“Under the Hood,” a groundwater-pump exploratorium, is designed to inform visitors of the ecosystem and hidden beauty of the Carrizo Plains. Groundwater is gently lifted from underneath the foundation through a large hydraulic pump and then dispersed throughout the exploratorium’s walls and floors. Visitors can see the pumping water in the clear pipes through moments of windows or glass floors. The concept of a hydraulic pump not only celebrates the ecology of the Carrizo Plains but also powers the entire exploratorium.
The tall chamber design and the concept for the movement of water throughout the walls and floors were inspired by a 2007 Chevrolet coolant tank. Various studies and physical explorations further inspired the exploratorium to become more than just a museum but a groundwater pump in itself.
Coolant Tank Exploded Axonometric
An exploded axonometric diagram of the coolant tank completed to further study it’s formal qualities.
Spatial Machine
A representation of the inner workings of the coolant tank starting to become architectural space. Spray foam and water in hot-bended plastic tubes.
Coolant Tank Render
An image showing how the coolant tank is in relationship to other parts around it (embedded and hidden). Rendered in Photoshop & Rhino 3D.
Final Physical Model
A physical model at 1/8” scale of the final design proposal. 3D printed model with acrylic floor plates embedded in stacked museum board.
Detail Floor Model
A physical model at 1/4” scale of the glass floors showing the hydraulic pipes and water rushing within. Acrylic plates and hot bended plastic tubes.
Site Model
A physical model at 1:400 scale of the surrounding context of the final design. 3D printed model with acrylic lake on stacked museum board.
Floor -1
Floor 0
Ali Harwood Design 