
center for healthy living
greater grand crossing, il | 16,500sf | dwellings, library, art studio
Phototropism breaks the familiar, stiff spine that defines much of our buildings. This contained biology allows the architecture to adapt to environmental patterns, rather than remain ignorant to them. The south wall becomes both sponge and sail; absorbing maximum amounts of sunlight, and in the process, substantial wind. Natural order emerges in the plan from these conditions, primary living spaces migrating to the south and lesser priorities moving north. The squeezing structural bays perpetuate this pattern, allowing greater square footage in the most desirable of locations. Radiating timber beams complete the natural analogy.