportunities exist, there is a relatively small amount

of research and attention given to their existence or development.
These indoor outdoor spaces are often overlooked or not recognized
for their full amount of potential. Countless buildings have indoor
programming or features that would benefit from outdoor integration,
but even when the conditions are ideal, the transitional space is seldom
utilized. Restaurants in the most beautiful and tropical of climates,
instead of taking advantage of the weather, chose to serve their guests
exclusively indoors using only automated and often uncomfortable air
it came together, photographs proved more useful in conveying the

subtle influences of natural elements on the landscape, although all
forms of illustration were still used when necessary.
This analysis was completed after first visiting each site and spending a
signifigant time ovserving how their spaces are used and recieved. All
of the signifigant elements were studied and recorded, and they are
discussed in detail throughout the book.
When constructing this study, I originally inteded to rely more heavily
aupon plan view photos and diagrams involved in the analysis, but as
Residential - Apartmnt Roof & Courtyard 3
LITERATURE REVIEW`:
The Psychological Benefits of
Natural Elements
The natural world is something that has a long history of fascinating us;
it is both mysterious and strangely familiar. People go out of their way
to incorporate its elements into their lives, but at the same time they try
to control or avoid some of those elements. What is it that makes up the
natural world and what about it draws us to it? Although these questions
may seem somewhat philosophical, there has been in recent times a
great deal of research addressing this subject.
The first question to ask is what exactly defines nature. For the purpose
of this research, it has been defined as the elements of the world that
can exist without interference from a human. This is not to say that a
human cannot work with natural elements, but that in their most basic
elements, human interference is not necessary. In accordance with this
definition, the natural elements that I will be looking at are water, wildlife,
air, vegetation, and sunlight. The elements of wildlife, vegetation, and
sunlight are highly complex and not very well understood, so this paper
will address research that has been done to understand how they work
to benefit our psychological well-being.
The second question to ask is what drives the human love for nature.
Why do we seek it out and choose to incorporate it into our lives? Is its
significance to us cultural, or is it instinctive. This is the simple question
of nature versus nurture. Are we raised to appreciate natural elements,
or is the love for nature something that is in our genes? As you will see
from the research that has been done, our love for the natural world is
clearly biological, but the way in which we perceive the natural world is
at least somewhat tied to our upbringing or our past impressions and
experiences with it.
It is therefore useful to know what exactly it is about the natural world
that we inherently like and benefit from, and also how our cultural
impressions of nature affect our ability to perceive these attributes.
When going through research regarding the benefits of exposure to
natural settings, one of the most outstanding is in natures abilities to
relieve stress. Not only is stress a psychological ailment, but its effects
lead to a marked decrease in our physical health. The psychological
manifestations of stress are generally feelings of depression, anger, and
anxiety or tension. These feelings have been proven to lead to such
physical ailments such as increased blood pressure, tension, release of
stress hormones such as epinephrine, and suppressed immune function.
When these two factors are combined, damaging behavioral symptoms
of stress can also be seen. These include sleeplessness, verbal outbursts

or other hostility, alcohol or drug abuse, and reduced performance on
thinking tasks. (Ulrich).
Animals
A key element of the natural environment is animals. Whether domestic
or wild, they are both an expression of and are sustained by natural
processes. Since strong ties between the natural world and the human
condition have already been established, it is reasonable to assume that
the element of animal life must have its own unique and noteworthy
impact on our psyche. Although animals may seem like a fundamental
element of natural systems, they have historically been ignored,
generally, in research relating to the environment and human behavior.
There does exist, however, a series of interesting and thorough research
into human-animal psychological relationships. This research leads to
the conclusion that animals, depending on the individual, their species,
and the environment, can serve as both inducers of fear and of stressrelief through security and attachment.
Many of this research looks at the concept of mammalian attachment. This
is the bond between mammalian young and those that care for them. It
has been shown that in both human and nonhuman mammals, there are
reciprocal systems of care giving and security seeking between a parent
or parents and their young. In this attachment system, the infants cries,
calls, smiles, and later clinging and following elicit security-providing
care from an attachment gure, generally their mothers (Melson).
This attachment theory provides a basic explanation for many observed
human-animal relationship qualities. One of these relational aspects,
specifically the stress reducing effects of pet dogs, has been observed
through multiple studies. Friendly dogs were found to significantly
reduce stress in children, adults, and elderly. They have also been shown
to initiate social interaction. Although part of these results may be
attributed to a sense of security offered by dogs and companions, other
research has also found rabbits and other small mammals beneficial in
facilitating social interaction in people of all ages. This strongly suggests
that humans are able to use animals as a sort of attachment gure. The
safety and security offered by a companion dog reduces stress, as does
likely the urge to offer these things to smaller mammals, reducing tension
and bringing people together (Melson). Additionally, in instances where
animals are considered nonthreatening, they clearly offer significant
benefits to human mental well being.
All of the above research involves domesticated animals, so it is reasonable
to ask whether these beneficial principles apply to wildlife. Even though
many people live their lives fairly isolated from them, there remains a
strong basic desire to be near wild animals.
One explanation for this is the biophilia hypothesis which suggests an
innate evolutionary affection of human beings towards other living
organisms in order to encourage our survival. Another is the attention

restoration theory that claims that we have direct attention based on
concentration and work, and that it is limited and depletes the longer
we use it. Indirect attention, on the other hand, holds our attention
through fascination and restores us to the point where we can return the
object of our direct attention. It has been shown that natural elements
are generally found to be forms of indirect attention, and that simply
viewing them can be enough to allow our minds to return to a state of
directed attention. With regards to holding our indirect attention, wildlife
generally fascinates us more than other natural elements because it has
the capacity for us to reflect different representations and characteristics
of ourselves and our societies onto them.
While these theories explain our fascination with wildlife, the way in which
our interactions with affect us them have also been well researched and
are equally as complex. The main feelings that are instilled by interactions
with wildlife have been described as a sense of wonderment, the
experience of flow, or the changing concept of time and contemplation,
and also several spiritual, emotional, and physical benefits (Curtin).
Wonderment is a state of mind where thought is aroused by a sense of
magnificence of the object of their attention. It involves the emotional
response of awe and wonder over the objects beauty along with a
cognitive wonder over its natural design. Also, its expression is tied
with the acknowledgement of ones connection to nature and the
contemplation of that existence.
When participants in a study were asked to describe these feelings, they
often became tongue-tied, unable to sufficiently express their emotions.
This has always limited the study of this subject, but in itself points to
a quality of interaction that exists outside of scientific measurement or
verbal expression. When participants were able to word their thoughts,
the words thrilling, exciting and amazing very frequently used (Curtin).
The best explanations for these feelings suggest that they involve a sesnse
of self intuition and union with the natural world, or some attribute it to
a peak experience where moments of highest happiness and fulfillment
in which an individual might feel disorientation in space and time, ego
transcendence, and self forgetfulness and a perception that the world is
good, beautiful, and desirable. (Curtin)
This leads to a sense of flow, or a state where the awareness of self,
particularly the ego, falls away and thoughts and skills can run freely and
creatively. These are the best moments of our lives (Csikszentmihalyi,
1990, p. 3) bestowing great satisfaction. In this reprieve from everyday
reality dwells a still, calm and focussed existence bound in the present.
Concentrating on the wildlife and using carefully developed skills to
track, spot and identify fit this theory of flow: We were just focussed on
the wildlife. Nothing else (Curtin).
This sort of sensual awakening can lead to a deeper understanding of
ones self and also a profound sense of restoration. It also is the beginning
of how one can understand the feelings of spiritual connection that one
often gets when they unexpectedly happen upon wildlife.
Figure demonstrating the experience of Flow. (Ulich)
Vegetation
One of the most immediately noticeable and perhaps even one
of the first things that come to mind when asked to picture a natural
area is vegetation. It is strongly tied into perceptions of the natural
world, and in itself has profound effects on human behavior. One of
the most interesting of these effects are its positive influences on our
psychological well-being in how they advocate restoration from stress,
therefore benefiting our health as well.
These positive effects have been observed throughout history, being used
through providing gardening opportunities in health care institutions
as far back as at least twelfth century Europe. In the provision of parks,
gardens, and other incorporations of nature into cities, these beliefs have
been observable throughout Europe, Asia, and the America for centuries.
Conversely, scientific studies justifying these century old beliefs have only
recently begun to be performed, although several theories have been
presented. Also until recently, these theories involved a strong emphasis
on cultural and other learning-based explanations for our relationship
with vegetation, for example cultural conditioning. Others theorized
that the highly complex and sensually overwhelming landscape of a city
as opposed that of a natural area might overexcite and stress or fatigue us.
Although these two theories were once widely held, they have become
somewhat less prominent in comparison to evolutionary or species wide
theories.
These theories argue that human attraction to nature and vegetation
relates to our original development in mostly natural settings, and that
we are genetically predispositioned to prefer these spaces. This would
be especially true for vegetation and other natural elements that can be
found favorable to our basic survival needs. It has in fact been observed
in studies by Heerwagen (1980) and Orians (1993) that a broad range
of cultural groups all show a similar positive reaction to very specific
vegetational structures and shapes. This is likely because certain types
of vegetation signal the potential for access to life sustaining elements
such as water, food (which may relate to our attraction to flower blooms,
for example), and security (Ulrich).
No matter the explanation however, a large amount of data supports
the visually experiencing plant material does often have restorative
and other highly beneficial psychological and physiological impact
on the human body. The majority of these benefits are related to the
stress-reducing properties of vegetation. Towards the beginning of this
research, vegetations stress-reducing capacity was rated solely on a basis
of asking university students to rate their stress levels prior to a course
exam. The results of this study suggested that slides mainted urban
settinings lacking vegetation were far less effective at holding attention,
facilitating psychological restoration through a decrease in feelings of
fear and anger and an increase in positive feelings (Ulrich).
and sadness, physical improvement such as reduction of deleterious

sympathetic nervous system mobilization, and frequently increases in
sustained attention and interest towards the vegetation that may reduce
concern or suppress stress-related thoughts (Ulrich).
Other more recent studies have shown that vegetation also has a positive
effect on stress recovery. One study, for example, exposed 120 people
to a stress-inducing movie and then assigned them a random recovery
period where they were to view recordings of urban environments either
containing or lacking vegetation. With this study, not only were selfratings of feelings used, but also physiological indicators such as skin
conductance, muscle tension, pulse transit time, and heart rate. The
results clearly indicated that stress recovery happened at a much faster
rate when vegetation was present. Results could be seen in less than five
minutes time (Ulrich).
Sunshine
Additionally, another study was conducted in 1993 measuring only

physiological indicators including blood pressure and heart rate, and the
same findings were observed. They also observed that along with the
great potential benefit to stressed individuals from viewing vegetation,
the vegetation offers additional benefits to non-stressed users. It has the
potential to enhance anyones the state of well-being over an extended
period of time. This research also was shown to hold true for patients in
healthcare facilities. The results not only also agreed with the previous
research, but also suggested that due to lowered blood pressure and
reduced stress, long term exposure to vegetated scenery may significantly
benefit a patients overall health (Ulrich).
This finding that indicated long-term psychological and physiological
health and behavior benefits were further tested in studies exposing
inmates and hospital patients to views with or without vegetation over
time. It was shown that inmates who had cells with natural views were
significantly less likely to report that they were sick, and hospital patients
with bedside views of vegetation recovering from a surgery tended to
have fewer postsurgical complications like persistent headache and
nausea and also required less injections of pain killing narcotics (Ulrich).
Further research on this subject has looked at the effects of natural
views on heart surgery patients. Through exposing patients to a series
of photographs, it was found again that exposure to views of vegetation
reduced the need for pain killers and also that it lessened feelings of
postoperative anxiety (Ulrich).
Although there are a limited number of scientific studies in this area
of interest, they overwhelmingly point to the same conclusions that
exposure to vegetation can reduce stress, and in certain situations may
that may lead to an increase in physical health. Not only can these effects
be seen in as little as five minutes, but they appear to be magnified over
extended periods of time. These effects can be seen in increased positive
feelings, declined negative or stress related feelings like fear, anger,
Sunshine is one of the most universal of natural elements. Its effects

have been widely studied through many fields of science, and it is widely
known to be one of the most fundamental driving factors of life on earth.
It is also widely known that too much sunlight can be a bad thing. We
are taught to avoid overexposure in order to prevent its harmful effects
on our skin such as damage to its appearance and the encouragement
of cancer, but we are also told that it allows the absorption of vitamin D,
something that when we are deficient can lead to feelings of depression.
Seeing as sunlight is so important to the sustenance of life, it would be
logical to think that exposure might offer us some additional benefits that
might outweigh the risks of moderate exposure. There is, in fact, some
newer research to support this theory. It has been found that unfiltered
exposure to sunlight can actually deter several illnesses, so the extent
that researchers claim that it could add seven years to your life.
The justification for this is that vitamin D receptors have been found in
almost all of the different tissues throughout the human body. This has
led many to look into the exact effects of maintain sufficient levels of the
vitamin, and what they found is that it stimulates the secretion of insulin,
modulates the immune system, and helps to regulate the function of
many cell types. It moderates how they grow, mature, spread, and die.
It is so important that in fact some scientists argue that every cell in the
human body has some need for vitamin D (Ackerman).
To test these potential health benefits, a group of 140 Caucasian men
and women had their vitamin D levels measured, and it was found that
those with the highest amounts in their bodies were 62% less likely
to have multiple sclerosis than those with the lowest vitamin D levels.
This is likely attributed to the vitamins ability to suppress autoimmune
reactions. Also, people living in higher latitudes with less sunlight in the
winter, and with those with very dark skin pigmentation that affects their
vitamin D absorption rate have been found to have might higher rates of
hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
In 2006, a study of 140 white men and women revealed that those with
the highest levels of vitamin D were 62 percent less likely to suffer from
MS than those with the lowest levels. A study of twins found that those
who spent more time in the sun than their sibling from ages 6 to 15
were 40 percent less likely to get the disease later. One study solved this
problem in patients by exposing them to weeks of UV light treatment.
Surprisingly, adequate sun exposure can also reduce a persons risk of
cancer throughout their body. People living in sunnier areas have a
significantly lower incidence of cancer than those who dont, although
the rate of specifically skin cancer is still higher. This phenomenon
has been replicated in laboratory experiments where D deficient mice

with tumors had them develop to be 80% larger than those who were
sufficient (Ackerman).
There is clearly a direct relationship between sun exposure and physical
health. It is reasonable to think that if one feels healthy physically, they will
also feel happier, but sunlight has a more significant effect on a persons
psychological health than that. When comparing the behavior of people
on sunny days to those on cloudy days, many interesting phenomena
have been observed.
For one, people were found to be far more willing to help people on a
sunny day, taking surveys from people with clipboards and tipping more
generously at restaurants. Even the idea of a sunny day is enough to
elicit this response, as people in a dark Atlantic city hotel room repeated
gave a higher tip to their bellhop if he first told the that it was sunny
outside (Dixit).
Sunlights mood enhancing effect isnt always recognized, but instead
is often attributed to other outside forces. A good example of this can
be seen in its effects on the stock market. Since investors feel happier
on sunny days, they often attribute that happiness to a stocks prospects
and are more likely to invest. This has been called a halo effect (Dixit).
The opposite of this effect is also true; people feel more depressed on
cloudy days. In order to enhance their moods, they seek other mood
enhancing stimulus. More lottery tickets are sold on cloudy days, for
example. This, however, isnt the direct result of a bad mood, but of
the depleted self control that such a mood can induce. Other mood
enhancing behaviors that increase on cloudy days include a heightened
level of consumption of alcohol, coffe, tobacco, and chocolate.
An odd effect of sunlight is its influence on our perceptions of people. A
study done on college admissions at the University of California noticed
that highly academic students are more likely to be admitted on cloudy
days, while more socially talented people were admitted on sunny days.
This is attributed to the association of a cloudy day to staying in and
studying (Dixit).
dependant on water, we are naturally attracted to it. It requires inderect

attention to be viewed and therefore has a high restorative and stressreducing value. Also, people are also naturally drawn to objects that
are both moving and reflective, to qualities which are extremely visable
in water. All of this leads to a very strong attraction of people to this
element.
Even though water is very visually appealing, it is not the only thing that
draws people to it. There is also many tactile qualities which people find
enjoyable, relaxing, and even fun. For these reasons, water has extrelely
high value in the landscape and offers many benefits to those who
interact with it.
Air
Air is an extremely imprtant natural element as it does not only have
many positive qualities in itself, but also helps connect other elements
with those who interact with them. It takes their qualites such as scent
for example, something that is most closely connected to our memory,
and brings them directly to us. It cause cooling interactions with water,
also taking an element that may be far away and causing a direct
physical interaction. It creates the movement in the surcaces of that
water and in vegetation that we find so naturally fascination, and alters
the temperature of a space through breezes which in themselves can be
found to be restorative and desirable. For all of these reasons, airflow and
quality sould be considered as one of the key elements that determine
the success and potential benefit of any designed space.
References
Ackerman, Jennifer. The Great Sunshine Standoff. Psychology Today.
Sussex Publishers, 1 Nov. 2007. Web.
Curtin, Susanna(2009)Wildlife tourism: the intangible, psychological
benefits of human-wildlife encounters, Current Issues in
Tourism,12:5,451 474
Dixit, Jay. Soak up the Sun. Psychology Today. Sussex Publishers, 1 Jan.
2009. Web.
Melson, Gail F. Psychology and the Study of Human-Animal
Relationships. Animalsplatform.org. Animals & Society
Institute, n.d. Web.
Ulrich, Roger S., Ph.D. Effects of Vegetation Views On Stress And Health
Indicators. PAWA - Plants at
Work Association. College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, n.d.
Web.
Van Den Berg, Agnes E., Sander L. Koole, and Nickie Y. Van Der Wulp.
Environmental Preference And restoration: (How
Are They Related? Journal of Environmental Psychology
23 (2003) 135146. B Free University, Amsterdam, The
Netherlands, 18 Dec. 2000. Web.
Clearly, natural elements have an extraordinarily positive effect on a

persons psychological well being, and clearly a great deal of research has
been done to explain why exactly that is. It is only when we take the time
to understand this reasoning that we can successfully integrate natural
elements into the design of the spaces we surround ourselves with and
perhaps people to make a difference in a persons or peoples quality of
life.
Water
Water is a natural element that is highly attractive to people for multiple
reasons. First is the idea of natural fascination. As we are a species heavily
Library of Sites
RESIDENTIAL: Apartment Roof and Courtyard
Base Map
Rooftop
The rooftop area is a very spacious and clearly defined as a
distinct space. It shapes into its own outdoor room. that
extends from the utility area below. As of now there isnt
very much programming within, but its design offers a lot of
potential. The only notable feature present is a raised platform
near the center with a storage shed on top.
1. Courtyard
4.
This narrow space connects the rooftop to the couryard but

is separated from both by a staircase on one end and a metal
gateway on the other. It is for the most part not visable from
inside the appartment except for through a handful of kitchen
windows. This, combined with its sheltered location and partial
overhang from the staircase make it an excellent location for
storing utilities such as gas tanks and other items that would
otherwise be kept in a shed or garage.
3.
2. Rooftop
3. Planting Bed
Utility area
4. Storage Area
1.
2.
Courtyard
Location:
Calle Cristina, Ponce, PR
As the space that connectly direcs to the houses main living aea,
it serves as an extention of the indoor living space.
Description:
Calle Cristina is a historic street set into the heart of downtown Ponce, Puerto Rico. Space is very limited and
most buildings, including this apartment, are set tightly side by side. Since space is such a constraint in this
area, availability of outdoor space and the comfortability of living come into question.
This particular apartment solves both of these spacial issues by using indoor/outdoor spaces to make it more
than livable and actually quite enjoyable.
The spaces used include a beautifully landscaped courtyard as well as a rooftop area the size of the entire
apartment. Not only do these spaces offer many benefits for the apartments inhabitants, but they also open
up possibilities for a great many other highly beneficial uses.
Typological Functions
The extreme exposure to the elements makes the whole rooftop area feel
like the apartments back yard, but its structure is also remeniscent of a
living room, making the space suitible to be an interesting combination
of both if only appropriate shelter from the elements were to be provided.
As of now it is good for outdoor activities that require a large area of
space such as sports, sunbathing, and large scale gatherings. The latter
is especially fitting to the space at night when the area has cooled down
and guests can enjoy an expansive, uninterrupted view of the night sky
and when sitting on top of the platform, of the city lights as well.
Container vegetable cultivation.

interactions.
In addition to being an eating area, its proximity to the kitchen makes it
ideal for food production. A planted seating wall and several movable
pots offer a great deal of area for cultivating food.
As you leave the courtyeard, you enter into a narrow corridor that both
serves both as a storage and work area and also offers some transition
from the courtyard to the roof.
If you continue through the corridor and on to the staircase at its rear,
you will be drawn up a narrow, half hidden path to the roof. Its slightly
mysterious, timeless feel invites you to go forward, and for good reason.
Once you get to the top and look around, you will realize that you have
been suddenly pushed into an entirely new and intensely sensory
environment.
platform. The only way to accesss this platform is by going up an old

wooden set of movable stairs, and atop it sits a small miniature shed.
When you first enter the space, you walk into a typical courtyard. It is
directly visable from and attached to the interior dining room and living
area, and it therefore is highly suitible to serve these functions outdoors.
The roof is expansive, completely white, and often glowing with the
intensity of the tropical sun. During the late afternoon, the brightness and
heat are so opressive that youll likely feel the urge to go back downstairs,
but the view is still intensely fascinating, causing you to surpress the urge
long enough to at least have a look around.
Although the walls on the roof, for safety reasons, are too tall to allow any
view out into the city, you can look over several rooftops if you sit atop
this platform. It truly creates a separate, defined space amongst the vast
emptiness of the roof.
The courtyards smaller scale and high walls offer a sense of enclosure
and safety that make it well suited for more intimate, smaller sized social
Apon doing so, you will notice that the roof is entirely barren of anything
at all minus a few odd grade changes on the ground plane and one raised
Courtyard.
This outdoor area is primarilly an extention of the apartments interior

living space, but each region can be used for different purposes due to its
unique spacial composition.
Staircase down from the roof.
Raised platform and shed atop roof.
Exposure and Vegetation:

Both the rooftop and courtyard hold the potential to benefit from the
integration of plant materials. As of now, this potential is more utilized in
the couryard and lower areas than up on the roof where there is virtually
no vegetation except a few advantageous saplings.
The courtyard below, however, has a wide array of interesting plant
materials that soften the feeling of enclosure by covering the walls. One
thorned vine even provides some security by separating the coutyard
from neighboring roofs.
The enclosure of the lower area can also offer some shade from the sun
and shelter from tropical storms, while the openness of the roof definitely
allows much more integration with the natural elements.
Courtyard garden and seating wall.
Anole lizard helps to control the cockroach population.
Negative Value
Bougenvelia vine covering wall of courtyard and vacant building above.
Overhead view of courtyard shows the scale of enclosure and level of

vegetation.
Health Benefits (Physical and Psycological)
Ecological Value
This site has a very positive health value for an urban residence. It offers
the opportunity for various physical activities to take place alongside
more relaxion based passtimes without having either interfere with
eachother. For example, while some family members might be playing
on the roof, others may be sitting quietly in the courtyard below.
Vegeation and Wildlife
Barren rooftop.
The vegetation within this site isnt extremely diverse, but it is

well adapted to the hot, dry conditions of Ponce and therefore
needs very little care.
The only organisms that have been observed within these
plantings are snails, ants, cockroaches, and many small anoles
which active prey apon the insect life.
Because of the low diversity of plantings in the area, little

wildlife can be seen. Another reason for this, however, is in
the use of residual pestacides used to combat the problem of
cockroaches that come from the surrounding vacant buildings.
Although the treatment is highly effective, it is applied
thouroughly over the entire site, along the walls of the houses,
on the ground, and in the planting beds, killing most all insect
life in the area and therefore removing one of the most basic
foodsources needed to promote a healthy ecosystem.
Courtyard Plantings.
The effects of the insecticide are likely be related to what can

be seen after a rainstorm when the ground floods. Honeybeys
land to drink water and then fly away. Shortly after, their
bodies can be seen accumulating in a signifigant numbers
throughout the yard as they fall from the nearby flowers.
Although this area definitely attracts some wildlife, it is in no
way beneficial to the overal ecosystem. It should be noted,
though, that the large unplanted areas such as the rooftop
hold much potential.
RESIDENTIAL: Castillo Serralles

Balcony and Courtyard
The courtyard is the only transitional space enclosed within the
house, and it takes advantage of natural elements to make it
comfortable and livable. On top of its walls rests an expansive
balcony that provides an excellent view of the munipality of
Ponce.
Museum
This small museum is located at the base of la Cruceta del Viga, a
prominent cross shaped watchtower on the property. It features
LaTienda la Mora, a replication of an old time convenience store
filled with historic but everyday items such as Flappers dresses,
coca cola bottles, and other objects that would have once been
found in a Ponce convenience store. There is a man behind its
front counter who is willing to explain the stores contents to you
as well provide as any other historical infomation in which
Location:
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Architect:
Pedro Adolfo de Castro Besosa
Japanese Garden
The Castlillo has a small Japanese garden on its grounds. This
garden integrates carefully trained plantings with sculptural and
structural elements, creating many livable outdoor spaces.
Description: Castillo Serralles was once home the Serralles family, the wealthy owners of a sugar company,
but after a charitable donation it has now been converted into a museum belonging to the municipality of
Ponce. Its location in the beginnings of the islands central mountain system gives the site a constant breeze
and amazing views out over Ponce. This makes outdoor living highly desirable throughout the castle, and it
indeed has become a main focus throughout.
The castle was built during the 1930s in the Spanish Revilal style. It currently holds many small hisorical exhibits
along with La Hacienda Mercidita, an ongoing exhibit dedicated to portraying the home as it was while once
occupied by the Serralles family.
There isnt much information available about the floor plan or interior of the Castillo Serralles as its owners
requie a fee for for photography and other information and only allow admitance to the site through tour
groups.
The Castillo Serralles.

Residential - Castillo Serralles 17
The formal entries from the interior couryard into the rest of the house
have no windows or doors, allowing uninterrupted airflow from the
outdoors.
Typological Function
The Castillo demonstrates functionalites of both a private residence and
a public museum.
Above: Diagram of natural air air conditioning effect in a coutyard. Warm

air passes over water in fountain, causing a natural cooling effect as it
evaporates. The cooled air spreads along the ground into the open doors
of the surrounding building. This pushes warm air out of the top of the
building and also draws in more warm are fromt he courtyard roof to be
cooled.
Upper Left: Cruceta del Viga
Upper Right: The lack of any wall surrounding the Crucetas upper deck
allows for the maximum utilization of the cooling effects of fast moving
high elevation air.
One example where this can be seen is in the buidlings
interior courtyard. It utilizes the outdoors for both lighting and climate
control within the house.
Convenience store themed museum atop La Cruceta del Viga.

To enhance the focus of these spaces on their natural features, careful
additions have been made to the landscape such as labels that list the
scientific and common names of certain plants, putting them on display.
They are also specifically located throughout these gardens in ways that
make them focal points in the landscape.
Natural elements are incorporated with built structures to create views.
This same cooling principle can be seen in the museum beneath

the Cruceta del Viga, altough only a simple crossbreeze is needed.
Nevertheless it should be noted that when you have a space that is
elevated up above mosto fits surroundings, there is likely to be a fairly
consistant breeze that can be utilized throught the integration of outdoor
space as this same form of free air
conditioning.
Central Fountain
is created. These rooms, depending on the size and design, are used for
many different sized gatherings with varrying levels of formality, making
the area surrounding the castle a highly social space.
There are also many social gathering spaces throughout the grounds
adjoining the castle. The dramatic slopes have been paved into many
smooth terraces. As each terrace becomes lower, a new outdoor room
It achieves this by transitioning into the other areas of the house through
open archways allowing cool air to pass through. The air is cooled
naturally as the courtyards central fountain and the outdoor air from
above. When the warm air is drawn in from outside, it must first pass
over the spray from the fountain. This cools it significantly, creating both
a breeze and a form of natural air conditioning.
Throughout the grounds, the designer played with many more

integrations that focus on bringing in natural elements such as water,
vegetation, and wildlife. These can be seen very well in the Japanese
and butterfly gardens which are meant for passive recreation with those
elements being their focus.
Large markers label specimin plantings.
Outdoor Integration
Terraces separate different outdoor rooms.
The benefits from natural elements are very strongly visable in the
Japanese and butterfly gardens.
The pergola in the Japanese garden offeres an excellent example of
how natural elements can be woven in to the frame of a built structure.
While the roof is intact to provide shading and shelter for those within,
the abscense of walls allows for the transfer of sunlight and air. Also,
vegetation and water are placed as a way to frame the space in place of
built walls, adding visual interest and other restorative properties while,
like the other sites in the Castillo, providing a natural cooling effect.
Residential - Castillo Serralles19
A flamboyat tree is artistically incorporated into an outdoor patio structure.
Asparagus fern used as sculpural element in in the form of bonsia.
Animals
untrimmed vegetation throughout the grounds also promotes the

presence of wildlife. The precence of this variety of animals adds the
potential for one to experience sense of fascination and wonderment
often felt when one comes into contact with an animal unexpectedly.
An effort has been made to breed several butterflies for a butterfly

garden. There is also a great deal of care given to the upkeep of koi and
other large fish within the surrounding water. The provision of bushy,
Vegetation and Art
Orchids are attached to trees in order to provede vegetation at eye level.
Vegetation is tastefully incorporated throughout the site. In some cases,

it is integrated with elaborate sculptural elements, while in others,
especially in the Japanese and formal gardens, it in itself is meant to
be seen as art. The calming sense of fascination that often comes with
viewing vegetation is also allowed for as much plant life is allowed to
grow in large groupins and in its natural, unmanaged form.
Unmanaged vegetation surrounding the property.
Butterfly breeding area.
Ecological Value
Vegetation and Habitat
Although many of the castle gardens are formal, there is also much
minimaly managed area throughout the site home to many native and
naturalized plantings and the organisms that enhabit them. Even in
some of the formal gardens, the Japanese for example, the is a strong
emphasis on diversity and less on hedging practiices that reduce the
quality of habitat.
Above: Water feature in Butterfly Garden .Below: Outdoor water feature.
Animal Species
Throughout the propery, many species of insects includig butterflies
and moths, birds, lizards, amphibians, fish, and some stray dogs could be
seen during over a several hour period.
The fish, amphibians, and some of the butterflies were placed there and
cared for intentiaonally by castle staff.
Monarch butterfly in butterfly garden.
Views to Ponce are framed by colorful Delonix regia trees.
Planted bromiliads add color and interest to areas above ground level.
Between thes large amount of wild area and the care taken by staff, there
is fairly high level of diversity on site making fairly diverse habitat options.
The only downfall of this layout may be the potential for invasive plant
and animal species to dominate the unmanaged areas of land.
Wild catarpillar living in some brush.
Residential - Castillo Serralles 21
Dining: Clavel Urban Park International Walk Cuisine
Base Map
Dining Area
The parks main dining area stands completely seperate from
any built structure, and yet its own form could almost be
defined as a complete buiding, if only it were enclosed within
walls. But it is not. Air and sunlight flow freely between the
colums that take their place supporting the canopy overhead,
and a seating wall accesible both from both inside and out of
the space take there place in holding the structures form.
1. Dining Area
2. Pergola
3. Concessions
Pergola SeatThe pergola works its way geometrically throughout

the park, but also serves to frame one edge of the
restaurant space. Within its structure are seating
spaces of alternating sizes. One is large enough for
a sizable group of people, and the other is just wide
eough for only a few.
1.
2.
3.
Freestanding Restaurant and Concessions

Location:
Parque Urbano Dora Coln Clavell - Ponce, Puerto Rico
Operated By:
Autonomous Municipality of Ponce, Clavell International Walk Cuisine
Description:
The Clavell International Walk Cuisine is an outdoor eating area inside Parque Urbano
Dora Coln Clavell, or Dora Colon Clavell Urban Park. Located near the center of
downtown Ponce, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience where all the comforts of a traditional
restaurant are provided except in an outdoor setting. This outdoor integration is perhaps one of the most
striking features of the restaurant as it seamelsy blends with its surroundings, a beautifully landscaped park.
Some indoor areas make such an elaborate outdoor dining area possible; there is a large kitchen and parking
area underground.
The concessions allow people who dont want to have as

much of a formal dining experience but still want to enjoy the
restaurant. Instead of being seated and waited apon, they can
simply order their food quickly and eat at one of the many
movable tables or pergola seating spaces.
23.9
Not only does this restaurant provide all the usual comforts, but its unique design allows for many
other inventive ways to improve your dining experience. Not only can you eat in the shaded dining area, but
several stands along its lenght sell food as well, each one coming from a specific country or being of a specific
type. You can also chose to eat at or use the bar along the front of many of these stands, and if neither of those
options work for you, there are many indents along the massive pergola lining the dining area parallel to the
food stands. These somewhat sheltered spaces alow for different sizes of private gathering, whether it be just
one or two people or a very large group. These seating areas are open to the public and sport movable tables
that open them up to far more uses than just dining.
Dining - Clavel Urban Park International Walk Cuisine 23
Although there are no art installations in the park, the landscaping and
structures have all been arranged into a detailed formal garden that in
itself is a work of art.
With a strong geomeric layout, a pergola that works its way throughout
the gardens forming elaborate patterns remeniscent of a French formal
garden style. The plant selection has been chosen in t he same fashion,its
primary function being to maintain the rythym and aestetics of the park.
This site offers almsot all the normal benefits of a park setting. It is an
area for both play and restoration, and is perhaps one of the largest park
spaces in walking distance of downtown Ponce.
Unfortunately, a high level of paving and maintained plantings doesnt
provide for many soft surfaces to sit on. Also, it limits the variety of the
plant material and therefore greatly reduces their naturally fascinating
qualities.
Main restaurant space.
Pergola seating continues into the park.
The traditional dining area contains light-weight outdoor furniture that

is carefully designed just as typical restaurant seating often is. More
informal bar seating can be seen in the background.
The Paruqe Urbana has two major functions, as it combines that of a

restaurant with the function of a park. This is unique because it adds
an interesting social aspect to the typical restaurant. Instead of heading
to this space only for a meal, it is somewhere you go to for its value as a
gathering place alone. It is a gathering place for groups of all sizes that
has been set into a restorative natural setting.
Pergola and formal landscaping extend throughout the park area.
Health Benefits(physical & psycological)
As a place for play, the channeled walkways and highly structured hedging
limits a childs ability to interact with their environment, although it is
still heavily used. Also as a place for relaxation, the style of the garden
slightly limits its restorative potential. This park is a place to be enjoyed
for a short while, but is not ideal for spending extensive amounts of time.
Ecological Value
Art and Vegetation

Although this area is a park, its ecological value is very limited. The
plantings are highly maintained and solely ornamental. Still, some birds
and insects can be seen feeding on the flowers, most notably several
hummingbirds. Eve so, I was unable to observe any other animals. during
the time I spent in the space.
The designers of this restaurant strongly emphasised this by incorporating

gathering areas for many different sized groups, some of them with
movable tables and seating.
A great deal of thought was also put into the dining experiences offered.
They varry in level of formality to meet the needs of many different
customers. For those who want a quick meal or a drink as they walk
through the park, there are several international food stands wherethey
can stop and order what they want, sit down on the seating in front of
the stands or one the many benches throughout the park, and then go
on their way. For those are looking for their meal to be more traditional
and formal, a semi-enclosed dining space is also provided where one
can be waited upon by employees and then seated to enjoy their meal
alongside other patrons.
The parks landscaping is highly structured and repetative but still used.
Also, several bees could be seen falling dead around the benches and a
general lack of flying insecsts suggesting that the population that should
be frequenting the park may have come in contact somewhere with
pesticides.
It still should be noted that the provision of underground parking has
provided signifigant environmental benefit by replacing what would
have otherwise been a large expance of unpermiable surface with park
plantings which are far better at keeping stormwater on site.
Areas like these can house large groups and feature movable furnature.
The vegetation is highly maintained and not very diverse but is still
enjoyed by park visitors like the children playing in the background.
Dining - Clavel Urban Park International Walk Cuisine 25
Museum: Parque de Bombas

Main Level
There area connects directly to the sidewalk outside and
contains both permanent exhibits and information about the
firehalls history as well as temporary art exhibits. Pamphlets
of historical and tourism information are displayed for the
public to take for no charge, and staff are present to answer
any questions that they may have.
Upstairs Left
On this level, a temporary architectural exhibit is
displayed. Currently, the exhibit shows drawings and
information about the 19th century fortifications of
San Juan.
Upstairs Right
Location:
Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Architect: Architect Lt. Col. Maximo Meana
On this level, displays of items preserved from the firehall

are scattered throughout the area along with photographs
of prominent figures in its history. All of the items and
photogaphs are clearly labeled and cleanly displayed.
Description:
What was once a firehouse has now become one of the most highly visited museums in
downtown Ponce. This is true for several reasons, including its unusual, bright coloration, location in the citys
center, and unique constant opening to the outdoors. In fact, this museum has no front doors. Visitors are
welcome to look inside all day and night, although a single chain does keep them from entering when the
building is closed.
It may seem unusual that a firehall would be so well suited as a museum, but the building wasnt originally
constructed to be a fire hall. It was built in 1882 to be the main exhibit pavilion for the Exhibition Trade Fair. It
did not become Ponces official firehouse until 1885. The building was designed in a Gothic style with Moorish
influences.
Although it is small, Parque de Bombas is one of the first things that come to mind when mentioning Ponce
to many tourists, and indeed is the image most frequently associated with the municipality. Even the shortest
visit to the site will confirm this, as there is always a constant stream of tourists visiting and photographing its
colorful walls.
Museum Displays.
Museum - Parque de Bombas 27
Upper right-hand balcony displays items once used in

the firehall.
Natural light and fresh air easily penetrates the entire museum.
Entrance to the Parque de Bombas. Note the lack of doors.
Education and Tourism
The main function of the Parque de Bombas is to provide residents and
tourists a chance to learn about the firehalls as well as Ponces history.
There is no charge for entrenence, as the building has been designed
to provide free education, however for the small fee of two dollars at
the front dest, one can purchase tickets for a historical trolly tour that
goes throughout the city. In addition to being financially accesible, the
museum is also designed to be simple to find and navigate and is both
eyecatching and inviting as well, leading to its success as one of the most
known areas of Ponce.
The firehall is directly tied into the streetscape.
These displays are almost exclusively pieces from the firehalls past, but
some local art and temporary displays are often included. On the left
upper level, a temporary display of archtiectural drawings can be viewed.
On the floor below, sculptures done by local artists can also be seen at
times.
Local artwork of a lion, a symbol of Ponce.
Historical figures are displayed prominantly througout

the museum.
The museums exposure to the outdoors introduces high leveles of sunlight

and fresh air. This, as shown in the beginning of the book, is strongly tied
to the psyocological benefits of decreased stress and increased ability for
concentration, something tha is extremely appropriate for encouraging
education as a recreational activity
Besides these factors, there arent any other natural elements that can
be said to be notably integrated. There are also no readily apperent
ecological benefits of the site.
It is outdoor integraion that helps to make alll these features so

successfull. The museum is located in the center of downtown Ponce,
right in the middle of its Plaza, or town square. This is a place that is
already frequented by tourists and locals alike in high volumes at all
times of day and every day of the week. The museum didnt rely on its
location, only, to bring traffic inside, but instead decided to leave what
used to be large firehall doors permanently open, expozing the entire
front facade of the building to the Plazas sidewalk, inving passersby to
come inside its brightly colored walls to look at the eyecatching displays
clearly that are visable from the street.
Information and tourism area below and temporary exhibits above.
Museum - Parque de Bombas 29
Church: Parroquia la Resurreccion del Senor
Rooftop
The atrium is the space that you first enter into apon arriving at
the church. It is a traditional addition that relates back to the
ancient spaces in Jewish temples outside the main central space.
The purpose of the atrium is to provide a transitional area where
people can switch from the mindset of daily life which theyve
just come from into a quieter, more comtemplative state of mind
more appropriat for what is considered a sacred space within.
Stage
Utility area
The focus of the central space is the stage. This is where the
churchs priest delivers sermons along with most other important
church activities. Its design, like that of the rest of the church, is
very naturalistic and minimalistic.
Nave
Location:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Architect:
This is where the congregation sits during sermons and other

church activities. It is a very legible design, but still elegent in
its detailing. The purposes of this area are to direct attention
towards the stage and to provide a peaceful outdoor space for
contemplation and worship.
Description:
Parroquia la Resurreccion del Senor, or Ressurection of the Lord Parish, is a Catholoc church where services are
held in a truly indoor/outdoor space. The intention of this outdoor integration was to bring the focus of the congregation directly to God through the experiencing of his creation.
The design is very minimalistic as not to become too distracting, and so is the landscaping. Local art is integrated thoughout the structure and is not only religious, but in some places reflective of the life and culture of the
churchs congregation.
Atrium Entrance.
Church - Parroquia la Resurreccion del Senor 31
Church: Parroquia la Ressureccion del Senor
Health Benefits (physical & psycological)
Stone-like cement podium (left) and alter (right).
Preaching/Teaching
One of the main focuses of any church is the sermon, and the Parroquia
la Resurreccion del Senor its space great priority. From anywhere within
the church, the elevated stage can be seen.
On it rest an alter and a podium, and behind it a veiw to the outside
is exposed, encouraging reflection and directing attention towards
the heavens. Although this may seem to present the possibility for
distraction, the alter which is usualy placed centrally to the stage has been
shifted sideways to allow for the placement of the podium. This makes
it much easier for the congregation to direct their attention towards the
speaker. The alter and podium themselves are made up of a concrete like
composite suitable for outdoor use.
Views to the surrounding gardens are visable from anywhere in the
(Above) Atrium wall

art depicts local
cultural scenes. (Below)
Madonna sculpture.
Custom designed benches.
Congregational Seatings
Not only was the congregations needs considered in regards to the
sermon, but their comfort was also a high priority. The benches were
all specially designed to suit the needs of those sitting outside in a
tropical climate for extended periods of time. Wood was shaped into a
comfortable form, with the lower back of each bench being open to alow
for a constant cooling affect from the wind. To encourage a breeze, fans
are evenly distributed throughout the structure.
Artwork at front of church.
Locally themed artwork painted in the style of Pablo Picasso.
Interior (left) and exterior (right) of the confessional.
Confessional
The confessional was made to be simplistic, comforting, and open. It has
the same repeating form seen in the benches. Upon entering, one may
chose to sit screened from the preist or to sit side by side with him.
Art
The most visable piece is a large painting done in the style of Pablo
Picasso and with contemporary figures. It covers the walls of the gated
section of the front stage that holds the holy sacrament
.
Throughout the entirity of the church, art has always been a main focus.
The architect has made it a point that this art should not only serve to
hold the traditional religious subject matter, but also that it should relate
back to to the local congregation in both style and display.
In fact, much of the art displayed in this church doesnt seem to have any
religous theme immediately apperent, but instead displays themes from
local history or daily life.
One such piece of artwork can be found along the walls of the atrium.
It serves to display a visual local history that is relevant to the church
members.
Wall art isnt the only type present in the atrium. This famous
reinterpretation ofthe madonna is also a focal point within church and
a frequent subject of conversation by its parishinors and congregation.
The jokingly refer to the statue as, the dinosaur, in acknowledgemet of
the unusual form of its head. This is a good sign that the artwork in this
church is not only for focused religous attention, but also can be taken
lightheartedly in a very restorative mannor.
focus of what goes on within its walls.

A certain reverence to the preservation of nature, however, can be seen
throughout the design. An excellent example of this can be found in the
large palm tree that prodrudes from within near the priests entrance.
While the building was being constructed, it was left unharmed, and the
roof was even excluded from that portion of the design in order to make
room for it.
The congregation affectionately refer to their tree as the bell tower
because it is by far one of the highest peaks protruding from the church.
Garden statue of St. Francess.

The Madonna is not the only piece of sculpture located in this church.
Off to the side of the nave is attached a small garden dedicated to the
churchs patron saint, St. Francess. The choice of placing this statue into a
garden is appropriate as St. Francess is perhaps most strongly known for
his intense love of nature.
Views to the surrounding gardens are visable from anywhere in the
The churchs simple planting palette.
Ecological Value
philodendron vines.
Outdoor Integration
The way in which they wall in the space softens the feeling of enclusure
within, making it seem much safer and more connected with the
surrounding environment.
In this church, psycological and ecological value are closely tied together.
as the architect has given a great deal of concern to each element, often
by combining them.
There appears to be no direct attempts to educate on ecology or to

encourage sustainable design directly, but of course that is not the main
This could not be more strongly illustrated than by looking to the garden
holding the statue of St. Frances. He is remembered for his love for nature,
and the architect has not let this be forgotten, as it has helped inspire
the entire design of the church. This is why the walls and roofs are open
throughout, and why a beautifully landscaped garden serves as the only
decoration on the inside walls. This building is meant to inspire a strong
appreciation for the natural world. This, of course, is to both encourage
respect for that world and to draw attention to its creator.
A positive effect of this design emphasis is that the entire congregation is
encouraged to develop a basic respect for the natural world which they
can hopefully carry through into their daily lives.
All of the gardens that comprise the walls of the church are constantly
being desinged for the same reason. Their design, however, is kept
somewhat simplistic as not to distract from the sermons and worship that
go on within.
The plants themselves are a mix of native and Asiatic non-native tropicals
that repeat throughout the space, namely palms, gingers, thai plants, and
Ginger and philodendron vine perimiter plantings.

The Bell Tower.
Inn: Rainforest Inn
Base Map
Main Building
This is the first building that one comes to after driving

onto the property. Guests are usually greeted in a small
indoor/outdoor dining area and study. It attaches to the
interior which contains a kitching and living room.
insert comments
1.
1. Main Building
7.
3.
2.
2. Yoga Room
Additions
Most of the site is built on top of the ruins of pe-existing
structures that were destroyed during the storm surge
from a hurricane, but not every structure has yet been
renovated. This building is still under construction but
will soon hold additional guest housing, an aquaculture
system, and a gymn.
3. Additions
4. Upper Deck
5. Lower Deck
Guest Housing
Location:
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
These structures were built in addition to those that

were pre-existing and are both above and adjacent to
the main building. Each small section contains an entire
tastefully designed apartment with several decks and has
large windows on almost all sides to capture views of the
ranforest canopy that the buildings have been set in to.
Architect:
6.
4.
6. Pond
5.
7. Lawn
72
Description:
The Rainforest Inn is a goergous, secluded property located right within the El Yunque rainforest. Its exact
location is difficult to find as its road is gated from the general public, making it truly iscolated. In fact, there
is ony room on the site for a handful of people to stay at a time, yet even with such a high level of seclusion, it
still manages to remained booked for months at a time.
Scale is approximate
Inn - Rainforest Inn 37
Main entrance and sheltered gathering space.
Pre-existing ruins currently being converted into a gymn, aquaponics

facility, and additional rental space.
Archery range on lower deck.

and warm, usually only inerupted by frequent light showers during which
you can easily step under the many overhead structures.
Entertainment
Living Space
There are many activities to enjoy at the Inn, and some of those activities
have spaces that are specially adapted for them. A yoga room with
thin paper walls and glassless windows that allow air and sunlight to
continually pass through extends from the main building.
One of the Rainforest Inns primary focuses is on making a comfortable

living space for its patrons, and the primary goal of the living spaces is
cleartly to explore the concept of living within rainforest.
As connection with the rainforest is one of the owners primary focuses,
many of the living spaces are made to imcorporate the outdoors. The
outdoor dining area that is built off of the main building, for example, is
one of the first places youll see when entering the Inn. It is a transitional
space where you can meet with the owner and have a cup of tea before
entering. It, like almost everything else, was designed and mostly built
by him.
On the lower level of the deck, the archery area makes an interesting use
of a buildings ruins. What was once an enclosed room is now very opn
to the elements but still sheltered enough to allow for its use in most
weather conditions.
Also, further plans for the additions being built into the undeveloped
ruins include a partially enclosed gymn.
The mian building itself extends from the deck into unrestored ruins
of the original structure. Here there are further rooms, but instead of
having walls and roofs, they are exposed to the natural elements and a
clear view of the rainforest that drops down below.
The effect of this design is rather amazing. In almost any location
througout this space, you truly are made to feel like you are directly
within the forest which is both beautiful and peaceful. It is quiet, breezy,
Pond with future connected building visable in background intended to

house a connected aquaponics facility.
and care for the environment can be seen throughout every built
structure and in the choice of plantings.
A short walk away from the main building is the frame of another
structure that has yet to be renovated. This structure is currently under
construction and will soon include a gymn on the lowst floor, additional
living space on the top, and in the middle there will be an extensive
aquaponic system. Its purpose will be to provide food for all occupants
on the property and to grow koi that can be sold to provide additional
income.
Although this area will be enclosed by glass, its connection to the
outdoors is still very great as the aquatic section of the system is actually
a pond several hundred yards away. It is outdoors and attached to the
main buildings upper deck of which it was designed to appear as an
extetion.
Staircase leading to private rainforest trail and swimming hole.
Rainforest Exploration
Coming off of the lower deck of the ruins where the archery space is
located is an old stone stairway that twists down to a private rainforest
path. It connects visitors to a peaceful walk that leads to a private
natural swimming hole.
Main deck highly incorporated into natural surroundings
Self Sustainability
One of the owners main goals is to make the Inn as sustainable as
Upper Left: view of upper deck. Lower Left: pathway to lower deck.
posible. He wants to have a posative impact on the environment

around him, oftentimes offering guests a free stay in exchange for
community service. This emphasis on sustainability
friendly cause as it is minimally impactful to the land.

The local soils and rainy climate present problems such as nematode
infestations that make traditional vegetable growing techniques difficult,
but this separate system allows for continual cultivation without the
need for unnessecary disruption of the local habitat.
Encouraging Voulenteer Activity

Gusts are encouraged to take part in commity and environmental service
activities such as cleanimg trash and caring for stray dogs in exchange for
varrying discouts from their bill.
Plants are chosen and placed in a highly artistic mannor.
Snail.
Ecological Value
The health benefits offered from a stay in the Rainforest Inn are numerous,
and mostly come in the form of the relaxation and restoration that come
from its verry intentional integraion with the rainforest.
The Rianforest Inn has extrordinay ecological value due to the education,
development, and service based innitiatives undertaken by its owner.
Art
Designing for Minimal Impact
There isnt much in the way of actual atwork, but the owner of the
Inn takes personal care to craft all of his structures with materials and
designs that he finds to be viaully appealing and artistic. This same care
is also carried out within the landscaping which is done by a professional
landscape architect and additionally in the maintence of deliberately
chosen views towards the forest that drops down below the site.
One of the owners leading concerns was that he create a space that
respects and is not destructive to its surrounding environment. With the
use of preexisting ruins and a combination of doing his own construction
and managing contracters, he has been highly successfull in this goal.
Landscaping is done with many native species in a highly naturalized

style that blends nicely with the surrounding forest.
Vegetation
Water
The ponds close proximity to the upper deck allows those who are using
that space to also enjoy the restorative benefits of viewing a water feature.
The restorative benefits of viewing vegetation are extremely high on this

site, as dramatic, sweeping veiws to the forest are maintained from almost
all areas of the inn. There isnt one outdoor space where vegetation is not
a key part of its construction.
Native plantings encourage wildlife to thrive within the Inns property.
Wildlife
An additional benefit of this ephasis on connection and vegetation is
the close incorporation of wildlife into the site. Usually this might be
considered somewhat risky, but the El Yunque rainforest doesnt have
any large, venemous, or otherwise dangerous predators that may could
potentially become a hinderance to such an open design. Because of
this, wildlife is free to road throughout the grounds, facilitating many
positive wildlife encounter opportunities.
Not only is this reflected in the initial construction, but in on site recycling
installments such as large cistern with a 5 stage filtered used to recycle
grey-water, therefore helping to preserve the islands water resources.
Development of Local Food Production

Techniques
The aquaculture system currently under construction helps serve to meet
his goal of local food production, which in itself is a very environmentally
Inn:The Gallery Inn

Open-roofed rooms
Some rooms in the gallery have been made from the spaces
which connect the different buildings on the property. These
spaces have been left without roofs, bringing a signifigant
potential for the integration of natural elements whcih the
owner has highly capitalized apon.
Decks and outdoor spaces

Deck and outdor areas are dispersed throughout the edges
of the sight on all levels. They are constructed to appear as
truly outdoor spaces, but still are programmed as if they were
indoor rooms and take signifigant advantage of stuctural
elements such as the building walls.
Partially enclosed rooms

Location:
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Designer
Jan DEsopo
The programming is similar in the mostly indoor spaces, but

their liminted exposure to the elements allows a heavier use
of furniture and artwork that wouldnt handle a full exposure
to the elements, nevertheless the presence of large glassless
windows or the abscence of walls still connects them strongly
to the outdoors.
Description:
The Gallery Inn is a beautiful network of buildings located in Old San Juan just off of a road that skirts the
ocean. It has been designed by sculptor and painter Jan DEsopo who lives on the site with her husband.
She describes the space as a botique hotel but also used the space as a gallery for hers as well as for her
collection of artwork. There are also several studio galleries on site.
The inn itself consists of partially deconstructed buildings that she has joined together to make a series of
indoor and outdoor spaces. It was a goal of the artist to integrate natural elements heavily into these spaces
along with her artwork, and vegetaion therefore heavily dominates many of the areas, and animals such as
seval exotic parrots are allowed to roam certain areas. The resulting effect is the stunning creation of a highly
beautiful and enjoyable series of spaces that are highly sought after by people of all classes, even being visited
by US president Barack Obama.
Some of the Inns interior rooms, especially in the areas between diffeent joined properties, are not enclosed by a roof.
Inn - The Gallery Inn 43
Formal dining room on basement level is only enclosed on three sides.
Heavily vegetated interior seating area without roof.
Lower deck in rear of buildings used for dining and entertainment.
Open area alongside main entrance holds free-roaming parrots as well

as dramatic displays of vegetation.
entertainment such as singers or other proformers is provided to guests

in the evenings.
Recreation
Relaxation
Recreation on the site is mostly passive, although picturesque pool seen

on page 47 allows for some swimming. Otherwise recreation activities
The Gallery Inn is a very similar to a resort in typology, although its main
features are most suited to enhancing the quality of the activities of
daiy life. In this way, many of the areas meant for relaxation have the
appearance of rooms that might appear in a hous such as living or other
sitting rooms, and outdoor spaces are done in the style of patios. But
there is any domestic feel to these spaces as one might expect. Instead,
the atmosphere is an interesting combonation of being in a jungle, an
art gallery, and and within ruins of an unidentifiable origin. This unique
ambiance removes the visitor from thier connections to their everyday
lives and brings them instead into this interesting world of the artists
creation.
Study
Several office-like spaces are placed throughout the site. Their designs
are sophisticated as well as serene, allowing for an ideal environment for
accomplishing work.
Mostly enclosed indoor study area has doors which open in the mnner
of a large window, allowing room for a large amount of vegetation,
wunlight, and airflow.
View looking downwards onto the sites rear enclosed patios.
Social and Dining

While many small seating areas are provided for individuals to sit
and relax, there are also many heavily used social spaces as well. Two
roofless rooms that adjoin the main entrance allow for staff to converse
with guests after they first enter the Inn. These spaces are heavily
decorated with both artwork and vegetation, and also are home to
several colorful parrot species, all of which will happily converse with
guests, provide an instant subject for conversation to those who first
arrive. Also, two back patios as well as a formal dining area are used
for gatherings of different sizes. While the dining area is suitible for
larger banquets, the decks provide scenic outdoor seating areas for
small to medium sizes groups to sit and converse or dine. Occasionally
mainly revolove around social interactions and relaxation, but that is not
at all to say that ones options are limited. There is an astonishing amount
of diversity on this sight, as each room is completely different from the
rest. Also, no two seating options are the same. This gives the space a
sense of mystery that invites exploration, another considerable activity
suited towards this site.
Outdoor bed and lounge area sits across from the formal dining hall.
Partially enclosed seating areas adjoin balconies and other outdoor

spaces.
Wine deck sits on the very top of the property and overlooks the ocean
and Old San Juan.
In some space, direct sun, along with its many mood enhancing qualities,
is allowsed to enter, while in others, the sunlight is not. Guests are free
Upper wine deck is exposed to a strong cool breeze and overlooks both
the ocean and Old San Juan.
Two roofless rooms are located near the Inns entrance. Their walls are
heavily decorated with plantings and sculpture.
Vegetation and Animals
to choose what level of exposure they desire at the time, and can move
freely between various levels of light. Even at night, they can choose
between sitting under the natural light of the stars, or under one of the
many tastefully chosen lighting fixtures in the more enclosed spaces.
Even the pool is artfully illuminated at night, also extending the times in
which it as a space can be used.
Vegetation is one of the primary mediums used by the artist when

designing this space. Her arangements climb and cover the walls, often
growing out of their small imperfections, as if the walls were her canvas.
The planting is applied heavily and tastefully, blending together itno a
cohesive pattern that appears almost wild and overgrown. The resulting
effect surrounds those within the space with large amounts of tastefully
placed natural vegetation, creating a very beautiful and highly relaxing
and restorative atmosphere.
Lower portion of wine deck is heavily decorated by vegetation and tile.
Health Benefits (Physical and

Psycological)
Art
Artwork is one of the most signifigant and carefully designed elements
on this sight. In fact, every single element that does make up this space
as been viewed by its designer as a piece of art. Therefore the entirity
of the space is very visually coherent and appealing, lending to an
increased restorative benefit of all natural features that she has chosen
to use.
They also invite a sense of mystery and play by the way in which they
separate and hide different rooms within the property and provide
habitat for many different animals, some wild and some cared for.
The animal additions themselves also enhance this space, providing
guests with unexpected but well recieved wildlife encounters throughout
all of the partially outdoor spaces.
Sunlight and Air

As many of the Inns rooms do not have wither walls or ceilings, sunlight
and air are allowed to flow freely thoughout the sight.
Air, sunlight, vegetation, animal life, and indoor programming are

tastefully and successfully blended toghether throughout the site,
especially in areas such as this formal dining space.
Views
Another way in which the artist expresses her taste is throgh the framing
of views. Structures are carefully placed in ways that provide interesting
and beautiful expanses of the ocean or city to be seen in many different
areas of the Inn.
Pool near formal dining area.

Doors are used in place of windows to allow in more sunlight and air as
well as to make room for more vegetation.
Ecological Value
Although ecological value was not a main consideration within the
space, the extent, diversity, and naturalness of the plantings invites
many wild species to enjoy areas within the site.
Also, there is quite a bit of aquaponics production that takes place
out on the rear decks to provide food for the complex and therefore
minimize use of resiources.
Goldfish within sculpture.
Resort: El Convento
Entrance and Upper Levels`
This area connects directly to the sidewalk of an Old San
Juan street, inviting people in to sit and enjoy the featured
restaurat and bar that is situated within this entrance space.
The restaurants main kitchen and dining area is further within
the complex and seated atop a balcony overlooking the lower
levels.
Lower Levels
As the streets of Old San Juan are very dramatically sloped, a
signifigant grade change is neccessary for one to be able to
enter the resort from different ends. Because of this, a partially
recessed lower level with an attached courtyard are present
on the site. The lower level is used mostly for formal events
and guest reception, while the courtyard is used as a large
outdoor lounge.
Location:
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Description:
Hidden within the maze of buildings that make up the hilly streets of Old San Juan, El
Convento reveals only a small bit of its spacious and beautifully designed grounds. Its unique combonation
of indoor and outdoor space is not at all modern, but instead dates back to 1646. It was constructed by will of
the Spanish noblewoman Dona Ana de Lansos in an effort to provide the war-torn island with a convent for
women to stay. A great deal of time and money was invested into its construcion as Dona Ana donated her
entire estate, land, and sold all her possessions inorder to pay for its construction and upkeep.
It was designed by an army engineer and constructeed by soldiers of Colonial Spain. Its design provided
small rooms for the nuns along with a massive interior courtyard and domed cathedral. It remained a convent
until 1903 when its repairs were deemed too costly to continue its upkeep. It then went through periods of
vacancies and other uses including a shopping center, dancehall, and parking lot for garbage trucks until 1857
when the area was assigned to be bulldozed to make room for a new parking garage.
Fortunately, in 1959 under Operation Bootstrap, the wealthy Robert Frederick Woolworth purchased the
convent and created the expansive hotel El Convento. After two years, the addition of three floors the convent
was near finished, but not until its interior designer, photographer, and Woolworth traveled through out
Spain to find authentic furnishings from the countrys Golden Age. When pieces couldnt be found, elaborite
reproductions were commissioned.
Opening in 1962, it was an immediate success frequented by the worlds upper classes. What distinguished
it from other more modern hotels was hisoric design from the times when hotels werent were in themselves
destinations for travel. Since then the hotel has chaged hands several times, but its grand historic design and
popularity still remains.
Dining Areas
Dining areas are dispersed throughout the resort on all floor
levels and also in varying levels of formality. They are open at
different times throughout the day to the public or are used
for banquets.
Formal walkways like these connect

indoor and outdoor sections on
all levels of El Convento, with they
themselves being only partially
enclosed.
Resort - El Convento 49
El Convento, being a Resort, is almost by definition a place for

relaxation, although it differes from many other resorts by focusing
continually provides music for those who gather in that area, making
the space a socail destination.
primarily on social forms of relaxation and aslo by narowing this focus

to exclude more active forms of recreation from the majority of the
complex.
There are several slightly less encosed groupings such as this

throughout the rest of the courtyard suitible for any sized party of
people. Also, there is a pergola seating area that appears well suited for
seating patrons of large events. Adjacent to all of these spaces is a very
open bar area where seating is arranged in a way that makes it very easy
to talk the people who happen to be sitting around you.
Relaxation
Socializing
El Convento is a highly social space. Almost all of the public areas have
been designed with seating or other gathering areas as their primary
focous. Also, a wide variety of social activites have been accomidated.
Near the entrance, people who might prefer to be around a large
amount of people can sit at table to eat or talk at talbles set adjoining
San Juan a San Juan. Here, the ambient sounds of a city along with the
slightly vouyeristic aspects of being seated in an urban setting make
this an intensely social space, but it does seem to be more habitated at
times when the nearby food and drink services areas are operating.
The idea of vouyerism has also been drawn into the dining areas. The
upper restaurant sits on top of a ledge that overlooks the entire lower
courtyard, and the lower, enclosed dining area is lined with open
windows that also look out onto the same courtyard.
The lower courtyard itself offers a wide variety of social activites. In one
Dining and Lounging

Dining areas are distributed throughout the property, mainly as a parttime use outdoor patio at its entrance, a main eating area on the ground
level, and a bar space and temporary use seating on the lower level.
The lower courtyard is very well used, and this is largely due to the way
in which it provides comfortable areas for all types of socialization and
in the way that they are arranged and connected in a way that can easily
bring together diffent social groups instead of iscolating them. There
is also a level of class and history in its design that seems to invite its
acceptance as a popular meetup space.
Formal Events
The resort is frequently booked for formal events, as its highly aesthetic
and social setting as well as the level of sophistication in its service.
There are elaborately designed indoor and outdoor rooms to house
guests, very refined ambient entertainment such as the paono player
playing classicle pieces during gatherins, and also waters and waitresses
dressed professionially in full suits. The guests themselves treat the
space with a high level of formality, often showing up in elaborite suits
and gowns.
seating grouping very similar to that of a living room, a piano player

Tree canopy of courtyard.

Carefully placed plantings and water featers add visual interest while
defining smaller individual spaces within the courtyard.
Ecological Value
ETY?) IN VITRO
Proposal for BTC 498, Introductory Research Problem
Student:
Sarah Russo Faculty Supervisor: Charles Maynard
Credit Hours: !1
Semester: Fall Fall 2012
A.
Problem description:
You need to tell us why you want to micropropagated yew. Is it in
high demand? Is there a problem with however it is currently being
propagated? Are there new varieties coming out that? Ya gotta have a
reason!

Psycological)
Art
There is a very historic, Spanish feel to the artwork throughout the site,
including the detailing in its architecture, but it is also tied with a more
modern style that can be seen in some of the plantings and furniture.
The colors used are rich and warm within the interor making the space
feel similarly warm and inviting, but the colors used outdoors are cooler
and more natural, as they suggest a feeling of comfort, relaxation, and
cool in the hot Puerto Rican climate.
Vegetation
The specific artistic usage of vegetation is rather multidimensional as it
utilizes plants as sculptural elements, wall and edge decoration,
Warm, rich artwork is used in the upper restaurant.

and also as screens and structues that in themselves define space.
Water and Air

Water features are lightly dispersed throughout the lower courtyard. Not
only does the water serve to add the visual interest of movement and
reflection, but it also serves to provide a natural cooling effect.
Downstairs eating area has windows that open up to the courtyard.
Ecological Value
Ecological value hasnt been a high priority in this design, but by the
nature of its layout and use of vegetation, it does have some benefit to
local wildlife. Several of the trees on site are native to Puerto Rico. Also,
the practice of providing vegetation on many different height levels
creates a several ecological possibilities.
Upper Right: warm colors and classic design used in interior of building.
Lower Right: Cooler colors along with heavy plant ornamentation used
outdoors.
Resort: La Concha
Interior and Patio
Apon entering the resort, you walk into a bright, open space
that is the main lobby. It is connected to an outdoor patio or
courtyard-like area that sits between the resorts properties.
Both of these areas are very well designed and have extensive
seating and dining options.
Beach Areas
The outdoor space that connects to the loby also opens into a
lower area that leads out to the beach. Here, beds are provided
for tanning, showers for swimmers, and lounge chairs and
other accessories for beachgoers. Drinks are also served on
this level.
Restaurants
Location:
Condado, San Juan
Architect:
Osvaldo Toro and Miguel Ferrer.
Description:
La Concha is a resort built into Condado, a section of San Juan. It was originally created in 1958 during the
Tropical Modernism Movement, but had closed for a period of time only to reopen in 2008 under the ownership
of the Marriotts Renaissance Hotels brand. Apon its reopening, two more properties were added. Their
arrancement created a central, partially enclosed outdoor area that functions as a lounge space for guests.
Four food service areas are located on the property, both indoors and out.
There are four restauraunts on the propery. The first is La Perla,

a a very high end seafood reasaurant and wine cellar that sits
in a building that is shaped into a clam shell and seated atop a
pool of water. The second is Voga Itallian Grill, which is located
indoors, although it has several balconies and overlooks the
Atlantic Ocean. The third is Solera, shown on the right. It is an
outdoor restaurant and bar that spans across several terraces
of land, as it goes from beach level up. Lastly, there is a sushi
bar, Komakai, in the main lobby that is open nightly.
La Concha.
Resort - La Concha 55
One of many decorative seating areas in the lobby.
Komakai Sushi Bar.

first is in using its Casino, and the second is in its access to the beach.
Showers and other facilities are provided to encourage activities such as
swimming.
`Seafood restaurant La Perla designed by architect Mario Salvadori.

`
Dining
There are several different dining areas suited to invite several user
groups. The first is a modern style bar in the central indoor space. It is
in the middle of the room, very open, and has a clear view out to the
garden area. It is also very near the Casino.
Relaxation
Transitional space where lobby opens into a patio/courtyard like space.`
Small seating groupings are sectioned off by a series of canals and

plantings.
Deck of the Voga Italian Grill overlooks the ocean on right.
Seating near sushi bar. Outdoor restaurant can be seen on the right.
La Concha is a resort that is dominated by seating areas. Not only do

they come in various sizes and arrangements, but also varying levels
of comfort. Some seats are more padded than others, and some are
more geared towards lounging while others are for more formal seating.
Some are indoors while others are outside. Some are in the sun to allow
for tanning, while others are intentionally shaded.
Just outside the doors to the outside and off to the right is another
eating area, this being not only a bar but also a restaurant. Here, one
can choose whether theyd like to sit at the counter or to be waited
apon at one of several tables. If theyd wish, the customer may also
eat their food in one of the many private seating areas dispersed
throughout the decked area.
This resort is clearly geared towards more passive forms of recreation

and also has the intention of providing as many different options for the
atmosphere youd like to relax in as possible.
There is also a formal restaurant attachd to the resort. This restaurant,

La Perla, has a very appealing modern design and with its position
above a still pool overlooking the ocean, offers a very unique and
enjoyable dining experience.
Recreation
La Concha joins directly to the nearby beach.
Outdoor restaurant seating.
There are two main forms of recreation encouraged in La Concha. The

Elaborite water features surround entrance.
Child plays ona piece of inteacive art resememblant of a picture frame.
Art

Psycological)
Wild lizard near lobby entrance.
Ecological Value:
There is a great deal of abstract and modern art throughout the property,
especially in the main lobby. What is interesting about this art is that much
of it is very large, on a scale that allows guests to interact with it. The art
also spans across many different mediums, involving lighting, water, and
vegetation very heavily, and therefore bringing out the positive elements
of water and vegetative features.
There is no major effort made on site to preserve any local ecology,

although the large amount of vegetation used throughout the area does
invite the occasional visit from small animals such as birds and small
lizards.
Vetetation
Vegetation throughout the site exists for mainly sculpturl and aesthetic
reasons. They are generally placed into containers so that they can be
moved around and aranged as one would do with a piece of artwork. It is
also heavily used to section off larger areas into individual smaller spaces.
Water
Water is a very prominent feature on this site. It is used for both its
reflective qualities and also for its qualities of movement, both of which
are explored heavily throughout many installations around the property.
The most notable perhaps is the large fountain and waterfall system that
emcompasses the entrance of the resort. It explores several different
ways in which water can move and interact with itself, creating many
fascinating patters. Also, a network of channels works its way through
Both th architecture of the walls and glass railings along with the
placement of plantings serve to frave the view of the ovcean, creating a
desirable atmosphere for these seating areas.
the outdoor space, lushly edged by container plantings which help it to
section off offindividual seating areas, creating many small and highly
restorative spaces for individuals or small groups.
Views
Views throughout the site are maintained by sculptural and constuction
techniques. Framing is heavily used to maintiain these views through
sculpting of the surrounding architcture or through the use of suspended
glass paneling.
Upper Left: Water feature near entrances incorpates several different

patterns of movement. Lower Left: lobby artwork.

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RESIDENTIAL: Apartment Roof and Courtyard

Integrating Indoor Outdoor Spaces

conditioning. Sidewalks and pedestrian ways in businesses districts

Study Question: How are indoor and outdoor

About the Study

Transitional spaces, or the areas between the indoors and outdoors,

Although these opportunities exist, there is a relatively small amount

it came together, photographs proved more useful in conveying the

of stress can also be seen. These include sleeplessness, verbal outbursts

organisms in order to encourage our survival. Another is the attention

and sadness, physical improvement such as reduction of deleterious

Additionally, another study was conducted in 1993 measuring only

Sunshine is one of the most universal of natural elements. Its effects

has been replicated in laboratory experiments where D deficient mice

dependant on water, we are naturally attracted to it. It requires inderect

Clearly, natural elements have an extraordinarily positive effect on a

RESIDENTIAL: Apartment Roof and Courtyard

This narrow space connects the rooftop to the couryard but

Residential - Apartmnt Roof & Courtyard 11

Container vegetable cultivation.

platform. The only way to accesss this platform is by going up an old

This outdoor area is primarilly an extention of the apartments interior

Staircase down from the roof.

Raised platform and shed atop roof.

Residential - Apartmnt Roof & Courtyard 13

Exposure and Vegetation:

Anole lizard helps to control the cockroach population.

Bougenvelia vine covering wall of courtyard and vacant building above.

Overhead view of courtyard shows the scale of enclosure and level of

Health Benefits (Physical and Psycological)

Vegeation and Wildlife

The vegetation within this site isnt extremely diverse, but it is

Because of the low diversity of plantings in the area, little

The effects of the insecticide are likely be related to what can

Residential - Apartmnt Roof & Courtyard 15

RESIDENTIAL: Castillo Serralles

The Castillo Serralles.

Above: Diagram of natural air air conditioning effect in a coutyard. Warm

Convenience store themed museum atop La Cruceta del Viga.

Natural elements are incorporated with built structures to create views.

Health Benefits (Physical and Psycological)

This same cooling principle can be seen in the museum beneath

Throughout the grounds, the designer played with many more

Large markers label specimin plantings.

Terraces separate different outdoor rooms.

Residential - Castillo Serralles19

A flamboyat tree is artistically incorporated into an outdoor patio structure.

Asparagus fern used as sculpural element in in the form of bonsia.

untrimmed vegetation throughout the grounds also promotes the

An effort has been made to breed several butterflies for a butterfly

Vegetation and Art

Orchids are attached to trees in order to provede vegetation at eye level.

Vegetation is tastefully incorporated throughout the site. In some cases,

Unmanaged vegetation surrounding the property.

Butterfly breeding area.

Above: Water feature in Butterfly Garden .Below: Outdoor water feature.

Monarch butterfly in butterfly garden.

Views to Ponce are framed by colorful Delonix regia trees.

Residential - Castillo Serralles 21

Dining: Clavel Urban Park International Walk Cuisine

Pergola SeatThe pergola works its way geometrically throughout

Freestanding Restaurant and Concessions