We have a reciprocal relationship with our built environment, one filled with the potential for enduring enrichment and meaningful connection. I wield my thirst to learn and thoughtful design in the pursuit of an architectural career capable of enabling these conditions
03 rose city pigments
05 autumn pavilion
13 companion living
21 selected works
project brief: mixed-use light industrial, commercial and residential site location: portland, oregon category winter quarter, 2021 context: urban production,
To bring production back to the City, this project engages micro-industrial activity and community activation by serving as a home for artists and scientists, an exhibition space, and center for education and experimentation all colored by the farm-to-table ethos.
2nd floor - Shared Studio spaces customized for the exploration of using pigment. studios include: painting, printmaking, textiles, soap-making and a laboratory for refining techniques
1st floor - Artist Residencies
directly connected to 3rd by grand staircase. these dwellings support those that may research and run the facilities above them.
Ground floor - Cafe, Gallery, Production
separated by interior glazing, the north is programmed for pigment production while the south supports retail and commercial gallery space.
Basement floor - Retail, Education, Production
directly connected to 3rd by grand staircase. a pigment shop and adjoining classroom peer into pigment production space.
flemish bond pigmented concrete
translucent kalwall soldier coursing
RIGHT: 1/4”:1’ mock-up of perforated brick wall featured on south facade.
BELOW: South Elevation taken from model created in Revit.
perspective render:
The Exhibition Gallery uses neutral tones and varying textures to accentuate the impact of color.
project brief: portable mass timber structure site location: anywhere category fall quarter, 2021 context: de-constructable, mass-timber tectonics, performance, public team: fatima alshaibani, aaron gray, alex hilton, kalei kittleson
conceptual sketch: The Autumn Pavilion
Our team sought to express the broad and delicate span of a deciduous leaf. First seeking to capture the vein-like structure of leaves, the pavilion employed a gridshell structure to support, span and brace various live, dead and lateral forces.
Jumping between CAD modeling with parametric input, sketch models and hand sketches, the project would ultimately evolve.
Initial Design
Using a gridshell structure to resemble a vein-like assembly of steam-bent, glulaminated wood.
Evolving Design pt.1
Changing to a folding plate structure using Mass Plywood Panel
Evolving Design pt.3
Refining panel dimensions.
Refined member profiles reinforce where compressive forces are most intense. Articulated openings reduce dead loads at furthest point of cantilever. Both design decisions create opportunity for translucent windows and sturdier presence.
LEFT: 1/2 scale mock-up of lower structural module
BELOW: Parametric analysis used to optimize panel placement and reduce offcut waste.
ABOVE: Plates are grouped into prefabricated modules capable of transportation in small box truck and simple on-site assembly.
MIDDLE: Structural analysis program, Karamba, illustrates areas undergoing axial forces.
BELOW: Elevation drawing shows pavilion with human scale and usage.
A&B Type Panels on 9’10” x 32’ x 4 ”
C Type Panels on 7’10” x 42’ x 2”
D&E Type Panels on 9’10” x 48’ x 2”
Total Area: 1635cuft
Total Offcut: 569cuft
Offcut Loss: 34%
perspective render:
The Autumn Pavilion striking presence at night.
project brief: residential, civic and agricultural site location: eugene, oregon category fall quarter, 2022
context: suburban infill, middle housing, food for lane county youth farm, community center
section perspective: The Companion’s Rowhouse.
Filtered Circulation
placement of housing masses to create walkable pathways without cars.
Modular (de)Composition
variety of studio, 1bd, 2bd modules to allow flexible arrangement on different sites.
Plein air sketch depicting siteprogram relationships
LEFT: site plan illustrating project relationship to youth farm, environmental conditions and surrounding neighborhood.
BELOW: site section illustrating housing relationship to youth farm, various outdoor spaces and community center.
ABOVE: Examination of site connectivity to surrounding public pathways
perspective sketch showing threshold of dwelling looking out to neighborhood
roof to wall detail with stylized exposed rafter tail supporting gutter and rain chain.
wall to foundation detail creating stormwater retention beds from roof runoff.
Positive Outdoor Space forms pockets for communal connection and becomes framework for circulatory character
Privacy Gradients of interior programming reflect the character of exterior moments.
Consideration of Water allows passive irrigation and stormwater retention to hydrate immediate ecologies.
Microclimates via Massing creates opportunities for passive heating/cooling of interior/exterior spaces.
section perspective:
The Companion’s Center is the lynchpin of the site, tying together residential pathways, community gardens, Food for Lane County Youth Farm and neighborhood events.
mary alice graphite. 2019
jack charcoal. 2012
figure study I charcoal. 2012
figure study II charcoal. 2012
endings acrylic. 2014
progress acrylic on silkscreen print. 2014
(de)construction acrylic on silkscreen print. 2014
intentions
silkscreen print on acrylic. 2014
thank you for your you time.
contact alex hilton
1alexhilton@gmail.com