ARCHITECTURE | MATERIAL | COMPUTATION |EXPERIENCE
Sectional Detail Structure Model
Welcome Center
of the Ithaca Learning Farm
42°24'16.6"N 76°33'43.8"W
Welcome Center of a Learning Farm
Ithaca, NY, United States / 2024
Concept Design [Architecture | Experience]
Instructors: Felix Heisel & Margaret Kirk
Cornell University Department of Architecture | Spring 2024
Site Model Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”
The Learning Farm, located southwest of downtown Ithaca, offers an innovative approach to agricultural and life science education. Spanning a 16-acre farmstead, it aims to enhance food production understanding and growth for children and families. The comprehensive plan includes a private residence, greenhouse, classroom, barn, guest facilities, amphitheater, animal pen, community kitchen, juicery, and welcome center.
The project seeks to transform the site into a tech-forward learning organization, emphasizing sustainability and future potential. The design merges architectural principles with sustainability practices, using eco-friendly materials and passive strategies. The site’s orientation harnesses natural wind patterns and topographical features, promoting energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact. Inspired by Sweden’s Naturhus movement, the project explores private/public and enclosed/open spaces, with the welcome center and juicery embodying these contrasts.
The welcome center acts as a threshold, separating the external society from the farm’s tranquil world. Functional programs are organized into two solid parts, with staggered rising staircases and ramps in the central space to transition visitors between their identities, transforming them into campers, explorers, or farmers temporarily.
Sustainability and reuse are integral to the design. The roof is constructed from self-bended reused wood planks, and interior fixtures are made from repurposed wood planks and bundles. These elements symbolize our commitment to environmental stewardship, demonstrating the potential of repurposed
materials to create beauty and practicality.
Site Analysis
![diagrams [Converted].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a5603_001fad9b4e6245108edcdd99b6e039f3~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_0,y_221,w_3024,h_1070/fill/w_1323,h_468,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/diagrams%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg)
![diagrams [Converted]02.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a5603_5d60aad51b404470ac9b373024c13829~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_4,y_42,w_3016,h_584/fill/w_1307,h_253,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/diagrams%20%5BConverted%5D02.jpg)
Plans & Programs
ground floor plan
2nd floor plan
ground floor plan
main entrance visualization
cafe & entrance [1st floor] visualization
library [2nd floor]
main entrance visualization
Elevation
Elevation [ E ]
Elevation [ D ]
Elevation [ E ]
Section
Section [ A ]
Section [ B ]
Section [ C ]
Section [ A ]
transition space [indoor to outdoor 1st floor]
transition space [ library to office] + balcony [2nd floor]
backyard view of the welcoming center
transition space [indoor to outdoor 1st floor]
Explode Axon
![Final_axon_drawing [Converted].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5a5603_9c6824ed301945918c9696ef2130fa89~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_967,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_avif,quality_auto/Final_axon_drawing%20%5BConverted%5D.jpg)
Details Section
detailed wall section_roof
detailed wall section_roof
detailed wall section_roof
Visualization of Structure Details
tensile structure
columns & footings
beam & retaining wall
Section Model
Model Scale: 1/16” = 1’-0”
detail section model overview
structure of the section model
front view of the section model
detail section model overview
...
More Projects Coming
©Weizi Song 2021
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