Phase 2: Schematic Design

The Bee Tower is an iconic gesture of the regeneration of the Silo City site, both naturally and economically.  The material properties of the tower represent the cluster of material manufactures around the site while housing the colony of bees. Visitors enter the hive tower from below and look up at it, similar to the silos and bins of Marine A.  The hive is contained within a bee cab, separate from the tower structure.  It provides protection, warmth and separates entry access between bees and humans.   Professional beekeepers gain access to the hive by lowering it, which allows them to ensure the health and safety of the bees.  The tower’s orientation frames key views of the surrounding historic grain elevators and the new upcoming developments of Silo City.

Click here for the final design drawings.

Proposed tower in site

Site Plan

Inspired by the surrounding grain elevators, the design concept was based on the unique experience of standing in the Marine A bin bottoms.

When the bee cab is lowered, it provides an opportunity for a beekeeper to maintain the hive or more interesting views for educational visits.

Tower plans

Sections of the tower with cab in both the raised and lowered position.

Sections through bee cab.

Model of proposed tower.

A custom corner column that was created to achieve the required 120-degree corners, using stock steel sections for efficiency.

Axonometric of tower structure showing location of compression rings and cab supports.

Overturning moment calculations for a buried slab foundation.

Overturning moment calculations for an alternative foundation using sonotubes.

http://vimeo.com/37455685