Partnered Project in collaboration with Marissa Gomez Almanza. Integrated Graduate Studio, ARC 608

University of Miami, Spring 2020

Professor Jose Gelabert-Navia

Marsh Harbor located in the Bahamas was destroyed by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. The objective was to build a rehabilitation/shelter center on a particular chosen site in Marsh Harbor. We chose to design a hospital, considering my partner and I figured this program choice would make the most sense for the people of the Bahamas. Our project has been named the butterfly effect because of the chaos theory. A very small localized change in an overarching system can have large effects elsewhere, such as a butterfly flapping its wings can cause a typhoon across the world. It also draws a parallel between the theory of the building, and the large butterfly roof structure on each of the 4 sections of the hospital.

Our site strategy here looking at the site plan was to create a series of linked buildings that is place linear on the site. this means the buildings are perpendicular to the ocean, which works as a resilience strategy during a storm surge, the water can flow with the building, instead of against. There is an interior and exterior component in each of the 4 buildings, the terrace and spaces in between the buildings are outdoors with a trellis covering. The main strategy there is a biophillic healthcare design, with plenty of vegetation and outdoor healing spaces.