architectural and creative work robert james hughes pratt institute school of architecture
SKILLS
EDUCATION
Rhinoceros 5 Autodesk AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, and Civil 3D Adobe CS5: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier Pro Maxwell Studio, Vray, and Brazil Rendering Software Grasshopper SketchUp RhinoCAM 2.0 and CNC fabrication Microsoft Office Suite Digital and Film Photography Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY Bachelors of Architecture Rome Study Abroad Berlin Program Minor: Construction Management Bauhaus University, Weimar, Germany “Private Sphere” Design Course
EXPERIENCE
IROJE Architects & Planners, Beijing, China Architectural Designer MAD Architects, Beijing, China Architecture Intern BAM Architecture Studio, New York, NY Architecture Intern Scalar Architecture, New York, NY Architecture Intern KWP Associates, Pomfret, CT Draftsman, Surveyor, Civil Engineering Intern Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY Teacher’s Assistant; Gallery Assistant; Multi-Media Services American Bar Association, New York, NY Photographer
HONORS AND AWARDS
PUBLICATIONS
Junge Memorial Scholarship Distinguished Student Review, Pratt Institute Rosenfeld Scholarship, Pratt Institute Connecticut College Arboretum Photography Award GFWC Art Competition Best Documentary, Manchester Community College Film Festival Best in Show, Best Documentary, Moondance Film Festival Pratt Institute: InProcess 15, 16, 17, 18; Verlag Der Bauhaus-Universitat, Weimar: “Private Sphere”
2008-2013
aug 2011
oct 2013jan 2014 may 2013oct 2013 oct 2012jan 2013 junenov2012 mayaug 2009 sept 2009may 2013 sept 2008
2012 2011 2011 2009 2008 2007 2007
robertjameshughes.com rhughes411@gmail.com 917-757-2915 brooklyn, ny
robert james hughes
01.YESTAR FACADE
Designed, modeled, and represented for IROJE, 2013
Yestar Facade Proposal Yestar Cosmetic Surgery Group had requested a facade redesign of one of their clinics. The client asked for a clean, modern design which could appeal to female clientel, while staying representing the company’s star-like iconography. The concept behind this proposed option expresses a sleek, subtly curved veil over the facade. Perforated metal was the material of choice to allow a certain degree of transparency to the building beneath. A grasshopper scripted was used to randomly generate the appearance of constellation inspired aperature. Areas of density in the aperature are based on the location of existing windows beneath the proposed facade.
plans
VATICAN ALIAS This studio focused on an analysis of historic models to reveal distinct architectural pattems within Rome. The program was to design a museum and housing complex within the center of Rome. The design process explored the transformation of Roman prototypes. Design issues included understanding urban form as an accommodation of the city's growth, and acretive intervention within a fragmented historic context. Studies concluded with formal propositions within the context of the city fabric.
02.ROME
Professor Carlyle Fraser Spring 2012
ROME
sections
Professor Carlyle Fraser Spring 2012
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013 Coastal Change 1858-2010
RE-CONNECTING SUNSET PARK, BROOKLYN, DEGREE PROJECT One almost feels a sense of alienation, visually and physically, when wandering the streets of Sunset’s Industrial Park. There is a haunting quality in the rusticated landscape, with reminisce of industrial artifacts that have long fallen under decay and dilapidation over the years. Currently a neighborhood of strong contrasts between land use and demographics, Sunset Park has suffered neglect due to the emigration of the shipping industry, and the subsequent demise of its infrastructural network. The waterfront has become an island, cutoff from the rest of the borough; inaccessible to the community, and limited in connectivity. Much of the land has veered from its intended use. However, the investigation of this site intends to present a myriad of opportunities. To develop these possibilities, it is imperative to adapt the demands of this century in tandem with the evolving face of industry and infrastructure support. Modern industry must be retooled to adjust for the neglect and decadence, while simultaneously regarded as a vital component to the economic wellbeing and resilience of the city.
03.CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
100yr Flood Zone
“If we cannot control the volatile tides of change, we can learn to build better boats. We can design - and redesign - organizations, institutions, and systems to better absorb disruption, operate under a wider variety of conditions, and shift more fluidly from on circumstance to the next. To do that, we need to understand the emerging field of resilience� - Andrew Zolli, Resilience
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013
Sunset Park Waterfont
Language Isolation English
A lack of evolution in the in the urban fabric and program of Sunset Park has left the neighborhood desolate to the public. The site has been segregated from the rest of the community, in zoning and land use; hence it’s introversion to the community. However, the present industry is vibrant and there exists a high density of employment. As a resolution, it is necessary that the current conditions be reprogrammed; redefining the way that we work and live. The community should be invited and engaged within this site, the public should be provided a destination along the waterfront, and consideration should be given to preserve or redefine the existing industrial vibrancy. Variety of use and users employ a key component to adaption and resilience. To engage these issues, we must redistribute and tightly integrate each of these diverse elements currently present in the community. Solutions for a resilient Brooklyn cannot overlook the concentration of development and population along the coastline. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy ravaged New York with devastating floods and winds, instigating widespread emergency evacuation, and the infrastructural paralysis of New York City. The atrocious damages resulted in billions of dollars worth of recovery, proving the perils of coastal development. The city has proven its susceptibility to the forces of nature, in the pursuit and promotion of prime real estate. Therefore, any intervention along the Sunset Park waterfront should consider modifications that can accommodate or defend against the future of rising tides.
Spanish
Chinese
Residential
Public Facilities
Commercial
Parks and Open Spaces
Industrial
Vacant Land
Proposed Solution: Seeding Nodes and Pathways Or proposed solution inserts a series of nodes throughout Sunset Park, interventions which include a variety of programs hierarchical and appropriate to its adjacencies. Metaphorically seeding the introverted neighborhood for social and economic vitality; in other words we are “Cultivating for Resilience�. Where resilience implies buoyancy, or the ability to recover strength or sustain stability through diversification. All of the zones are functioning according to the adjacent demands and usage. Cultural and social nodes induce vitality among the demographics and allow for the better integration of ethnic and cultural variance. Our intent is to create moments of unique, diverse, yet appropriately desired program, while simultaneously enhancing the dilapidating infrastructural modes of connectivity and transportation within the community. From the top-down and bottom-up research we have done on the site, it was clear that our intervention consisted of created new axes in the city plan that emphasized the east-west movement, directing people on to the waterfront from other communities. We identified 58th street to be one of the major armatures that was to be developed as the initial intervention in the area. 59th street connects to the largest walk able pier on the waterfront, but 58th has a direct access to the subway stop along 4th Avenue. To integrate both the accessibility from the subway station the convenience of a direct view of the pier on 59th, we decided to use 58th as the main street that merges with 59th beyond the BQE. As a general rule, we did not want our intervention to be overly aggressive, knocking down blocks and conjoining multiple blocks the way Robert Moses has done in the past. Instead, we identified existing programs that can be enhanced or programs that was lacking in the neighborhood, creating minimal yet diverse alterations. We always viewed 8th Avenue as the starting point of our armature, waterfront being the climax. Since the two commercial strips, 8th and 5th both lack in social programs that provides the community with a place to gather around, we decided that the anchor points on these two avenues would be educational/cultural program with a comfortable open space on street level. As previously noted we wanted our intervention to be minimal, and not something that stands over the existing fabric like landmarks. We wanted the experience of the people to be a discovering sensation--finding the small changed as stimuli to Concepts and process iterations for social integration and interaction
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013
Community Education Center, Fabrication Labs And Distribution Hub Retrofit Fabrication Labs Community Center And Multi-modal Transit Hub
Retrofit Indoor Market
Mixed Use: Housing, Recreational Space, And Transit Hub
Mixed Use: Commercial and Retail, Housing, and Cultural Spaces
Community Center
Cultural Center and Recreational Space
Cultivating for Resilience First Phase Armature
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE discover more, only to find the magnificent view of the waterfront once they reach the pier. Along the Sunset Park waterfront exists and industrial enclave, thereby suggesting the preservation and stimulation of its existence and current well being. The programs within the residential community should allow for social vitality, where interventions along the waterfront induce economic stimulation. The fabric in between these nodal interventions emphasizes the notion of connectivity, the basis for economic and social distribution; moreover, the fundamental success of our concept employs the transportation of people, goods, and services. Additionally connecting the water’s edge to the public and the inland community, but also generating pathways for discovery; particularly for public recreation and exploration. These concepts are considered in our overall master plan for Sunset Park, where we established nodes of importance, based on underused or vacant spaces, in relation the surrounding programs and disconnected areas. Our first design phase focused on ‘L-shaped’ armature of 58th street, to its intersection with 1st Avenue. This armature presented a wide array of qualities and programmatic instances which required designed moments of higher resolution.
Our initial concept sketches, on the following spread, suggest the idea of independently functioning interventions seeding across the landscape, interconnected by a fabric of gestural vectors. Beneath the concept lies a vaguely fantastical notion, later giving birth to a more practical solution.
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013 The primary proposed intervention in Bush Terminal is located in the vast open space of the complex, adjacent to the terminating rail lines that are undergoing infrastructural upgrades. These rail lines connect to greater New York and New Jersey, precisely through a couple of float bridges along the waterfront. This location is a prime opportunity for an industrial ‘seed’ and distribution terminal. The proposed programs adapt the existing structures and programs in Bush Terminal, evolving the industries within, allowing for next generation manufacturing and community fabrication labs. Additional programs within the new Bush Terminal include a community center allowing the introduction and education of the adjacent community. The community center within would offer services to prospective workers and entrepreneurs of diverse cultural backgrounds, offering education to these new revolutionary methods of industry; such as 3D printing and small scale independent fabrication and design. Whereas the remaining and surrounding open space draws the community into the terminal and existing recreational spaces along the waterfront.
CULTIVATING RESILIENCE
Along the waterfront and 1st Avenue presents a series of underutilized and derelict spaces, particularly within Bush Terminal. Many industrial programs inhabit the introverted structures presenting an inherent lack of transparency in the industrial community, resulting in a sense of restriction, a physical and psychological boundary to the public wanderer. This observation motivated the concept of an industrial intervention to enhance the functioning enclave; yet can employ an inviting typology, one that endorses the concept of transparency and openness.
Professors David Maestres and Adam Elstein, 2013 Cultural Exhibition Spaces
Seeding Cultural Attractions, Sunset Park, Brooklyn Seeding enclaves is a sub-project of “Cultivating Resilience,” conceived with the intent of engaging a diverse community with a cultural and social center. On abandoned or derelict sites are proposed Seed’s, taking the form of small cultural and performance based interventions, building on the vibrancy and legacy of the neighborhood’s cultural strengths. Overall, the project is a component of the previous project, “Cultivating Resilience,” derived from the same master plan and concept. The design functions as a destination point to the presently neglected waterfront, emphasizing cultural vibrancy and integration.
04.SEEDING ENCLAVES
Publicly Accessible Waterfronts
Tempelhof Airport: Adaptive Reuse and Urban Agriculture To study the history of Tempelhof Airport is to trace decisive moments in German and Berlin history: From its use as an experimental airfield in the 19th century, through the dramatic events during the 1948–49 airlift, to the large-scale international landscape and urban design competition held in 2009, the “Tempelhofer Feld” reflects glory and abyss of German ingenuity and political stance. While there has been much speculation, many informal ideas and formal design proposals for the airfield since the airport was closed in 2008, very little attention has been given to the Tempelhof Airport building itself. This neglect can appear puzzling given the enormous historic, symbolic and spatial presence of the structure. It is one of a few pure-bred fascist buildings and, given its size and programmatic specificity, poses many challenges, so that any engaged discourse will aim to question its uncontested landmark status. We consider the building’s challenges a great opportunity that makes the old terminal building and its adjacent ground an ideal testing ground for architecture and energy futures. Its conditions pose an exceptional opportunity for speculative ecological scenarios that play out at the intersection of building and landscape, structure and field, occupation, recreation and production. The Pratt Berlin 2011 projects develop alternate uses for the Tempelhof Airport Terminal. The research addresses several key issues, including current programmatic, social, and technological needs within the city of Berlin. Proposed programs include a Living Material Research Facility, a Media Lab Berlin, an Institute for Urban Farming, a Sports Complex and more. Every project generates a unique pliable syntax of spatial, structural, and material responses, which engage the physical and cultural realities of Tempelhof Airport. Pratt Berlin is an international summer program at Pratt Institute, School of Architecture. The program organizer is Jonas Coersmeier, who teaches in collaboration with Gisela Baurmann and Justin Snider.
Professor Jonas Coersmeier Summer 2011
05.BERLIN
Tempelhof Airport Adaptive Reuse and Urban Agriculture By Lauren Stetekluh, Robert Hughes, and Seo Hee Lee The global reality of food futures is one where food is no longer trusted. As people no longer understand how to interact with products, societies rely on packaging instruction and expiration dates to communicate with what they consume. The impact of foodborne illnesses struck the uneducated future hard. The answer to Berlin’s strife lies at the former candy-bomber airfield, where Tempelhof has become a place of cooperation. The hybrid program is based off a cooperative structure which draws the public into the production processes of growth, harvesting, packaging, selling and distribution; in return those who participate will receive goods and social services. Different levels of commitment are offered; from those who wish to participate by buying goods at the market, by bringing their families to harvest apples, volunteering their free time to farming, or renting their own individual schrebergarten. Social interaction is therefore knitted into the growth centers, with the added opportunities for mingling at the various eateries and drinkeries on the premises. Tempelhof has become a new public arena and city forum, a place dedicated to social communication over the ultimate unifie.
BERLIN
Professor Jonas Coersmeier Summer 2011
High Rise Studio This seminar focused on the structural performance and conceptual expression of skyscrapers over 100 floors high. The site was positioned between Lincoln Center and Central Park, an inspirational and dynamic location for merging the programs of entertainment, interaction, and creativity with the spaces of nature. Concept The tower will converge the elements of life, binging them with natural space to induce harmony and variety into the program. The tower itself is porous, allowing exterior penetration to the interior, and opening a dialogue with central park, in order to allow moments of harmonic, interior green space throughout the building. Performing arts and education, working and living are all unique within the urban fabric. Open, exterior, and green space will encourage a higher quality of life, work and practice. Spaces of interaction will become intensified, yet still permit contemplative and personal opportunities. Public spaces will celebrate the moment of collectivity. The program will also support private spheres for an artist’s aspiration and practice. The intent is also to create a new meeting ground, a point of convergence among class and public interest, in order to redefine formality. In all, the proposal will notate a disintegration of the grid, reordering the dense urban structure, and layering space to allow moments of exteriority.
06.SKYSCRAPER
Professors Michael Trencher And Kathy Dunne Fall 2011
SKYSCRAPER
Professors Michael Trencher And Kathy Dunne Fall 2011
Concepts 3D laser scanning was employed as a method of generating a collective library of data sets. We identified organic specimens of natural rule-based formative processes. Computational Modeling Modeling software was introduced and explored as a means of accessing 3d data and generating design models. Models were developed based on their identity and clarity. Digital Fabrication Computer-aided manufacturing software and CNC milIing was Introduced and explored as a means of evaluating and developing models. Specific emphasis was placed on the potential of tooling paths, bo1h In terms of the bit and the algorithm employed to drive the cutting motion of the tool bit. Vacuum Forming Vacuum forming was the final process employed as a means of realizing an extended/tiled manifestation of the surface effects generated via digital fabrication.
Professor Ezra Ardolino Fall 2010
Through an immersive environment of 3D laser scanning, computational modeling, and CNC fabrication, this seminar investigated the design and manufacturing of architectural products as a function of digital modeling and fabrication technology
07.FABRICATION
CNC Fabrication
Cabin for the Whaelghinbran Farm The aim of this project was to fully utilize the cabins minimal footprint, creating a functional interior intended for two people, creating a quaint and comfortable retreat, submerged in the wilderness. The construction methods and materials were kept common, practical, and inexpensive; while highlighting sustainability.
Whaelghinbran Farm House
The cabin’s butterfly roof has the intent of providing optional rainwater collection, while also allowing for maximum sunlight to the adjustable PV panel; that is mounted on the northern angle. The living quarters is divided into a sleeping area for two, where one bed is situated in a loft above, and the wooden stove is situated on a fireproofing pedestal on the opposite side of the floor plan. From the beds, one can view the sky from the skylight window directly above. The high, slim window on the south facade allows for diffused lighting throughout the day.
100M
Program: Backwoods Cabin Client: Community Forests International Location: Whaelghinbran Farm, NB, Canada Size: 17m2 Date: 02.15.2014
PLANS SC A L E 1: 100 A
B
stone tile floor
firewood storage
folding bed shelves shelves
GROUND LEVEL
C
work desk
wood stove reclaimed wood floor
LOFT LEVEL
08.WHAELGHINBRAN CABIN
E D
lofted bed
adjustable PV panel
F
skylight
ROOF PLAN
Community Forests International Competition, February 2014
ROOF +4.77M
째 60
LOFT LEVEL
GROUND LEVEL
ELEVA T ION S
EAST/NORTH/WEST/SOUTH SCALE 1:100
MINDFUL MATERIALS Charred Cedar The exterior cladding is intended to be charred eastern cedar, an ancient Japanese technique called Shou-sugi-ban, to increase the lifetime of wood construction. After, the wood is treated with natural oils. The act of charring and coating the wood is said to protect the cedar siding from weather, pests, and rot for 80 years, while also increasing fire resistance of the structure. Zinc Roofing The primary benefit of Zinc roofing is its longevity, beauty, resistance to corrosion and fungus, and especially the fact that it is 100% recyclable and result in clean rainwater runoff; unlike metals like copper. SUMMER
WINTER SUN ANGLE
AUTUMN/SPRING
ROOF ANGLE TO MAXIMIZE SUMMER SUN; ADJUSTABLE PV PANEL RESPECTIVE TO EACH SEASON
WINTER
15째 15째 30째
WINTERSUMMER SUN
FOR THE RESTING EYE
OSB or Plywood Interior Finish Used for its aesthetic and strength of the interior furniture and finish around the wood framing. The plywood also provides a contrast from the charred exterior, giving the interior spaces a brighter quality. Recycled Cellulose Insulation Cellulose is composed of 75-85% recycled paper fiber, usually post-consumer waste newsprint. Advantages include a favorable thermal performance, long term savings, sound insulation, mold and pest control, fire retardation, and a vapor barrier may not be necessary.
2X4” purlins and insulation
insulated subflooring
charred cedar exterior over 1.5” air gap
2x4” studs and conventional wood framing custom windows
2x4” studs and conventional wood framing 4x4” timber columns 2x6” headers
8x8” column
plywood interior and cellulose insulation
2x10” floor joists black metal zinc roof
16” diameter concrete footings
ROOF +4.77M
60 ° ° 60
LOFT LEVEL folding table GROUND LEVEL
SECTIONS
S CALE 1: 100 A/ B/ C ROOF +4.77M
LOFT LEVEL
folding bed
ADAPTABLE FOR VARIOUS FUNCTIONS The interior finish is constructed out of plywood and the bed and table is able to fold into wall, allowing for a more open space. The entryway, or ‘mud room’, is separated from the living space and given a masonry floor or stone finish, creating a temperature barrier and transition from there outside environment. The ‘mud room’ is also designed for the storage of firewood and shoes or winter clothing accessories.
GROUND LEVEL
SECTIONS D/ E/ F
WHAELGHINBRAN CABIN
Community Forests International Competition, February 2014
folding bed
adjustable PV panel
entry threshold
potential rainwater collection
lofted bed
folding table
WHAELGHINBRAN CABIN
Community Forests International Competition, February 2014
Private Sphere A summer project to design and construct one permanent shelter in Holzdorf for a local charity. The workshop included not only the basic discussion of the topics of privacy and room atmosphere , the planning and implementation of a dwelling for two persons on the grounds of the Diakonia estate in Holzdorf, Germany. The structure was an assembly of prefabricated components. The components were planned and constructed at the Bauhaus, then transported and assemble at the Holzdorf estate. The course included the collaboration of the students and faculty of Bauhaus-University Weimar, and the architects Katinka Temme, Kengo Kuma, architect, JosĂŠ Mario Gutierrez Marquez, BFM Architects, Berlin, and Anna Kostreva, Berlin, several design studies and models of actual realizable property.
09.BAUHAUS
Bauhaus Universit채t Weimar Summer 2011
10.MATERIALS AND METHODS
Professor Mark Parsons Spring 2013
Infiltration and Intersection of Materiality This Materials and Methods seminar explored the physical and aesthetic characteristics of materials when subject to time, the natural elements, function, adaption to reuse, and fusion. Students had the liberty to choose any material to use as a basis of exploration for various forms and utilitarian functions. The work produced for this seminar explored the properties of concrete and its intersection with wood and glass. Concrete was mixed, dyed, and formed to infiltrate natural and found materials, to be shaped into sculptural and utilitarian objects. Presented on this spread, is a bedside table created from fallen and reclaimed wood from Hurricane Sandy. Charcoal dyed concrete penetrates the define edges of the split and treated log, in attempts to hoist it above the ground. Concrete infiltrated by glass fibers was the concept of the following spread. The objects created explore the manipulation of light through these massive forms of concrete, creating an elusive, and often deceptive. Light passing through bricks of 4 inch concrete presents the deception of warmth and transparency, yet when held, the misperception of such massive cold forms becomes apparent.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Professor Mark Parsons Spring 2013
Pratt Italia The investigation of the remains of antiquity and Rome’s urban artifacts can offer a unique lesson; the interaction of physical cause and cultural effect on the built environment and its eternal presence. The Pratt Rome program undertakes an intensive study of the city's architectural and cultural history, providing an experiential insight into the precedents that have had an enormous impact on the development of architecture in the western world. The curriculum consisted of courses in design, urban studies, language, history, and freehand sketching. Emphasis was placed on drawing as the critical tool, for analysis and interpretation of the urban form of Rome.
Professor Richard Piccolo Spring 2012
11.SKETCHING
12.PHOTOGRAPHY
robert james hughes robertjameshughes.com rhughes411@gmail.com 917.757.2915 brooklyn, ny