ABIGAIL BELSAN Architectural Portfolio
Forest City Church - Elgin A NEW HOME FOR AN EXISTING LOCAL CHURCH PLANT IN DOWNTOWN ELGIN.
This church was designed around 1 Peter 2:9 and embodies the concept of stepping “out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Compression and release is paired with clerestory light to give users a feeling of relief as they move through the sanctuary, designating it as a holy and sacred space.
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But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
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1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
The overall form of the church is informed by both the site and the concept. Because of the adjaceny to the river and the existing centralized circulation, the structure is located on the northwest corner of the site. The monumental corner acts as a beacon to the community while bringing ample clerestory light into the sanctuary. Additionally, the u-shape of the plan acts as open arms; announcing entry and drawing the user in.
Worship Office Suite Fellowship Education Restrooms Mech/Elec/Storage
Capturing the threshold of moving from darkness to light, the roof forms are offset to allow slits of light in that gently illuminate the ceiling. At the highest peak there exists a unique formation of skylights and windows. These openings wash the back wall with light and draw the user forward towards the altar. The space is made to feel compelling and sacred.
The Edge A MIXED-USE TOWNHOME COMMUNITY IN DOWNTOWN ELGIN. Downtown Elgin is a historic area currently making efforts towards urbanization. The Edge offers a mixed -use space that both connects residential and commercial areas as well as low income and high income areas.
SEPARATE
ORIENT
OFFSET
Taking advantage of the two highly trafficked adjacent roads (Highland Ave and Route 31), the design creates two strong commercial edges. With a total of nine shops, the ample green space complete with benches, trees, light posts, and an intricate network of sidewalks all work together to create a commercial hub. Raised up and set slightly back are the townhome units. The elevated space and intimate quad create a neighborhood-like community with sufficient privacy.
One goal of this project was to offer the tenants a sense of ownership and privacy, despite their somewhat communal living. The offsets of the units successfully give each unit privacy for their respective balconies/porches. Each unit is also given its own front door, allowing each resident a feeling of homecoming when they enter.
Consultan Address Address Address Phone
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East 3/16" = 1'-0"
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West 3/16" = 1'-0"
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4
South 3/16" = 1'-0"
North 3/16" = 1'-0"
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Consultan Address Address Address Phone
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South 1" = 10'-0"
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29' - 0 27/32"
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W/D
1 A103
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Level 1 1" = 10'-0"
Upper Plan Level 4 1" = 10'-0"
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Lower Plan 2
Level 3 1" = 10'-0"
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W/D
Consult Address Address Address Phone
No. Level 4 3 1" = 10'-0"
Section
Roof Assembly (Interior to Exterior): Gypsum 5/8” Plywood Sheathing 7/16” Rigid Insulation 5” Air Gap with 2x8 Rafters 2 1/4” Plywood Sheathing 7/16” Membrane Shingles
Summer Solstice
Winter Solstice
Wall Assembly (Interior to Exterior): Gypsum 5/8” Furring Strips 1 5/8” CMU 7 5/8” Vapor Barrier Rigid Insulation 4” Water Barrier Air Gap 2’ Brick Veneer 3 5/8”
West Dundee Public Library AN INVITING AND NATURAL SPACE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WEST DUNDEE. The library combines the concept of layers with the desire for a “natural” feeling through it’s interaction with the site. The lower level is terraced to follow the slope of the site and utilizes heavy retaining walls that are integrated both on the interior and exterior.
LAYER
CIRCULATE
OFFSET
Teen Collection
Staff Work Areas
Children’s Collection
Community Space
Family Reading Area
Adult Collection
www.autodesk.com/revit
Wall Assembly (Interior to Exterior): Gypsum 5/8” Furring 1 5/8” CMU Vapor Barrier Rigid Insulation 2” Water Barrior Air Gap 2” Metal Panel Veneer 1” www.autodesk.com/revit
Consultant Address Address A104 Address Phone 2
A104 2
Consultant Address Address Address Phone
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Break Room
Technical Services Workroom
Library Director Office
Children Play Area
Courtyard
Circulation Workroom
Consultant Address Listening Stations Address Address Phone
Storage
4
Children's Collection
3
Study Rooms Common Reading Room
Courtyard Consultant Address Address Address Phone
Storage A104
Consultant Address Address Address Phone
Conference Room
Staff Offices
Misc.
Consultant Address Address Address Phone
Consultant Address Address Address Sound Studio Phone
Community Service Suite
Consultant Address Address Address Phone
Quiet Reading Room
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3
Community Room
A104
Adult Collection Public Meeting Public Meeting Room Room
Cafe
Study Rooms Group Study Room
Self Checkout
Familiy Reading Area
Gallery
Upper Plan
1
Level 3 1/16" = 1'-0"
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Description
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Life Skills Classroom
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Description
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Lower Plan
1
1
A104
A104
Owner
Project Name
South Elevation
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Lower Level Project Number
Project Number
3’ Owner Project Name Upper Level
Boxcar Cabin A PROPOSED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) FOR THE CITY OF ALTOONA, WISCONSIN. This design competition entry was a collaborative effort with two of my peers. I participated in the research and schematic design phases. Once digitally modeled, I was responsible for the interior and exterior perspective renderings.
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The design solution revolves around versatility. This one-bedroom unit includes a flexible loft space. The industrial style of the project pays homage to the railroad around which the town of Altoona was built. Clad in metal siding, the exterior makes a statement while utilizing an affordable and versatile material. A concrete accent wall and wooden exposed collar ties add character to the unit, while the vaulted ceiling makes a relatively small footprint feel like a large space.
(Open to Below)
Upper Plan
Lower Plan
Other Works A COMPILATION OF HANDSKETCHING AND WATERCOLOR.