C R O PPhiladelphia University’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment Design X Research studio has collaborated with the Area de Conservacion de Guanacaste and the Kanbar College of Design Engineering and Commerce in order to explore design alternatives for the Guanacaste region.

COSTA RICA OBSERVATION POINT GUANACASTE NATIONAL PARKDESIGN X STUDIO SPRING 2014 PHILADELPHIA UNIVERSITY

Studio led by Armando PlataStudents: Lauren Arrington, Robert Garcia, Taylor Klemm, Brandon Runnels, Stephanie Smith, Dylan Wilson

The students would like to thank their generous donors; Philadelphia University, Daniel J. Keating Company, __________, and __________.

12’-0”(3660 mm)

4’ -0” TYP(1220 mm)

8’-0”(2430 mm)

8’-0”(2430 mm)

CLOVE HITCH FLOOR LASHING SQUARE LASHING LADDER LASHING CONNECTION DETAILS

1. 2. 3. 4. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

THIRD PLATFORM1/2” = 1’0”

SECOND PLATFORM 1/2” = 1’0”

FIRST PLATFORM1/2” = 1’0”

The fi nal design is 64 square feet and 12 feet tall and is composed of 3 platforms. The foundation consists of nine concrete footings with four metal tubes anchored to a metal plate in the foundation. All structural connections are made using threaded rods, bolts and fasteners. In total there are 3 different types of connections that form the observation tower. Para-cord is used to lash together the fl oors and ladders.

Both tourists visiting the ACG as well as employees of the park will utilize the observation tower. Employees will use the observation tower as look out point for potential fi res. Currently employees on fi re watch have no protection from the elements. The proposed tower will offer better visibility as well as protection.

Bamboo has been used as a key construction material since the Chinese during the 3rd Century B.C.E, who used it originally for suspension bridges. The qualities of bamboo are very unique because it works in both tension and compression. For this project, student completed several study models testing the different connection techniques and strenght of the material prior to construction.

BAMBOOAS A CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

to be completed to be completedbleed into elevation, perspective, site plan. make it seem continuous