jessica parker forsythe
design portfolio
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rtist statement My work has never been defined by a structured or predetermined journey, but has been developed by paths I have intuitively chosen. Consumed by painting at an early age, I was overwhelmed with limitless freedom and invigorated with the power to inspire creativity and generate intrigue with a simple movement of a brush. I eagerly expanded my media and embraced the opportunity to develop skills in every aspect of art. I skeptically began my studies in architecture, afraid that structure and rigidity would limit my potential as a designer. I was unaware of the conceptual drive that is deeply embedded in architectural design, that of which initiated further passion to my already invigorated mind set. I have discerned that design challenges restrictions and breaks barriers to change. It has the ability to provoke emotions; from composure to hysteria, from apathy to fury. It is not a means to an end, but a never-ending beginning of complicated questions and unattainable answers. This portfolio does not exemplify art that defines these attributes, but work that seeks to balance their inherent contradictions, reaching toward an immeasurable end.
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rchitecture
clifton public library - clifton, ohio This library exists within the heart of Clifton, near Cincinnati, situated on a prominent city corner. This studio focused on a complete redesign of the building. My fully-accessible, proposed design acknowledges the prominence of the corner by using the building’s forms to playfully develop a “balancing act” between each floor and the more stagnant structure, specifically the egress stairs. The building incorporates a centralized atrium that is supported by an additional egress stair and catwalks; opening the building up, further supporting the “community” atmosphere.
event pavilion - oxford, ohio Miami University’s structured Georgian-style sets a precedent for new building construction and design on campus. This design proposal for an event pavilion located on Cook Field [an east-campus hub] challenges the university campus standards and explores alternative design techniques. As a second-year conceptual studio; exterior and interior circulation patterns, passive cooling, and landscaping were studied and formed the foundation for design decisions.
tech town - dayton, ohio This studio involved developing designs for the Tech Town business-park campus. As a prospective office building that accommodates research and development, this design integrates sustainable design, is ADA accessible, and incorporates the use of inexpensive materials in coordination with set campus standards, making the building economically sustainable and easily constructible by local contractors. The 57,000 square foot building results in an 80% tenant rentable space, including a first floor restaurant amenity and two outdoor patio spaces. The building’s entry mimics the MOMA, NY, and outdoor gathering spaces are utilized between campus buildings.
commercial space subsidized residential market-rate residential public/circulation
over the rhine - cincinnati, ohio Working alongside a non-profit community development corporation, this design-build studio developed a renovation design for two historic buildings in the Over-the-Rhine community. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, the five-story brick, historic buildings are structurally sound but have been uninhabited for years. The proposed design includes arranging commercial space, subsidized residential, and market-rate residential units within the building.
The design looks to achieve an appropriate balance between private and public space at a building, block, and neighborhood scale. These concepts were taken a step further in developing an efficient district heating/cooling system that utilizes abandoned lots throughout the historic grid as supply hubs and alleys that layout a fourpipe system in cohesion with Cincinnati’s electric system. This proposal was submitted to the 2009 ACSA “Green Community� competition and received a citation award; ranking among the top 10% of projects submitted nationally and published in Architectural Record magazine.
“pieces in a framework - green design initiative” 2009 american collegiate schools of architecture “green community” competition citation award
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raphic design
greater cincinnati energy alliance GCEA is a start-up, non-profit that aims to lower energy costs for home owners in the greater Cincinnati region. The new brochure [left] and contractor yard sign [below] visually promote the company. These graphic design initiatives support the company’s expansion.
GCEA
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Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance Connecting Greater Cincinnati to Energy Savings
Residential Energy Services: Take the first step to lowering your energy consumption with a reduced-cost, comprehensive energy audit analyzing your home’s air infiltration, mechanical systems, insulation and lighting.
A comprehensive inspection will provide you with a list of energy saving measures. This report details the approximate cost and energy savings of each measure, giving you a road map for creating an efficient and comfortable home.
Non-profit Energy Services GCEA is committed to helping non-profit organizations reduce their energy costs, freeing more resources for their organizational mission. Through partnerships with Ohio Interfaith Power and Light and the Fine Arts Fund, GCEA is working to increase energy efficiency for local arts and religious organizations in 2010.
GCEA
my home saves energy and money
Benefits A non-profit ally for your project Helping you through the retrofit process Saving money on your project Lowering your utility bills Creating jobs for local contractors
GCEA will assist in developing a financing strategy to ensure that the retrofit is affordable and offers an attractive return on investment. This includes an evaluation of incentives offered by GCEA, as well as utility rebates, tax credits and incentives, low-interest loans and any available federal or state incentives.
The Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky communities reduce their energy costs. We believe that through education, expertise, and innovative financing, we can help Greater Cincinnati become more energy efficient, saving money for residents while creating local jobs throughout our community.
(513) 621-GCEA
GCEA
Energy audit gift certificates [below] are distributed at grass-roots promotional, community events such as farmer’s markets and neighborhood canvasses. A new floor-plan [right] was designed to support the internal, corporate growth of the company. The layout utilizes natural lighting throughout the floor by centralizing the main conference rooms and offices. Employee communication and accessibility is encouraged with open work spaces.
bicentennial 2009 marked Miami University’s bicentennial celebration. Pi Sigma Epsilon business fraternity marketed this milestone for the university through a t-shirt [left] sale where proceeds funded the university’s “Bicentennial Scholarship.” This award was further promoted by on-campus posters such as “The New Miami.” [below]
The New Miami 1885 Old Miami! New Miami! Days of old and days to be. Wear the story of thy glory, Our Miami, here’s to thee!
OUR LECTURE HALL
outdoor pursuit center The Outdoor Pursuit Center [the OPC] is an internal branch within Miami University’s recreational center. The OPC provides academic courses, domestic and international trips, and group development programs for students. I had the opportunity to re-brand their image and programs through posters [left, below], fliers, and a new brochure.
Life Without Limits.
n& atio ent v i t Mo ragem u Enco Grou
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OPC www.muohio.edu/outdoor OUTDOOR PURSUIT CENTER
Life Without Limits.
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Life without limits. Located on the South side of the Rec Center www.muohio.edu/outdoor Phone: (513)529-1439
TEAM BUILDING PROGRAM
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tudio art
efflorescence bliss to bloom [above] - oil paint, oil pastel berry fun [left] - chalk, gouache, ink
character safe from the rain [above] - chalk pastel, gouache sweet margaret [left] - oil paint, oil pastel
balance a hole in the world [left] - linoleum print on textured paper self-portrait [below] - cardboard, oil paint, photographs
jessica parker forsythe forsytjp@muohio.edu [440] 622-4326