Seed Vault - Science Hill Botanical Complex
with critic Brennan Buck
with critic Brennan Buck
Site planning of the existing Science Hill portion on Yale’s campus - negotiating a steep elevational difference while creating a new area for botanical research and planting.
As the site is steeped in the north-south direction, the complex is oriented on its east-west cross axis. The two rows of elm trees that line Hillhouse Avenue are extended onto the new site, tying the complex back to the central
.
This seed vault envisioned for Yale’s Science Hill presents as a glowing tower
with three areas of enclosure. A repeating matrix of 1’ x 1’ x 1’ storage
cells forms the central structural core, at times extending to become stairs spiralling up the folly or the floor of a small room.
The three rooms are arranged by order of access. The lowest room an open resting area; the middle room holds exhibition shelves; the topmost room performs as a preparation room for seeds, fully enclosed and protected from sunlight.
