The competition called for a dynamic structure to serve as boatbouse. The site, Bohemian Flats, is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River just outside of Downtown Minneapolis- across from University of Minnesota. The design ideas stem from the construction of kenetic/soft models that investigate the climactic aspects and response through pneumatic devices. The site constraints and conditions were further investigated though a sequence of montages.
Along with a series of animations that explored the performative phenomenon, spatial rigging, and experimental simulations through various mediums. Eventually, the impact of the boathouse on its biome were clear enough and studies were advanced to employ the floods that seasonally occur on site to revive the polluted river. In this way, the boathouse would be both functional and a positive ecological asset to the city of Minneapolis, and more importantly- the Mississippi River.

Urbanization has lead to drastic changes in the natural patterns of water movement. An increase in impermeable surfaces and the use of storm sewers has cause an increase in the amount of contaminated water, pollutants and sediment that enters the lake streams and wetlands of Minnesota. The Bohemian Flats Biofilter project seeks to establish both an aquatic threshold and a vegetative buffer zone between the industrial landscapes of downtown Minneapolis’ spillways, locks, and bridges and the natural landscape around the Mississippi River thereafter, beginning at Bohemian Flats. The implementation of adaptive vinyl systems through the construction of a boathouse and surrounding landscapes speaks to both the literal fluid flows that exist on the site, as well as flexible programmatic flows and didactic infrastructural elements that populate the river bank. The reclaimed riparian zone serves to retain and filter excess flood water and runoff while repopulating the flats with endangered or threatened vegetation native to the immediate geography as well as providing a haven for animal species that may have been deplaned by development up stream. The culmination of all these elements provides for a recreational area and nature preserve easily accessed by both the University of Minnesota to the East of the river, and the inhabitants of Minneapolis to the west. Equal parts development and restoration the project seeks to establish and encourage a critical view with the relationship we hold with everyday landscapes.

Phasing is often a problematic obstacle that large developments must overcome. The BioFilter project examines the possibility that phasing may be layered over time, the completion of each phase brings a fully realized iteration of the desired concept. This is an important alternative to consider, as if funding or resources run low, the project will not render the site useless as typical with ill-devised phased construction endeavors. Phase 1 seeks to optimize the site by tilling the compacted soil, grading the site to even out water runoff, and implements off-the shelf vinyl components such as retention mesh and a French-drain system to aide in additional water management on-site. This system is inexpensive, adaptable, and capable of expansion later on, as the water run-off becomes integrated into a grey-water system in the construction of the boathouse. Phase 2 involves the reintroduction of endangered or threatened species of vegetation to the site, each with specific goals in mind. Grasses and reeds are located closest to the areas zoned as wetlands to promote habitats for endangered animals, wildflowers are located closer inland around paths and trails, and evergreens are located along the existing line ofvegetation on the site. Finally, the docking armatures are added, with room for later-on expansion to a fully functioning boathouse and science center on the South of the site close to the existing pedestrian infrastructure and confluence of water flows along the river and site, completing the new riverside attraction.
system in the construction of the boathouse. Phase 2 involves the reintroduction of endangered or threatened species of vegetation to the site, each with specific goals in mind. Grasses and reeds are located closest to the areas zoned as wetlands to promote habitats for endangered animals, wildflowers are located closer inland around paths and trails, and evergreens are located along the existing line of vegetation on the site. Finally, the docking armatures are added, with room for later-on expansion to a fully functioning boathouse and science center on the South of the site close to the existing pedestrian infrastructure and confluence of water flows along the river and site, completing the new riverside attraction.
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Perhaps the most important and understated aspect of the project is the poor quality of water present in the branch of the Mississippi River in Minneapolis. As is the case with any urban environment, it is expected that water resources are significantly degraded, which poses a particularly poignant problem considering the fantastic recreational spirit the people of Minneapolis possess. The quality of the water is so poor south of the spillways at St. Anthonys Falls that it is unadvisable to eat any fish caught in the waters, and at times, swimming for extended periods of time is precautionary. This is simply unacceptable for the residents of Minneapolis.The hope is that the project not only reduces pollution while simultaneously invigorating a dormant space, but also raises awareness, activism, and pride for the natural landscape. Over time, the presence of mussels and other native species of shellfish indicates the overall health of the river, and with their ability to filter out heavy metals and pollutants, they are literally a living building system, not merely a cheap analog. It should be noted as well, that the primary mass of the building is inspired by the shape and contour of shellfish, while the docking armatures are reminiscent of the fronds of pondweeds which provide excellent habitat for fish and are excellent providers of oxygenated and clean, filtered water.

ARCH 4556// Design Studio III_ Fall 2009 University of Texas at Arlington<br>Published: TEX Files 3 & Crit 69 Journal. Selected for School of Architecture biannual exhibit // Team mate: Alex Dahm