Kevin Driscoll
kd
Kevin Driscoll M. Arch
0157 3584 4795 kevin.driscol@gmail.com kevin-driscoll.com
Inflation Station Form and Space Shaping
In Collaboration with: Holz Studio and The World on Yes Status | Completed Spring 2015 Milan, Italy, 2015 In 1971 a group of avant-garde architects and designers from San Francisco calling themselves “Ant Farm” began traveling the country pedalling their Inflatocookbook; a tongue and cheek thesis-style publication, documenting the design and construction of their so called anti-architectural inflatables. The group would arrive at tour locations and unfurl a series of inflated spaces made from vinyl, polyethylene and tape, then pressurized by common box fans. Such a simple concept for built space has a refreshing dichotomy when compared to the contemporary American construction process. Now, three-dimensional computer models and photo-realistic renderings attempt to to fill the void of spatial experience, but hopelessly lack the tactile information required to complete the sensations of human reality, in a built space. Such disconnect often leads to a sort of architectural impotence; a fatal inability to construct physical space. Similar in nature to Ant Farm’s inflatable rooms, contemporary architects often seek outlets to express their common passion for form and space shaping. Rarely do we actually find the ideal opportunity with a budget, a site and/or legal permission to explore our professional medium, recreationally. Material costs drive the limitations in size and quality of most projects in the US, today. Inspired by the fantastical work of Ant Farm, a small group of American architects have begun to remedy the above concerns through an exploration of the very mediums that were explored in the 1970’s. Using Polyethylene, Packaging Tape and Air Pressure to generate inhabitable space, a old window of spatial exploration has been re-opened for an inflatable exhibit, YESweFAIL. The exhibit focuses on the importance of FAILURE as part of the design process. The problem solving process is rooted in failure, regardless of medium. We learn from our mistakes. It is through the ability to recognize failures as a constructive tool for editing that we can develop techniques for understanding how to modify our ideas with precision. Design is iterative.
Bauhaus-Archiv
Museum für Gestaltung neu präsentiert: die Sammlung Bauhaus
Baumhauer
Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH
Client | Bauhaus Archiv / Museum für Gestaltung Status | Completed March 2015 Berlin, Germany, 2015 Die gelungene Architektur des Bauhaus-Archivs von Walter Gropius bietet keine idealen Ausstellungsbedingungen. Aus diesem Grund wurde der Ausstellungsort der ständigen Sammlung in der Vergangenheit durch Veränderungen am Originalzustand an heutige Museumsanforderungen angepasst. Dazu gehörte die vollständige innenseitige Schließung der großflächigen Fensterfront in Richtung Süden. Für die neue Ausstellungsarchitektur wurde aus der Schließung der Fenster ein architektonisches Hauptelement entwickelt, welches als anthrazitfarbener Wandkörper mit angegliedertem Ausstellungspodest vor der Südfassade entlangläuft und in die beiden tiefer liegenden Hallen Richtung Ost und West verlängert wurde. Der Wand wurden als Kontrapunkte zwei großflächige Fototapeten entgegengesetzt. Zwei rote Wandelemente- stehend und liegend um und zwischen Gropius gefaltete Wandformationen montiert- begrenzen den Ausstellungsbereich an seinen gegenüberliegenden Enden. Einzelne großflächige hellgraue Stellwände gliedern die Ost- und Westhalle.
The Urban Shelf A Proposal for Social Housing in Berlin, Germany
Studio Schwitalla Client | Bund Deutscher Architekten (BDA) Status | Gallery Showing ‘Sozialer Wohnungsbau Berlin’ Berlin, Germany, 2013 Infrastructure systems, like Berlin's S-Bahn, have cut through the city, leaving many "trimmed" buildings that show their back (firewalls) to the city. Often times, these wounded buildings remain with a narrow strip of space, left unused, adjacent to the firewall. If we understand these left over spaces in the city as micro real estate, The Urban Shelf is then a proposition for affordable inner-city living. The existing "trimmed" buildings can supply these raw, low-cost structures with the necessary infrastructure (e.g. water, power), as well as the structural backbone to the Shelf. Each "Shelf" is populated by one family, where they are encouraged to participate in the finishing architectural process as a way to define both their needs as a household and create an identity for themselves within the city.
Innerstädtische Mikroverdichtung
Das Urbane Regal
+ Aktivierung von Restflächen in der Stadt + Kein Abschieben in die Stadtperipherie + Weniger Pendlerverkehr
+ Kostengünstige Grundstruktur wird von der Stadt bereitgestellt + Bestehende Infrastruktur wird angezapft + Partizipatorischer Ausbau stiftet Identität für Bewohner
?! ?! ?!
Arc de Triomphe World Institute for the Abolition of War
Krzysztof Wodiczko Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris, France, 2011 In today’s world and especially the European Community, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris must be seen as a grotesquely anachronistic symbol. It is a major historical suspect and witness to some of the most deadly and destructive military and ideological adventures in the history of modern Europe. The proposed Institute for the Abolition of War is a structure proposed to surround the Arc de Triomphe. The scaffolding-like structure of the Institute immerses the Arc, leaving the memorial visible in its new context as a gigantic cultural specimen, a relic of the past reconfigured as an object of research. Enveloping the work of the Institute in visual transparency and facilitating free circulation through and around its physical structure offer an open-access invitation to all who wish to be historical witnesses, critical interlocutors, and potential intellectual and activist forces toward a war-free world.
Schindler Halle
Historical Renovation with Multi-functional Presentation Space
Studio Schwitalla Client | Schindler Deutschland AG & Co. KG Status | Construction Pending Berlin, Germany, 2013 The main focus of the project is the historical restoration of the factory hall and the implementation of a 1.000m² multi-functional showroom that can serve various programmatic needs throughout the year. The adaptive architectural intervention, based on revolving stage technology, can generate spatial conditions that activate, and/or sometimes separate, the remaining space in the hall as desired by each event. Two semi-circular, interlocking shells rotate seamlessly, stopping to create spatial configurations to suit endless programmatic needs. In addition to the showroom for the Schindler AG & Co. KG, the redesigned hall will offer spaces for artist studios, office workspace and event areas. In order to enable and foster communication and exchange between all disciplines, the various program types are implemented into an open landscape, creating opportunities for co-working and private work environments.
form finding
L S
spacial configurations
M XL
total 3691 m³
2807 m³
548 m²
112 m² 884 m³ 213 m²
414 m² 288 m²
225 m² 314 m²
414 m²
total 1075 m² d = 37m 875 m²
145 m² 201 m²
Schindler Halle Presentation Model
Studio Schwitalla Client | Schindler Deutschland AG & Co. KG Berlin, Germany, 2013 An electronic model using a micro controller, Arduino, was built to illustrate the four major configurations within a flexible design scheme. Each button is representative of a different configuration: grand entry, presentation, gala dinner and concert. The Arduino microcontroller controls all four buttons with corresponding LEDs, as well as two stepper motors to spin the model into position. Materials: CNC milled MDF and painted plaster base acid etched, brass wire frame hall laser cut acrylic gearing and design base 3D printed final design
Arduino set-up
Techshop Tegel
Digital Manufactory with Offices and Workshop Facilities
Studio Schwitalla
(in collaboration with Sven Hรถhne)
Client | Land Berlin, represented by Tegel Projekt GmbH Status | Invited Competition, 2nd Prize Berlin, Germany, 2013 Techshop Tegel is a digital manufactory in which urban technologies are designed, produced and exported. The proposed functions include traditional workshops (woodshop, metal-working, etc.), advanced digital production facilities (3D print, CNC, etc.) and VR production technology (cave, etc.). In combination with offices and spaces for informal communication, Techshop Tegel will be a lively community dedicated to turning ideas into physical reality. The original 1970s appearance of the existing complex will be preserved to give a historical identity to the new neighborhood. The architectural concept aims to open up the now impermeable building mass (three modular composed linear blocks), in order to generate a public passage into the new neighborhood and interconnect the three separate buildings. Building sections that are removed from the site, could be then used as "satellites" (urban tech embassy) that travel throughout the city of Berlin and act as a beacon, informing the public about the activities within the Urban Tech Republic.
Unit Division
E
OFFIC
P
WO alle
m
1,25
UN IT
2
HO S K R
T1
UNI
Flight deck / speakers platform Dachterrasse
Dachterrasse Ă–ffentlichkeit / Schaufenster VR: cave / dome
Connecting Existing Buildings
Creating a Public Passage
Fulton Street Expansion Renovation and Expansion in Historic North End
Touloukian Touloukian, Inc. Client | Private Residents Status | Completed 2012 Boston, MA, USA, 2011-12 The renovation and extension of this downtown historical condo, combines classic material and color with a modern take on Boston’s bay window. Site lines from existing windows below, extend upward to recreate a window rhythm that allows for large openings and abundant light, as well as views over the rest of the historic North End in Boston.
The V-illage
The Research and Development of Urban Living
Studio Schwitalla Client | Schindler AufzĂźge AG / Port Technology Status | Continuing Research Central Business Districts, 2013 What if buildings would generate public green space instead of consuming valuable open space within the urban environment? The concept aims to minimize a buildings footprint while maximizing the surface area above, especially that of the roof where green space is prioritized. The architectural starting point is an inverted pyramid-like typology. By splitting the central core and placing it along the perimeter, the structural DNA of the building is fundamentally reinterpreted: Floor slabs that used to be passive building mass now perform as an active part of the structural system. Horizontally suspended between the three structural cores, they prevent the core's deflection and allow the typically necessary vertical support (columns) to be minimized. At least three interdependent “buildingsâ€? form a stable cluster. Sunlight, urban grid dimensions and alignment, views and public circulation are the driving design parameters for the basic shelf structure that allows for population and growth over time. Modular, built-in housing units enable the inhabitants the ability to expand over time according to their personal and or family growth and needs. The combination of a top-down strategy (construction of shelf structure) and a bottom-up strategy (population) results in a lively vertical village.
t
ca. 85m²
max. width/speed
min. width/speed
urban axes
ca. 115m²
ca. 135m²
unit growth
KROHNE
Neubau der neuen KROHNE Konzernzentrale
Baumhauer
Gesellschaft von Architekten mbH
Client | KROHNE Group Status | Under Construction Duisburg, Germany, 2016 After 50 years of international business and art collecting, a new corporate headquarters is being designed to house new offices and gallery space for the over 2,000 pieces in the KROHNE family collection. The design seeks to create an atmosphere in which the workers and visitors are almost constantly engaged with the artwork around them. The decision was, essentially, to place the office spaces within a gallery, allowing the art to be enjoyed daily, by the emplyees, as well as through the glass facade as one passes the building.
1,50m Grid
3,00m window grid to allow flexible interior
Solid Panels Shade 20% of Facade
Playful Rhythm
kevin-driscoll.com
kd