Amphibian Dwelling

Studio Critic: Jaymon Diaz
Site: Chain of Rocks Bridge, St. Louis, MO
Fall 2015

As part of the Historic Route 66, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was an integral part in connecting the nation. During the winter of 2015, Missouri saw a especially severe case of winter flooding, which inherently correlated to the water level of the Mississippi in St. Louis, reaching the third-highest in local history and resulted several deaths. Yet it was evident that the general public was far removed from the severities on these waterfront edges, as seen from the much calmer conditions in major urban areas.

Sited at the region north of St. Louis, the dwelling capitalizes on the unique site conditions – the amphibian setting on the constantly fluctuating edge of water and land – through a dynamic structure that responds to the drastic changes in water level throughout the year (over 30 ft in extreme cases), making the Mighty Mississippi legible for the public realm through design. The proposal offers both public and private programs, becoming a permanent river gauge data center with vantage point that harnesses the uniqueness of the dynamic water condition. Straddling between the water and the shore, the adaptive structure leverages a responsive structural system featuring expanding walls and elevating floors that allow for an intimate experience for the dweller (observer) and visitors alike.