Architectural
portfolio michael carruthers
personal Information Contact Details Tel: Email: Address:
07530 122886 mike.j.carruthers@btinternet.com Flat 3 30 Ruthin Gardens Cardifff CF24 4AU
01 Relevant Skills Leadership During group work in both design and academic studies I have demonstrated efffective leadership within a team providing sound guidance, encouragement and support that ensured the successful completion of a variety of complex tasks. I have also helped lead and organise a group of students as part of an exchange with the University of Tianjin, China.
Management Date of Birth:
16 August 1991
Personal Profile A capable and enthusiastic architecture graduate, with a competent understanding of both architectural and technical design. Having excellent computing skills and the ability to work and communicate efffectively as part of a team while also taking a proactive approach to independent work. Experienced with working on education and leisure projects across a variety of stages of work and now looking to further develop my skills and competencies within the profession.
Education 2012-2015
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardifff University, CF10 3NB Master of Architecture Incomplete
I am adept at managing my time and resources, work extremely well under pressure and have never missed a deadline.
Team Work As part of a team I am able to work well, I am receptive to the needs of the team, able to follow and complete tasks on time, provide a positive contribution in both discussion and the quality of my work, yet recognise and value the opinions of others.
Communication My time at university and in work has helped to reinforce my verbal and presentational skills, and I always strive for clarity in my visual presentation. I am confijident and competent in discussing my work with clients and colleagues in a variety of situations.As a sole representative of the practice I have gained valuable experience ofmanaging challenging discussions during meetings and public consultations.
Computer Skills
2009-2012
Welsh School of Architecture, Cardifff University, CF10 3NB BSc in Architectural Studies
I am highly computer literate with a competent knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Autocad, SketchUp, Microsoft Offfijice, Kerkythea, and 3ds Max (Basic). I have also assisted many of my colleagues and helped them to improve their own software skills, by both organising and presenting software tutorials, and providing informal help. I am also keen to continue widening and improving my repertoire to ensure that my skills remain up to date.
2007-2009
Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge, Sufffolk, IP12 4JX A-levels Art: A, Maths: A, Physics: A, Chemistry: A
Competitions
2002-2007
Debenham High School, Debenham, Sufffolk, IP14 6BL GCSEs 5x A*, 3xA, 2xB
Employment 2012-2013
Pick Everard, Bury St Edmunds Branch Offfijice Architectural Assistant
In my fijirst year at University I entered and came second in an international ideas competition with a fellow student; the subject focused on creating stress free environments within the urban realm. During my second year I entered an in-school ideas competition to design display spaces in the Welsh National Museum in which I was placed second.
Interests I enjoy any opportunity to apply my graphic skills outside of architecture. I have worked for a local dementia charity to help them design their logo, and produced propaganda material and posters for a Students’ Union Presidential candidate. During my time at the Welsh School of Architecture I produced propaganda including: posters, booklets and a logo, for the Student Association of the Welsh School of Architecture. I was also part of the publicity team for the 2014 London Exhibition of student work, helping to produce material that assisted in gaining sponsorship and promoting the event as well as ensuring that all the work was printed to meet strict deadlines. I remain keenly interested in Art and enjoy any opportunity to visit exhibitions and attend the theatre regularly. I am an enthusiastic cook and relish the challenge of baking. I am an avid reader and have a particular interest for science fijiction and fantasy genres.
GreenGrocer and residential unit Retail/Residential 2009
1
02 3
4
This project was a combination of group and individual work. Set on a f캐ictitious street, we had to develop our individual plots and at the same time work together to create the public realm between buildings. A focus was also put on communicating with your direct neighbours, ensuring that they understood your design intent as well as helping to create a relationship between buildings. It also promoted solving problems together, such as minimising overshadowing and how party walls were to be treated. The primary medium for design and presentation throughout the entire project was a 1:50 model, with the f캐inal aim to have a large group site model of the entire street. The use of a single model meant that during the design process there was an emphasis on testing and developing through the model, which involved regular constructing and deconstructing. This process also helped to achieve a basic understanding of both a buildings tectonics and construction. The function for the ground level of my building was a greengrocers, with the concept for the building inspired by visits to Cardifff market and the stacking of boxes and crates at the various stalls there when presenting their wares. The design aim was to create a series of terraces on which temporary stalls could be established for the sale of fruit and vegetables, while at the same time creating a public connection between the main high street and a rear muse lane.
2
1 2 3 4 5
Initial concept diagram looking at stacked baskets Simple use perspectives from physical model Final model photos Model in the context of the street and neighbours Sketch section
5
Nursery School - Cardiff Bay Education - Foundation 2010 This project was a nursery school located in Cardifff Bay with views out across the wetlands reserve and the Bay. The concept of the building was to create opportunities throughout for diffferent types of views both outwards across the site and internally. Making use of diffferent levels to create an interesting and playful environment for the pupils, as well as encouraging the creation of visual relationships. The design draws inspiration from projects such as PLOTs Maritime Youth Hose, which I visited in Copenhagen, allowing the pupils access to the roof as a play space, maximising the usable area of site, and granting them greater views out over the surrounding area. Large skylights also allow the pupils on the roof to look down into the classrooms below, while inside the introduction of a mezzanine adds an elevated level, while also creating a more enclosed area below. The internal arrangement of the building tried to minimise the use of corridors where possible, looking instead to locate rooms around internal courtyard spaces, which can be used as breakout spaces for groups or internal play. This project also placed greater focus on understanding the structural implications of the building. Exploring the structural layout of the proposal as well as understanding technical detailing through model.
03 4
5
1 2
3
6 1 2 3 4 5 6
Initial concept for school design Internal classroom perspective Classroom section diagram Plugin model photos 1:20 Technical detail model Structural model
urban trees - grangetown, cardiff Masterplan/residential 2010
1
This project began as a small group masterplanning project working on a site in Grangetown, Cardifff, with a focus on sustainability, which provided the opportunity to work with others and to analysis the site, and develop a concept and consider the massing of the site. The overall concept that drove the masterplans development was the idea of a tree as a representation of life and growth, nourishing its occupants and helping them to grow as a family and community. Just as a tree gains its nutrients from the soil and water from the rain, the units incorporate sustainable systems including grey and rain water recycling and ground source heat pumps. The public realm between the trees becomes clearings within which community interaction can occur. The overall masterplan consisted of four residential trees and a community hub, arranged to minimise overshadowing of each other. The arrangement of the clearings within the public realm are also such that at diffferent times of the year and day at least one of the spaces is in sun. Having established the trees and clearings positions within the site, the paving uses these as nodes to set out a Voronoi pattern to divide the public realm into diffferent areas.
04 2
8
2
3
5
9
5
6
10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Sustainable Urban Trees concept Diagram of interlocking blocks around a f캐ixed core Vertical movement up core Public street furniture concept Public paving concepts Site elevation Model photos Site masterplan Plan with inhabited unit Section with inhabited unit
7
urban trees - grangetown, cardiff
05
Masterplan/Residential 2010
2
1
Each tree is made up of a communal trunk which provides the vertical movement for the residents and all the services for the units. This is then surrounded by a series of interlocking residential units that can adapt and grow depending on the needs of the people that live there. Beginning as a standard residence, there is the option to expand the dwelling over time, adding additional spaces such as balconies or extending existing rooms. The structural development of the blocks facilitates this approach, by initially constructing the cores and vertical movement, followed by the structural frame of each unit. The units are then assembled using a prefabricated panel system to create the desired size of unit, with the remaining structure allowing for expansion in the future. The units also provide decked roofs as communal spaces for the residences that are separate from the public realm below.
2 6
3
4
5
1
7
1 Technical section 2 Core and structure build up 3 Expanding residential units to f캐it occupants needs
3
1. - Exterior Floor Structure 2. - flat roof structure 3. - window 4. - primary structure 5. - stairs 6. - parapet flashing 7. - concrete trunk
arts Centre and Theatre - pontypridd Arts centre 2011
1
2
wor spackeshop
ion
recept
art resiist in denc e
tre thea
5
3
Site development concept Ground floor plan Site section Proposed building functions First floor plan
4
y galler
The objective in this project was to provide a new public building for Pontypridd, that would help rejuvenate and reinvent the town, for both those living there and to attract people from the surrounding area to the civic centre. The site was located within Pontypridd’s civic centre, along one of the main commercial streets. During the initial site analysis, while studying the hierarchy of the buildings surrounding the site, I became interested in the datum that occurred on the facades of the shops. The distinction between the ground floor, wrapped in the false skin of the shops, and the upper floors, which show the true nature of the building but have been left to fall into disrepair. Oblivious to what is above the public only observe that which is on the ground at their eye level. This lead into the driving concept for the project, the idea that the facade of a building is not simply a representation of what it contains and that there is more within if you simply explore. Using this, the development of the site began with the placement of three core structures forming the false facades of the buildings. The arrangement of which is to draw people through the site, using the structures to direct people’s views, and the placement of large sculptures. Punctures in these structures reveal the true nature of the buildings within, which are then pulled apart and eroded to reveal what has been previously only glimpsed at inside.
1 2 3 4 5
06
arts centre and theatre - pontypridd Arts Centre 2011 Pontypridd is known for its creative talent which the art centre hopes to build upon. The f캐inal scheme involved the creation of three distinct buildings on the site: a gallery space, a theatre, and workshop/artist in residence spaces. The intention of creating an arts centre was not simply to create generic gallery spaces for the display of painting or sculpture. Instead the space is multifunctional and kinaesthetic, having excellent control over its lighting and acoustic properties, to provide a space that is a canvas upon which people can express themselves. The theatre is based on a black box allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of directors and performances. The bufffer area allows for the public and actors to move around the outside of the theatre in a covered space, as well as creating interesting lighting conditions depending on the time of day and whether it is being illuminated by sunlight or the theatre. This is an efffect that I explored through a 1:25 lighting model of this space. Workshop spaces and the opportunity for artist in residence positions offfer the possibility for the community to interact with various arts including dance or painting classes.
1
2
3
1 2 3 4 5
Concept of light f캐iltering through movement bufffer Concept of sculpture as a visual guide Facade concept model External perspectives Theatre light model photos
4
07 5
Monument recording coastal erosion along the Suffolk Coastline Monument 2011 This was a short, small scale project to design a monument for a cause of our own choosing. Having lived close to the Sufffolk coastline for much of my life I was inspired by the rich history found there and the constant problems that coastal erosion places on many parts along it. The problem of erosion is one that has long existed for the coastline, with villages such as Dunwich, once the capital of East Anglia, having been mostly lost to the sea. New areas each year threaten to fall into the sea, and within the next hundred years we will likely see coastal erosion ranging from just 10m to upwards of 1km. There have been various defensive structures such as the Martello Towers, from the Napoleonic wars, and Second World War pillboxes located along the coastline. As well as important military sites such as Orford Ness and RAF Bawdsey. However the sight of pillboxes that have fallen haphazardly from clifff tops into the sea is a constant reminder of the true power of nature. With modern defensive structures, such as sea walls and groynes, instead focusing on protecting towns and villages from the sea. The design of my monument was for a series of pillars that would be placed at regular intervals along the coastline, following the existing Sufffolk Coastal path, marking its current position. They would remain constant as the ground around them becomes eroded away, documenting the changes to the coastline in future years.
1
5
6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Pillar detail drawings Pillar in an eroding clifff face Pillar having been eroded into the sea Pillar collar, with number and position Changing position of pillar as coastal erosion occurs Key perspective
2
3
08 4
Science centre masterplan - Port Talbot
09
Masterplan 2011
4
This project was a masterplanning exercise to provide a mixed use development, with residential units and science elements, in the form of a museum and research labs. The two hectare site in Port Talbot is located close to the docks and steel plant, and is part of area that has plans for development in the future years. Through the initial site analysis I identif캐ied two main axis of approach to the site: one, pedestrian access, leading from the civic centre and Sandf캐ield estate at the north of the site, and the other, the primary vehicular access, leading from the train station and the proposed future developments of the surrounding area. These points of entry def캐ined the key movement routes across the site. From the north to south of the site is the primary pedestrian route connecting the civic centre access to the spit, creating a route that the public can use as part of walks that draw them through the site. This also forms the science high street of the site, with the museum running along it, and def캐ines the public part of the site The east west route provides the other strong axis of the site, providing access from the existing road network into the site. The residential blocks are aligned to this east west route, arranged in a way that ensures overshadowing is minimised, in terms of height and position. The blocks are also offfset to allow for both views and access out onto green spaces, with minimal visual overlooking. These two routes bisect each other to form a public square that provides a larger external space for public events.
1 2 3 4
Scenes from animation showing Port Talbot development Analysis of surrounding building functions Site masterplan Design development of site
1
2
residential industry community civic
3
science centre masterplan - port talbot masterplan 2011 The science museum acts as the main draw for the public to the site, forming the west side of the science high street. Taking its ethos from other science museums such as Techniquest and the London Science Museum, aiming to engage and educated a community with a hands-on approach to learning. Drawing influence for its exhibitions from the research that takes place within the site and also the surrounding area, such as sustainable energy research from the nearby Baglan Bay. The inclusion of an education centre allows the museum to interact with the local schools and provide an outreach program to improve awareness of the sciences in schools. The east side of the science high street acts as a bufffer between the museum and residential aspects of the site. Acting as a f캐ilter between the diffferent functions, alternating its focus on the high street and residential with diffferent functions. Towards the residential the focus is on providing community buildings such as a library, sport centre, and community centre. Whereas science research labs face onto the high street allowing the public to observe the research as it is taking place. The residential blocks are made up of a mixture of single storey one to two person flats and two storey family dwellings, providing a mixture of arrangements to promote a sense of community. Private balconies provide the residents with views out on public green spaces, without obstruction by other blocks. While at the ground level community rooms that can be used for a variety of functions by the residents, also act as a series of glowing beacons at the ground level, illuminating the area around them to create a safer environment for the residents.
1
BAGLAN BAY
2
M4 EXIT (CURRENT)
External perspective of green space and residential blocks Diagram showing views of green spaces Balcony perspective looking over green space Residential units and community centre spaces Axonometric of movement through science museum Science high street perspective N-S site section
PORT TALBOT
5
3
CIVIC CENTRE STATION
SAND FIELDS SPIT M4 EXIT (NEW)
BEACH
4
6 single storey dwelling
community space
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10
7
family dwelling
theatre as a representation of reality - lyon theatre 2012 This project was a theatre inspired by the theories of Bertolt Brecht. Located in Lyon the site is overlooked by a pair of Roman amphitheatres and the Gallo Roman Museum. The main access to the site came from a nearby funicular station, meaning that most of the public approaches the site from the west side. Therefore the project looks to frame the amphitheatres as people approach from this direction. The concept began by exploring the Brechtian ideas of theatre; in particular the idea that by breaking the illusion that theatre normally encourages this allows the audience to take a more critical observation of the performance. This idea can be achieved in several ways such as: non-realistic scenic design, selective realism in props and costumes, summarizing the action, breaking the forth wall, expressing the workings of the theatre. These theories can be considered when designing the overall theatre spaces. Therefore the overarching concept for the building was to design a building that played with the public’s initial perception of it. As they approach the building it appears to be large and monolithic, however upon entering the illusion that is the exterior is broken, to reveal that this was just a shell around a lightweight space frame theatre inside. As well as a theatre, the design also includes an archive as a way of recording the critical responses of the theatre goers, along with the storage of props and costumes from previous performances. Before any performances the recorded thoughts of previous patrons are played throughout the areas around the theatre. These can be watched as a way explaining the narrative and expressing the opinions, by patrons before seeing a performance to make them more aware that it is a performance and so breaking the illusion.
3
1
11 4
5
Initial Perception
Breaking Illusion
Reality
2
Theatre
Archive
7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Initial design concept Conceptual building layout Ground and fÄłirst floor plans Inhabitation of ruins as a theatre concept Aerial site plan N-S site section through theatre Exploded Axonometric
6
theatre as a representation of reality - lyon theatre 2012 The theatre is in the round, which allows for it to be placed within another space, becoming a separate entity and able to express the various functions that happen within it more clearly. The spaces around the outside then become the ancillary and support spaces, but more importantly the backstage areas. This allows visitors to enter the theatre before and during performances and see the set up and preparation that would normally be hidden in a theatre. The outer shell of the theatre is a concrete structure with brick facade, which mimics the tectonic of the amphitheatre ruins. In contrast the theatre and roof are constructed from a Mero KK node system. The system provides a simple and easily assembled structure, which can also be used to house sound and lighting platforms, while leaving them exposed to visitors. The theatre walls are designed to maintain the lightweight appearance using a translucent fabric as an external curtain that helps to trap sound waves. Combining this with a woven metal mesh on the inside of the frame, to achieve the necessary reverb time when used alongside acoustic panelling.
1
9 NS site section EW site section Internal theatre perspective Perspective of area around theatre Mero node system column Mero KK node system connection details Theatre external panelling build up Technical Section Acoustic panelling position within theatre
2
3
5
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
12
4
6
7
8
School Extensions - barnet, London Education - Secondary 2012/13 During my year in practice I was focused mainly on education and leisure projects, helping to produce visual and presentation images that were to be included within planning applications, public consultations boards, and in reports for clients. The images included on this page were produced for a pair of high school extensions to give a basic impression of the new building in terms of look within its proposed location.
1 Perspectives for Copthall High School extension 2 Perspectives for Christ’s College Sixth form extension
1
13 2
Scolar Archive Extension - assl, Cardiff University library 2013 This was another small charette project to design an extension to the Cardifff University ASSL, to hold the SCOLAR archive. The concept for the design came from the idea that archive is fundamentally about protecting something precious; although this does not mean that it cannot be a public building. Further to this was the idea that there can be more to a building than initially meets the eye, encouraging individuals to explore it to understand more. When approaching the building, upon entering the site, you would see a light weight glass and timber structure with just a glimpse of a heavier brick structure centred within it. As you move to be alongside, your views inwards are f캐iltered by vertical timber structure. Then upon entering at ground level it becomes apparent that the heavier structure, previously only hinted at, leads downwards to something more precious. The building becomes more private as it goes down, starting at the ground level as a public building with lecture and seminar rooms, and exhibition space. Aiming to encourage people into the space so that they may learn about the archive. You then descend to the reading spaces, which are quieter and more private, allowing people to view the archive materials. Acting as a place to meld together the public access and privacy of the archive, def캐ining this change by using a heavier tectonic that is in stark contrast to the lighter more public spaces above. Finally, below the reading space, is the most private area is the archive storage and photography room, accessible to only the stafff working there.
1
Site plan Building arrangement diagram Journey through the building concept Building entrance perspective Exploded Axonometric
5
1 2
2
PUBLIC SPACE
READING SPACE
ARCHIVE STORAGE
4
1 2 3 4 5
3
14
3
temporary inhabitation of disused spaces - cardiff temporary use 2014/15
1
These are a series of renders and diagrams produced as part of initial concept ideas for a project that considered the possibility of introducing a network of temporary structures in disused spaces across Cardifff. The design looked to integrate with the proposed rapid transit system within Cardifff as a way to link possible sites together, creating new gateway spaces at stops along the routes that combine areas for temporary intervention with new permanent structure. The design proposed using a series of portable structures that could be occupied on a temporary basis by variety of functions, from retail to street food stalls. These would be able to be inserted into external places such as district and local centres or interior spaces such as disused shops. They can then be moved between diffferent sites to ensure universal growth or as more permanent solutions are introduced. The overall aim of the proposal was to inject new growth into areas and encourage and provide spaces for new small businesses.
15 4
5
in situ assembly
pod movement
2
6
prefabricated delivery
pod movement
3
1 2 3 4 5 6
City centre pods perspective Rapid transit gateway perspective Function possibilities diagrams Disused shop occupation perspective Insitu pod assembly diagram Prefabricated pod assembly diagram
Temporary Highstreet - St. Pauls, Bristol Temporary Use 2014
1
16 2
3
This series of diagrams and collages were produced for a friend as presentation images for an urban design scheme. The project explored the St Pauls area of Bristol to develop an urban strategy as a way to rejuvenate the area. Having identif캐ied a series of sites that were disused and key within the area, the scheme proposed the creation of a series of temporary projects. Introducing functions such as temporary theatres and libraries, as well as creating a new high street that would be trafff캐ic free at specif캐ic times to allow for occupation by the residents for events such as markets and the annual street festival. The diagrams here show how spaces could be used, the types of functions that could occur within them, and the way they can change flexibly depending on their need.
4
5
6
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intervention collages Temporary high street arrangements Temporary theatre diagram Theatre collage High street intervention collage Community centre exterior lending library
graphic design and 3d modelling work Graphic Design ongoing
1
17 2
3
I am always keen for any opportunity to apply my graphic design skills, having produced work for a variety of individuals and groups. The images on this page show range of logos and promotional material that I have produced over recent years. I also have produced several SketchUp models for others and personal use, and enjoy the opportunity to model both existing and proposed structures, and even products. My work has ranged from basic block massing models, showing a buildings position on site, to more complex models of f캐inal buildings, to be used in renders and as presentational images.
4
6
8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Debenham Project logo SAWSA logo and propaganda London Exhibition poster concept Students Union president campaign propaganda London Exhibition catalogue/program Minden House summer room SketchUp model Hamilton Road rear extension SketchUp model Cardifff Coal Exchange SketchUp model
5
7