MOOSE INTERFACE
Academic Work | Group Work
Core Design Studio I - Cornell AAP
Year: FA 2023
Type: Rehabilitation Center for Moose
Site Location: Ithaca, NY
Instructor: David Costanza + Leslie Lok
Group: Bhavindu Adhihetty + David Perovsek

All drawings and graphics by the author, unless otherwise noted


The Rehabilitation Center for
Injured or Orphaned Moose in Adirondacks, NY
This project is the design for a rehabilitation center for injured or orphaned moose native to New York State. The collective programs included in this project aim to bring the moose back to full health and better prepare them for reentry into the wilderness. We wanted this project to serve as an interface, not an intervention, to both the moose and their surrounding environment.



Moosiness




Conceal and Reveal
The main goal of this project was to create a design that would conceal human from moose while allowing humans to observe them. To achieve this, we developed a specific facade system based on the size of the moose. As people approach the moose, the openings in the facade become narrower and deeper.


Modular Moose



                           Concealment Logic                                                                          Modularization                                                                                Implementation





Elevation 1
Elevation 2




Open Arms to Moose
To avoid making an aggressive architectural impact on mooseland, we designed the building with two wings that intersect at a specific angle, just like open arms welcoming the moose. Additionally, the cantilevered structure was implemented to minimize the architectural footprint on nature while providing pleasant views for people inside.

Site Plan

*Drawn by Bhavindu Adhihetty



Exploded Isometric
1. Lobby
2. Atrium
3. Cafe
4. W/C
5. Cafe Storage
6. Terrace
7. Doctor Office
8. Admin Office
9. Break Room
10. Loading
11. Screening
12. Surgery
13. Post Surgery
14. Moose Pathway
15. Storage
16. Mud Room
17. Moose Bay
18. Moose Land
19. Education
20. Panoramic Deck
21. Rooftop Deck




The Moose Refuge is divided into two wings; Medical wing and Public wing. Each wing has an entrance at its end. At the point where these two wings intersect, there is a three-story atrium that facilitates both horizontal and vertical movement. 

Outside this intersection, there are designated areas serving as temporary habitats for moose, where they undergo rehabilitation and reintegration before being returned to their natural habitat.

Ground Floor Plan



Basement Floor Plan
First Floor Plan








Since moose are large and territorial animals, they need to be sedated before undergoing any treatment procedures. To facilitate this, we designed a moose track; a long and linear system on which moose can be laid and moved through the treatment sequence. This design requires a substantial massing to accommodate the length of the track.

Treatment Sequence






Other than the facade system and treatment sequence, all elements were also designed with consideration for the size of moose. The differences in ceiling height and door size between human level and moose level are a result of the distinct scales of humans and moose. 
Section Perspective*Drawn by David Perovsek




Biggest thanks to my best buddies. I was so lucky to be a group with y’all in my first semester in Cornell. If it had not been for you two, I wouldn’t have survived in Cornell. Cheers!




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